A 16-year-old Heart {Devotion}

I've realized something.

This year will mark 30 years that this heart of mine has been beating. It is hard to comprehend, really. I look at who I am and I know I should be way more mature. If you think I'm kidding, just ask around! On the other hand, I am way beyond where I thought I would ever be. And that's a good thing.

At church this past Sunday, a teenage friend of mine was crying. She was hurt, wounded...scared. I could tell beyond her beautiful tear-soaked face that there was a heart full of questions and a mind that yearned for the answers. I truly wish I had them for her.

But as I held her, through the sobs and the embrace, God reminded me just how fragile an adolescent heart is. And how my heart is still very much like a 16-year old girl. I don't think I could ever forget how it feels to be rejected or made fun of. How it feels to have a waterfall of emotion flooding into your system and no way of turning it off except to sit in your room and cry. Or write pages of journal entries. Or even paint away the pain. That was one of the reasons I started creating artwork. It was therapy. Who knows where I would be if I didn't have art to pour into at such a sensitive age.

My heart will never forget the first relationships it clung to. Or the people who accepted every weird part of me. And the ones who did not. Deep inside every adult, there is a teenager somewhere. A little bit of that life still exists. I can see it even in the most mature human beings.

Many of us still yearn to belong. To mean something to someone. To be loved. And in our hearts, we seek to be relevant in a world that is constantly changing what is cool and what isn't.

I prayed with her that morning. Not because I wanted to be seen but I wanted her to know that God sees her and knows what she needs. He sees every insecurity and every drop of water from our eyes. And He is here with open arms, saying:

"You may not understand but I do. Give me your fragile heart and I will heal it. Give me your battered heart and I will protect it. No matter what this world says, you are loved because I said so...and proved it."

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."

Psalm 62:5-8

Dear David...{The Sky Is NOT The Limit: Letter 7}

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

Dear David...

There is a saying that many people use to try and encourage someone. Though I am sure the intentions are good, mommy has a different perspective.

It says: "The sky is the limit."

No. Sorry, son, it is NOT the limit. You see, when people say this, they don't really know what they are saying. It sounds good but the saying itself is very limited thinking. How can we tell people that the sky is as far as they can go? What about the stars? The universe?

As your mother and as an adult example I want to say:
"Why limit yourself to the sky when you can be among the stars and the heavens!"

Don't limit yourself by playing it safe. Reach higher, go farther, shine brighter!!
God made you in a special way. If you choose to follow His will and allow Him to guide you, there is no limit because through God, opportunities are limitless.

The sky is NOT the limit...it is only the beginning.
Don't settle for the limits other people may put on you. God is more powerful than that. You can do the incredible and the impossible because with God, ALL is possible! Nothing is too much, too hard, too great, too far for Him and we are well able to reach the stars and explore His glorious universe through His power and greatness.

Son, you are my shining star. In my darkest nights, your face is the light that shows me there is hope. Go be that and more to someone else. When you grow older, I don't ever want that light to dull or for your shine to be buffed away. My mommy bear instincts are already taking over as I write this because people will try. They will try to tell you that you can't go higher than the sky. They will whisper in your sweet ears that there is a line into greatness that you cannot cross. They will shout that you are not good enough, smart enough, handsome enough...

...and they are wrong. All wrong. Take those emotions inside, the yucky feeling they dumped on you and building yourself the tallest most beautiful latter! Past the sky, past the first star, past the first planet...and keep going and going and going...until God tells you "You are right where I want you."

Baby, don't settle for the sky when God created so, so much more...

Love,
Mom

Linking up here:

Just Do It.

When I was a little girl, I didn't think too much before diving into something. It brought both good and bad consequences.

One of the most important things I've learned during these past few months of stepping back from the blog world is that if your heart is swelling to do something, just do it. I've wasted so much time thinking, planning, scheming...and though a plan is a great thing and caution is necessary, getting hands on is really where the experience is.

So, I'm not going to say the words. I will not exclaim "I'm back". What I will do is allow this little space of blogging bliss be exactly what it was meant to be: a place to inspire. A place to be creative with my words. A place where I can show people that Jesus is real and He loves them. A place where I can just DO and make a difference.

I'm finally finding my niche. My hands were in a lot of creative pots but right now, I'm simplifying. And I hope you will join me. I am a writer. From the deep, I plunge into this passion and I am cleaning out the scum from the water.

This is the new blog. The new Jacy. I am no longer on the fence, wondering where to go or where to begin. I've jumped off, head first into destiny. I am defining myself. I was caught up in adorning this space with flashy accessories, like giveaways and sponsorships. And though I believe in those things, I didn't know how to properly wear them.

One thing that has stood during these emotional earthquakes is inspiration. The bottom line, the overall essence, the fullness of this site is to inspire the heart. I want to inspire you. To be great. To soar high and never look back. To leave the past and let it be just that. To move forward and embrace the peace. Will you stay with me as I redefine this place?

No One Will Ever Love You {a devotional project}

As a young love-sick adolescent, I've often had the thought that no one would ever love me. Have you? Today I can say that my husband loves me, my son loves me and my family loves me. Not because of what I do but because of who I am. They can feel safe in my love and I in theirs. Yet bigger than our love on earth, there is a love that is incomparable...

My latest book project is a devotional about love. True Agape love! With this devotional, I want to break the chains that hold our hearts captive. With each word and each paragraph, I want every heart to understand the true meaning of love and who really adores them. In this world, love is used too often and not in the right way. What is actually lust is confused as love and hearts fall victim daily.

The truth is, no one will ever love you...the way Jesus does!

 the first cover concept

This devotional isn't formatted as a timeframe-type book, like "30 day challenge" or "21 days of love". It is divided into sections and mini-sections to help the mind and heart focus more on the content.

Your funding will help self-publish this devotional through Morris Publishing. This company is amazing and helped incredibly when I published my first book, The Palace Keepers, which was majorly successful and has sold over 110 copies since it's launch in April of last year. For this campaign, the money contributed will go towards an ISBN number, book editing, full color cover and the first book order.

This devotional is so important in a society that paints an untrue picture of what love is. Women everywhere, teenagers and adults alike, struggle every day as they fall into the lies of the enemy. Hope is fading fast and souls need this devotional to inspire them, uplift them, show them who The Lord Jesus Christ really is and what He thinks of them.

 

Help me by spreading the word about this project. Use the share tools attached to this campaign and join me as bonds are broken, hearts are set free and love (real Godly love) is sent into all the world.

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

Are You A Creative Christian?

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”

Genesis 1:1-3

Since I was a little girl I was fascinated by the creative world. To be able to make something out of nothing was an amazing thought. Today, I am still in awe at the power behind that concept. 18 years after realizing my true passion for the arts, I have found a closer and in depth walk with God that has allowed me to view things in a much different perspective.

What does it mean to be a Christian artist or crafter? I personally feel that the Lord looks much deeper into the heart of who is creating than what they are creating. Of course, what we make is a reflection of whom we serve. We cannot possibly contradict His Word with our works and still feel confident that we are representing Christ to the fullest. It is this challenge of making sure we always give God glory & praise in all we create that I have created this post.

 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

James 1:17

We don’t need symbolic imagery or religious statements to glorify Him through our arts & crafts. If we allow God to ordain our work and anoint us, it is through our willing hearts to please Him that His name will be glorified in what we do. Much like our everyday Christian lives, we are always careful about where we go and what we say. We must also remember that when we venture into this handmade movement that has taken the world by storm. I personally feel privileged that God, who was a Creator first before He was our Father, would hand down the “family business” to me of creating with my hands. Just as He created the heavens and earth, God also created mankind! I don’t know about you, but that gets me excited! Praise the Lord! To be the salt and light of this handmade movement may seem difficult. But it really isn’t! Our lives are a testimony of God’s goodness and our talents & skills speak about a God who is great.

{The Pulfords, Easter 2013}

Let us come together in Christ and fellowship together in love, whether it be at a craft show or through our blogs. The truth is, it doesn’t really matter where we are, that shouldn’t change who we are and who we serve.

I want to know how you glorify God through your art or craft and how you feel being a “Creative Christian”.

What sort of trials do you face being a Christian in the handmade community today?

What do you feel are the benefits?

Do you ever feel pulled into a direction away from your faith?

Share with me in the comments!

Still That Girl

“You were young, you were free and you dared to believe you could be the girl who can change the world. Then your life took a turn and you fell and it hurt, but you’re still that girl and you’re gonna change this world…”

Britt Nicole {“Still that girl”/Gold}

If there is one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I love a good song. Not just any song. I’m talking about a song that moves your emotions to new depths and gives you instant goosebumps all over. You know what I mean?

The above quote is that song for me at the moment {another thing to note: I love Britt Nicole. Not only can she sing her socks off but you can tell she loves the Lord..and that rocks my socks off.} When I first heard “Still that girl”, I didn’t think too much about it. I mean, I liked the song, but it was just another tune on the playlist. Until I really listened to the lyrics one day while cleaning my studio…I love blasting music while doing that! Suddenly, Britt’s words pricked my heart and brought me back down memory lane…

When I was growing up, I was a dreamer. Surprise surprise. I always dreamed big but I never planned big. There is a difference. So when I started my first relationship and went away to college, those “big dreams” suddenly took a back seat to life. They didn’t have to but I made certain choices that this could not have been helped. Fast-forward to years later, I was heartbroken, sinking in guilt and shame for the life I had been leading.

Besides the details that I share in my book, another important thing haunted me. I went from a “dream seeker” to a “dream doubter.” What I mean by that is, I went from striving to reach big, to talking myself out of my desires. I made up excuses why I couldn’t live life as an artist {“I don’t have a degree!”} and why I could never write a book {“I am an awful speller!}. I started looking at all of the bad I had done and felt like none of it could be erased, so therefore, I could never change the world.

False! I totally lied to myself! I had let all of those negative things that had happened to me be in charge of my destiny. God had a plan for me all along, and though I had dug myself in a deep depressing hole of lame, He knew exactly what I needed to get out! And I did! Here I am, a work at home wife and mommy, living my dreams. I can officially call myself an artist and even an author. Whoa...

I am still that girl.

I am still that girl who loves to stare out of car windows and daydream.
I am still that girl who doodles on scrap paper, notebooks and cardboard boxes.
I am still that girl who laughs at the dumbest things even if I’m the only one!
I am still that girl who loves forts, lemonade stands in the summer and a cold slushy.
I am still that girl who gets butterflies when she sees him {but now he’s mine forever!}
I am still that girl who tries to be positive even when life hands you razor blades.
I am still that girl who believes there’s a God bigger than anything else, and it will be okay because He has all power and control over it all!

The question now is, who are you? Are you still that girl? Do you still dream big, aim high, seek the best out of every situation or have you let the situations of life steal that away? I want to tell you don’t let your past take away your dreams! You can still be that girl, only wiser {like me! uh kidding}

Nothing can hold you back unless you allow it. No one is going to do it for you; you have to be not only aware that you can change the world, but you have to believe it. Don’t be a “dream doubter”, you are better than that, always have been and always will be!

 Linking up @

Are Your Prayers Too Small?

"Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me."

Psalm 66:20

Then it happened. Normally I receive prayer requests about someone's sick relative or a financial blessing. Other times I don't even know what the request is. They simply ask for an unspoken, which is fine by me. The less I know, sometimes the better! God knows all the details anyways. Better Him than I.

But this time, it was a huge prayer request {whatever a "huge" request would be}. An overseas pastor is being held in prison because of his beliefs. As his family waits anxiously here in the states, this man of God is being tortured for the Lord Jesus Christ.

What?!
My first reaction is, of course, selfish:
How can I possibly pray for him? He is a man of God. This is insane...
Will the Lord even hear me?
I am way too small in this situation to make any difference.

And, as I try and talk myself out of praying for this man of God who needs hope and strength, something stirs within me. I realize how all of my daily prayers seem so small in comparison to other prayers BUT nothing is too small to bring to God.

When these moments come our way, should we just not pray because of our feeling of inadequacy?
Why do get out our mental scales and rulers, measuring and weighing the prayer request, checking to see if it fits into our capacity?

The truth is, we have nothing without God! The only reason we can pray is because He has given us a mind to think, a heart to feel and a mouth to utter words. Prayer is communication with the Master Communicator. When we try and pray within our own power, of course we will come up short. We have to be knowledgeable about the God we serve.

Am I really praying to the God of all creation, of water, Earth and sky? If so, what do I have to worry about! I need to stop measuring my prayers before bringing them to the Lord, who is bigger than all of them. He has all power and knows all things. The way He delivered Paul from prison, He can do the same for this pastor! Why not? God is in total control.

Have you stopped yourself from bringing a "big" prayer request to the Lord because you felt it was over your spiritual head?

What Do You Know?

I've realized my blog in the past started getting away from art. Which is sad since that is part of my life and is what I do. Duh "Art By Jacy"!! I don't know why this happened, probably distracted by all the shiny things happening in blog world. Today I figured I'd share some new works with you that are up in the shop. The truth is, I need your opinion...

What do you think of these?? I've never done this type of style before but I'm kinda feeling them. The first one was definitely a hit with the handsome husband. I know I did good when he looks at the paper and blurts out "Wow!" *Pat on my back*

This is also a new style I'm trying and I am so excited about it. I am ADDICTED to quotes. Like, it's ridiculous. I want to start inspiring with art and words, which should tie in with me selling art and books. I'm loving the bright, fun colors too. Thoughts? I am also thinking about providing different colors too...kinda like the ones below...which brings me to my next question...

Have you been letting distractions or fears get in the way of your joy? My art is so important but for some reason I forget to share it with you guys. Is it because I fear you won't like this blog if I didn't offer linkys and giveaways? I want to get back to the heart of passion and to get real. And if I lose some of you along the way, it really shouldn't matter. It's not about that anyway {though I would be sad. honest.}

What do you know about your passion? Are you willing to share it or do you let fear steal your joy?

Dear David...{Boys Have Hearts Too: Letter 6}

Dear David...

Wow, my boy, time is sure flying by. The last time I wrote a letter to you was back in August. Now you are just about one month away from being a year old. What?! Man you make my life complete.

I am going to try and not take so long in between letters next time because there is SO much momma wants you to know. A lot of pressing issues are on my heart and I want to connect with yours. That's right, David. Boys have hearts too. No matter what any macho-man-wannabe, thick headed muscle man tells you...listen to me. Guys are just as sensitive compared to those yucky girls.

Believe it. I'm sharing with you a secret that mankind has been sweeping under the rug since the first caveman wrestled a T-Rex to save his darling. He probably acted all tough up front, but on the inside he was screaming like a little girl getting hit in the head during a came of PE dodge ball. You see, son, it is inside of a man to want to protect. You were made with that instinct to provide security. As you grow older, you will understand this more.

Part of having that instinct to protect is a responsibility that can leave a heavy weight on some men's shoulders. And some of them like to act as if they are okay when really they are scared inside. Frightened. Shaken by the amount of stuff on their big tough guy plates. but society has taught them to be quiet and put on a brave face. Crying is for girls and as a guy, you shouldn't even have tear ducts!

I'm telling you right now that crying is for all humans. Not only that, it's okay to be sensitive to other people's needs. Daddy may not tell you this, but he is very sensitive. If you don't believe me, ask him about the video of Dalmatian puppies eating peanut butter for the first time. This doesn't make him "less of a man", son. He has plenty of samurai swords hidden around the house just in case he needs to protect us with his killer skills.
We are all sensitive and that's how it's meant to be. It means that God has made you in His image, which He surely did! Isn't God's heart sensitive? Doesn't He care about other people, and not only that, doesn't He express His feelings?

I'm not trying to turn you into a whiny, mushy advice columnist. But if that's who you turn out to be, that's who you will be. All I'm saying is this...boys have hearts too and for a purpose. Use your sensitive heart to turn to God, to mirror His ways and to accomplish the calling He has given you. Use your heart to help the least of these and to build up your family. Being a sensitive boy doesn't make you any less "macho." It actually makes you more of a man for not hiding what is naturally within you.

Love Always,
Mom

Linking up @

3 Steps Towards Healing a Heart

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28

As we move into a brand new year, I can't help but think about the year we leave behind. It is amazing how much can really happen to one life in 365 days!

Personally, it's been both rewarding and difficult. I truly believe where trial is, there are blessings...and vise versa. One particular memory for me cuts deep to my fleshly core. It is something that caught me blindsided and slapped my trust right out of the window! Do you know what I mean? That moment when your little world seems fine but little did you know something dark is lurking in the shadows, ready to unveil a harsh truth that has been kept from you.

I know you understand where I'm coming from. Do you know how I know? You have a pulse. Therefore, you have a heart...and unfortunately where there is a heart, there is the possibility of breakage. Have you ever had a broken heart? Think back to how that made you feel. What was your immediate emotion? Anger? Resentment? Betrayal? All the above?

Well, I have got great news: Every heart that can be broken can also be healed! I'm serious. No magic, no special meds, no smoke screens. Just the Lord Jesus Christ and His Almighty power, overshadowing the shadows, lighting the darkness and binding the wounds! With God, the walls and chains around a heart can fall, completely and without fail. We may not be able to trust each other much but its a guarantee; we can trust the Lord!

During prayer one morning, Jesus placed these three steps into my mind. They are the main parts of the healing process. Going through a rough patch in your marriage? Difficulty with children? Someone you love passed on? I get it...and so does God. Here are three steps to take to heal your broken heart:

1.) TEARS
Let yourself grieve and purge heaviness. The worse thing you can do is suppress your emotions. God gave us emotions to be used a certain way. We usually don't use them right and become angry when something flares up beyond our control. Stop trying to make sense of the situation and don't seek a solution right away. When you get a cut on your body, don't you react to the instant pain first, shed some tears and sniffle before grabbing a band-aid? That's how it is suppose to be! We need to give ourselves that moment, that opportunity to empty ourselves of sorrow.

2.) TRUST
Believe things will get better! Pain, no matter how deep, is but for a moment. You never forget it but you can overcome it. Try to seek the Lord, pray, read His Word and hide scriptures in your heart that relate to your situation. Read them every day. If you are following Jesus, that means you are behind Him and He already is ahead! He has prepared the ground for you and knows where you are and what you need.

3.) TIME
Don't rush the process. Understand that even the simple things need time to develop. God made the Earth in seven days...not overnight. Allow Him to work; in your entire palace. To heal your heart, the Lord might take a trip through your mind, decisions and choices. Some things may come to the surface that you will have to face; through it all, He just wants you to make time to abide in Him.

Healing is not a one step, one moment event but an ongoing process. Also every person is different so don't think you are crazy for taking longer or even shorter time to heal. The Lord Jesus knows where you are, what has happened and how you can be restored. Take Him at His word, for it never goes void!

Linking up @

Happy Day {Coupon Code & Announcement!}

Happy Valentine's Day, ABJ Lovers! 

I've been missing you guys something fierce...sooooo, my gift to you is that I'm coming back & it will be better than ever! The ABJ Blog is getting a makeover, same name, just more awesome {is that possible?!} 

This past month of no social media and no blogging really gave me an amazing perspective. I've been in constant prayer about this little space and I have to say, I didn't think the Lord cared that I loved blogging or wanted to even have me come back. However, it is amazing what can happen when we just put our ENTIRE plan in His hands and trust in His ways...He takes what we desire and makes something beautiful!

So, I've gotten the green light to start a new, fresh blog...whoa, I am SO excited :) The posts will be thought-provoking, full of heart and inspiration. After all, art isn't just paper and paint...it is passion. That will be the new angle of Art By Jacy...passionate art and writing for your heart. What do you think? Are you excited for me to come back, full force? I know I've taken you guys through rollercoaster rides over these couple of years, being so on and off, taking breaks etc...but can I tell you something? It all has been leading up to THIS moment!!

An official launch date will be revealed soon, but for now, enjoy this coupon code for 14% off of your ABJ order today. Use "LOVE14" http://artbyjacy.storenvy.com/

Thanks for sticking by me and tolerating my craziness. Stay tuned and hold tight during the next month or so as I gather some incredible content and make this blog over! You will notice design changes and such, so if you have any suggestions or feedback, leave me a comment or shoot me an email at my new email address, jacy@artbyjacy.com

Gah, God is good, don't ever forget that!! xoxo

 

 

Sunday Devotion: The Heart of God

A Heart. Everyone has one but that doesn't mean everyone knows how to use it.

We were given a heart for two main reasons. The first is the most obvious because we need blood to transfer throughout our body, so the heart pumps it around for us. Amen for that! The other reason is not a physical purpose. Rather, our hearts were created in such a way that there is also a spiritual, emotional side to it...and God wants in. I talk about this a lot in my book since it is about the purity of the heart. Our hearts need to be guided by the Lord. This is the other purpose of our hearts yet the most important...to love God with it all.

 "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thine heart, 

and with all thy soul and with all thy might." Deut. 6:5

Recently, I was listening to one of our camp services online entitled "The Heart of God."
{You can listen to it for free here} 

The speaker asked the question "What is the heart of God?"  That made me think...what is the purpose behind all He does? Why does He do certain things? What drives Him? This scripture in Jeremiah leads us towards the right answer:

"And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart." Jeremiah 24:7

One word. Relationship! Jesus craves a real, intimate relationship with His creation. He wants your heart! The Lord's main purpose is to be known by us; we must read His Word, pray continually and seek God with everything we have. God yearns for that relationship with His children; you and I.

Today {and every day after} connect with Him. Talk to Him, listen to Him, vent to Him. He is waiting for our hearts to return to Him, to know Him. Just like our relationships down here, when we are connected with someone, we find out their name, their dreams, goals, get to know who they are, their personality etc. God is the same way!
Many people may think that they cannot know God this intimately or that He is somehow this invisible cloud far above our eyes that it is impossible to connect with Him. These are false ideas from the enemy! He is among us, doing great things, all for the purpose of relationship...so that we may seek Him and know Him.

Our God CAN be known AND understood, even to our little human minds. This is possible because of His purpose, to be known...our main purpose in this life is to know Him. Everything points towards that direction. So take some time to do just that! Get alone, even if it's just in the shower {us moms have to multitask this way :)} and speak to Him. Ask Him to reveal who He is to you and what He expects from a relationship with you. Read His Word, hide it in your hearts. Meditate on it, pray about it.

The heart of God is not a hard concept to see when you read the scriptures...it becomes clear that He wants that bond with us, that His love is endless, everlasting, true and pure. There truly is no greater love than the love of Jesus!

What is on your heart today? Would you like prayer?

I don't need to know all the details, for God knows them already...

I'd love to pray for you. Please leave your request in the comments.

Unstoppable Love {PRINTABLE}

Hope everyone is having a blast this week!

I am, with working on my new bathroom project and getting ready to host Thanksgiving this year {eek! & yay!} I've got some fun posts coming up :)

For now, enjoy these free beauties...yes, I made them myself, no, you don't need permission to use them. Just please don't take credit for them and try to resell...that's lame...and sad...

All you gotta do is right click the photo and save as!

Enjoy :)

That feeling...{Weekend Recap}

Phew, another weekend bites the dust.

Is it just me or are these things flying by faster?

This past Saturday was pretty fun.

I had a booth at our public library in Enfield CT for local authors. The fair was a Children/Teen/Youth event and it was so cool to meet other authors, speak to parents and young kids about my book, The Palace Keepers and the purity of the heart. Here is what my booth looked like:

There was one woman who approached my table and I felt that tug from God in my heart. You know that feeling. The feeling you get when you are behind someone in need at the supermarket and you feel this urge to pay for them, or that voice that tells you to pray/call/text someone out of the blue because you feel God wants them to know He knows where they are and is with them. Yeah...that feeling...

So she reads the back of The Palace Keepers and I start to tell her what it is about.

Her eyes lite up and though I sense some hesitation, she admitted that she needed to read this book, that she was going through relationship stuff at that moment. Wow, God is good!

This small little local fair made me realize what it's all about...reaching people!

Get out there, get connected and meet the need. I'm so blessed to have met some great people and I did learn some neat things.  

What did you do this weekend? Did you connect with others?

Hello...I'm A Control Freak.

It's all smiles 'til something gets revealed...

Have you ever had an incredible revelation, something about yourself that a light bulb goes off inside your mind, and you think "oh yeah...that makes so much sense!" Last week, I had such a moment.

Remember when I announced that I was taking a break? Well, it did not take long for the Lord to show me that I had a real problem...a problem with control. Not only that, when I feel like I don't have control, this leads to a deep anger that I can't, well, control! I want to be perfect. I want things to be clean. I want people to be good. I want to have everything in its place, and if it gets moved, I get anxiety. I never could figure out what was wrong with me. This past month, I started noticing this was taking over my life...and that my priorities were out of whack because I wanted so bad to control every little thing, and make it a certain way, that nothing got done and I was more overwhelmed than when I started.

I've been reading an amazing book called The Pursuit of Proverbs 31 by Amy Bayliss. In it, Amy speaks with love, great conviction and a honest spirit about things we women struggle with, especially with this chapter and verse of the Bible. She herself wrote about her deliverance from the bondage of control, and I gotta tell ya...I saw myself in her story.
In the chapter "Shattering the Myths", Amy confesses being an over-achiever and that the more she tried to tackle her to-do list and failed, the more frazzled she got; the more frazzled she got, the harder she tried and became dissapointed again, like a "vicious cycle." Can you relate to that?? I can!!

One Sunday, she couldn't take it anymore and cried out to God. She asked Him to take it away from her...He replied "I did." She further explains how she didn't understand because she felt the same! Then she started to worship and tears began streaming down her face. He then said "Let go." She replied, "Let go of what?" "Control," He said. This part of the book hit me hard!! I realized that is exactly what God was telling me, right now...Jacy, let go of control!!
Wow, how can I say I am free in Christ if I am holding onto this power, this desire to control circumstances, people, even emotions?! I am in bondage to control!

Amy continues and asks the Lord how to let go. He tells her to "look down" where she sees a vision of chains all around her. They were unlocked this whole time! She had prevented her own freedom!

In my life, I find myself trying to control what other people do because "I know better" which is not only control, but also self-righteousness. My mind also has been saturated with this judgmental and snarky attitude...not Christ-like at all! It's not enough to just recognize our sin...we must turn away, in other words, have true repentance. That's the hard part. That's where most of us fail. We crave change but we don't want to admit that we did anything wrong.

I don't want to hold on anymore. I want to let it go and be free, like who I'm suppose to be! Don't you? What are you struggling with today? Is there a bondage in your life that God is asking you to "let go"? Let us pray for one another. Comment if you'd like prayer...you don't have to say what you need prayer for unless you want to. Just your request is enough; God is big enough to know :) Since reading that chapter and having my own "let go" moment with God through prayer & repentance, I can tell you that I feel so much better! It takes time, daily, seeking Him to clean me and mold me...but it's better...I'm better...and that's a start...

Coffee Date: Vlog & Weekend Recap

Hey guys! Okay, this is my first attempt at a vlog, so go easy on me :) Actually it was a lot of fun and you will notice I am totally being me...crazy hair, and full Jacy moments...do you expect anything less?

So enjoy me recapping about last weekend when I spoke at a local church, let me know what you think. Also take a glimpse at some photos of that day below. I apologize, I wanted to share a video from that day but it's like 20 minutes long so I will have to get it on Youtube and link back next week sometime.
Btw, sorry for only posting once this week...me & the lil' man are getting ready to head to New Hampshire to visit my sister who is expecting, ah, so exciting! Will definitely have to have another weekend recap next week :)

Thanks for checking in with me and I hope you have a blessed weekend!

If we were having coffee together today, what would you share?

What are your plans this weekend? 

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