Have you read any good books this summer?
I’m not typically a huge book reader (I would like to be, but just don’t make the time for it that I should!), but this summer I’ve thankfully had the opportunity to read a few – and they have all been amazing.
Today I wanted to share about one of them – it’s a Christian book that has been life-changing for me! The first time I sat down to read it, I thought I had time to read just the first couple chapters, and I ended up reading almost the entire thing in one sitting!
The book is called “Fulfilled” by Danise Jurado. Danise is a fellow blogger, and I highly recommend you check out her blog. I have been so incredibly inspired by Danise’s testimony and the way she is using it to motivate life change in other people, as well as how she points everything back to God.
“Fulfilled” releases August 25th, but it’s available for preorder on Amazon now. I highly encourage you to buy it and share it with everyone you know!
I had the incredible opportunity of conducting an email interview with Danise, and her answers made me tear up as I was reading them. I just so appreciate how genuine she is – I’ve learned so much because of her book and interview. When I decided to write this post, I had no idea how much of a personal encouragement it would be to me, but I am so thankful.
Here is the interview!
E: What inspired you to write this book?
D: I believe there is hidden potential in all of us. Sometimes it is blocked by the limitations we place on ourselves. That’s how it was for me and writing this book. Thankfully, God brought people into my life who had the ability to see the potential for this book long before I ever did. Little by little, over the last ten years God helped me to pour my heart out on to the pages of this book. Now, after countless prayers, edits and rewrites, it’s published and here.
E: You have been through so many difficult things in your life. Yet on the last page of the book, you inspire readers to “trust Him and believe what He says more than what the surrounding circumstances are telling us.” What an amazing testimony of God’s faithfulness and your trust in Him! What are some practical ways you have learned to trust God through the good and the bad?
D: I’ve learned both personally and throughout years of ministry that trusting God really comes down to the core belief that God is good. His plans for us are good. When we go through trials, God is able to work all things together for good. The character He is building in us is good. His comfort is good. Adapting the core belief, that God is good, requires some re-training of our thoughts. Our mind will naturally look to the facts of our situation instead of the promises found in God’s truth. I have discovered that although the facts may be real, they are not always the truth. It’s God’s truth, not the facts that will set us free.
E: You mentioned that “God can turn our most painful moments of betrayal and disappointment into restoration, healing, and joy.” I fully believe that, but I still really struggle with worrying about bad things happening to the people I love. How do you remind yourself of God’s truths instead of worrying?
D: I finally came to the realization that all my worrying never helped anything at all. Worry is just another word for fear. God gives us the choice… We can live with fear and anxiety or we can pray. Instead of entertaining fear we can talk to God about everything. Through prayer we exchange our worry for the peace that surpasses all understanding. In my prayer time, I write my prayers in six different prayer journals daily… not one or two, six! Evidence that I’m a recovering worrier. Prayer makes me brave.
E: I love what you said about forgiveness: “When we extend forgiveness to others, we aren’t saying what they did is okay. We are admitting that we have been wronged or hurt.” You then explain the example of God’s forgiveness of our sins. Do you have a favorite Bible verse about forgiveness?
D: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
E: You talk about breaking free from lies, and how the first step in doing that is to identify them. What are the most common lies you see millennials believing?
D: In general, lies are common to all humanity. When speaking specifically about millennials, I believe they are an inspired generation; equipped by God to become the world changers and history makers they hope to be. This makes for a results driven mentality; which is good for work productivity. However, our human value can not be measured by results alone. Subtle lies develop when we begin to believe that the perceived results in our life determine our value or become our identity. This can lead to discouragement because of self-inflicted pressure to accomplish big things, immediately. God’s truth says to be still and know that your God sees you. In the midst of billions of people on this planet, God sees you. He knows you. He knows what you need before you ask Him. You matter to God and He has anointed you with His Spirit. Our identity is who were are, not only what we do. God calls us to be present in the moment we are living now. The seemingly unimportant tasks we are doing today are preparing us for our purpose and calling. As we daily surrender to God, He will fill our heart with contentment and lead the way to fulfilling our purpose.
E: You shared your personal weight loss story and how you should never quit motivating yourself to change your behavior, even though it can be so difficult. What are some practical ways you kept yourself from quitting?
D: In one word, grace. I had to learn how to accept God’s grace, (unmerited favor) which meant that I had to extend love and acceptance to myself throughout the process of change. From the very first baby steps I took forward and through every stumble and fall along the way, I had to learn to forgive myself with grace. When grace is absent, condemnation will take over and quitting becomes an option. Grace gives us the freedom to believe with hope for a better future and inspires us to keep going.
E: I love how your book is so practical – with “homework” and steps to making changes – yet also so personal – with examples of what you’ve learned throughout your life. You have been so vulnerable in sharing your testimony. What would you say to people whose testimony could impact others’ lives (everyone’s can!), but who are afraid to be vulnerable?
D: I would say… Be Brave. Break Free. Live Fulfilled. Our personal freedom in Christ isn’t truly fulfilled until we use that freedom to serve others.
E: You are donating 50% of the proceeds from this book to The Dream Center! Wow, that is so amazing! What motivated you to do that?
D: I’ve had the honor and privilege to serve at The Dream Center for nearly fifteen years. Every day I personally witness the miracles God is doing through this amazing ministry. My hope is that this book will help people connect with God’s freedom, healing and restoration to help them reach their full potential in Christ; while also supporting the wonderful ministries at The Dream Center.
E: Tell us more about The Dream Center and your role there.
D: The Dream Center is a wonderful organization that reaches over 85,000 people every month through both residential and outreach ministries; helping people overcome things like addiction, abuse, homelessness and poverty. They provide housing, food, clothing , furniture, education, job placement training and most importantly the hope and love of Christ. The mission of The Dream Center is to find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it.
I get to serve as an assisting pastor at The Dream Center and Angelus Temple; providing pastoral counseling, teaching classes and Bible studies. I am also the director of the Transitions Program; helping graduates from our recovery programs to rebuild their lives, find jobs and move forward into independent living.
E: Thank you so much again for your time today! Is there anything else you want to share with the HudsonAndEmily.com readers?
D: Thank you! I enjoyed your interview and appreciate the opportunity to share with your readers. Fulfilled was written straight from my heart and I pray that God will reach out through the pages and touch the heart of all who read it with His life-changing love. Blessings to you!
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Isn’t Danise so inspiring? Make sure to check out her blog – and click here to preorder “Fulfilled” today!
