Day 4: Defining Love {31 Devotions in 31 Days}

"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:39

Many of the negative emotions we are bound to usually stem from a desire. This desire is either to be loved to or to show love. It could be a young adolescent daydreaming about prince charming, a housewife secretly wanting her marriage to go emotionally deeper or a mother's heart aching as she raises her children. While none of these situations are wrong, often times they provoke the wrong emotions. These can be guilt, shame, lust, depression, anxiety and so on. These are the emotions we are trying to cut ties from. These are the emotions that we are seeking deliverance from. These emotions that haunt our nights and consume our days...stealing our joy and happiness. That's what this challenge is trying to accomplish. To break the chains and set us free, for good.

When the word "love" comes up, it can spark many different definitions for different people. Memories and thoughts will flood our minds, which in turn showcases what we think love is and what love is not. In order to find the proper definition, we must go to the One who has defined love: The Lord Jesus Christ. For it is His demonstration of love that defines what it is in the greatest measure and who He is in the greatest depth.

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

1 Timothy 3:16

When we are in a relationship, the most important thing is knowing that person's name. It is second nature for us to call the names of our friends and family who we see often or have an association with. We don't have to think twice. It is engrained into our minds and when we see that person, that name will come into our thoughts. It is the greatest identification system ever created.

However, when we think of God, there is confusion as to what to call Him. What is God's name? When we hear of God, we usually hear of three main titles but we rarely hear of God having an actual name. These titles are the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost (or Spirit).

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

Ephesians 4:4-6

The Bible tells us that God is one, not three separate beings. Though God is the Father, and He is the Son and He is the Holy Ghost, He still needs to have One name. And that name is Jesus Christ!

Think of it like this. As a lady, you are someone's daughter. You may also be someone's sister and someone else's cousin. Those are three different titles: daughter, sister and cousin. Does that mean you are three different people? Absolutely not!

Those are your titles but they are under one name: yours! Your name may be Mary, for example, but you can be Mary the daughter, Mary the sister or Mary the cousin, depending on what you are doing and where you are. 

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14

Our great big God made Himself known to His creation by becoming a man and sacrificing His blood for us at Calvary. Our Father loves us so much, that He was willing to put limitations on Himself in order to be the pure Lamb, so that we have an opportunity to be cleansed of sin. How amazing is that?! God is the source of true love because He IS love! Love was defined at Calvary and can still be found when we humble ourselves and submit to Him. 

"Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God."

Isaiah 43:10-12

"Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 

Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am."

John 8:54-58

"And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you."

Exodus 3:13-14

"Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 

And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ."

1 Corinthians 10:1-4

The Lord Jesus Christ is the Great I AM! He was that spiritual Rock in Moses' day and He is still that spiritual Rock for us. His love knows no boundaries, no time frames, no limitations. Even though God took on physical limitations as a man, it never changed His Identity, Character or Person. He was always One and His Name was always the same. He was and is the Deity who thoroughly loves His children.

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

Reflection:
This world has truly perverted and distorted the real definition of love. Love is not wrapped in a hot night of passion. Love is not googly eyes from across the room. That is lust and human emotion. True love is defined at Calvary, where the Lord Jesus Christ died to cleanse you and I from sin, which includes unhealthy emotional bondage. Love is action and God demonstrated that in the highest form.

Action:
Now is the time to put aside our own thoughts, mindsets and desires to better understand the love of God. In order for us to love others, we must first love God and to do that, we must know Him. It will be through this knowledge that His truth will spring forth and consume the darkness that it holding us. The Bible says in Him is no darkness at all and that whom He sets free, will be free indeed!

Prayer:
Father, You are truly magnificent. Your power is infinite and Your abilities are astounding. I'm thankful for Your Plan and that it included salvation for us. We desire to know true love, in You. Lord Jesus, please show us who You really are, that we may understand the depth of Calvary. So that we may be washed clean from false teaching and idolatry. That we can receive a real revelation and be transformed. Thank You for becoming a man, for humbling Yourself and being obedient to the cross. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Who do you love in your life (besides God)?

If love is action, how do you show it?

Tomorrow's Devotion Topic: Our Expectations
For a full list of daily devotional topics & more information about 31 Devotion in 31 Days: Breaking The Chains, go here to read the original post.

UPDATE!! GET THE "BREAKING THE CHAINS" DEVOTIONAL EBOOK >>

Pencil Obsessed /// Illustrated Prints

"FRAYED" /// 8x10 matte print of original pencil illustration

It feels so good to be drawing again. I've come to the conclusion that no matter how I try, I cannot give up art. It was a nice break though. I was inspired and came back refueled. Today I just wanted to share with you two new prints that are available in the shop. They are called "FRAYED" and "Fancy." 

"Fancy" /// 8x10 matte print of original pencil illustration

Pencil illustrations are at the core of my passions. The simplicity of using a pencil on a blank piece of paper intrigues the heart. As a young girl, I delighted in smudged fingertips lost in imagination. As an adult, nothing much has changed except maybe inspiration. I'd love to know what you think of these latest works. 

Do you enjoy pencil drawings?

What is creative childhood memory of yours?

Count it All Joy {Even When You Don't Want To}

So life is looking a little sad right now.
Sad as in awful as in horrible.

Actually, I'm being super dramatic. Life is, well, life right now. Bad things happen, what can I expect? Do I think, just because I'm a child of God, bad things can't happen to me?
Don't we all think this sometimes! I don't know what Bible we are reading because every story about God's chosen people showcases them falling on hard times, whether it be before, during, or after their ministry.

Most of you know, I'm going through a financial desert. Out of respect for my husband and family, I don't like posting too much details. Another main reason is I don't want to waste my time talking about it...I'd rather pray about it!

You wanna know a fun fact? Okay maybe not that fun. I've had/have people actually get mad at me because I'm so positive during a storm! What the junk, right?
Here's how I see it: How is worrying going to change my circumstances? It's not!!
Trust me, I'm not perfect and am not a robot. That would be pretty sweet though.
My emotions boil over a lot and sometimes I foam at the mouth, and I have all my shots.
But time and time again, when I worry, I end up making my situations worse because I take the focus off of the One who is working in my life, and put it on the problem.

Worrying puts focus on the issue rather than the Healer!!

Here's how God puts it:
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:2-4

Humans are weird. We want to be rescued but a small part of us likes to suffer. We do! We become familiar in our worried thoughts, our negative attitudes and our sour mood. Then when someone has an answer or just a word of encouragement, we delight in bashing them. How dare they try and make me smile?! Psh... {ya'll know what I mean.}

But God doesn't want us to do that! He never said it will be easy but He did say He will never leave us, nor forsake us. Being positive is not being naive or blind to the problems...being positive is counting it all joy, even when we don't want to!!

I know each one of you has a trial right now. If you don't, you will soon. That's life! It's not about the problems, those are a given...it's about HOW you deal with them.

So choose. Do you want to make things worse by having a negative mindset? Or will you rather count it all joy, so that God's perfect work can take root in your heart? Me? I will count it all joy, even if people scowl at my rejoicing! Besides...it's kinda funny to see them get mad that I'm not mad...pretty ironic...

If you have a storm right now, I'd love to pray for you. Comment below xoxo

The Palace Keepers {My Book Highlighted}

Some of you awesome peeps may have noticed the last couple of Sunday devotionals I've posted have been excerpts from my new book, The Palace Keepers. While thinking about a Monday blog post, it came to my mind that this past weekend, I received a phone call from a local pastor's wife. She had just finished reading the book and wanted me to come next month to speak to the ladies at her church...I cannot tell you the perfect timing for this phone call.

Lately, my heart has been really heavy. Like super-duper loaded. Spiritually I feel like I'm just getting by; almost like my head is completely below the water but I'm trying to breath through a straw...does that makes sense? Anyway, when I hung up the phone after she called, I felt so joyful (at least for a moment lol) It was as if Jesus was letting me know that even though I was going through tough times, He still has a calling on my life and a purpose to fulfill. Thank the Lord!

As I prepare to minister, I want to share with you a little about my book, since that's what has been on my mind:

The Palace Keepers are people who protect the purity of their hearts by, not just protecting only their heart, but their entire palace. Our palaces consist of our minds, thoughts, decisions, heart and body.  It is through the process of purifying our entire palace that we can preserve the pure and cleanliness of our heart.

God showed me that the modern Christian society has focused so much on the physical, that we are losing the basic fact that we need to watch our emotions. We cannot protect the body first and the heart second, that's a backwards system!

With The Palace Keepers book, you will learn through Bible scriptures, Bible & real life stories, thought provoking questions and insights that King Jesus is waiting for us to put Him in the Throne Room of our heart. He has called us to be our own Palace Keepers and we cannot give that job away! If we do, that means we allow other people to control our emotions and ultimately our hearts...and that can do SO much damage!

So take a moment today to pray and ask the Lord to reveal the emotional state of your heart. Have you been a good Palace Keeper or have you given that job away and need to reclaim it?
The book is available on Amazon/Kindle, which is compatible with any tablet or pc. Also in classic paperback form through my ministry website.

I'm not pushing this book for the money. There is a message that needs to be addressed and it is my job, my calling, to get it out! The purity if our hearts is so important and this book will help each of us in the process.

Have you ever heard of emotional purity?

Do you feel like you can relate to a book like this?

Would love to hear your thoughts! Comment below, please :)

xoxo

Hello Emotions, meet Postpartum

I was wondering what was going to write about today and then it hit me...a flood of emotions, that is.
Ugh.

Don't you just wish sometimes you had an off button? I mean, I know most of our husbands do {well I'm sure mine does anyway, and I don't blame him!} but REALLY?! I'm happy-go-lucky one minute, then stinkin' evil-selfish-bratface the next! {If that was a super hero name, I'd totally be it. Not sure what my powers may be though...somewhere along the lines of crying because the house is a mess and public humiliation for my family...}

I was SO in denial when the doctor had warned, while pregnant with David, that after birth I could experience some serious depression and emotions. Who, this girl? *insert two thumbs here* pshhhh.
Yeah well, guess what? That stuff is NO joke!! I'm already an emotional person {duh female} but depression? me? No way, I had thought. I never really was depressed a day in my life! {aka 28 years} I tried to be positive, upbeat and happy!

Lately though the emotional roller coaster seems to have gone from medium to flippin' insane in 0.5 seconds. I know it "will pass" but man, when you are in this heavy tornado of tears and meltdowns, you can't help but feel so lonely like you are the only person that has EVER felt this way. Why do we think that??! I mean, right?! How many women in history have gone through things, and for whatever reason, we always think (because it's happening to innocent us) that we are the only ones that have experienced something haha
I am so glad to know that Jesus understands what I'm going through. No, not because He was pregnant and had postpartum...even worse, He died on the cross and suffered shame! Christ felt emotions too; loneliness, despair, maybe even defeat at times...but you know what? He prevailed!! There was victory!!

So today, as I'm sitting here debating about whether I should cry or laugh, Jesus is also here by my side, saying:

"Daughter, my heart was heavy once too. I can feel what you feel; see what you see. Just hold on and take things slow. Hold my hand, because I'm not going anywhere. When you feel alone, remember my Voice and be soothed. When you feel overwhelmed, remember I carried the cross and died to lift off those burdens. When you are sad, troubled, confused, emotionally drained...remember with me, you shall never be faint or weary, as long as you run under my wings! I love you and will never let you go!"

Man, we serve an awesome God!!

Don't forget to thank Him today

{even if you are a evil-selfish-bratface}

Sunday Devotion: Your Self-Worth

Yup, you’ve been there. 

Staring in the mirror, thinking, My God, are you serious? Why did You make me look like this? If you have never had this encounter, you are either headless or a ghost, or perhaps both. For me, I didn’t like my smile, my body, or my unique quirks. Basically everything! I thought I was weird and awkward. Most of the time, I still do. 

God has created you in a special way.

He formed everything about you: your looks, personality, talents, and essence. It’s easy to think that we have to look to other people in order to define who we are. What is even more amazing is that God has called us to be someone and yet we often feel very inadequate because of how we perceive our self-worth.

As a Christian, I know that the word “self” needs to be handled with care. We are not called “Self-tian” though we do act like that. To be a Christian is to be “Christ-like.” We have this life for Jesus, to glorify Him. If we are so busy looking at our “self,” our focus gets taken off Christ. 

Self-worth is the value of what you perceive you are worth as a person. To be “worth” something, we have to have a price. If we feel a high level of self-worth, we seem to have higher standards and expect a higher level of respect. If we have low self-worth, we feel like we have no value and no respect.

I used to think that my self-worth depended on the people around me, that if I measured up to certain people who I thought had a higher level of self-worth, it would somehow, miraculously rub off on me. What that did was just cause me to feel worse about myself as a person! I felt like a fake and a loser. I was trying to measure my value by comparing it to other humans.

            The amazing thing is, we can look at the Scriptures, and Jesus lets us know exactly how much each of us are worth!

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).

God reminds us that each of us has worth; true worth. How do we know? By looking at the price that Jesus paid for our opportunity of salvation! We can measure our true worth by what He has done for all of us: becoming the sacrifice for our sins so that we may have eternal life!

            Jesus died for us on the cross at Calvary, shedding His own blood for His precious sons and daughters. Surely through that revelation we see how much we are worth. When we look at our self-worth, we usually compare ourselves to others, and that is how we determine what our value is. This is awful to do because we are all humans and are all guilty of sin. Why do we seek approval and measurement of worth from each other? When we realize that the price for our salvation was paid by His blood because of how much He loves us, that’s when we see our true worth in Jesus. He thought we were worth His own life!

 

Through the love that Jesus has shown, through His selfless sacrifice for us, we grow to love our God. Your self-worth is not defined by what others say and do; it’s defined by what Jesus said and did!

- Excerpt from Chapter 6  of my new book "The Palace Keepers: Protecting the Purity of the Heart", available here for Kindle/iPad/Tablet users or here in paperback

Dear David... {From Mom AND Friend: Letter 3}

I've started a series of letters to my little baby boy, that hopefully one day he will get to read and (hopefully) be inspired by (if not embarrassed by)

DEAR DAVID...

Recently the topic has comes up a few times about parents, especially moms, claiming they are not suppose to be friends with their children, only the parent. Now you are only a few months old now so you haven't had much drama in your life for me to sift through...however, David, this is mommys opinion...

I remember being a self-conscious, emotional teenager who needed a friend...and not just a friend to have fun with, but most importantly, to listen and give advice. I've been told that famous phrase "I'm not your friend, I'm your parent" and quite frankly, it hurt my heart. You see, son, when you are in need of ears to hear your situation or even to vent frustrations about life, you will go everywhere to find that someone who will stop what they are doing and pay attention. I want that person to be me!

So here's are my thoughts. Yes, I am your mother first BUT your friend second!! I do not have to eliminate that position just because I'm your authority and disciplinarian...I want you to feel comfortable to talk to me about anything, without the fear of me being "all business." I feel being your friend IS part of being a mother! I don't get it when someone claims they will never be their child's friend...to mommy, this is a sad statement and they are missing out on getting to know the child as a person, not just their son or daughter.

I want to know you as a human being, an individual, not just a title of son. You have your own heart and if that breaks, who will you run to? At first, I pray it's Jesus, for He heals the brokenhearted...but second, I pray it's either me or daddy (not so secretly, me first...) Most kids will run to their friends first because most of the time, the parents have never established a friendship with them. What kind of advice/counseling can  another teenager give? Most are dealing with their own problems! And though it's great to relate with someone of the same age, it is even better to go to a seasoned parent, who has been through the fire and has come out victorious. Does this make sense?

So, David boy, I want to say that you can come and talk to me anytime. Without fear of judgment or typical adult criticism. I may not be perfect and neither my advice, however I am your mother, and it's part of my job to know where you are at, mentally, emotionally and spiritually...and if you are off base, it's my job to listen to your words and your heart, to guide you towards the right choices/decisions and most of all, to be a Christ-like example of what a friend should be.

Love Always,

Mom

{JJ&M} journaling series: Take a Chance

 

{entries are edited to protect names & identities}

10/28/07

Will you take a chance?

I don't want my last breath to be, "Please God, have mercy on me. I'm so sorry for not putting you first and not allowing you to work on me."

I would rather say "Thank you Jesus for my righteous and prosperous life. Thank you for my loved ones and most of all Father, thank you for working in my life. I'm coming home." What are you gonna say?

You can gamble with your life but don't gamble with your soul. 

This isn't fake. When people receive the Holy Ghost, it's not fake. When I feel His presence and it changes me, that's not fake. When I open the Book and read the word, what is revealed to me is not fake. And even if it is, if this is all a mistake, it still can't be as fake as what's in the world already!

So if I'm a faker, well at least I have morals, dignity and lived as a respectful lady. At least I lived with respect and love. Not many people can say that, even some in this church, I'm sure. But you know what?

I can't lie to myself. I can't leave this church and deny all that has happened, writing it off as some conspiracy. I can't lie to myself and say I haven't changed since coming here.

If you say you're a Christian but have not seen any changes in your life, then you are not a Christian. We are going to always grow because He is always molding us into the final product He wants us to be.

I can't lie to myself and take that chance.

Would you? Better yet...are you?

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Dear David... {Prayer Works: Letter 2}

I've started a series of letters to my little baby boy, that hopefully one day he will get to read and (hopefully) be inspired by (if not embarrassed by)

DEAR DAVID...

I feel this letter needs to go back to a basic principle.
Mommy didn't have the same upbringing as daddy did. He was blessed enough to be brought up in the presence of God, something I did not really feel or even understand until I was 22. I had values and morals, and was God-conscience, but I had never really felt His Spirit. It all started with prayer...and that's what I'd like to talk to you about.


I am already praying that you will be a better David than the one in the Bible. Don't feel pressured, sweetie!! Mommy is not trying to say that she expects you to be this amazing warrior...actually, mommy has been praying that if you are anything of a warrior, to be a warrior of love. We know our family can be, well, prideful. Thick-headed. Stubborn. Argumentative. You know I'm talking about both sides!
You are half French and Hispanic...I feel for ya kid...
But seriously, I've been praying that all that passionate emotion will be used for God's glory! Can you imagine what would happen if we took all of the fire inside and used it for the Kingdom?
I know! So mommy has been praying that you will be different and break this vicious cycle...

You will go through trials and will have to learn the power of prayer on your own. This is not something I think I'll ever be prepared for, because learning means you have to make mistakes first. I don't want my baby boy to make mistakes! But you will...and we can pray through them together, but ultimately, you will have to establish your own prayer life.

To inspire you, mommy has a story to tell. It the year 2011 that you were conceived; actually, about a month or so before. I was a camp counselor at church camp, for the junior girls. Yeah, I know...junior girls can be a little crazy. Anyways we had this BIG tornado warning...the sky turned black and everything! It was really scary especially because we were all waiting outside in line so that we could eat. The clouds swirled over our heads and the light started to fade...
Of course, the girls started to get a little frightened. Mommy could see in their faces that they were confused and terrified. Many of their parents were miles away, and the only ones who could comfort them were the counselors. And God.
Mommy prayed a short prayer for wisdom. I had to help them get their minds off the scary stuff, even though we didn't know what was going to happen. Jesus led me to gather the girls together in a prayer circle and hold hands. Girls that didn't even like each other huddled together without thinking twice. In a calm tone, I said:

"Okay girls, we are going to pray now. I know you are scared...I am too but we know that God has all the power and can take care of us. Right?" They all nodded their heads eagerly, as water droplets started to fall from above. We closed our eyes and prayed for God to have His way...for Jesus to protect us...for the storm to pass over...for everyone to be safe...for the Lord to be with us...


Then we heard someone shout. The tornado was headed right for the camp!!
The counselors tried to keep their groups together but just as we started rushing towards the safe building, a huge crash of thunder scared everyone, and started a stampede. Kids and adults started running all over the place! The clouds opened wide and dumped about an ocean of water, in big drops and splashes!
Mommy was so nervous because she wanted her girls safe but the group had split up. All I could do was run towards the safe building, gathering up as many of my girls as I could. One girl broke down in a panic, screaming for her mom...it echoed through the harsh wind...
Once inside, every person was told to go to the basement...and wait. Thankfully everyone was accounted for. While down there, the lights flickered and we lost power multiple times. The girls were cold, wet and scared. "Oh Lord," I thought, "please keep us safe."

After what seemed like forever we finally got good news...the tornado missed the entire camp ground!!
Somehow, someway, it went right AROUND us and took a different route before disappearing. No one was injured and our families outside of the camp were okay. The girls cheered and jumped for joy!
We were given the okay to call our family, allow the kids to call theirs and then continue our schedule.

The entire time we were at the cafeteria, I could not stop smiling as I overheard the conversations of my girls. It wasn't terror they were talking about...the girls were sharing with everyone how they had prayed and their prayers were answered! I overheard one girl tell an entire table of junior boys "I was really scared, but then Sis Jacy said we were going to pray and we all held hands, and prayed, and then the tornado went away!"

It wasn't me, David. We serve the all powerful God Almighty! I only yielded to His Spirit and encouraged the girls to do the same through prayer. There is power in prayer, son! Sometimes, yes, it will feel a bit silly to you. You may feel overwhelmed, lonely, confused, self conscious and whatever else. but I want you to know that God is always with you and prayer is a way of communication. Keep the lines open and eventually the storm will pass!!

"Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."

Psalms 5:1-3 

Love Always,

Mom

{JJ&M} journaling series: Pieces to the Puzzle

 

{entries are edited to protect names & identities}

10/18/07

I would be a fool to not thank the Lord every day for the blessings I have in my life.

Through the struggles and the fog, He has been my guidance and light. I have been revealed a lot about myself, my lifestyle and state of mind.

Something shifted and a good thing went into the right place. I feel somewhat whole now. There's a few pieces to the puzzle missing, but patience is a new thing I'm swallowing.

The best things that happen to people come with time. I want to do things the right way and that will make everything else feel right. I will have more appreciation for what happens in my life. I really am blessed, Though financially I might not be so great, that doesn't matter to the Lord. 

I am pleased because I know I'm pleasing Him and I will receive good things in His time. I already have many good things and I'm not asking for much. I can wait until it's time...it will be beautiful...

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It's Official...I'm a Self-Published Author!!

"Wow."

That's all I could say when I burst open the box of books that sat in my foyer. I couldn't wait to see all of the hard work, hours of study and prayer, compacted in 170 pages, bound in a glossy cover with my original artwork gracing it. Then I saw my name at the bottom...

You know, being a writer was always something I wanted to do. I just was so self-conscious as a kid, and used my writing mostly to journal and create poetry. Plus, my art skills were developed first so I was excited about that exceeding. Also, the "real world" usually tries to convince young minds that something as different and cool as being an author or an artist were dream jobs, but not realistically attainable.

Well I want to tell the "real world" that dreams are real and they can come true!! The awesome part of my story is that I didn't get to write what I originally wanted. Hear me out. I used to write mysteries and sometimes graphic stories. That all changed when one night, I had an experience with the The Great Creator and Author, the Lord Jesus Christ!

He let me know that He loved me and that He would deliver me from my sins. He gave me a vision and set me on a path that transformed my life, and heart. This is not just a book...this is a piece of my re-birth in Christ. You will find my entire testimony in the foreword...

It's called "The Palace Keepers" and it's about emotional purity, a subject that NEEDS to be addressed in this generation. Enough talking, here is the book summary and where you can pick up your very own copy! It's also available as a Kindle edition, which is compatible with the most popular electronic devices...

"In her debut, new author Jacy Lee Pulford brings forth “the most overlooked problem today” of emotional purity. This book features her personal testimony, thought-provoking questions and Biblical references to help us gain the right knowledge in keeping a clean heart. Learn about how a physical palace relates to our spiritual palace; our mind (The Gate), our thoughts (The Courtyard), our decisions (The Foyer), our hearts (The Throne Room) and our bodies (The Grounds). Find out who King Jesus really is, what He expects of us as our own Palace Keeper and equip yourself with the right tools, such as The Word, Prayer, Obedience and Discernment.
In a generation where sin in glorified and purity is mocked, protecting only your body is not enough. Purity is more than just sexual abstinence. Influences are trying to enter your palace, but King Jesus has assigned you an important job to take care of what goes in and out. He has called you to be a Palace Keeper…are you ready?"

FOR SALE NOW!

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{JJ&M} journaling series: NEED TO REMEMBER

 

{entries are edited to protect names & identities}

10/07/07

*NEED TO REMEMBER*

* God is my life because He gave His life for me and I must be thankful and give Him praise because He is the One and only truth and love.

* He will never give up on me, so I must never give up on Jesus.

* Just because I don't feel He's there, doesn't mean He's not. God is always there for me and I must be thankful.

* Nothing and no one comes before the Lord, my God, Jesus.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 7:33

* Remember to put God first, and He will reward us graciously. But do it for God because He is worthy and not for our benefit. Just know things will get better if we turn to Jesus first.*

"IN THEE, O LORD, DO I PUT MY TRUST:

LET ME NEVER BE PUT TO CONFUSION"

Psalms 71:1

"Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress."

Psalms 71:3

Accepting the past and things in our loved ones lives that may have been negative, need not to be dwelled upon. For that can and may become part of your struggle, and not your victory.
It becomes a battle of our self-conscious minds and not a battle with the memory. Jealousy is evil; we must not let the light in our lives turn green, but we must keep it white.

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{JJ&M} journaling series: Let it go...and laugh!

 

{entries are edited to protect names & identities}

10/04/07


Thank you Jesus for another day. I am so thankful and hopeful, at least lately. I know I am blessed to have a relationship with the Lord and that He has given me things in my life that are meant to help me grow as a person and a Christian.
Jonathan is an awesome person, friend and companion. I know our friendship and relationship is a gift from God. We need each other and we love each other. I am so happy to have someone that really cares for me, and takes care of me. I know I'm a pain sometimes and I'm so gracious that Jonathan puts up with my antics or whining. I love him so much and every day it grows. It's going to be amazing when we hit those milestones that couple's have. I am so excited for those!
I need to stop worrying about if we are going to last or not because my gut feeling says yes, but my mind is messing me up. The only One who knows is the Lord, Jesus Christ. And I have confidence in my God and that He will do great things for us, as long as we serve Him.

I am closer to God right now then I ever have been. It's been a good four days that I have felt His presence and I am starting to understand things more, and not be so serious. Of course, there are some things we need to be serious about, but I need to just let it go sometimes, and laugh. I can't forget to do that and have fun!

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{JJ&M} journaling series: The Sea of Life...

 

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9/07/07


The sea of life.
Is it meant to have so many waves, or do we create more than are suppose to be? I believe when we try and do things our way, instead of letting things be, then we cause unnecessary things to happen. We are the ones that make life harder. Not the Lord.
Even though following His way can be hard, we know in our hearts it's the right thing. We don't always know if following our way is right. So why do we? Because we're human. Our own free will is just as much of a curse as a gift.  We love it and hate it, at the same time.

God's timing is everything. Our timing is nothing. We will always want "more" or "now"...but we will never know when or how things will end up. He does. He knows. So, we must trust the Lord.

I pray for patience. The patience that everything that I believe will happen, will in time. The patience so I can live for now, today, instead of dwelling into the future. The passion I have inside, I've never had before. So this love that I have is deeper than anything, and I can't help but crave the future and what this love can bring. I want certain things more than ever...it hurts when I think about it. And just thinking about how that love is returned, it's incredible.

I pray for patience...the day we want, will come... <3

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{JJ&M} journaling series: Thoughts in Poems, Part 2

 

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7/13/07

My Prayer
Since I don't know what to do,
I leave it up to you
Majesty of faith,
What is my fate?
It must be a good thing,
Look at all the joy you bring
Who am I or who will I be?
Majesty of charity,
I feel you near me
Can you open my eyes to see?
Restart my heart to breathe?
Suffocating for a world that turned it's back,
I keep spinning & losing where I'm at
Majesty of eternity,
Can you please stop me?
Before I hurt someone I love,
Before I lose myself...

Point Blank Range

 Pointed like a knife,

Sharp and right

Who turned off the light?

Tossing during the quiet night,

Uneasy is blessed with a guilty conscience

Deep in the chest of the innocent

Point blank range,

Corrupt and deranged

Need to start a new page, but their all full

Like a sheep with no wool

Out of the water, I guess I'm a fish

That doesn't mean I can't still wish

Curled up in a ball of love,

Praying to the One above

Feeling the familiarity

Notice the insecurity

Stab it in the center,

Then everything will

be better...

Naive

The power of persuasion,

Leave no room for compensation

It's a lose, lose situation

Feel the vibration,

Of the influential drums

Go with it,

Until you've become numb...

Spirit Parade

A wave

A spirit parade

Peace be with you

Inside the flesh grave

The wind blows

Slow, at first

Now feel the burst

Tears stream like a stream

Down the seam of an eye

Hold onto the night

As the warmth swarms up the arms,

and into the heart

He presents His presence

and it has yet to part...

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Dear David... {Letter #1 Girl Advice}

I've decided I love blogging about my life and what great things God is doing. One HUGE blessing is this little jumping bean inside my tummy :) His name is David and I can't wait to meet him! 5 weeks left, ah! So I want to start a series of letters to my little baby boy, that hopefully one day he will get to read and (hopefully) be inspired by (if not embarrassed by)

DEAR DAVID...

You don't know this yet but you will be what this world calls a stud. How do I know this? Well, just look at your parents! Actually, the idea of girls swooning after my baby boy is making mommy a little nervous. You see, whether you want to admit it or not, mommy is a girl. I know I'll be known for wiping your bottom and runny nose but I know firsthand how girls can be when it comes to boys. Believe me, we can be crazy & nuts!

So I'm going to list some things you should always be careful of when it comes to the ladies. Remember, mommy loves you and wants to protect you. I don't want you to grow up in a bubble but I want my boy to be smart and aware...okay? Okay.

1.) Watch your words

David, girls will hang on every word a guy says if they like them. Please, for the love of Moses, be careful what you say to a girl especially if you know she likes you. Don't make her feel like you like her back if you don't BUT don't be mean either. Be the nice little boy Jesus called you to be; a sweet gentleman with sweet words.

2.) Respect her even if she doesn't respect herself

Many girls don't understand good or bad. That doesn't mean you can go ahead and abandon what we've taught you about respecting girls. They are princesses of the King and need to be treated like royalty. Speak kindly even if she speaks foul. Respect her entire palace: mind, thoughts, decisions, heart and body...not just what SHE will allow...respect all of it! Sometimes girls act on emotions and will think they have to say or do certain things to get a guy's attention. Always remember this: one day, she will be someone's wife...so treat her like she's already taken.

3.) Play nice

Boys can play rough with one another, I know that. You will witness daddy and uncle Nikko probably wrestling in the living room or being really competitive during a session of Wii boxing. When you play with girls, you can't play with them like that. Sure playing games are fun, I'm not being negative, son. Just remember that your tolerance of this sort of thing is wayyyy different than a girls. It's not that we are weak and helpless...you know your mommy is definitely not! It goes back to the respect thing; she's still a lady and you cannot hit her even if she is beating you like crazy in Mario Cart.

Here are some quick things to keep in mind also:

- Use your manners, even if she belches like a 200 lb man

- Only call her names that are classy & flattering, not vulgar & disrespectful

- See her as your fellow sister in Christ not just a pretty face

- When she cries, don't laugh. Ask her what is wrong and listen.

- A kiss is one of the most important things to a girl's heart; save it for the right one!

- Dating is like an interviewing process for marriage; be selective

- If she's angry, that means her feelings are hurt. Make things right.

- No spitting, biting, hitting, throwing, shouting, slapping, kicking etc. or you will have to answer to daddy!

I can probably go all day and list things for you. Hopefully, I can be the type of mother that you admire and look up to as an example of what a godly woman should be. I want you to come to me with any questions you have about girls because, after all, I still am one :)

Love Always,

Mom

Sunday Devotion: Emotional Purity

"Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life."

Proverbs 4:23

In the past four years, the Lord has placed a message on my heart about, well, the heart. He used my own testimony to teach me something...this is what lead me to write "The Palace Keepers", a book about protecting the purity of the heart. It's also available in e-book form. 

The main thing God showed me is that purity is not only about our bodies but that true purity starts in the heart! Sometimes Christianity spends so much effort and time on telling young people that they must abstain from sexual sin, which is of course necessary and true, but they don't tell them HOW to do it.

We try and "reform" our ways, but since the main issue lies in our emotions, we tend to go back to the sin and never fully get over it.

Emotional purity is the clean state of our emotional health. If we know we have to keep our bodies clean and healthy, why don't we think that same way about our hearts?

Let's break down Proverbs 4:23:

"Keep thy heart..."

This means it's OUR job, to make sure it is following the Lord. But how?

"...with all diligence..."

Be responsible and accountable. Ask God every day how to guard your heart and obey Him at all times.

But why?

"...out of it are the issues of life."

Because our heart can create and lead us into different situations and we need to be ready now!

Jeremiah 17:9 tells us:

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" 

Today, think about your heart and it's health.

What sort of things are you pouring into it? What kind of music are you listening to, or movies you are watching? Who is your heart attaching to? Are they following the Lord or leading you astray?

Purity of your emotions is so important! If you don't protect your heart, you will eventually allow someone else to have control over it, and thus, they end up controlling your emotions.

Pray and ask God to reveal what you can do so protect the purity of your heart!