The Adventures of Belle West: 2013

11.15.2013

A Pearl of Great Price

Has anyone ever told you how awesome you are?
This video makes me cry every time...

"The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls...

and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it."

Matthew 13:45-46

You are that pearl.

No matter what shape, size or color.

You are beautiful, precious and of great value.

His love for you is so deep.

Nothing can separate you from Him.

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels,

nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come,

nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing,

will be able to separate us from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:37-39

You gave me hope

You made me whole

At the cross

You took my place

You showed me grace

At the cross where You died for me

And His glory appears

Like the light from the sun

And age to age He shines

Oh look to the skies

And hear the angels cry

Singing Holy is the Lord

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Image Source: Pearls, His Love For You

11.13.2013

Beautiful

I will give thanks to You,

for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139:14

11.10.2013

Woman at the Well

Have you ever felt broken? Shattered beyond repair and desperately wanting to be whole? But the more you prayed about something, the worse it got? You wondered if God was even hearing your prayers?

Well, that's how I was feeling. Until today. I had a 'woman at the well' encounter, and it was one of the most profound, healing experiences I have ever had. I was on my way to the altar this morning for prayer when a woman headed me off at the pass, so I stood in the front row, waiting my turn, and suddenly, the man (directly) behind me began to pray. At first, I wasn't paying attention, and then I realized he was praying for me... or, at least it sounded like he was... he was praying very specific things that were big on my heart... like he KNEW me.

So, after the service, I walked over and told him, "I don't know who you were praying for, but that was exactly what I needed." He took my hand and told me that God had told him to pray for me, and he began to pray for me again. This time his wife joined him and they continued to pray together, for things that were so deep inside of me, things that had happened to me, that only God could know.

By the time they finished praying, I felt like the woman at the well who had met Jesus for the very first time and He knew everything about her. Not in a bad, invasive way. But in a beautiful, healing, comforting way... things I have been asking God about and begging for answers to, and He met me right there, using someone I've never even seen before...

I want you to know today that God hears your every prayer, He sees you where you are, He saves your every tear, and He cares so deeply for you. He longs to heal you~ body, mind and soul... your heart, your family, your every single need. Never, ever believe the lies of the enemy that you are nothing to God, and that your life is not important. He made you in His image and He loves you with an everlasting love. So, rest in Him. Trust in Him. Abide in Him. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Worship Him and let Him give you rest...

Broken China via Etsy.com

11.07.2013

Not Of This World

I'm ready to go home.

How about you?

"They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."

John 17:16

11.02.2013

God is Love

For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Image via sweet-live.ru

10.27.2013

Peace That Passes All Understanding

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you:

Not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

Neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

The only way to know peace is to know Jesus.

For God so loved the world

that He gave His only begotten Son

That whosoever believeth in Him

Should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Invite Him into your heart today.

He will never leave you, nor forsake you.

You can count on it.

The Lord Himself will go before you, He will be with you;

He will neither leave you nor forsake you.

Do not be afraid, nor be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:8

Worlds Without End via GregOlsen.com

8.26.2013

Titanic Adventures at the Unsinkable Molly Brown House

I've always loved the romantic era of the Titanic and the opulence of that magnificent ship. Since moving back to Colorado, I've dreamt of visiting the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver and finally had the perfect excuse to go when a friend visited from NC last year. We were blessed with a special tour that included a story of that fateful night as seen from the different passengers onboard. And, being the 100 Year Anniversary, there was a Titanic exhibit with a few items from the ship. Although they don't allow photos inside the home, I took a few of the exhibit and wanted to share them with you.

This is the image of Margaret Brown, who came to be known as "Molly" that was on the sign in front of the House.

Gorgeous dresses, shoes and accessories that belonged to Molly Brown. Can't you just imagine wearing these?

Hat, purse, gloves and jewelry.

I have an antique aqua blue embroidered rose bag, so this aqua blue beaded rose bag really caught my attention.

Hard to get a good shot with the reflection on the glass, but this was my favorite dress. I could see myself in this dress, having tea with friends. *sighs*

Speaking of tea~ a china cup from the Titanic, White Star Line with a replica of the ship behind it.

"The Loss of The Titanic"

"The Titanic's Disaster" Sheet Music

And, one of my favorites from the gift shop~ Gin & Titonic Ice Cube Tray, "Sink one in your drink"... I almost bought one, but the more I looked at it, I felt a little odd about having floating Titanic ships in my glass... kinda eerie, don't ya think?

Stunning image of Margaret Brown in her ball gown. I bought some post cards to share with my special clients, and forgot I had them! Ooops :)

Click here for an amazing story of hope that unfolded on the Titanic as the ship sank. I pray that you will also find your hope and strength in the Lord during these perilous times.

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Thank you for visiting and we hope you'll come see us again soon.

8.04.2013

There Are Some Things a Lady Never Discusses

The 'yarn stash' and 'craft stashes' weren't doing it for me,

so I had to create my own. :)

Be on the lookout for New Beads

Coming to Belle West Gems on Etsy real soon!

Have a beautiful day, my dears.

❤

7.20.2013

Adventures in Pearl Knotting

I have always been a lover of pearls and have wanted to try pearl knotting for years. So, when a longtime friend asked if I could make her three long pearl necklaces, to wear separately or together, I thought, "This could be fun..."

The request was for three 40" pearl necklaces, 1 black, 1 gray, 1 white.

My first challenge was finding the right pearls. And, as chance would have it, once I found the black, the gray and white just came to me. Undeniably divine appointment. ;)

The next challenge was finding the right accents. I couldn't see 3 long strands of boring pearls, they needed a little bling. But not too much, since they would be worn together. Again, divine provision was made and I just happened to have the perfect beads on hand.

And, lastly, a pair of black and white pearl earrings...

I must say, I've enjoyed my pearl knotting adventure and look forward to my next project. If you'd like to order a custom hand knotted pearl necklace, please message me through my Belle West FB page and I will be happy to discuss that with you. Or, comment below with your email and I will contact you for a consultation.

I hope my friend enjoys her new treasures, and I hope you enjoyed sharing this adventure with me. Thank you for visiting Belle West and I hope you'll come see us again!

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You can visit Belle West at~

Belle West on Etsy

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Belle West Gems on Etsy

Belle West Gems on FB

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6.14.2013

Happy Flag Day! Free Shipping All Weekend Long...

Happy Flag Day, America! ♥

To honor our beautiful country, we're offering

FREE SHIPPING ALL WEEKEND LONG!~

Both stores, jewelry and beads.

Use coupon code FREESHIP at checkout.

Have a great weekend!!

And, God Bless America! ♥

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelleWest

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BelleWestGems

6.03.2013

Spring Has Sprung {Sale}!

Spring has Sprung, and it's so gorgeously green outside. I love the grass under my feet, how the sun filters through the trees in the evening, blossoms everywhere, and the scent of flowers on the breeze. My favorite time of year, except for the occasional sneeze. Or, 10.

So, in celebration of this beautiful season of rebirth, we offer you 20% off your entire purchase in either of our stores, Belle West or Belle West Gems. Just enter coupon code "Spring20" at checkout to receive your discount. This sale ends Wednesday, June 5th at midnight, so spring on over and grab some goodies while you have the chance.

Once again, we thank you all for liking our page, following our blog, buying our treasures and being great friends in this journey of life. Blessings to you and yours! We hope you have a wonderful week. XO

{Donna}

4.24.2013

Beauty by God~ A Visual Delight

I recently came across a visually stunning video created by a fashion designer whose clothing designs are inspired by the Holy Spirit. I asked her if I could share this with you and she said yes! So, I took a few screenshots to give you a peek, but you'll have to watch the video (below) for the whole story. The story of God's creation and the redemption of man. I'd love to hear what you think. Do you feel inspired by these images? I know I do!

To view the video in its entirety, please click here.

I hope you enjoyed this stunning presentation of the gospel message.

To see more of Aleona's beautiful creations, visit her website, Aleonart.com.

Regarding our search for beauty, from Aleona's website:

«I do believe that deeply rooted in every human heart is a longing for beauty. Why do we go to the Grand Canyon, the Boundary Waters, art exhibits, gardens? Why do we plant trees and flower beds? Why do we paint our inside walls? Why is it man and not the monkeys who decorated cave walls with pictures? Why is it that in every tribe of humans ever known there has always been some form of art and craftsmanship that goes beyond mere utility? Is it not because we long to behold and be a part of beauty? We crave to be moved by some rare glimpse of greatness. We yearn for a vision of glory.

Whether you know it or not, all the longings of your life for beauty are longings for this: the light of the gospel of the beauty of Christ who is the image of God. Turn to Jesus as Lord! Open yourself to the Spirit of Christ. And the veil will be lifted.» By John Piper

Have a beautiful week!