Jewel Of Inspiration: Advent 2 ~ PEACE

The Angels Sang - 
Glory To God In The Highest And Peace On Earth!

Whenever the pace makes us crazy - We need peace.
We need to make space for Christ.

How is it possible to attain peace?
Through faith and understanding and receiving of The Gift of Hope In Christ.

Hope isn't about living a life free of problems.
Hope is about living a life free from fear...about His Love that cast out all fear.
Hope in a world of problems is found in the solution of His presence.

Put Christ in the center of your life...in the center of all lists, shopping, baking, decorating, wrapping, travel, serving and loving.
Put Christ in the center of it all...in the center of Christmas.
He alone is our perfect peace.
Have you received His gift...the gift of His son?

He came to be our Peace Provider.
He came to bring reconciliation and free us from all condemnation, accusations, and damnation.

Peace.
Peace Maker.
Peace Provider.
Perfect...Perfect Peace.
.
~ Ann Voskamp, The Greatest Gift
View the video for more inspiration -
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/12/light-the-candles-advent-devotionals-the-second-sunday-peace-video-experience/#

My prayer for you this day -
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV

Peace On Earth - Mercy Mild. God and Sinner Reconciled.

Be Inspired To Live Peace and Give Peace On Earth,

Pinky Vern

Jewel Of Inspiration: Advent Week 1 ~ HOPE

ADVENT - Latin

Coming.
Waiting.

Waiting for the coming of Christ.
As we count down to the celebration of His birth we anticipate the coming.

The first candle of advent represents HOPE.

How can we have hope in the midst of this crazy world?

This.
This gives us HOPE.

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might, 
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness he sash around his waist.
In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him,and his resting place will be glorious. In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people.
Isaiah 11:1-5, 10,11 NIV

A stump that appears dying and hopeless comes alive and changes everything.
Whatever your stump is - know this...

It is not about what isn't.
It is not as you see it.
It is not as it appears...broken, wounded, dying.
Believe that there is more...there is a shoot...there is a coming...there is HOPE.
~ Ann Voskamp, The Greatest Gift

Lets pray, believe and HOPE that things can change.
Bad Things
Ugly Things
Wrong Things
Awful Things
Hurtful Things
Sick Things
Horrible Things
Hard Things
Can change through the promise and Hope we have in Christ.

No matter how we are hurting - it's only when we lose hope that the real horror happens. ~ Ann Voskamp, The Greatest Gift
www.aholyexperience.com

May we live in the state of Advent and Wait and Hope for the coming of Christ...not just in December...but Always.

Be Inspired and Joy & Hope To Your World!
Pinky Vern

Jewel Of Inspiration: Cooking Up Blessings And Thanks

This is a season of record cooking for most of us.
A week where many are grateful for the time and deliciousness of every measurement and mixing! 

This year more than ever I have been stirred in my heart to cook up blessings for my family and others.
It has been an intentional and fun way to overflow thanks for what I have received and to love and bless others well.
I have so many grateful memories of times where others have blessed me and my family with hospitality, home cooking, paid meals in restaurants, groceries, gift cards and meals during difficulty times, including my cancer journey. Most of these blessings were not special occasions...they were just because or in time of need. All were blessings and we give thanks often for the memories and meals that have fed us in more ways than one!

Here are a few things I am learning and want to grow in.
Don't wait for a need.
Celebrate others often.
Be More Hospitable.
Spread Hope and Healing through a meal.
Do not hesitate to be a giver - to be a blessing.
Do not compare.
You do not have to be rich.
You do not have to be fancy or crafty.
You do not have to have the gift of cooking.
Take the time - but don't stress out.

Just this week as my two college girls were heading home for the holidays I made it a point to make their favorite dip and have chips and dip warm and waiting for them.
And this morning I rushed to my other daughters house to see her, my son in law, Jared and my grandsons one more time before they hit the road to be with the Jared's family for the holidays. In my hand were breakfast taco's and our favorite Pumpkin Cookies.
Since they were not going to be with us this Thanksgiving - I woke up a little earlier so I could whip up the cookie dough and make some for their trip.

Easy - Moment Making Memories and Blessings.

Whether a stranger, family or friend - seek out tangible ways to bless others today, tomorrow, and daily and give thanks for those who have been a blessing to you.

We do not need a reason, a holiday or a celebration to buy, bake, cook, give or invite.
Be genuine.
Be creative.
Be hospitable.
Bake extra - buy extra and give to a neighbor, a tired mom, wounded or sick friend or family member, the postman, food pantry, shelter, etc...
Keep it simple or go a little over the top, but always give with no expectation of receiving anything in return.

Never stop giving.
Never stop giving thanks.

In Celebration of this weeks Inspired Looks GRATEFUL GIVEAWAY WEEK - I am sharing our favorite dip!   If you comment or share a recipe on my blog or Ministry Facebook page  - your name will be added to the $50 giveaway. Double your entries by sharing with friends and inviting them to join us!

Hutch Family Dip
Sausage
Rotel
Cream Cheese
Sour Cream

Cook Sausage and Drain.
In a microwavable container ( I love my Pampered Chef one!) cook and soften cream cheese and gradually add sour cream and rotel...mix well...add sausage and cook some more until mixed and warm. Serve warm with your favorite chip, crackers or vegetables.

Give Thanks -

For each new morning with it's light, for rest and shelter of the night, for health and food, for love and friends, for everything this goodness sends. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17

Be Inspired,
Pinky Vern

GRATEFUL GIVEAWAY WEEK

A lot is going on in my life...so many awesome opportunities and some time consuming things - which explains my lack of time on here. ha,ha! I'm excited though and wanted to share with you today that as things are changing in my life - so will my facebook page and website!  I am beginning the process of updating both so stay tuned for more details about it all! 

In the mean time I wanted to Celebrate and Give Thanks for my many blessings that include all of you! THANK YOU so much for your support and encouragement throughout the years!
In honor of you I am excited to announce my GRATEFUL GIVEAWAY WEEK - that will be filled with grateful inspiration and several fun opportunities for you to win FREE Jewels, Accessories and Gifts - AND - also enjoy wonderful Clearance and Christmas specials!!!

Beginning today - follow my blog, like Inspired Looks Ministries & Accessories facebook page and invite your friends to join us!
When you do your name will automatically be put in a special drawing for a FREE Bundle of Accessories worth $50 or more! This Beautiful Bundle of Accessories will include special selections of accessories chosen in advance by me and will be given away next weekend.
Other giveaways to be announced as the week goes on. 

I encourage you to join me in thinking more and thanking more about our blessings than our to do list.
May joy, love and peace arise as we give thanks!

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. ~ Philemon 1:4-7

Be Inspired,
Pinky Vern

NOT GIVING UP!

Not Giving Up

I took a brave step the other day and entered a contest.

Sounds easy but it was hard.

Hard because...
I was a week behind the over 300 plus women who were jumping at this opportunity to travel to Rwanda in July.

I was - ahem - a little older than most of the girls.

I had other numerous excuses and fears of
"why me?" instead of "why not me?".


On this amazing trip will be a team of incredible advocates, story tellers, bloggers, artist's and others that represent Noonday Collections and International Justice Mission.  I want to join them on this
all expense paid trip that would combine my passion for Fashion and Freedom to create opportunity for the poor, hopeless and hurting. This is not a contest about raising money...but raising votes
 to bring awareness.

Currently I am on page 3 in rankings, and have large gap to get to

 page 1 and in the top 7.

Today they started posting how many votes we actually have.

I am in the 400's...the top 7 are in the 3000's!!  There are 2 days left of
this contest...Today And Tomorrow!

 I'm still not giving up!

It is not about the prize to me, but coming together bringing awareness and advocating for the causes of poverty and sex trafficking.

Whether I am on this trip or not - one of the main reasons
I signed up for this - is for
Freedom
and to reach as many people as possible with this
#StyleForJustice Campaign!

Freeing, Rescuing, Transforming and Supporting the lives affected by sex trafficking has become a cause I support through the sales of some of my own accessories (click here) and Noonday Collections.

I have met people who have been rescued from prostitution and sex trafficking and personally know what it means to be Free from a stronghold. 

 With Gratitude for all the Lord has healed me of and set me Free from - 

 I speak, testify write, volunteer and advocate for others to be free!

I Will Not Giving Up!

Did you realize the major link to this injustice is pornography?
Pornography trains the minds and creates a demand for filth and profit.

Did you know that when girls enter prostitution whether through
kidnapping or being lured that they are often trained through the
watching of pornographic videos to become a slave to sex.
Their strength and inhibitions are broken down and weakened.

WE CANNOT GIVE UP!


I appreciate your votes, support, cheers and kind words that have been offered during this contest.  The discussions have been a gift to share and bring greater awareness to the serious topic of modern day slavery.

Together we can advocate in offering hope and healing
Lets Do This...Together!

 http://www.noondaycollection.com/styleforjustice#view/23056/2115593

Grateful Thanks,
Pinky Vern

JEWEL OF INSPIRATION

Jewel Of Inspiration: Coffee & Christ

Who else needs more of both of these today?
Has disappointment, disillusionment, 

perfectionism, fear and failure 

invaded your day, week, year?

Let us not be pulled down by lies or fear in the hard steps ahead but instead be strengthened in the Light and Understanding of what we know to be
Truth, Love and Strength.

It is a Love that shines a light in the midst of darkness.

It is a Peace and Strength beyond our understanding.

It is Christ and His Word.

Be strengthened and encouraged with the Word of God, another cup of your
favorite java and the prayer declarations I wrote below.
Pray them for yourself and others.

The Joy Of The Lord Is Your Strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when
their grain and new wine abound.
Psalm 4:6-7 NIV

JOY to your world as you seek and receive the Goodness and Grace of God in your life!

JOY in understanding and knowing He is the source of your Salvation and Strength!

Holy JOY be wisdom and warning as you step out in obedience!

JOY to protect and prepare you along the way!

JOYful praises arise from your mouth and overflow to encourage others!

Understand The Word.

Obey The Word.

Rejoice In The Word.

Share The Word.

God's Word must be understood before it can enter the heart and release it's life changing power. 

~ Warren Wiersbe, Author - Be Determined

The joy of the Lord is your strength and the person of Christ is your unassailable joy – and the battle for joy is nothing less than fighting the good fight of faith. 

~ Ann Voskamp,

It is my prayer that you know this Joy, Love, and Peace - that has the power to go beyond anything we can experience from material prosperity, security or satisfaction.

Be Inspired,

Pinky Vern

JEWEL OF INSPIRATION

Jewel Of Inspiration: Love And Consolation

Love and Consolation are powerful blessings.

On normal days we all want to know we are loved.
On days of struggle, disappointment, suffering, or grief we especially desire Love and Consolation to come near.

Consolation doesn't necessarily take the pain away but it lets others know you care, you are there and they are not alone.
There is always someone in need and there are many around us right now that may need a smile, hug, pat on the back or an invitation to come join you for lunch, church or something else. Genuine Love and Encouragement has the power to bring comfort & peace to an aching heart and troubled mind.

God the Father is the originator and author of comfort.
It is He who eases our pains and sorrows.
Christ is our intercessor, and advocate in our time of need and the Holy Spirit has been sent to be our Comforter.
The Church (Believers) are the physical comforters that God uses here on earth in a variety of ways.
It is important we not hesitate to be there for someone - offering prayer, comfort and assistance - this will powerfully and beautifully grow us in unity and love and bring glory to God!

He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15

Here is what my pastor and friend spoke recently regarding devastating times -
"Few people remember what was actually said in time of devastation - but they remember who was there.  Be the friend that you would want in the midst of devastation."
~ Chris Emmitt, Pastor Community Bible Church

Love and Consolation are powerfully worth more than the expense it takes to offer it.

Ask me how I know...

Be Inspired,
Pinky Vern

Jewel Of Inspiration

Jewel Of Inspiration:  

 A Valentine For Anyone Who Has Ever Felt Rejected, Invisible, Alone & Unloved

Have you ever felt that way?  

I know I have.

And I'm pretty sure male or female - we all have at some point or during many times in our lives.

If you have ever...Walked in a crowded room and felt invisible and like you didn't belong.

If you have ever...Known many people yet felt so alone and desired genuine community of friends.

If you have ever...Experienced the pain of rejection, unloving actions & reactions and been misunderstood.

Even then.

Even there.

Even now.

Know this...

YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND YOU ARE LOVED!!

This kind of Love is genuine, free, and forgiving and cannot be manufactured, packaged or sold.  

This kind of Love is what we should surround our lives with and strive to imitate.

This kind of Love has transformed and healed my life.

I'm grateful for this Love and those who have given, shared, lived and overflow it to me.  It is the reason I speak and share hope and love with others.  

Christ has written us Valentines that are not just for this day but everyday!
Read them and discover for the first time or be reminded once again how deeply loved you are!

The Lord has called you by name - You Are His Beloved!

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine."
Isaiah 43:1b

He Loves you this much!

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

With An Everlasting Love!

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3

Be Inspired to receive this kind of Love and to spill this Love over to others today and always.
You never know who may need a glimpse of it!

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"  
Luke 10:27

Also, FREE Gift's to encourage & warm your heart
this Valentines Day!  

My friend Renee Swope 's NEW A Confident Heart Devotional eBOOK is
#FREE Today only for 24hrs!
#LetGodLoveYou #ValentinesDay #Gift 

http://reneeswope.com/2014/02/free-confident-heart-devotional-ebook-today-only/

AND
Leave a comment on the blog by Monday to be in a drawing for an
Inspired Looks Chevron Scarf!
(see photos at Inspired Looks Ministries & Accessories Facebook Page)

You Are Loved,

Pinky Vern

Photo Credit: Veronica @Inspired Looks
You are free to share pic to inspire & encourage others and kindly link them back here.
Thank You!

Jewel Of Inspiration

Jewel Of Inspiration:

A Prayer For Today And The Days To Come

Matthew 6:11 - Give us this day our daily bread.

Daily bread is needed in order to face and accomplish what is necessary for today or to be equipped for the days ahead. 
I am praying for it's provision of nourishment, wisdom, and strength in order to do what I am called to do - become what I am to become and to overcome what I need to overcome. 
Otherwise, I open myself up to become distracted and delayed by useless or counterfeit things and I want less of that and more Him!

Proverbs 30:8 - Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.

During my cancer journey I learned to not look at the calendar of days, weeks and months of doctor visits, tests and treatments and the increasing medical cost's that were ahead. Instead I had to learn to face each day and what it may bring - nourishing on His Word that was planted and growing in my life and the love, and prayers of those covering me (so grateful!!). All of that and more helped me to have any bit of strength to not worry (as much) about what might be ahead. It amazingly provided me (and my family) with increased wisdom, hope and strength to live & face one day at a time and reduce any fear that tired to enter in.

Do you need increased hope, wisdom, strength and nourishment for today? 
Prayers for you and praises for His provisions that come in a variety of ways! 

Thank you, Lord, for your provisions that are poured out to us both physically and spiritually. No matter the size or supply - may we be aware and may it teach us honesty, perseverance, gratefulness, and generous compassion to give You thanks and not keep it to ourselves. 

John 6:35 (ESV) - “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." 

"The best condition is that which neither implies poverty nor yet recedes far from it."
~ Matthew Henry 

“Never, in peace or war, commit your virtue or your happiness to the future. Happy work is best done by the man who takes his long-term plans somewhat lightly and works from moment to moment ‘as to the Lord.’ It is only our daily bread that we are encouraged to ask for. The present is the only time in which any duty can be done or any grace received.” 
~ C.S. Lewis, from The Weight of Glory

Be Inspired To Seek God For Your Daily Bread And Give Thanks For His Provisions!

Pinky Vern