Thank you!

Thank you, Jodi, for your help, diligence, creativity and amazing talent in getting my business personna put back together.  Grateful for you...thankful...appreciative...and WORKING!!!   Yay!

So Excited

I feel like I've had a transfusion or a breath of fresh air...something invigorating.  Over the past 18 months, I admit, I've been in the doldrums with Gems by George...all beginning when my right hand girl moved all the way to Australia to serve with her hubby at YWAM Australia.  You know that saying about how you don't know what you have until you lose it.  Well, couldn't be truer in this situation.

Not being terrifically computer savvy, I thought I could just muddle through and keep going, but every time I put my hands on all the things that Jan had done for Gems by George, I just made a mess of things, bigger and bigger messes.  So, slowly, I just played at making jewelry and allowed myself to stay stuck.  Often I would pray and ask the Lord to show me if I was to continue or not, but never felt directed to quit, yet often felt befuddled on how to go forward as well.

Late this past summer a friend came to live nearby and offered her expertise to help me get things back in order, computer wise that is.  Oh heavenly days...well, she has been working her magic on my website and my inventory and on and on and, with her amazing help,  my creative engine is revving again.  We are in order...my master inventory is functioning, and the grand re-entrance into business has started...both with a facebook page that will allow new people to see a bit of my work...And with this year's holiday trunk sale with my newly organized group of amazingly creative friends..."Designing Women".  Our debut will be on November 24 on Main Street in Battle Ground.

So, I'm excited and looking forward...not only to new business but also to new ways to love on the women of our community, to come along side them, assisting them to see how truly lovely they are and also to open doors allowing us all to experience God's sweet loving touch in our lives. In a very small way I begin with the jewelry created in my workroom as a touchpoint of His love.  Excited and grateful!!!

Mark your Calendar - October 15, 2012

I'll be brief...my website is undergoing some change, new product coming, old product going, and some other fun info.  Please mark your calendar and come take a look on October 15.  There will be a chance to win a beautiful free jewelry item if you check me out, but before I get ahead of myself...you have to wait until October.  See you then...

My Precious Treasures are growing up

The last 6 months have been a flurry of activity for my sweetie and I, and one of the best parts of that flurry was moving our East Coast kids home again.  I just have to share, because this Christmas, for the first time in a couple of years, we had all of our kids and grandkids home, together.  My house was wonderful chaos and you just need to see how my kiddos are growing up. We have a total of 8, and this picture doesn't even give justice to how sweet and cute they all are.  


But here they are...aren't they just so cute.  And each of them has a different and wonderful personality.  Some are funny, some are artistic, some are brilliant, some are intense, some are athletic...but all of them are AMAZING!!!  Thank you Father God for each one of them, and for their parents.  I am so thankful and blessed!

Grammy's Photo Album

A Grammy's heart of love is not to be messed with...Okay, the resolution on this will NOT be good, but I had to share anyhow.  Our little East Coast boy, just a couple weeks past one year old, is already a guy with great moves and I just had to share them.  I took this with my camera off a facebook video, so, like I said, bad resolution, shadows, etc.  But look past all that...this boy is sooo cute.  

Proud Grammy

I just can't resist...I have to show you my latest little kiddo. My Son and DIL, just last week gave us another amazingly beautiful grandson. His name is Carson, and he is so sweet. He is one week and one day old today. We are holding him close in our arms because very shortly their little family will be moving across the country from us, and then we will only be able to hold him in our hearts, at least until we can get back there for visits. BTW, the gorgeous blond holding our little one is his big sister!!

Sooooo, patronize me just a bit. Could you politely OOOOOH and AHHHHH for me...I know, I know. But since this is my blog, I can!!! Just kidding, I know that all babies are beautiful and amazing, not just mine!! I'm just having a moment.

So, if you haven't noticed, I've been a bit absent in jewelry business end of things for the past few weeks. But I have some great new items on the table and ready to be posted - as soon as I can put the baby down. Keep Gems by George in your "favorites" list...there is more to come, and a summer sizzling sale as well.

America, America, God Shed Thy Grace on Thee

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. Thomas Jefferson

Autumn in the Northwest

I love the fall, and we've had some really beautiful days - crisp mornings, warm afternoons...the last gasp of nice weather before the wet sets in. My sweetie and I took a day last weekend and just enjoyed the sun and the harvest time by visiting a pumpkin patch and farm store on the way up to Mt. Hood. It was glorious, and though I often find myself drooling at magazine articles about such outdoor extravaganzas in the North Eastern United States, the Northwest took first place last weekend, hands down!

Though we didn't hunt pumpkins, we came away with some farm grown apples, pears, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, home made caramels and a little popcorn. Then we drove into Hood River, sat outside at a bistro table and had a wonderful lunch and then browsed the yuppy stores till our meter ran out of $$. Perfect timing. Oh, and of course, I found a bead store and managed to acquire a few unusual bits and pieces that I had to bring home.

It was a great day, and especially knowing that my sweetie really wanted to be home shoveling the last of a pile of bark dust and mowing the lawn one more time before the rains arrive, I felt especially pampered. But he smiled all the way and the little mini vacation was just what we needed. Thank you God for those simple little things that bring joy into our lives.

Earring Trivia

Do you know if the earrings you are wearing enhance your appearance or do they detract from it?? Hopefully you are a knockout with those babies on?!?!? What a bummer to go to the trouble of wearing earrings and have them detract from your beautiful face. But certain styles really are best suited for you and it's connected with the shape of your face. So first you need to know your face shape. Go on, go look in the mirror. Do you have a round face, a square face, an oval face, or a heart shaped face? Not sure? It's okay to guess...it isn't really a critical issue.

There are three basic earring styles...linear, chandelier, and hoop. Each of these three styles can enhance your features and balance areas that you'd like to downplay. Here's an example. Vertical lines in your earrings will draw the eye upwards and make your features seem longer. Horizontal lines will draw the eye from side to side and accent the width of your face.

So, have you decided what your face shape is yet???

Is it Round?? Vertical lines - elongated, linear, drop style and narrow chandeliers will add height and a slimming effect to your face.

Or is it Square?? The round shape of hoops or long teardrops or long narrow chandeliers will soften the edges of a square face while also giving some height to your face as well.

No, maybe Oval?? Any type of hoop, circles, triangles and ovals as well as chandeliers and teardrop shapes will enhance an oval face.

Last chance to decide. Heart Shape?? Hoops, teardrop shaped linears and chandeliers that are wider at the bottom than they are at the top will add width to your face and soften a pointed chin.

Still not sure...Well, let's go shopping. You can always just try the earrings on and look in the mirror. That usually helps alot!!

My Protege Beader

Okay, take a peek at my little Em, she is a budding talent in so many ways. Here she is making her own necklace, and she has informed me that beading is her new favorite hobby. She is already a seamstress, and an artist, and a novice sculptor. Just like her mommy, she has more talent than any one person should rightfully have (just kidding, but it is true)...and it is so fun to see her little person grow and blossom. She has a great sense of color and dimension, and such a command of her abilities. For just 8 years of age, she has a world of opportunities ahead for her and a long list of talents to choose from.

The Grace Series

When I was 13, I was as tall as I am now, 5'8". In growing so tall so early, it often seemed that my brain didn't know how long my legs were...I often got called "Grace" beause of my lack of it. I found that label a bit uncomplimentary in those days. But today, if someone referred to me as "Grace", it would take on a whole new connotation for me...I would consider it a compliment because today, grace is something to be desired, according to my definition.

So what might "The Grace Series" speak to a wearer of the Gems by George jewelry with a predominately silver tone? Well, first let me define what "grace" means. The dictionary defines grace as: elegance, beauty of form, manner or motion; a pleasing or attrative quality; favor or good will or a manifestation of favor, especially by a superior. However, when speaking from a
"God perspective" grace is commonly known as "God's riches at Christ's expense" or "unmerited favor". That would certainly agree with the dictionary's definition of "a manifestation of favor, especially by a superior".

I have six wonderful, beautiful healthy grandchildren whom I adore. I was privileged to get to attend most of their births...some of the most awe inspiring moments of my life, witnessing the miracle of new life. The reality of the moment, however, is that those precious little ones come out looking like red raisins, with odd shaped heads, covered in white goo, and howling like a coyote. Yet, their parents behave as though they have just been handed the Publishers Clearing House award for a million dollars. That is unmerited favor. That new little person hasn't done one thing to earn the love, the adoration or affection that their parents immediately heap upon it.

The "color" silver speaks of redemption and refining, and of speech that is full of light. Some interesting facts about refined silver is that it is the shiniest of all metals, reflecting 95% of the light that strikes it. Redemption is all about being bought back, paid for or recovered. When God looks at us, who and what we really are when nobody is looking, amazingly He loves us, yearns to be in a relationship with us. Through Jesus' selfless act of giving His life to pay for our brokenness, God has already paid our bill. You can belong to the family of the God of the Universe and have an intimate relationship with Him (ponder that for a moment) if you want it. The transaction is already complete, you just need to "cash it in" by trusting in what Jesus has done for your and following His lead.

In the process of refining silver, the raw ore is put in a smelter and the heat is turned up a little at a time, the refiner watching closely, and removing the impurities as they rise to the surface. With each increase of heat, more impurities are released and removed, all the while the refiner attentively watches lest the pure silver be damaged by the heat. When the silver is pure, the refiner can look into the vat of silver and see His reflection.

First, just as raw silver, we are redeemed just as we are, then we are refined in the smelter of life until the impurities are removed and we reflect Him in our actions, our thoughts and our speech. During the whole process, we are loved, watched over, guarded and protected. That is unmerited favor...that is Grace. When you wear your Gems by George silver pieces, may the grace, the unmerited favor of God, be lavished upon you, just like a new parent lavishes it on their newborn infant. You haven't earned it...but it doesn't matter...you are definitely SO loved.

The Hope Series

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him. Rom 15:13a

Hope. I almost missed having a jewelry series with this name. I'm not sure how I missed it but I did. Last summer, we lost a baby granddaughter. Her middle name was Hope. And just very recently, a dear family friend who is walking through one of life's most difficult crises, the serious illness of a child, sent me a reminder...I'm missing one series..."hope".

But let me say upfront, I not talking about "hope" in it's casual usage...you know..."I hope I can make it to your party"..."I hope the weather is good for the picnic". No, this is much more than that kind of weebly wobbly hope, which in reality is not much more than a wish. Biblical hope is alot different...solid. Again, I went to my resources to look up the meaning of the word "hope". This is a combination of a couple of meanings, but here it is..."joyful, confident assurance and expectation of adequate resources based on the solid certainty of who God is."

The "Hope" God asks me to walk in is bold, confident, joyful, assured...because of who He is. He is the God "who supplies all my needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus". He is the One who says "no weapon formed against you will prosper"... and "I know the plans I have for you...to prosper you...to give you a future and a hope". I have hope - confident, bold, assured - not just wishful thinking - because I know the One on whom my hope is based. I trust Him. I don't always understand His ways, but I trust Him. He is good...all the time.

I chose Turquoise for my "Hope Series" because of the connection between the meanings of the color turquoise and the meanings of word "hope". Turquoise lends itself to a sense of calming, nurturing, protection, refreshing. When I am full of hope, I am calm, refreshed, walking in a sense of safety, and able receive nurture and encouragement. When I was learning to drive a car, my instsructor kept telling me to not focus on the nose of the car, but to look beyond...a much safer and effective way to navigate. Isn't life that way? It's alot safer and effective to expand my life's focus onto my big and good God and His promises to me, than to confine my gaze to my circumstances alone. It brings hope, confidence, assurance. I'm praying that your "Gems by George" turquoise jewelry will keep you focused on the "Big Picture" and give you bold, confident hope.

The Friendship Series

A friend loves at all times. Prov. 17:17

Having a good friend is like having money in the bank. There's a sense of comfortableness that comes with a good friend, like the comfortableness of knowing that there is enough money to take care of your needs...and maybe a little extra. And a truly good friend is a rare and precious commodity, and definitely one to be treasured.

Years ago, a group of women took me under their wing, prayed for me during an especially difficult time in my life, and taught me about trust and friendship. 25 years later, they are still my dearest friends, though we don't see each other often...life has taken us in many different directions. But when we are together, there is such a sense of acceptance and enjoyment. I know I could call on them if I was in great need, and they would be there in a heartbeat. The same would be true, me for them. And I can be "me" around them in a way I'm not always free in other situations. Being together with them is a warm, comfortable treasure to my heart.

It says in the Word that "there is a friend sticks closer than a brother". As wonderful as my dear friends are to me, there was a time when one of them lived clear across the country, and for a long time, I didn't see or hear from her. Even though some of us are just across town, sometimes email is as close a communication as we have. Yet, whenever we are together, it's the connectedness of our hearts that makes these friendships fresh, no matter how long it's been. But that friend that sticks closer than a brother, He's the one I count on...in the middle of the night...in the middle of a crisis...in the middle of I-5 at rush hour. He is Jesus. His Spirit is as close as a whisper, and He likes hanging with me, and it doesn't matter what time of day it is, He's always right there.

The color "brown" lends itself to steadfastness, friendship, dependability, hearth, home, simplicity and warmth. My jewelry pieces with brown tones are usually spiced up with shimmering shades of golds, which speak of wisdom. When you wear a "Friendship" piece, my prayer is that it will remind you of the treasure of the friendships in your life, and the wisdom that you usually get as a bonus. Feeling a little alone right now? There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother, and He would love to just hang out with you. He's got the time!!! Just give Him a call.

The Peace Series

Ps. 29:11 … the Lord will give his people the blessing of peace.

Okay, so we've all just come off of Christmas and New Years. Anybody need a little peace? In my home, after having six little munchkins "dancing the hokey pokey" all over the place, I was ready for some peace. True to form, because I love to know the full meaning of words, I looked up the meaning of "peace" in this verse. You're gonna like this...peace here means: completeness in number, safety and soundness in body, welfare, health, prosperity, contentment, friendship, and peace from war. Hmmm...and I was just thinking it meant peace and quiet. So, are you thinking that you need any one, or all, of the above list? Peace is referred to here as a "blessing". Don't know about you, but any of those would bless my life alot!

I guess the qualifier in this is that I be "one" of His people. I am thankful that I've been given that offer in Jesus, and I am one of His kids. So, I've got my hands out to receive all of those wonderful "peace" offerings that God has stored up for me. How about you? He has a storehouse of wonderful gifts with your name on them...have you taken up His offer to be "one" of His in Jesus? If so, don't be shy. He delights in giving out those good gifts. If you haven't taken Him up on His offer yet, what are you waiting for?

Blue is the color of peace...cool blue waters, blue heavens, integrity, loyalty (don't you feel at peace when you know those you love are loyal to you). Blue is a "cool" color and it promotes concentration and contemplation...evoking the impression of expanse and distance and boundlessness. Enjoy wearing your blue Gems by George jewelry pieces, knowing that "blue" speaks of peace to you, a gift and a blessing from God to you because He delights in you!

PS...need a closeup of any of the jewelry...just click on the image...voila!

The Strength Series

The moment I called out, You stepped in; You made my life large with strength. Psalms 138:3

My favorite color to wear is black. No, I'm not into Goth...I just love the classic, sharp look of black and when I buy clothes I have to be purposeful to pick something besides black, otherwise my closet would look like I was a mortician. I would always have a black car, except that in the Pacific Northwest, where the streets are wet 3/4ths of the year, I'd be driving the mudmobile most of the time. That's not cool. And I only wear black bathing suits for obvious reasons!!! But moving on to more important things....

Black, as a color, has many meanings, but the ones that spoke to me are strength, authority and power. And don't those words take your thoughts to both good and evil? We've all known people who used strength, authority and power for their own ends, and used them in hurtful, destructive ways. Some of us have been the recipients of such actions. But truth be told, the most powerful and strong authority is ultimately good. Good triumphs over evil. Evil is overcome by good. The good guy wins. And there is only One good all the time, and that is God. Y'know how the insurance companies always call hurricanes and tornados "acts of God". Well, that is a misnomer if there ever was one. God is good, all the time.

Think of the times in your life when you've felt weak, vulnerable and powerless. It is at those very times when the knowing that there is Someone who would be strong on our behalf, Someone who would exercise their power for our well-being, well, that kind of "news" would be welcome indeed. God says that the moment, the very moment we call out, He will open up those tight spaces in us or in our lives with strength. The Bible says that when we are weak, then we are strong...why? Because God makes our lives large with strength.

So, when you wear a black piece from Gems by George, be reminded that you are not alone in the struggle...that the goodness of God, which is the ultimate strength,is always for you. He's not waiting to smack you when you make a mistake. His arms are stretched out wide, eager to embrace, comfort, and rescue you when you choose to run to Him...He's waiting to make your life large with strength. From this point on, think of black as your color of strength...God's strength on your behalf. He really loves you alot!

From Favorite Heirloom to Funky Pin

Just a picture of a fun transformation..something old to something new, although this isn't for a wedding. An acquaintance had her mother's old watchface sitting in a drawer, and like most things that we call "heirlooms" it had no intrinsic value except that it had been her mom's. The winding pin had been lost, the case was sprung and the band had long ago disintegrated. But on the back of the case, engraved for posterity, was her mother's name.

One can only guess at the story...was this a wedding gift...a memento after a baby's birth...a 25th anniversary gift. Was it a special gift from her children, after saving their allowances for a long season for mom? Hmmm, if watches could only talk. I'm sure it would have a story or two to tell about the history it has witnessed.

Well, the watch, in it's present disheveled condition was brought to me...could I make it into a pin? "Why, of course" was my immediate reply, because I thought it would be a cinch. The owner, happy now that she had found a new purpose for her mother's watch, as well as two other pieces of jewelry that I was going to reconstruct and update, took off for home.

Well this was no cinch. First of all, pins are not "in" this year. I walked the mall, from one end to the other looking for just the right thing on which to attach the watch. I checked my catalogs, one after the other, finding nothing that was "just right", and the selection I had to pick from was slim. One last stop on the way home led me to a craft store where I found what finally became my choice. I'm not sure if I picked it because it was perfect, or if it was just "a pin that would work". Plain...almost homely, it had possibilities to be dressed up and made into something cute. My mind was racing.

This picture doesn't reflect the colors...the request I had was for blues, greens and a touch of purple. They are beautiful together and irridescent in the light. I wired swirls in several spots and crinkled the wire in others, studding the crinkled wire with shiny color spot beads. Oh yeah, and it was an engineering feat to keep the watch level and not sliding all across the watch band bar. Anyhow, here it is, from "favorite heirloom to funky pin." Hope she likes it!! I think her mom would be pleased...or maybe she'd roll her eyes and groan. But yay, it's done!

The Passion Series

Love burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Song 8:6

Red. Valentine hearts, Christmas pointsettias, stop signs, fire engines, being so mad you see "red", the Red Cross. Red is a color that indicates passion, urgency, fervency, love. I've been told that police ticket red cars more than any other color...it catches the eye. It's a power color - politicians often wear red ties when they give important speeches or are being photographed to indicate strength.

From the Song of Solomon, love is referred to as a blazing fire...a mighty flame. It's a picture of the intensity of God's love for us. Have you ever watched video feeds of a raging forest fire, consuming everything in it's path...the power of the fire storm actually creates it's own atmosphere...powerful, intense, hot. God loves us like that. And in His intense, powerful love He went to great lengths to secure us for Himself, even to the extent of sacrificing the life of His Son to pay the bill for our disobedience. And in His love and kindness to us, He has given us the ability to experience that same kind of passion in our loves...for our children, for the beauty of creation, for knowledge...you fill in the blank with the passions of your heart. Think of how your passions breathe life into you, making life precious. That is who and what you are to God, and what He wants to and will be for you...Your choice.

"The Passion Series" is created from gemstones and beads of the vast shades and hues of red, from fiery to deep winetones, to remind every woman of the vast shades and hues of God's passionate and powerful love for you and to you. You are loved with an everlasting love!

The Royalty Series

A woman who honors the Lord, she shall be praised. Prov. 31:30


Now what in the world does that verse have to do with royalty? Well, first of all, did you know that you are God's girl? That in Christ, child of God, you are a Princess. How d'ya think your family and friends would react if you informed them that from now on they could address you as "Princess so and so"? Don't know about you, but I chuckle at the reactions I might get from my crew!!

Your "princess" status doesn't come because you're funny or cute or smart. No, it comes because God chose you, loves you and has yearned from the time of your conception for you to love Him back. In Christ you are adopted into THE fam...princess. And those in "THE fam" honor the Lord with our lives. That means that you shall be praised. It doesn't say how or from whom...just that you will be praised. Have you been watching how God honors you back as you honor Him? The King of Kings desires that His kids are recognized as such! Are you living out your life expecting servant staus, or that of an heir?

Purple is the color of royalty and kingship. In ancient times, it was the most expensive color to dye so only the very wealthy could afford it. In ancient Rome, a robe of the finest purple cost an equivalent of over $500 in today's currency. In fact, during the Roman Empire, only the Emperor and his family could wear purple, any one else wearing it would be thrown into prison.

So when you put on a piece from "The Royalty Series", consisting of those rich purple hues, remember who you are...Child of the King of Kings...Princess...Royalty...Honored, and not because of what you did to get there, but because the King loves you!

"The Purity Series"

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God Matt. 5:8

Pure in heart. Good grief, what does that mean anyhow? One of my favorite things to do when I read the Bible is to look up the word meanings in the original languages. No, I don't speak Greek or Hebrew, but there are such good tools out there to help me get the general idea, and I use those frequently. In fact I'm often surprised that what I thought a word meant isn't even close to the original meanings. The teacher in me loves getting things straight!!

Yesterday I wrote about the prosperity of the soul...today, according to the Greek, the "heart" refers to the soul or mind, the understanding, will and character...the heart is the center and seat of spiritual life. That sounds deep!! Well, then when I look up "pure" I found it basically means free from what is false, or from guilt, or from desiring corrupt things...sincere and genuine, innocent, unstained. So, finally a definition...Someone "pure in heart" would be someone who is unstained, innocent, sincere and genuine in their mind, understanding, will and character. Yikes!!! Anyone qualify? And those folks are the ones who will see God. Yikes again, the line up is getting quite short. Isn't it wonderful that in Jesus we are covered...and God sees Him in us, therefore, He sees us as pure in heart...and then we get to see God.

When my youngest son was little, I was attending a Bible study that was very comprehensive and wonderful. They had a terrific childrens program - not a babysitting program - but they taught the children in very simple ways that they could understand. My son started that program when he was 2. Whenever I was sick, I would ask him to pray for me...and I always got well. When he was about 6, one Sunday in church, he saw Jesus standing at the front of the church. I was a little miffed that he could see, and I couldn't...me, the one who was full of lots of Bible knowledge...but he saw. Pure in heart! Sigh!!

My "Purity Series" pieces are made of sparkling crystal components that you can see clear through. Pure...clear. When I wear my "signature" bracelet, which is part of the Purity Series, it reminds me of how God sees me - pure in heart - because Jesus is in me, and He sees Jesus. That means that I get to see God. My hope is that each woman who wears a Purity Series piece will see those pure, clear stones and remember how we get that purity of heart, clear...innocent. It's Jesus in us...transforming...cleansing...renewing.

"The Prosperity Series"

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Jer. 29:11

When I decided to include "Prosperity" as one of my series, I felt pretty confident that lots of folks would immediately think I was focusing on money and material goods. And that is, of course, the most obvious form of prosperity.

There is a second, and I believe, greater form of prosperity to be possessed, and that is prosperity of soul. The color "orange" has attributes connected to it that would describe what that prosperity of soul might look like. Some of the qualities connected to "orange" are: vitality with endurance, thoughtfulness, sincerity, curiosity leading to exploration of new things, creative playfulness, healing, and a sense of strength.

Obviously, material and monetary possessions can make life easier, but it is also very true that we can have lots of money and material goods and still be a pauper in our soul. Also true is that we can be wealthy in our soul, and not necessarily have lots of money or things. It has to do with how we "see" and what we believe.

In the verse listed above, God says He has plans for us, plans to prosper us - not to harm us - to give us a future and a hope. Sometimes that doesn't seem to line up with what we experience in our lives...in fact sometimes if we focus on what's happening in our lives it would be easy to let things like discouragement, bitterness, or despair creep in. It takes a conscious choice to believe what God says about us...things like He delights in us...we are the apple of His eye...He knows everything about us down to how many hairs are on our heads...He stores every one of our tears in a bottle, and if we cry to Him, He hears us. Look out in the sky on a dark night and count the stars...the One created the cosmos is also the One who stores your tears in a bottle. To be loved and cared for in such a personal way makes it possible for us to hope...to plan...to count on good in our lives. It makes prosperity of the soul possible.

It's my hope that wearing a piece of jewelry from "The Prosperity Series" will remind the wearer that God has a good future, and a good hope for them, and that His love is preparing a prosperity that nothing can steal away...and it doesn't necessarily depend on what we own. It is a choice to believe Him over what our circumstances might be telling us at any given moment. We always have a choice about what - and Who - we believe.

The Restoration Series

"I will restore the years that the locusts have devoured".. Joel 2:25

I'm really so glad for this promise, because there have been "locusts" in my life that have done a fair amount of chewing and stripping. You know what I mean? Places of loss, disappointment, words that have hurt, people that have attacked or abandoned...I don't know what you do with those things, but I know what I did before I discovered what God promised He would do with those devoured places, if I would let Him.

I chose to call my jewelry pieces with green as their dominant color "The Restoration Series" because green is the color of life and growth, healing and prosperity. When I discovered that God would breathe life into all the damaged areas I tried to ignore or keep locked away, hidden and protected (well honestly, there were times when all my "hidden" stuff oozed all over unsuspecting people), for a time it seemed too good to be true. But on the day that I was diagnosed with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, it seemed my life might be changed forever for me, and not for the positive. During that season of loss of good health, I met some wonderful women who prayed for me and taught me another side of God that I hadn't known existed. Not only did He heal me of those awful diseases, but He healed quite a few broken places in my heart. Previously, I'd just believed that was the way I was! I received restoration in areas I hadn't even known were broken until that time. Those gnawing, stripping, chewing "locusts" had purposed to inflict my life, but God rescued and restored me. Well, actually He didn't restore me to where I had been up to that point, He restored me to a better, much better place.

My prayer for those who choose something from "The Restoration Series" is that each person will be reminded of that hope and promise, and that wearing a "Restoration" piece will bring joy. If you will believe Him and let Him, God will restore and heal and breathe new life into those dry, wounded, empty places. He will!! I'm here to testify. So enjoy your beautiful jewelry! Restoration is yours if you want it!!

The Wisdom Series

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver Prov. 25:11

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed wisdom to make a right choice, or say a right word, or a conviction to walk confidently in a hard place? If you have, and if you were blessed to have a right word or made a right choice, you know a little about wisdom, or at least the sense of being in the presence of wisdom. It doesn't come easily or quickly, but a lifelong practice of walking and living in search of wisdom causes it's presence and great value in us to become visible, maybe not immediately, but ultimately.

This verse from Proverbs is on my jewelry pieces which have primarily gold tones (Goldtone Jewelry make up the Wisdom Series) because of the connection between the color gold and the nature of precious gold. Gold does not tarnish or decay, it is one of the most valueable, and one of the heaviest metals. Pure gold is beautiful because it goes through a refining process of heating and melting until the impurities are released and float to the top of the melted ore, and are then skimmed off. This process is repeated over and over until the gold is pure enough to reflect the image of the refiner. In its pure form, gold is also one of the most malleable of all metals with amazing capabilities, and is the choice of kings.

Wisdom and knowledge and truth and often compared to gold because wisdom, in it's purest form, is beautiful, strong and valueable. We are encouraged by God to search for wisdom as if we were on a quest for fine gold, to settle for nothing less, and to recognize the incredible value of true wisdom. Wisdom brings peace, guidance, and quiet confidence no matter what our circumstances might be.

It is my hope and prayer that when someone wears an item from the Wisdom Series, they will not just wear something sparkly and pretty, but they would also be reminded of the value of wisdom in life and of it's great value and also, perhaps, that God would impart a greater measure of wisdom to the wearer. Kings search for gold to increase their wealth and power, but we must search for wisdom, for when we posess wisdom in it's purest form, it is a beautiful, powerful and transforming thing in our lives as well.

My Worktable Prayer

Part of the evolution of Gems by George as a business, and the decision to pray over each jewelry item I create, resulted from a bittersweet time in the summer of 2007. After the loss of two beloved family members, back to back, and how that sequence of events changed the time constraints on my life, I was stuck on what to do with my little business that seemed stalled. Idea!!! I should pray about it and see what God might say on the matter. He didn't delay long on His answer to my question. Exodus 35:31-33 came to mind and lo and behold...look what it says, " and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of artistic workmanship." So....I now have this posted over my work table as my prayer for Gems by George and the jewelry I design and produce.

My take on believing that God is answering my prayer for this business, i.e., imparting me with wisdom, knowledge, all manner of artistic workmanship (still on the developing stages in all of the above, I might add), is...He truly is the design source, and His purpose in all this is not just for me to make pretty baubles to sell. I believe His purpose is that each piece would not only impart beauty and enjoyment to the wearer, but that it would become a touch point of blessing, healing, peace, or whatever the wearer needs.

There is also a short scripture attached to each piece...connected to the characteristics of the dominant color of each piece of jewelry. So, black represents strength, and there is a scripture about strength attached to it. The same for each color, 12 colors in all at this point. You will notice on the header of the blog... 12 characteristics listed. Those are names of my different "Series" and are all linked to the colors of the individual jewelry pieces.

So, praying that you will not only feel beautiful, but be blessed when wearing Gems by George designs. Enjoy!!!

Gems by George Jewelry worn to the White House

Elida's necklace developed in stages, but the picture directly above is the final product. The center stone is Pietersite and though it looks quite crimson in the picture, it was almost irridescent, reflecting either rose or deep purple, depending on the light. Along side were faceted Swarovski crystals. The strands were randomly adorned with garnets, Swarovskis, Czech fire polished crystals and other beads, the overall effect being one of bronze studded with deep wine colors. Shown at top is the necklace in its creation stage, along with the earrings she wore. Elida opted to have the necklace made as a choker, rather than a drape, which was perfect for her.

A local artist from Washougal, Washington, Elida Field, was recognized by the White House for her design on a White House Christmas Tree ornament, and invited to a private reception with the First Lady in late November, 2007. Elida Field submitted her artwork to the White House along with many others who did the same, and she was chosen by the White House to bring her painted ornament, representing Fort Vancouver, to adorn the WH tree. When preparing to attend this event which was planned to recognize and honor talented artists like herself and others from around the country, Elida chose Gems by George designer, Margie Dow, (that'd be me) to design and construct her jewelry to accessorize her outfit for the gala event. This picture shows her standing in front of the WH tree, wearing the necklace and earrings I created for her. A closeup of the necklace is also included directly above.