Life is busy. Schedules dictate our day and are packed tightly from morning until night. But is this all we strive for in life? Is it possible there is more? Danise Jurado, in her new book, Fulfilled Learning to Live the Life God Promised, shares her own personal stories as well as practical applications to living a fulfilled life. Her words coupled with God’s truths lead us to a hope that living fulfilled is attainable.
As I began reading Danise’s book, I was drawn in by her own personal journey and struggles. Her vulnerability touched a deep place within me and opened my heart to what I need to learn in my own life. Danise shares that “God has so much more for us than a mediocre, unfulfilled life.” She walks us through the steps of forgiveness and confession and reminds us of the power in being able to forgive ourselves. This is just the beginning of the book and the more I read, the more I knew that God knew I needed to read these words.
My own life story is not the same as Danise’s, but I found the connections to be strong and her words to be the practical application that I need for this time in my life. I have shared before that I struggle with food and making it more of an idol than something I need in order to live. I wrote about some of my struggles in A Closet Eater’s Diet and I still face many hard days setting myself free from worshiping food instead of God. Danise writes of her own food addiction in Chapter 5 and instead of just sharing this story, she also outlines 7 Principles of Lasting Change. It was at this moment in my reading, that I knew this book was God-ordained. God always knows what we need just when we need it and He shows up BIG to remind us He is walking this journey with us. The 7 principles are:
Education
Proclamation
Meditation
Action
Motivation
Recognition
I am grateful that Fulfilled doesn’t end after these principles of change because the words continued to hit home throughout the rest of the book. Denise goes on to write about identity and how God sees us versus how we see ourselves. I am going through a season of change right now and as I read about identity these words popped out:
These wise words affirm that God has me where He wants me right now by staying true to who He is calling me to be.
Danise’s words bless me with strength, grace and God’s deep love for me as I turn to Him over and over to learn and live fulfilled. The reminder throughout the book that God will heal our pain, give us hope in our desperation, love us through the messy and be our rock of strength in all things, left me renewed in my own faith. This book will reach you right where you are today and will give you practical steps as well as God’s truth to overcome.
God’s definition of a full life is so much more substantial than our limited perspectives would allow us to see. Thankfully, we don’t have to try and figure it all out on our own. God is with us, and He teaches us to live the life He promised.
Join me in celebrating the launch of Fulfilled tomorrow, August 25, by ordering your own copy here and/or enter below for a chance to win your own copy of the book along with a Fulfilled tote bag.
[Tweet “Enter for a chance to win @danisejurado’s new book Fulfilled-Learning to Live the Life God Promised.”]
Fulfilled Book and Tote Giveaway
Danise Jurado has served as a pastoral counselor at Angelus Temple and The Dream Center in Los Angeles, California under the leadership of Pastors Matthew and Caroline Barnett since 2001. She is also the Director of The Dream Center Transitions Program. Danise is a gifted speaker and teacher; sharing at churches, conferences and faithfully teaching a weekly women’s Bible study at The Dream Center.
She is passionate about encouraging and equipping people to reach their most fulfilled life in Christ. Throughout 15 years of ministry, she has cultivated the tools in her book, “Fulfilled – Learning to Live the Life God Promised” and they have proven to be powerful, bringing freedom to many. Danise lives in Santa Clarita, California with her husband of 28 years, Kurt Jurado. They have two beautiful adult children, Nic and Katie, a favorite son-in-law, Jonathan, an amazing grandson, Wesley and another grandbaby on the way.
Thank you for joining me today! Your presence is always appreciated!
In grace and peace,
Mary
You may also find me at these wonderful blogs this week.
Mary, I’ve been seeing so many reviews by writers about this book and each one takes away a different perspective on it. That really indicates how much God is using this book to minister to people in just the way they need it.
This book sounds like such a blessing, I can hardly wait to read it!
Thank you for your review and your openness in how it blessed you.
Blessings,
Janis
So glad you stopped by here to read my review and to learn more about how this book impacted me. You will love it and I pray it blesses you as much as it blessed me. Have a wonderful weekend!
Sounds like a great read. I’m intrigued by the 7 principles.
So glad you stopped by! Blessings!
This looks awesome, Mary! You know how I feel about fellow food addicts :). And this seems to have so much more along with her story in that area. Love this: “God has so much more for us than a mediocre, unfulfilled life.” Amen! So many of us settle into mediocrity and never fully realize His plan for us. Looks like a must read!
I totally missed your comment the other day, sorry! I am always glad when you join me here and share your thoughts about my post. Fulfilled is a wonderful book and her story of food addiction is one small piece. I hope you will consider buying it and reading it. Hope you have a blessed weekend. Love and hugs!
Mary… I am so very blessed and honored by your words … and encouraged to hear that God’s message of hope and encouragement touched your heart through the pages of Fulfilled… Many blessings to you my friend to live the full life God has called you to! It’s a brand new season for you – embrace it with faith-filled adventure! I can’t wait to see all that God has in store for you! Love and blessings DanIse
Your words speak such sweet encouragement to me and I am honored to have been able to read your book. I am continuing to pray for your ministry and your book that just the right people read your words and learn of the amazing redemptive grace of God. Thank you for blessing me by stopping by.
I know you’ve been talking about reading this book, Mary, for a little while and it always intrigues me. But your review of it today makes me want to get a copy even more! Sounds like one that is right down my alley! Thanks for sharing with us, my friend!
This is a book right down your alley, Beth! I hope you entered to win a copy. If not, consider buying one for yourself. Thank you for always being here and encouraging me. Hugs!
This sounds like a great book! God’s definition. Wow. If only I could memorize HIS dictionary 🙂 Thank you for leaving an aroma of grace on my “trail.” That’s what your comments always remind me of. Like you lingered and left a bit of your grace-filled scent for me to pick up!
You are so sweet and kind with your comments. I always pray that others feel encouraged as you described. I know you will love this book! Have a blessed rest of the week.
So glad I came here and learned more about Danise’s book, Mary. It sounds like such an important topic: living the life God meant for us. So often we do settle for mediocre, don’t we?
May the Lord bless you as you continue to walk with Him during this new phase in life, post-retirement, Mary. I bet it really hits home now that school has started! 🙂
So glad you are her today, Betsy! Post retirement has hit me full force this week as all my teacher friends headed back to school. I am trying to be patient in the waiting and learn how to listen well in order to hear what God is calling me to do. I am in holding pattern but I am learning to rest and draw closer to Him. Living fulfilled is my wish for my life and Danise’s book is well worth getting and reading. Hope you have a blessed rest of the week.
Mary, I so need to check out this book. So much THIS: “Danise shares that “God has so much more for us than a mediocre, unfulfilled life.” I want my life to be fulfilled. And that quote about seasons is so good. Our seasons change too!
Amen! There are so many good words in this book. I love her real life connections and ability to always take us back to God. So glad you stopped by here today.
Mary,
What an encourager and supporter you are. I have a lot of books on my “need to read” list, but looks like I need to add Danise’s as well. Hope you’re having a great week!!
Blessings to you my friend,
Bev xx
Yes you should definitely add Danise’s book. I find I am reading books that came out last year just now but that is okay because the message is always one that I need to hear. Hugs friend!
Getting ready to download it now. Sounds like it will be a great read… Something that I need!!
You will love it Angie! God has blessed me with some great books this summer. He certainly knows what I need!
This is a fantastic book and I am excited for others to have the opportunity to read it. I can’t think of a more important topic. Thanks for sharing, Mary!
Yes it is! It sounds like you have are already read the book. Danise takes us on a journey that shows vulnerability and surrender and in the process teaches the reader how to take practical steps to live fulfilled. So glad you stopped by today, Abby! Blessings!
This is an area of my life I’m beginning to focus on and am looking forward to reading this book. I’ve heard nothing but great praise!!
It truly is a wonderful book. Denise takes us through such practical steps but at the same time she always leads us back to God. Thank you for stopping by.
These final weeks of summer just beg for another great book, a comfy chair, and a tall glass of something icy, don’t they?
Thanks for taking us there, Mary!
Hugs … and pleasant pages, friend …
Yes they do! I fell like I am finally relaxing and falling into a rhythm – a sure sign that things will change soon, right? Thank you for always being her and hanging with me!