A few years ago my sister was traveling through Lebanon where she met Garo.  He was a third-generation silversmith who had just completed a course in self-reliance.  As part of that specific training he'd prayed for inspiration and created a new design for a necklace that he hoped would be a blessing to his business and family.  My sister brought home a few to give as Christmas gifts.

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When I first read Marlene's book "A Mother's Influence" I had a distinct impression of a tree come to me.  I knew it was important but I didn't quite know what to do with the thought - I didn't even know what kind of tree it was. When the idea of MOI began to take shape, I began pondering more on that tree.  One afternoon my eye caught the necklace and I knew - like a lightning strike - that MOI was connected to the Cedar of Lebanon.  The necklace that was already precious to me became doubly charged.

For reasons that didn't totally make sense, I felt an urgency to reach out to Garo who was still living in Lebanon, and ask him to craft a batch of necklaces that we could share with our members someday.  Logistically it was a crazy thing to do, but Garo was willing and everything fell into place.  Garo has since moved to a safer country, but we'd love to continue to support his work.  There's always been a sense of connection and divine intervention on both sides - our perfect design was inspired through Garo, and we're the women who treasure his prayerful creation and craftsmanship.

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The symbolism of the cedar is rich and deep. I couldn't have made it up if I'd tried.  But God knows what he's trying to tell us.  If you have the means and desire to have one of these inspired necklaces we hope you will take advantage of it, but please know you don’t need a necklace to plant the cherished ideas it represents in your heart.                  

Marley