Beads of Wisdom™ is a result of meditation and inspiration.

It all began when I received a beautiful Salvation Bracelet (called "The Gift") from my Bible Study group. I loved it - both aesthetically and on a deeper level. I loved the way each bead had a meaning relating to Jesus and his "gift" of salvation to us, and I could remember that meaning easily because of the colors on the bracelet. I learned that a gentleman named Charles Spurgeon created the original Salvation Bracelet in 1866, and it's been enjoyed by millions since that time.

Fast forward about a year. My daughter is going to be confirmed. I learn that when one is confirmed, one receives the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. My thoughts start churning. Maybe, just maybe, I think, I could create a bracelet to help her remember those gifts. The writer/publisher in me begins to research stones and colors. I learn that the Egyptians used jade as a symbol for Wisdom (which is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit), and I'm hooked. I find a color or stone to represent each of the other gifts and begin working on the meaningful text for the accompanying bookmark.

My next challenge is creating the bracelet. Never mind that I have never created jewelry before or that my 50ish eyes sometimes just can't see the tiny beads or their miniscule holes, I am on an inspired mission! I take a class at a local beading store to learn how to make bracelets, and then pull from my other artistic endeavors to create my "Gifts of the Holy Spirit" bracelet. My daughter actually likes it (surprise, surprise), and I am delighted with the thought of extending the meaning behind the Sacrament far beyond that Confirmation Sunday.

Ideas for other meaningful bracelets have evolved naturally from my meditating, reading, and life experiences. Newly discovered Bible passages and an email from a friend were the inspiration for "A Woman of Substance and Strength." I scribbled down the majority of the text for "Wisdom from the Garden" from thoughts that came to me in the middle of the night. And the colors and meaning behind the "Depths of Love" bracelet were created after reading a chapter in a book about relationships.

Where will this all go? Only time will tell; the outcome is certainly not in my hands. Antioch Company in Yellow Springs, OH originally licensed several of my designs (in non-sterling) for distribution in bookstores and gift shops. Now, Trends International in Indianapolis (www.trendsinternational.com (Beads of Wisdom can be found under Social Stationery/Bookmarks)) is selling the bracelets to a wider retail audience. I'm also still exploring how I can take my sterling silver bracelets to the next level.

But whatever the outcome, the journey has been full of joy. Wearing my faith on my sleeve has certainly had its positive effects on me. I humbly hope it can do the same for others.