Jewel Of Inspiration: Three's Company

Who do you join hands with in life - love - leisure?

What happens when life brings change or everything goes wrong?
What happens when frustration friends us, suffering surfaces, crisis comes to our doorstep and tough times become too much on our own?

Where do you go?
Who goes to you?

Yes, sometimes it is easier to do things or go through life on our own. The truth is - we were made for community - we need God and we need each other.
Be Inspired To -
Seek the love, strength and guidance of God.
Seek the joy, comfort and wisdom of a friend.
Seek to help and love others.
This is what you will see -
See your own life strengthened, guided, comforted, and filled with wisdom, joy and peace.
And then you will even greater overflow it to others through their life journeys.

When we walk alone it is difficult and heavy.
When we humbly join ourselves with 2 or 3 others - powerful things happen! When we offer our time, a listening ear, and prayer - or trustfully share our own heart - the heaviness of each of our burdens will be reduced. We don't always see it right away - but eventually those burdens, those hard times, those difficult days become purposeful in our lives. Every difficult day, hard time, and unwelcomed experience can shape our character, strengthen our faith, grow us in wisdom, bring glory to God and eventually providing an avenue of ministry to someone walking a similar path.

Together is powerful!

"Together, we can celebrate our successes.
Together, we can support each other in our failures.
Together, we can proclaim His goodness over and above all things.
Because life isn’t about having it all together — it’s about knowing together we have it all." ~ InCourage - www.incourage.me

Let's find others to join hand in hand with, on our left and right, and become a triple threat to the things that come against us and a triple powerful praise of gratitude and celebration!
The power of three's company is so much stronger, safer, warmer and wiser than choosing to do life alone.

By yourself you're unprotected.
With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:12 The Message Bible

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

May we get braver and quicker in being someone for others to join with and in seeking someone for us to join hand in hand with in life, love, leisure and lifting up hands of prayer and praise.
Imagine how helpful and healing that company would be!
I pray we all find that kind of community and company and be that to others too!

Be Inspired,
Pinky Vern

Prayers For Charleston

We are praying for the community of Charleston, SC and all the those affected by the deadly shooting that took place at the historic Emmanuel AME Church this week.

Prayers for our own communities.
Prayers for our country.
Prayers for wisdom.
Prayers for love.
Prayers for healing.
Prayers for unity.

Through the valley of the shadow of hatred, death and grief comes the powerful light of Love, Compassion and Hope.

May Love linger longer and louder than the hate and hurt.

"Shared tears are multiplied healing."
~ Ann Voskamp

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ~ Psalm 34:18

Hugs and Love to you all!

Be Inspired,
Pinky Vern

‪#‎PrayForCharleston‬ ‪#‎LoveOneAnother‬ ‪#‎BeInspired‬

Jewel Of Inspiration

JEWEL OF INSPIRATION:  When Life Brings Storms Beyond Belief

As everyone knows and has been watching the unbelievable coverage from the recent flooding going on in my home state of Texas - I wanted to share with you updates and opportunities to join me, my family and ministry in praying and reaching out to and offering help, hope and healing to those affected by these crazy storms.

This past weekend Rick and I went to the beautiful town of Wimberley and were blown away by the sight of massive trees uprooted, tossed around like toys - stripped and snapped as if they were little match sticks. The belongings and memories of families sprinkled up and down the river like it was confetti.

UNBELIEVABLE

We saw a complete neighborhood street that was once lined with beautiful homes, yards, trees, gardens, and games - that were often used for gatherings, sharing hospitality, vacations, celebrations, making memories, times of laughter, love, relaxation and enjoyment with family and friends - now decorated with wreckage and responses of whoa.

UNBELIEVABLE

Late this afternoon I went by a couple of the other areas affected by the storms to drop off a few items and see what they needed. One of the places I went to was a donation and distribution place in Martindale, Texas.
Martindale is a small town of approximately 1400 folks that was also hit hard by the rains and overflowing river waters. I'm not exactly sure but possibly 200 or more families were evacuated and experienced extensive damage to their homes and belongings.
It was there I met Bea. A generous and courageous servant from San Marcos, Texas that has taken the people of Martindale, Texas under her wing! Bea is the founder of Rays of Hope in San Marcos and has a huge beautiful heart to help people in need. She is working hard organizing the collection and distribution of items needed in Martindale and checking on the people in that area. After unloading my delivery - Bea took me to go meet some of the families that are needing a little extra hope. These families had up to 7 feet of water in their home and are grateful for any help and items being donated. As we drove up to their homes I let out a deep breath and once again shook my head in disbelief. As we walked around I listened to the mom's update, the kids stories, and the families questions as they courageously smiled, listened and cried. I hugged, shared some joy and hope and prayed for them. Such a mix of emotions.

UNBELIEVABLE

What I have witnessed this week is Horrific - but what I have also witnessed is Help, Hope and Healing in such amazing ways. It has come generously from within the aching communities taking care of each other as the storm approached, through the storm and in it's remains. It is coming from families caring for one another...friends caring for friends...from strangers caring for strangers...from the young caring for the older...the older caring for the younger...from towns, states, and countries caring for people beyond their borders...many, many people caring without hesitation.

Long before the experts and experienced ones arrived - the faith and compassion of the people in these Texas towns set the heart and tone for this recovery and they will continue to inspire and impact their communities, our state and beyond - long after the media and multitudes are gone.

BELIEVABLE and BEAUTIFUL!!

Texas Proud!!

[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living!
~ Psalm 27:13 Amplified Bible

I pray our eyes are set on Christ and our hearts confident He will carry us through the stormiest of days.
If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others - please comment below or send me a message and I would be honored to pray.

Be Inspired,
Pinky Vern

Oh Baby!

Oh My Goodness - I am so excited to share this news!!

We Are Going To Have Another Grandchild!!

Our oldest daughter, Mere Bear, is expecting her third child in December!
Below is the sweet announcement video they sent to us a few weeks ago and now we want to share the excitement and cuteness with you!  This is the best announcement video I have ever seen...ok - so I am a little biased but you can decide for yourself.  I guarantee you will Smile, Aww, Laugh, say "How Cute!" and experience the overflow of Gratitude, Love and Joy that we have!   These two precious boys are pure joy to our family and melt my heart every time I hear their voices and see their scrumptious faces!  I cannot wait to expand and share that love with another!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ROKUn-PkbQ

Congratulations to Meredith, Jared and the Boys and Thank you, Lord, for our blessings!
I Love Being Grandma Pinky!!

Grateful,
Pinky Vern

‪

Jewel Of Inspiration: Celebrate May

Hi And Welcome To INSPIRED LOOKS!

I have a prayer theme stirring in my heart for this month.  You can go to my Facebook page - to learn more about it at Inspired Looks.  Thanks for stopping by - I pray you are inspired!

JEWEL OF INSPIRATION

May is a wonderful month.
A wonderful month filled with various opportunities to Celebrate!

Many will participate and pridefully Celebrate their Mexican heritage and others will adopt it for a day on the 5th of May. ‪#‎CincoDeMayo‬‪#‎BattleOfPuebla‬

We illustrate and prayerfully Celebrate as we gather and go beyond denomination and political party lines - joining together to cover our community, city, state, nation and world through unified prayer.‪#‎NationalDayOfPrayer‬ ‪#‎LetUsPray‬

We anticipate and joyfully Celebrate New Life, New Mom's, Single Mom's, our Sisters & Girlfriends, the women who were like Mom's to us and our very own amazing Mothers and Grandmothers. ‪#‎MothersDay‬‪#‎ILoveYouMom‬

We calculate the days and look forward to thankfully celebrating the end of the school year. ‪#‎EndOfSchool‬ ‪#‎SchoolsOut‬

We accelerate into Summer and excitedly Celebrate the wet and wonderful list of memorable activities, camps, travel, and restful days ahead with family and friends! ‪#‎Summertime‬ ‪#‎Summer‬

We commemorate and gratefully Celebrate, remember and honor the warriors who fight and have fought for our protection, freedom and country. ‪#‎ArmedForcesDay‬ ‪#‎MemorialDay‬

We congratulate and Celebrate the Graduates and their New Beginnings, New Journeys, and New Jobs. ‪#‎Graduation‬ ‪#‎Congratulations‬

So many wonderful days in May.
So many wonderful opportunities to generate and give Love.

MAY we seek Him.
MAY we praise Him.
MAY we take care of ourselves and
MAY we take the time to Celebrate and Care for others.
Focusing on someone that may or may not have someone Celebrating them...A Graduate, A Teacher, A Mom, A Widow, A Veteran or a Military Family.
MAY we follow His humble heart and loving ways through it all.

This is my prayer.

“Teach me, Lord, the way of Your decrees, that I MAY follow it to the end.
Give me understanding, so that I MAY keep Your law and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word.
Fulfill Your promise to Your servant, so that You MAY be feared.
Take away the disgrace I dread, for Your laws are good.
How I long for Your precepts! In Your righteousness preserve my life.”
~ Psalm 119:33-40, NIV

May It Be So!

Be Inspired,
Pinky Vern

Jewel Of Inspiration: Be Inspired And Know You Are Loved!

My friend, Jennifer Lee and her daughter have compiled a sweet list of what God
thinks about you and me.
It is 28 Days Of True Love and includes the Truth and Treasure of His Love for us.

I hope you will take some time to read and receive these Valentines from God.
They are Sweet and Powerful!

http://jenniferdukeslee.com/28-amazing-verses-about-gods-love-for-you-join-us-this-february/

Your truest Valentine doesn't stop at loving you. He takes it another step.
He RENEWS you!  

~ Jennifer Dukes Lee, Author

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103

We are being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16

Day 4 of LOVE Notes Blessings:
I LOVE You More Than Chocolate Chip Cookies!



Be Inspired,
Pinky Vern

Jewel Of Inspiration: Be Inspired To Share Warm Love

Warm - Kind - Genuine LOVE.

We never know who may need it and how it will impact someones life.

I could tell you story after story of how my life was impacted by someones warm, kind, and genuine LOVE.  And even though I could also tell you stories of how my life was affected by people who shared the opposite.
It was LOVE - that warm, kind, and genuine LOVE that began to mend and heal the wounds of life and the hurt from ugly damaging words and actions of others.
It is LOVE that I choose to magnify more than the negative harm of the other.
It is the LOVE of God through good community that heals the bad.
So Grateful!!

Oh this Warm Love is amazing and it can be delivered in a variety of simple and thoughtful ways.

A Smile
A Hug
A Prayer
A Cup Of Coffee
Intentional Time Together
A Listening Ear
A Text
A Phone Call
A Card
Scripture
Flowers
A Meal
A Babysitter
A Helping Hand
A Blanket
A Special Cup
A Book
A Picture
A handmade item
And even a pair of socks.  :)

I have several handmade items, blankets, cups, pictures, pairs of socks that were gifts during difficult and celebratory times of my life.  They bring warmth and strength in the remembrance of the gift and the giver that LOVED on me.

Who could you share Warm - Kind - Genuine LOVE with this week?
I'm sure they won't forget it and it just might be a part of bringing healing to an area of their life.

When someone stops doing nothing and just starts doing something, anything -- this is what starts to change everything.
~ Ann Voskamp​, Author

Be creative with your care for others...we are all fragile...love helps.
~ Patsy Clairmont, Women of Faith Speaker

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.   Matthew 7:12

You can't go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love.    Romans 13:10 Message Bible

DAY 3 of 14 Days of LOVE Notes:
I LOVE YOU MORE THAN WARM FUZZY SOCKS!!

Be Inspired!

Warm Love Sweet Friends,
Pinky Vern


** Feel Free To Share The Post and Photo and Be Sure To Kindly Link Back To Inspired Looks. Thank You!
For everyone who likes or shares my posts over the next 14 days will be entered to win one of the LOVELY drawings that will take place throughout this month. The more you like and share - the more chances you have to win some awesome stuff! XO **

Jewel Of Inspiration: Be Inspired To LOVE and Receive.

Hunger.     Thirst. 

I've experienced both.

I know what it is like to be desperate, hungry, scraping by with little...or to go without.
I remember times of deep hollow ache, and have experienced the pain of dehydration.

Physical Hunger & Thirst.      Spiritual Hunger & Thirst.

I've experienced both.

Because of LOVE I hunger and thirst no more.
Because of LOVE I hunger and thirst for more.
Because of the LOVE of others and the LOVE of God I now testify and speak about this LOVE that has fed and filled me.

His provisions.
His food and water.

Once you have tasted...you will long for more and long to be more.
It Will Change You and Comfort You.

"Are you there, God, around the corner? Did I just miss you in the orange and pink evening fade? Was that you weaving your chord of truth in that late night conversation?
I rush to somehow hear or hold or see you in the predawn coffee time. I feel you as my hands lie upon my daughters' heads and pray: "Thank you, Father, for all our good things. Help us to serve you with them."
I choke on you as I squeeze the words of worship to you in song - sobs that drive me straight to the ground: "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you."
My flesh, like the earth, yearns for you: your water, your sunshine, your completion, your freedom from thorns.
Are you there?
In the dark hours, in the light?
Your hand upholds me - reaching around the corner, pulling me in, and I am comforted." 
~ Timothy Willard, Author - Longing For More

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food both day and night. 
Psalm 42:2 NIV

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 NIV

..."but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14 NIV

Where there is a craving and a thirst - it is not the partaking that satisfies and changes us - but the provision and the receiving of it.

LOVE Given.
LOVE Received.
Lives changed.

Join us during the giving of - 14 Days of LOVE Notes and let those you care about know how much you LOVE them! (See yesterdays post for more info)

DAY 2 of LOVE Note Blessings:
I LOVE You More Than Nestles Girl Scouts Thin Mints Creamer!!

Be Inspired To Love,
Pinky Vern

** Feel Free To Share The Post and Photo and Be Sure To Kindly Link Back To Inspired Looks. Thank You!
For everyone who likes or shares my posts over the next 14 days will be entered to win one of the LOVELY drawings that will take place throughout this month. The more you like and share - the more chances you have to win some awesome stuff! XO **

JEWEL OF INSPIRATION: Be Inspired To LOVE Deeper

I am so grateful for the LOVE that has been given to me throughout the past month.
Once again I am strengthened, moved and transformed by the LOVE of others.

More than ever I have an ache to LOVE.
To Grow In Genuine LOVE.
To Speak and Respond In LOVE.
To LOVE Others Well...Just As They Are.
To Receive LOVE.
To Not Miss The Opportunity to LOVE On Others. 
To Not Hesitate In Letting Friends & Family Know How Much They Are LOVED.

A couple of years ago I began a February tradition that was a fun opportunity to let my family know how much they were LOVED.
For 14 days I sent them text messages that say:
I LOVE YOU MORE THAN...(insert something special or funny).

The first time I did this they were surprised and responded with their shock and own version of LOVE that included something like this - "Your weird. ha,ha!" (To which I replied, "Thank You"!) "LOL" "Thanks I Love You Too" "I Love You More Than..."
I have made this a gift I give to my family every year. It starts February 1st and goes on leading up to Valentines Day and the cool thing is - it is free and so much fun!

I invite you today to begin this tradition with your own loved ones (friends or family) and follow along the next 14 days with the daily LOVE notes that I will post. Adjust it to fit you and feel free to do it for one day, one week or the whole 14 days and also feel free to copy what I post & the pic I make or create your own LOVE note. 
Here is a suggestion - if you or they do not have a cell phone, write it in a note and put it in lunchboxes, emails, send in cards or write on celebration plate or the mirror. smile emoticon
I cannot wait to hear about the reaction and response you get in return. 

Together lets grow in LOVE and LOVE others deeper than ever before!

The way to love life is to imagine losing it.
Envision life without the loveliness of those you love - and you see how much you love. ~ Ann Voskamp

Above all, LOVE each other deeply, because LOVE covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Here is day one's LOVE note that I dedicate to my friends near and far that LOVED on me this past month.
I LOVE YOU MORE THAN THE SUPER BOWL!!!

Be Inspired To Love,
Pinky Vern


** For everyone who likes or shares my posts over the next 14 days will be entered to win one of the LOVELY drawings that will take place throughout this month. The more you like and share - the more chances you have to win some awesome stuff! Thank you kindly for inspiring and sharing with others. XO **

Well the past two months have been a doozy. 
Christmas was a whirlwind mixed with blessings and difficulties - and January, don't take it personally but I was over you before you were over.   (See my facebook page for update - Inspired Looks Ministries)

So today I am thrilled to move on and say HELLO to February!!
I welcome this month and give thanks to my Lord that it is here and I am so looking forward to all the LOVE that will overflow!!
Since January was a bit of a blur I want to say - Happy New Year and Happy February Everyone!

I have not felt like writing...actually was numb and blank for most of January and needed to just pause and rest.
I was carried by prayers and love from friends near and far.
So Grateful!

As we greet this new month - I am looking forward to studying, writing, serving and speaking again and sharing what has inspired me to press through this difficult season.
I also have some LOVELY and fun things planned!
Throughout the month I will post inspiration, tips, tools, gifts and giveaways surrounding the theme of LOVE.  Follow along on the blog and on my facebook page too!

Starting today I will  share a February tradition that I began a couple of years ago with my family.   It is an easy and fun way to remind them that they are loved.  I invite you to join me over the next 14 days to begin a new February LOVE tradition with your family and/or friends. 
Details to follow in my next post! smile emoticon

Be Inspired To Love!
Pinky Vern

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