Usher in 2015 this evening with a refreshing cocktail!  We reached out to some of the state's most talented mixologists to create two perfectly delicious drinks for Inspiration Mississippi Magazine:

THE FALLING LEAVES

Created by Chris Robertson, Bar Director at Bravo! Italian Restaurant and Bar

Using local Cathead Vodka and a blend of fall flavors, "The Falling Leaves" is a feminine, well-balanced drink.

1 1/2 oz. Cathead Vodka
1/2 oz. Kraken Black Spiced Rum
1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Orange Juice
1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice
1/2 oz. Vanilla Syrup
1 dash Hellfire Bitters

Garnish with a lemon twist wrapped around a scored cinnamon stick.  Shake and then double strain into a cocktail glass.

THE BLUSHING BRIDE

Created by Ranada Cook, Manager and Bartender at World of Wines & Liquors

A delightful, bubbly drink to enjoy during the cold winter months.  The more cranberry juice, the rosier the drink!

Vodka or Rum
Cranberry Juice
Orange Juice
Sprite

We hope you all enjoyed a wonderfully memorable 2014!  Thank you for your continued support of Inspiration Mississippi and our incredible state. 

Cheers to an extraordinary 2015!

We are thrilled to announce Inspiration Mississippi’s new event series, Get Inspired!  This week we celebrate a brand new year, and we are launching our beautiful new magazine (have you picked up a copy??)

Each month in 2015, we will be hosting an incredible event with extraordinary vendors.  Every unique event offers you an opportunity to experience the best of Mississippi and pick up a copy of Inspiration Mississippi Magazine! 

Please join us for our first Get Inspired event:

Sunday, January 11, 2015
Banner Hall, Jackson, MS
3:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Calling all Mississippi brides-to-be!  Our inaugural event is a wonderful opportunity for brides to interact with some of the premier vendors in the Jackson area, personally speak with each vendor and schedule appointments.   Delicious hors d'oeuvres and champagne will be served!

Vendors involved:

World of Wines and Liquor

SWAG bags will be provided for the first 30 people to register.  Feel free to bring a friend!

To register, please click here!  We look forward to celebrating with you on Sunday, January 11th!

I just don’t have it today, God.  I didn’t excel at anything today.  As a matter of fact, I pretty much failed at everything I summoned up the courage to even attempt and simply cowered away from everything else. 

So here I am, God; painfully reminded of my weakness and immaturity.  I’ve been out and away and I need to come back in.  Will You see me today?  Do You have time for me?  I don’t deserve it, and I know You’ve got a lot going on. 

Then I remember, You’ve given me a standing invitation. 

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

I feel like I slink away from You in my selfishness and self-absorption. And then, like some lost three-year-old, I wander aimlessly in fear and failure.

All the while, Your throne room is always near.  Your eye was always on me.  Your love always held me.  I realize this, and I crack the door open, peeking through to see Your light.  On my knees I crawl to you.

  16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

At Your feet I feel safe enough.  I feel privileged and proud to be so close to You.  But there with my head bowed, Your Spirit bathes me in something deeper and more precious.  I look up and I see You’ve left Your throne and You’ve reached out Your nail-scarred hand.  Here’s God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and He’s come to meet me where I am.  I feel the burdens of shame and regret fall from my shoulders.  I remember the truth and depth of Your love.  The reality of You and Your grace breaks my heart.  I know I’m loved, and that makes all the difference.  I need You, and You’re here. I’m new and I’m whole, because You first loved me.

I love You, Lord.  Thank You.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:4-10


{Blog by Heath Ferguson}

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand."  Henri Nouwen

During the Christmas season, it is easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of the holidays with bountiful meals, endless gifts, and glittering decorations.  We too often forget that many Mississippians are living without food and shelter during the cold winter months.  Both children and adults across the state are in desperate need of supplies this holiday season.  We spoke with two incredible organizations that specialize in giving hope to individuals who need it most:

You can sponsor Christmas for a family or individual this holiday season!  For a mere $25, Christmas baskets and backpacks filled with food and daily living supplies are given to a poor, homeless or at-risk family. 

“Each year, the Mission distributes these to families along the gulf coast.  They have everything for a festive Christmas dinner, as well as daily living supplies.  150 families and individuals have signed up and need these bags,” says Derek Eady, Community Relations Director of Back Bay Mission. 

Simply send a $25 check to Back Bay Mission, 1012 Division St, Biloxi, MS 39530 and write ‘Christmas Baskets’ in the memo line. You can also make a gift the Mission’s website: thebackbaymission.org. Just enter ‘Christmas Baskets’ in the comment field.

The Homeless Lodge is in great need of supplies this winter for their occupants!  Here is a list of items that would be greatly appreciated:

Hats
Coats
Gloves
Towels
Sheets (Twin)
Blankets (Twin)

Items can be dropped off at the 527 Carnation Street location in Tupelo.

“Right now we can house 14 men and 6 women each night in the Lodge.   When it gets under 40 degrees, then we can house more people in the gym,” says a Representative of the Lodge.  “Toiletries, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and deodorant are always welcome.  Whenever a new occupant arrives, a Care package is given to them with basic necessities.” 

On this beautiful Christmas Eve day, if you are able, we hope you are inspired to reach out and help another person.   Everything from a toothbrush to a caring hug could truly change a life.   

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas.  May you and yours enjoy a holiday full of love, laughter and great joy!  

Searching for last minute Christmas gifts? These Mississippi-made items will thrill anyone on your list!