Change is Awesome.

Whoa. Two posts in one day. That's a change!

I know I've strung you loyal readers along on a string of changes these last couple of years. Heck, just the past six months! Looking back, I was confused. I didn't fit into a certain "niche." It's true. I was torn between being a Christian and being a business owner. In between being a writer and being an artist.

God has been really showing me lately that I shouldn't lean on my own understanding. I know we memorize and say that scripture but it became real. Every decision made should bring Him glory and I should be thankful. Assumptions causes foolish leaps. Zeal makes you do crazy things. Often to act irrational and without planning. I admit, I don't plan as well as I should. I get excited about an idea and boom! There I go doing it.

I finally found my niche and it was inside of me this entire time. My niche is to inspire! Through everything I do, these talents I've been blessed with, this little blog space...whether it's with a recipe, devotion, home project...it's all meant to inspire you. To spark positivity within you. And show how awesome He is.

So, my friends, this blog is no longer "Art By Jacy". It has officially been changed to "Jacy Lee Pulford". Not super fancy but I want this space to encompass all of my passions. The old blog url (www.artbyjacy.com) is no more. The new one is http://www.jacyleepulford.com! Not just art. Not just writing. But ALL of it! I'm not going to put limits on myself, assuming that's what God's wants. I know now, that is not true.

He is limitless. I hope you can forgive me for the yoyo effect over the last year or so. I also hope that you will join me in this new adventure. I'll be adding fashion illustrations back into my shop and will be working on some freebie graphics for you to download to spruce up your blog. No more holding back. No more hiding my talents. No more hiding a light under a bushel. I'm ready to set the world on fire (figuratively speaking.) 

Are you ready for this change?

I want some honest feedback!

What is the least favorite thing about this blog?

What is your absolute favorite thing about this blog?

New Poetry E-Book Launch!

On Monday June 10th, my personal poetry project {say that 10 times fast} will be available for purchase and download in the shop!

"Conversion of a Heart" showcases personal and deep poetry from artist/author Jacy Lee Pulford. Extracted from her journal as a young convert, the poetry tells an emotional story of what goes through someone's mind and heart when they have to give up all that they've ever known, for a God who has called them. Using original photography to create beautiful imagery to complement each poem, this is sure to be a delightful and inspiring read.

This 31-page collection of poetry is from my journal as I first came to the Lord. Each poem is a piece of my testimony puzzle and sheds an emotional, artistic light into the mind and heart of a new convert. I hope and pray that this book will touch the hearts of those who feel lost, broken, alone, scared and yet hopeful. We are all a work in progress and each journey is different. This is my story, through poems.

I'd love to hear your honest thoughts. Feel free to email any reviews to jacy@artbyjacy.com

Words to Remember....

So, here we are. Just a few days left, and my Facebook/Twitter & this Blog will be done. Closed. All gone.

I am sure in the future I will be back. But I have to say, I am excited about this new journey! I mean I just look back at the last couple of years and all the things I've learned. God is truly remarkable and I have no doubt that this avenue I'm about to walk on will lead to even greater knowledge!

This more than likely will be my last post. I will be working more on my upcoming books (anyone love a good Christian love story? what about some advice from an accomplished author?) and on my online art shop {do you see that awesome painting above?? It's my latest, "Say Cheese." You can pre-order your print here and get 20% off!}

I will still be advertising on awesome blogs and will still have my Google account to follow my favs. Blogging will always be a part of me, it's just I really don't have time to keep up with my own one...

So before I say goodbye, I wanted you to please take a minute to sign up for my art + ministry newsletter! It won't be spammy, promise, just about one email a month to update you on what is new in my shop and any news I need to share. You can unsubscribe at any time but this will help us stay connected and you in the loop with my business. There will also be special discounts and giveaways just for newsletter subscribers, so what do you have to lose?! Take a minute to sign up below.

You guys have been amazing, to say the least. I adore each one of you and appreciate your dedication to this blog. You are all more like friends and I know this isn't a final goodbye...more like a "see ya next time!"

So, smile for the camera and say cheese...because you look lovely today :) 

May the Lord bless you and your family in 2013!

I will leave you with some words I'd like you to remember in this new year:

God is always Sovereign, no matter what you or I think.
Follow Him and you will never be confused!
Obey the Word, it is the final say.
Love each other more than life itself. 
Surround yourself with positive people; and pray for the negative ones.
Look up, not down; aim high, not low.
In all things, honor your Father which watches all you say & do.
Be a blessing and be blessed.
Be pure in heart and you shall see the Lord.
Smile often. It scares people.
Laugh at the little things, it will make you wiser.
When you feel alone, remember Christ was alone on the cross to bear your sorrow!
His blood covers ALL sin; not just the ones you want to give up.
Have faith by having a relationship.
BE A LIGHT ON A HILL!! 
Spend more time with family than with social media.
Give your home more love than strangers. You will be held accountable.
Watch your words, they cut deeper than the sharpest swords.
Be humble like a child; let them be your teacher and you the student.
Grow from mistakes, but not grow bitter.
Forgive early, find peace early.
and finally...
BLOG WHAT YOU LOVE NOT WHAT YOU THINK OTHERS WILL LOVE!!

XOXO
~JACY~

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Mommy Changes & Fears

                        

Today, I feel like being transparent.

Not because my skin is pale or anything...that's another story all together.

I'm getting a little nervous and, well, scared.

I was okay the first two trimesters of my pregnancy, but now that it's getting down to the wire, everything is getting so real...real fast too.

My mind has been spinning with different thoughts and yeah, I know God will guide me through mommyhood....but truth is, my human mentality can't help but go over all of my weaknesses...

What if I drop him?

What if I teach him the wrong things?

What if I lash out at him with my temper?

Can I be the mommy he needs?

Can I show him what a Christian woman should be?

Can I teach him to love Jesus no matter what?

Will I be able to show him unconditional love?

Will I show him the right way to treat people?

Am I ready to be super selfless?

Am I ready to put his needs first?

Can I show him what it means to pray?

Will I know how to communicate with him?

  Source: Uploaded by user via Jacy on Pinterest

I haven't been up all night with my thoughts, but while I'm busy with my day {blogging, cleaning, designing} something will just pop in from the back of my subconscious and it makes me stop in my tracks...

 

I'm not even a "real" mom yet and I'm leaning on Jesus already! We need someone to guide us and teach us. We need that hope, that solid Rock, a place where our feet are planted as this world shifts around our child...if I'm unstable in faith, my son will be too...

The one thing that keeps me from going insane, is knowing that my Jesus doesn't change...though I will. I will have to change to be the mommy my boy needs me to be...I will have to change in order to adjust to this new schedule and life...I need to change for this new role...

Luckily no matter how much I change, He stays the same...and that thought is the best one yet!!