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: 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 **

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!

Mighty Or Mediocre?

Do you want to live Mighty or mediocre in thought & deed?

Do you want to see mighty things happen or mediocre?

Dare to grow Big in wisdom!

Dare to be willing to think & dream Big!

Dare to pray Big!

Dare to begin to obey Big!

Dare to take the necessary steps to serve, love, live and give Big!!

Then watch your mediocre thoughts & plans turn into something MIGHTY!!

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Ephesians 3:20 NLT

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 ESV

Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, and looks to God alone; Laughs at impossibilities, and cries it shall be done.~ Charles Wesley

Be Inspired To Do Mighty Things!

Pinky Vern

Jewel Of Inspiration ~ What If We Loved Instead Of Hate?

What if today we lived & shared love instead of hate?

Lets do all we can to advance His Love and His Kingdom
in our hearts, homes, communities and the world!

Pray for your households, your Pastors, the Pastors & Body of Christ in your community and the world! 
Pray for salvation!
Pray for Love to abound and healing to come!Pray for and receive forgiveness.

Open up, O Heavens and pour out your righteousness.
Let the earth open wide so salvation and righteousness can sprout up together (in our homes, church, community and all over the world!).
Isaiah 45:8

When the righteous prosper, the
city (San Antonio, TX -Insert your city & state) rejoices.
Through the blessing of the upright the city (San Antonio, TX - Insert your city & state) is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
Proverbs 11:10-11

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God.
Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.
But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.  This is real love - not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.  No one has ever seen God.  But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
1 John 4:7-12 NLV


Be Inspired to Live Love!

You are loved,
Pinky Vern