Life is a Mist
Two things are guaranteed in this life: taxes and death.
One of my dear cousins recently passed away. Technically, she was my second cousin, but I grew up with her feeling more like an aunt. She was always so funny and full of life, and every memory I have of her is a good one. She was the sweetest foster caregiver and even adopted several of the children who had been placed in her care.
Sitting in her memorial service reminded me that we are only here for a season. God determines when we arrive and when we depart—unless we choose to end our own life sooner. I believe these earthly bodies are designed to function for a specific time, and when that time is up, they are programmed to shut down. From the moment we are born until the moment we leave, we have assignments to complete here on earth.
I am reminded of King Hezekiah, who prayed and asked God to heal him so he could live a little longer. His body was preparing to shut down, but God granted him an additional fifteen years. God didn't just heal him; He told him exactly how many more years he would live. When it was time for Moses to leave this earth, God told him to go up on Mount Nebo to see the Promised Land. Afterward, he would be gathered to his people.
Scripture tells us, "Common people are only a vapor; important people an illusion. Together on a scale, they weigh less than a vapor." (Psalm 62:9) Our time here truly is like a mist, and it is so important not to get caught up in the chaos Satan sends our way. If we're not careful, we may find ourselves aligned with the enemy rather than with Jesus Christ.
When Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest, He replied:
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40, ESV)
While it's important to stay informed and understand what's happening in the world around us, completing our God-given assignments should remain our main focus. My cousin understood her assignment. Everyone who came to celebrate her life spoke of her deep love for her community. Although God had blessed her with a beautiful home and a loving family, she didn’t chase after the material things of this world. Instead, she chased after loving everyone God placed in her path.
Key Takeaways:
This world is not your permanent home.
The clock of your life is ticking; make sure you are aligned correctly.
Live in such a way that you can live again—eternally with Jesus Christ.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Transitioning
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." —Revelation 21:4, ESV
In the passage above, John was exiled on the island of Patmos for preaching the gospel. While on the island, he had a vision, and in that vision, he heard a voice declare that death shall be no more.
Recently, one of my dear cousins passed away. As I sat reflecting on her life and how deeply I would miss her, the Holy Spirit gently spoke to my heart: "Death is not the end; it is a new beginning." He reminded me that I was viewing her passing from an earthly perspective. But if I would shift my focus to see things as our Heavenly Father designed them, I would find joy instead of sorrow. He helped me understand that my auntie was simply transitioning to a new place. Her service on earth was complete, and a new journey awaited her.
The Holy Spirit reminded me that during her celebration of life service, her soul had already departed; it was only her earthly body that had stopped working. I was led to reflect on Psalm 139, which reminds us that God has designed each of us for a specific season. He determines the moment we arrive and has already established the moment we will depart.
I thought of the story of Lazarus, Martha's brother. When he died, Jesus told those mourning, "He is only sleeping." Jesus said this because He knew Lazarus's spirit was not gone but had only left the body temporarily. We have been assigned to this earth to serve Yeshua, our King, and to share His love with all people.
I also remembered the story of King Hezekiah. When he was terminally ill, the prophet Isaiah delivered a message from the Lord: "Set your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover." (2 Kings 20:1, CSB) Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed, pleading with God to remember his faithfulness. He wept bitterly. Before Isaiah had even left the inner courtyard, the word of the Lord came to him again, saying:
"Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, 'This is what the Lord God of your ancestor David says: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Look, I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the Lord’s temple. I will add fifteen years to your life.'" (2 Kings 20, CSB)
There is one guarantee God has made clear to us all: no matter who we are or what we have done, the time for our departure from this world will surely come. But Jesus has given us the road map through His Word to ensure we are prepared.
Key Takeaways:
Death is simply a transition to a new destination.
We can rejoice, knowing our loved ones are still alive—just no longer in the earthly realm.
Jesus has full control over our lives and knows the exact moment we are to depart.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Deception
Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put Him to death, for they feared the people. — Luke 22:1, ESV
In the passage above, Jesus had been preaching and ministering for about three years, and the time was drawing near for Him to be sacrificed. The religious leaders were now plotting how to put Him to death. This is astonishing, especially considering they were in the midst of celebrating Passover—one of the most sacred times of the year—a celebration commemorating when God sent the death angel to Egypt but passed over the homes of Israel, sparing them.
God had delivered their ancestors from death so they could stand alive in that very moment, yet they were determined to put Jesus to death. They were blinded by deception. Satan had convinced them that what they were doing was right. Scripture clearly warns us: "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies." — John 8:44, ESV
We must keep our eyes fixed on the Lord so that we are not deceived by Satan. God calls us to walk in love, and if our actions are not rooted in love, we have unknowingly aligned ourselves with the enemy. These religious leaders were going against the very commandments they had studied and taught. Scripture reminds us:
"Do not harbor hatred against your brother. Rebuke your neighbor directly, and you will not incur guilt because of him. Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself." — Leviticus 19:17-18, CSB
And in Deuteronomy, God commands: "You shall not murder."
In truth, these leaders were the ones guilty of sin.
We must be especially careful when we set out to correct a brother or sister in Christ. Scripture instructs us to first remove the plank from our own eye so we can see clearly to remove the speck from someone else’s eye. Our constant prayer should be for God to search our hearts, reveal anything that is not like Him, and remove it—so that we may walk uprightly and remain aligned with His will.
Key Takeaways
Self-righteousness can cause you to be deceived.
Take time to ensure you aren’t following the crowd and missing our Savior.
If you are not moving in love, you are moving with Satan.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Your Opportunity
Then Satan entered into Judas, called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers about how he might betray Him to them. They were glad and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of a crowd.
Luke 22:3-6 (ESV)
This passage highlights the tragic choice Judas made to betray Jesus. Judas had walked with Jesus throughout most of His earthly ministry. He witnessed countless miracles, heard every message, and was even part of Jesus' inner circle. Yet, as I reflect on this, I’m reminded of an important truth: not everyone who is with you is truly for you.
What’s even more striking is that Jesus knew all along that Judas would betray Him. Judas had every opportunity to choose a different path, but he remained a thief and ultimately aligned himself with Satan. Scripture confirms this in John 12:6: "He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the money bag and would steal part of what was put in it." (CSB)
Judas’s story also brings to mind the sobering words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23: _"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!'"
Family, we only have this one life here on earth to get it right. We must be anchored in Christ. This season is our opportunity to live according to His commands. Don’t let a title, a position, or even your works deceive you into thinking they guarantee your place in heaven. Yeshua completed the work for us at the cross. Salvation is not about empty declarations; it’s about a surrendered heart.
I’ve heard our Bishop say many times, "Not everyone sitting in the sanctuary will make it into heaven." Scripture is clear: only those who do the will of the Father will enter His Kingdom. His two greatest commands are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself. And your neighbor isn’t just the person next door — your neighbor is the world.
Listen, Satan is the great deceiver and the father of lies. If you are not fully surrendered to Yeshua, you could be heading in the wrong direction, even if you don’t realize it.
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for the incredible gift of eternal life. We acknowledge that if we are not fully surrendered to You, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. Right here, right now, we repent. If there is anything in us that does not reflect You, we ask You to remove it. Fix our hearts so that our focus remains on You alone. We surrender ourselves completely and invite You to have Your way in us. All we want is You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Key Takeaways
Jesus sees every action and knows your heart.
Now is the time to surrender everything to Yeshua.
Jesus stands at the door, waiting for you to invite Him in.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Gabriel
"The angel answered him, 'I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.'" — Luke 1:19
Gabriel is a special messenger, sent by God on multiple occasions to deliver divine messages to individuals on earth about what was to come. Every time I read about the angel Gabriel, I am in awe of our God. It is almost impossible to fully comprehend the One we serve and His majestic power. We understand that we are spiritual beings living in a physical body, but the thought of an angel coming from heaven—a place we have never been and cannot reach on our own—blows my mind.
Consider this: the angel came from a realm beyond our understanding, transcending time because God exists outside of time. Gabriel entered our world to deliver a message to Zechariah. In the passage above, Gabriel tells Zechariah that God was about to perform a miraculous work in his life—his wife would conceive a son in her old age. However, Zechariah struggled to believe the angel’s words, and only then did Gabriel introduce himself.
Gabriel did not initially state his identity. It was only after Zechariah doubted that the angel declared who he was and where he had come from. He made it clear that he was not of this world, that he stood in the presence of God, and that he had been sent specifically to deliver God’s message.
I love how God orchestrated this divine encounter. Both Gabriel and Zechariah were chosen by God for a specific purpose. Each had an assignment to fulfill. Gabriel completed his task, delivered the message, and returned to heaven. As I meditated on this, I was reminded of the line in the Lord’s Prayer: "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." If only we could be more like Gabriel.
Throughout all of his earthly visits, Gabriel never sought to glorify himself. He came solely to fulfill God’s mission and then departed. Jesus did the same—He entered the world, followed His Father’s instructions, and then returned to heaven. This is a prime example of how we are called to live. May we not become distracted by the cares of this world but instead remain focused on the divine assignments God has given us. May we seek daily to do only His will.
Key Takeaways
Gabriel was chosen by God for a specific assignment, just as we have been.
Gabriel obeyed God's instructions without hesitation, and we should do the same.
Gabriel never sought to bring attention to himself—his mission was solely to glorify God.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Obedience is Imperative
"But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust me to demonstrate my holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them.’"
—Numbers 20:12 (CSB)
I started listening to the podcast @jasiriouslyspeaking on YouTube, where she was teaching from the book of Numbers. We were covering Numbers 24, and her teaching was so good that I wanted to go back and read a few chapters to prepare for the following day’s lesson. (By the way, if you want to read the Bible and receive great insight, I highly recommend this podcast.) I started with Numbers 20, and you know how Yeshua is—He will speak to you right in the middle of your reading. It’s like you open the door by reading His word, and He says, "Come on in, let me teach you about Me." I love it!
While reading, I came to the part where Moses and Aaron were punished for their disobedience. God had hand-selected Moses and Aaron to lead His people. He appointed Aaron as the high priest over the temple and worship. Yet when they disobeyed God, His discipline was severe—even unto death.
Because of their disobedience, God told them they would not enter the Promised Land. Scripture says,
"Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up Mount Hor. Remove Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron will be gathered to his people and die there.”—Numbers 20:25-26 (CSB) "So Moses did as the Lord commanded, and they climbed Mount Hor in the sight of the whole community. After Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on Eleazar, Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. When the whole community saw that Aaron had passed away, the entire house of Israel mourned for him for thirty days." --Numbers 20:27-30, CSB).
Aaron was replaced by his son Eleazar, and Moses was eventually replaced by Joshua. It doesn’t matter how we feel about God’s decisions—His message is clear: disobedience will cost you. It doesn’t matter who you are or what position God has placed you in—if you don’t obey Him, Scripture says, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves... "—Hebrews 12:6 (CSB) Scripture also says, "Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?"
—Luke 6:46 (CSB)
Those who love God follow His word and keep His commandments. He says, "If you love Me, you will obey My commands." We cannot live life on our own terms and expect God to be okay with it. Just as a parent expects their child to follow instructions, God expects us to obey Him. He is our Father.
Let’s Pray:
Father, we know that You are kind and gracious, and that we receive new mercies and grace every day. We also know that You discipline those You love. We surrender ourselves to You and seek forgiveness for the times we have failed to follow Your instructions. Thank You for the examples of Moses and Aaron, reminding us to stay obedient to You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Key Takeaways:
God expects us to obey Him.
"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."
In God’s kingdom, disobedience is not an option.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Called to Wait
"But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation..."Micah 7:7 (ESV)
Many times when we visit the doctor’s office, after checking in, we are directed to a waiting room to wait for our name to be called. We wait with expectation, knowing that at any moment our name will be called. Sometimes, it may take a little longer, but the one thing we know for certain is that our name will be called. When we were in Italy, we traveled by train to many different cities, and at each station, we had to wait in line. While waiting, we always kept an eye on the monitor, knowing that our train would eventually appear.
Throughout life, we are taught how to wait with patience. I believe that waiting teaches us not only how to wait but also how to look for the Lord. Scripture says, "Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."—Matthew 24:44 (ESV).
In the examples I shared, we didn’t know exactly when the doctor would call our name or when the train would arrive, but we waited with the expectation that it was coming. Scripture reminds us that Jesus is returning soon, and we must be ready.
We must not let the distractions of this world take our focus off of what God has called us to do: to love one another as Christ has loved us. The Scripture says, "Look, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to repay each person according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."—Revelation 22:12-13 (CSB)
Waiting is a part of this life’s journey. Just as we wait for things to happen in our daily lives—whether it's for a red light to turn green or for our name to be called—we must remember to wait with the same expectation for the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is coming soon!
Key Takeaways:
We are called to wait on the Lord with anticipation of His return.
While waiting, we are to serve the world in love.
Jesus is coming back soon! Hallelujah!
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Failure
"There is no risk of failure with God. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken." — Psalm 62:6, ESV
The Holy Spirit had given me an assignment. Although I was excited about it, I was also nervous because I had been given a similar timeline in the past — and I had failed. I couldn’t seem to complete things within the set time frame.
As I sat with God, I told Him how excited I was about the plans and the timeline, but I was anxious because I had failed so many times before. That’s when I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Look up the word fail.”
Fail: to be unsuccessful in achieving one’s goal; to neglect to do something.
After reading the definition, the Holy Spirit began placing scriptures in my spirit. He reminded me, “There is no risk of failure with God.” He said that I was seeing things from an earthly perspective instead of His. What looked like failure to me was actually success to Him because He was working out something greater within me.
He brought several more scriptures to mind:
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3
“The godly may trip seven times, but they will get back up again.” — Proverbs 24:16
As I sat quietly, listening to the Holy Spirit, He reminded me of Thomas Edison. Edison failed 1,000 times while trying to invent the light bulb — but he kept going. God said, “The world sees my guiding of Thomas Edison as failure, but I was actually directing him toward success. Every step he took, I already knew what was going to happen. Each step was purposeful in leading him to discover the treasure of the light bulb within him.”
Every time the world tells you that you’ve failed, remind yourself that God is directing your path — and there is no failure in Him.
Key Takeaways
When we see things from God’s perspective, we will never see failure.
Every step we take with God is purposeful, whether we understand it or not.
A thousand different attempts are not failures — they are steps toward success.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
The Consequence of Disobedience
"Then the plague against the Israelites was stopped; but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000." — Numbers 25:8-9
I’ve been listening to a podcast where we’ve been covering the book of Numbers. Let me tell you — there’s so much more to the book of Numbers than just the chronology of Israel’s journey. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Similarly, in Joshua, it says, “Not one word of all the promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.”
It’s encouraging to hear the promises of God and to know that He keeps His word. However, we often forget that receiving those promises comes with responsibilities on our part. When God brought Israel out of Egypt and to Mount Sinai, He gave them specific instructions. He said, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. Do not have other gods besides me.” (Exodus 20:3)
Unfortunately, in Numbers 25, we see that Israel completely rebelled against God — and they faced the consequences of their disobedience. The plague came only because of the consequence of their behavior. 24,000 Israelites died from the plague.
I remember a time when I faced the consequences of disobedience as a child. When I was in elementary school, my parents taught us that stealing was wrong and that we would be disciplined if we ever stole anything. One day, my parents stopped by a local store to pick up some items for cooking. I went into the store with my dad, and while we were there, I ran into a friend from school. We walked around the store together, and I saw her slip some candy into her pocket. I can't remember if she told me to do it or if I decided on my own — but either way, I took some candy and put it in my pocket too.
After we left the store, I headed back to the car. My mom immediately noticed something off and asked, “What’s in your pocket?” I said, “Nothing.” She reached into my pocket, pulled out the candy, and said, “Go back into the store and tell your dad that you stole this candy.”
That was the longest walk I had ever taken! I can still see the look on my dad’s face when I told him what I had done. He was so disappointed. When we got home, I not only got a disciplined with a belt on my bottom, but I also had extra chores — chores that made sure I wouldn’t forget the consequences of my actions. That discipline worked; I don’t ever remember stealing again.
My parents were trying to lead me in the right direction for my life. Scripture says, “No good thing does the Lord God withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11) God's commands are designed to lead us to our best life. When we disobey, we bring judgment on ourselves.
Key Takeaways
We bring judgment on ourselves when we disobey God’s commands.
Boundaries are set in place to help us succeed.
Staying in alignment with God brings the blessings of God.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Judgement
I was sitting in my office, stewing over the fact that our grandson was sick. An incident had happened, and I felt sure that if a certain individual hadn’t shown up, our grandson wouldn’t have gotten sick. As I was meditating on that thought — trying not to be angry but still wanting to place blame — the Holy Spirit said, “Do you want Me to judge your past like that?”
Immediately, my past started flashing through my mind. I can’t tell you how quickly my spirit shifted. We are so eager to judge, especially when we feel justified, that we forget about the planks lurking in our own eyes.
Scripture tells us not to judge others so that we will not be judged. Yet, how often do we run our mouths, spouting our own opinions and judging others because we think we’re right? I can’t count how many times I’ve been in conversations where someone, because of their education or experience, believed they had the right to pass judgment on someone else.
Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount:
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
— Matthew 7:3–5, NIV
It’s easy to judge because we don’t usually take the time to reflect on our own faults. We know we’re not perfect, but when we think we have knowledge or experience, we feel entitled to share our opinions. God made this very clear to me in my own life.
My husband and I used to see an elderly couple living in a house down the street. One day, we noticed a younger man had moved in, and we assumed it must be their son.
Every day, we saw him outside working on a Porsche — putting decals on it or tinkering with something. Because we saw him doing this daily, we jumped to the conclusion that he was living off his parents. We had never met the man, knew nothing about the family — yet we had something to say.
Last year, the house went up for sale, and they held an estate sale. We saw some people standing around who we assumed might be the owners, so we got out of our car to say hello. What we learned left me humbled and ashamed.
The young man who had been living there had died. He had been terminally ill. His parents had been renting the house for years, and when his father died, the son bought the house so his mother wouldn’t have to move out of her home. He had been living with her to help care for her. Now that her son had passed away, she couldn’t afford the home, so she had to sell it.
I walked away so ashamed and embarrassed. I asked God for forgiveness. That day, He taught me a valuable lesson: Do not judge — and keep your mouth shut!
"Who are you to judge another’s household servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand, because the Lord is able to make him stand."
— Romans 14:4
Listen, I was driving around in my car, calling myself a Christian, while judging someone who will stand before God — and in those moments, I would have been the one to fall. We have to be so careful about what we say. Scripture is clear:
"But I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken."
— Matthew 12:36
Key Takeaways:
Your words will cost you.
God says do not judge.
Remove the plank from your own eye before you try and correct someone else.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Slow to Anger
"My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger."
—James 1:19, CSB
My husband pulled into a parking spot at the bank. Before he could turn off the car, the person next to us began honking at the truck in front of him. The driver of the truck was reversing, and the honking driver feared his car might be hit. The man honking was an elderly Hispanic gentleman, clearly concerned about his vehicle.
The driver of the truck was a young white man, likely in his mid-to-late thirties. He got out of his vehicle and walked over to the elderly man, speaking to him rudely. The Hispanic man quickly apologized, saying, "I was just concerned you were going to hit my car. I’m sorry."
Meanwhile, my husband got out of the car and headed into the bank, the same place the young man was going. The elderly man remained seated in his car.
As I waited for my husband to return, I watched the young man exit the bank and walk straight over to the Hispanic man. To my surprise, he apologized. "I’m sorry for being such an asshole. I would have reacted the same way. I’m truly sorry."
The elderly man responded with gratitude, "Thank you." Then, they both went on their way.
When my husband returned to the car, I asked him, "Did you say anything to that young man?"
"Yeah," he replied. "I told him that the gentleman was a little older and probably just frightened."
I then shared with my husband what I had witnessed.
It is so easy to judge others, especially in a world where racism is so prevalent. But if we choose love instead, God can work on hearts and bring glory to Himself in every situation. I was deeply moved by how God used three men of different nationalities to demonstrate that love can transform any moment. If we walk in love, He will work everything out.
Key Takeaways:
Do not let the thought of racism lead your heart toward judgment instead of love.
When we walk in love, we allow God to do His best work through us.
Love is the true change agent.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Stay Focused
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.” **He said, “Come.” —Matthew 14:28-29, CSB
When Peter stepped out onto the water, chaos surrounded him. There was noise and countless distractions trying to pull him off course. Yet, he was walking on water—doing something he had never done before. The wind blew heavily, and fear gripped him and the disciples as they saw Jesus walking toward them. They thought he was a ghost. But in the midst of the storm, there was an opportunity. Peter seized that opportunity. Although all of them were in the boat and had the same chance, only Peter asked. Perhaps the chaos stopped them. Perhaps they were too afraid to step out of their comfort zone. Every opportunity requires courage.
Yeshua did not call Peter out onto the water; Peter recognized an opportunity and asked for it. Yeshua responded, “Come.” Peter’s eyes were laser-focused on Yeshua, the only one who could guide him through the process. He didn’t need a life jacket or swimming skills; no qualifications were necessary—only faith and obedience to come directly to Yeshua.
When our Father gives us visions, we often don’t meet the qualifications. We are never fully equipped in our own strength, nor do we have the wisdom or knowledge to handle what has been placed in our souls. Our focus must remain on the one who assigned us the task. Later, we see that Peter got distracted by the chaos around him. The moment he took his eyes off Yeshua, he began to sink. He lost his position, returning to where he started—unqualified and unable to stand on the water. Did you notice that God never quieted the storm? He simply walked over it.
In today’s world, opposition and turmoil are everywhere, making distraction easy. But miracles happen in the mayhem, and opportunities arise in opposition. We should ask God to shift our focus away from the chaos so we can walk with Him in the opportunity. While the world focuses on the opposition, we must fix our eyes on what lies ahead. Just as Yeshua didn’t calm the storm but walked over it, so should we. I believe that God allows mayhem and opposition so the enemy cannot foresee the blessings being handed down to us.
Consider King David—he never lost focus or tried to force things to happen. He kept his eyes on Yeshua, and the mayhem he endured led to his greatest victory. We must not be distracted; we must stay the course.
Key Takeaways:
Distractions are a part of the process.
Our eyes must stay on the giver of the assignment.
If we keep focus on the mayhem, it will drown us.
Ask Yeshua to reveal the opportunity within the opposition.
Affirmations:
Matthew 10:20 | Luke 24:32 | Ephesians 6:19 | Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Love is…
Love is patient and kind… — 1 Corinthians 13:4, ESV
Learning patience and kindness, even in difficult situations, is a journey. Both of my parents are in their eighties, living on their own and doing well. They live just down the street from us, so if anything happens, we are readily available to assist them.
When I was younger, I always looked up to my dad. He seemed to do all the right things and took care of his family. As I grew older, I began to develop my own way of thinking, and we didn’t always see eye to eye. Now, in his eighties and determined to do things his way, it can be challenging to walk out this aspect of love with kindness and patience.
Let me explain. Our grandson had his first birthday at his home, and all the family came to celebrate his special day. My daughter’s home has a staircase that goes straight up, so we were all concerned for my dad, who sometimes uses a cane to walk. Everyone made sure he got up and down the stairs safely. However, at one point in the day, without anyone noticing, my dad decided to go up the stairs on his own. He made it to the top but then fell. Thankfully, we have two nurses in our family who immediately checked him out and gave him some suggestions on what should be done until we could get him to the emergency room the next day.
At the time, we didn’t know he had broken his shoulder and knee. I told my father that I would pick him up the following morning to take him to the hospital. When I arrived at their house the next day, I found my dad in his car, trying to back out of the garage. I thought, God, You have got to be kidding me! I immediately pulled my car up behind his so he couldn’t move. Frustrated and confused, I asked myself, What is he doing?
At that moment, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to be patient and kind. It was difficult not to go off on him because I was scared for his safety. But God reminded me that He was watching over them. This situation was never just about my parents—it was about Yeshua working in me, teaching me a new level of love and kindness. Before they got in my car, I prayed for myself because I could feel fear settling in. Fear wanted to make me ignore love, justifying my reaction as caring for my parents. But I knew my response had to align with God’s will. The Bible tells us, Let all that you do be done in love.
I was reminded of when the angel, sent by God to speak with Zechariah, told him that his wife would conceive a child. Zechariah did not believe, and the angel could have been harsh in response. Instead, he spoke with love. The angel represented God the Father and responded accordingly. God is teaching us that no matter our authority or how right we feel, love is always the response He requires from us.
Key Takeaways:
Kindness will come with challenges.
Patience is a journey, not a destination.
In every situation, we must remember that we represent our Father and are called to behave like Him.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
The Assignment
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. — 1 John 4:8, ESV
I had been reading and listening to various posts on social media about the direction of our government. Everyone has their own opinions on what is right and wrong. As I sat down with the Holy Spirit, preparing to write, I heard Him say, "This week is all about love." In my mind, I questioned it: "Are You sure You want me to write about love? Shouldn’t I be addressing what is happening around us?" It felt like I was ignoring the reality of our circumstances and merely sugarcoating it with love.
It doesn’t take Yeshua long to set us straight! I heard Him respond, "Okay, what do you want to write about?" I hesitated and said, "I don’t know—something to encourage people, words that tell them what to do." He gently but firmly replied, "Love is the instruction. That is why I am calling every believer to action. I am calling them back to their first assignment. I am calling them back to what I give them every single day. This is the season, more than ever, to walk in love. This is what the apostles spoke about in the Word. They taught you how to believe in Me, who I am, and how to move in love. I am not asking you to fight like the world does. Satan wants you to engage in his demonic ways. I have called you to first walk in love, and when you are equipped in giving love, I can send you out to speak to the world."
I sat in silence, reflecting on what Yeshua had placed in my spirit. My thoughts turned to the many individuals who came before me—those who sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we have today. They gave everything because they loved. They were willing to lay down their lives so that we could have a better one. Yeshua reminded me that love costs—it is not free.
For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. — John 3:16, AMP
Key Takeaways:
The instruction is to love.
Love will cost you something.
You have been equipped for the assignment.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
A Call to Action 2
For the one who wants to love life and to see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit, and let him turn away from evil and do what is good. Let him seek peace and pursue it, because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do what is evil. — 1 Peter 3:10-12
In the passage above, we see that living the good life God has promises that come with responsibility. He has laid out specific instructions for those who believe. The Bible teaches that a person’s behavior reveals their true character. Prior to this passage, the Apostle Peter says, "All of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult, but on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing."
We cannot receive God’s blessings if we are spreading hate and passing judgment, as if God has appointed us to do His work for Him. He has commanded us to be a blessing to others, to pray for one another, and to love as He loves us. I am reminded of how Joseph loved his brothers despite their betrayal. He told them that it was not his place to judge them for their wrongdoing because God had a plan, and He turned their actions for good. Joseph responded with love toward those who had mistreated him, and God rewarded him greatly.
A recurring theme throughout the Bible is that God often uses the most oppressed individuals for His glory. These are the people He chooses to deliver His blessings and lead His people. He gives them the strength to walk in love, even in the face of adversity. Cling to our Father in prayer as He guides you on this journey of love. He is with you every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
The good life is available to every believer, but it comes at a cost.
The good life requires denying the flesh.
What we give is what we receive; we can only harvest the seeds we have sown.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
A Call to Action
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 22:36-39, ESV
I regularly post daily tapings on my social media accounts. Occasionally, I review each platform to respond to comments. One particular day, I found myself scrolling through posts from others, and before I knew it, thirty minutes had passed. I was so disappointed! My spirit felt heavy from all the negativity I had absorbed, and I regretted wasting the valuable gift of time that God had given me on something unproductive.
As I sat there with an empty feeling inside, I began to call on Yeshua. I simply said, "Yeshua, Yeshua, I need your help." I knew I needed to write, but I didn’t feel like I was in the right space. As I called on Yeshua, I heard Him say, "Write about love." I hesitated. "After everything I just listened to, You want me to write about love? I'm not sure I even feel love right now." Then, He shared with me the scripture above and told me to title the devotional "A Call to Action." Immediately, I understood. Most people see love as a feeling, but that is not what Jesus meant when He commanded us to love our neighbor as ourselves.
The Bible defines love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8:
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.
We are not called to love based on our feelings because, if we’re honest, we don’t always feel like being patient and kind—even with our family members, let alone those who mistreat us. Our feelings have little to do with the assignment Yeshua gave us. He demonstrated love even while we did everything possible to go against Him. He died on the cross for our sins, giving us the opportunity to choose life.
The times we are living in make it especially challenging to love others. However, we must remember that the command to love was never something we were meant to do alone. Yeshua sent the Holy Spirit to help us fulfill this assignment. He never sends us where we have not been equipped. I know that when you hear or read certain news stories that rattle your spirit, love is often not the first feeling that arises. But Yeshua demonstrated that the love He calls us to is a love that always shows up—a love that moves us into action.
Following the second greatest commandment—to love our neighbor as ourselves—requires us to ask the Holy Spirit to help us move beyond our emotions and walk in the love the world so desperately needs today. This journey of love with Him is an opportunity for great growth and intimacy. The more we depend on Him, the greater the reward in this walk of love.
Key Takeaways:
Love is a call to action.
The call will require sacrifice and sometimes pain.
Love is not dependent on how the receiver chooses to respond but on how you choose to serve God.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
The Call to Action
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8, ESV
In the passage above, the Apostle Peter addresses Christians enduring suffering. He reminds them that love is not defined by feelings but by the willingness to sacrifice for others. In the United States, there is a noticeable divide within the Christian faith. My husband has shared that he no longer refers to himself as a Christian because the term has been distorted by falsehoods. Instead, he identifies as a believer, a knower of Jesus Christ.
The truth is that Satan has always sought to divide those who have faith in Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us: Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
1 Peter 5:8, CSB.
He does not concern himself with those who are unsaved, as he already has them. His primary focus is on those whose hearts are righteous before God. His strategy is to turn individuals against one another because division is the easiest way to conquer. This is why racism has persisted for decades—it is an effective tool of division.
The passage reminds us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ earnestly. Earlier in the chapter, it states that since Christ suffered in the flesh, we must also arm ourselves with the same understanding. Suffering in the flesh is inevitable for those who follow Christ. It is heartbreaking to witness the divisions within the household of faith. Families turn against each other due to deceptive tactics and the inability to discern truth from lies. This brings to mind the story of Job. When he suffered, his friends initially came to console him, but their words ultimately condemned him. In the end, God corrected Job’s friends and instructed them to ask Job to pray for them so He would not deal with them as their folly deserved. Despite his immense suffering—the loss of his children, wealth, and health—Job still loved his friends and prayed for them.
Regardless of how our brothers and sisters in Christ behave, and even if we suffer because of their actions, God has called us to continue loving and praying for one another.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for being our Lord and King. You understand each of us and see our hearts. You know that it is not easy to love and pray for a fellow brother or sister when we suffer at their hands—especially when we suffer simply because of the way You created us. We know that You will not place more on us than we can bear, so we ask for strength, discernment, and wisdom to pray and love as You have commanded. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon - Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Presence
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. — Isaiah 41:10, NIV
We often hear this scripture quoted, reminding us that God is always with us and will never leave nor forsake us. Since childhood, I had been told these words, and I believed them. However, it was not until recently that God revealed a new depth to this passage.
I was visiting our daughter’s home to celebrate our grandson’s first birthday. Naturally, we were all excited! At one point, I was watching him by myself. At this age, he had mastered crawling and was practicing taking a few steps here and there. Because of his curiosity and mobility, I had to keep a close eye on him.
As I sat on the floor watching him, he played with his toys, occasionally bringing them over to me. Other times, he would dart toward something he knew he wasn’t supposed to touch. I would call his name, urging him to stop. Sometimes he would pause; other times, he would hurry toward his goal, fully aware of my presence but not always acknowledging me or showing interest in what I was trying to teach him.
When my husband entered the room to take over, I stepped away to the restroom. I had not left my grandson alone; I ensured someone was watching him. In that moment, the Holy Spirit spoke to me:
“This is what the scripture means when it says, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' Although your grandson did not always acknowledge you, you were always there, watching over him. Your presence never left him, even when he was not paying attention to you.
It is the same with Me. You may not always acknowledge Me, but I am always with you, watching over you. I desire you to engage with Me, just as you would love to have your grandson sit in your lap, listen to you read, talk with you, or play games with you. When he chooses to engage with you, he receives extra love and cuddles. You do not force your way upon him; instead, you consistently watch over him, looking for opportunities to bless him. That is exactly how I feel about My people.”
As I reflected on what God had shown me, I realized that while His presence is always with me, I must actively engage with Him to experience the fullness of His blessings. He is always there, but it is my choice to seek Him, to go deeper in His presence, and to truly know Him. I can look back over my life and see the difference in my relationship with God when I have chosen to engage with Him versus when I have not.
God’s presence is always available, but the depth of our experience with Him depends on our willingness to seek Him.
Key Takeaways:
God’s presence is always with you.
He never leaves you nor forsakes you.
You must engage with Him to experience the fullness of His presence and blessings.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon – Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Close the Door to Negative Thoughts
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8, KJV
The passage above instructs us on how to control our minds. Our minds are under our will, and we have the complete ability to govern them. God has given us full authority over our thoughts, and this is where Satan wages his battle. If he can infiltrate our minds, he gains access to our thoughts, which eventually become words spoken from our mouths—shaping our lives.
What we focus on in life is what we manifest. When I was younger, I would sometimes have random thoughts about how I was going to die. I could vividly imagine different scenarios playing out in my life. However, before the thought could fully develop, I would catch myself and ask, "Where did that come from?" and stop the process. At that time, I didn’t realize the importance of monitoring my thoughts and shutting down anything negative. Satan is constantly working to bring us down because he understands the power of the mind. If he can control our thoughts—filling them with fear, intimidation, death, jealousy, pride, hatred, evil, or sickness—he knows we will eventually manifest those things, leading to his victory. Therefore, we must shut the door to all negativity and focus on the things we want to bring into our lives.
When I hear people recounting negative situations and experiences, I become quiet and discern what they are saying. If it is a negative report, I immediately focus on rejecting it. I recall when my children were young, older adults who had already raised their children would tell me to "enjoy them now because the teenage years will be terrible." I instantly rejected that notion in my heart. That may have been their experience, but it did not have to be mine. I prayed for a wonderful relationship with my children during their teenage years, and while they were not perfect, we thoroughly enjoyed that stage of their lives. We had fun! I would relive those years in a heartbeat. I refused to accept a negative report over our family because it was up to me whether I received it or not.
We must be mindful of what we allow into our minds. While advice on preventing harmful situations is beneficial, we cannot let negative opinions and other people’s fears take root in our spirits. We need to firmly shut the door to random negative thoughts that try to occupy our minds. The best way to keep that door closed is by focusing on what Scripture teaches—things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. This may require us to reduce our time on social media and limit our exposure to negative news. While staying informed is important, constantly consuming and repeating negativity fills our minds and creates an environment where negativity manifests in our lives. You may think this is extreme, but consider this—when a murderer takes someone’s life, they first harbored the intention to harm. Their thoughts led to actions. What we focus on determines what we bring into our lives. We must bolt the door tight against anything negative attempting to enter.
The way to secure our minds is by immersing ourselves in God’s Word. Scripture instructs us to meditate on God’s Word day and night. When we do this, we block Satan’s attempts to insert deceptive thoughts. If any negative thoughts manage to slip through, we will recognize them quickly and shut them down because we have placed a spiritual guard over our minds through the power of Scripture.
Key Points:
The Word of God prevents the negative thoughts of Satan.
Satan will try to distract you from reading the Word because he knows it is his greatest enemy.
Meditating on the Word of God builds the defense you need when an attack on the mind comes.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the incredible gift of my mind, will, and emotions. I surrender them all back to You. I desire to be in alignment with Your will for my life. Holy Spirit, I ask You to correct my mind when I am headed in the wrong direction. Grant me increased study time, and I rebuke any demonic spirit that attempts to hinder my time with You. Help me to bolt the door to Satan and surrender everything to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon – Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks
Do Not Fear!
"And the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians." – Isaiah 37:36, ESV
I was driving back from the Bay Area and decided to listen to my Bible app. I had spent most of the day watching our grandson, who lives about two hours away, and I hadn’t had the opportunity to truly fill my soul with the Word.
I asked God what I should listen to, but when I opened my app, it was already in the book of Isaiah. I remembered that I had started listening the night before, so I continued from where I had left off. I must admit, as I was driving, I struggled to understand some of what I was hearing. I got lost in the battles—who was fighting whom and why. I told the Holy Spirit, "I’m listening, but I don’t understand. I trust You to bring clarity."
I felt the Holy Spirit say, "Just keep listening." God always has something for us if we just wait. When the reader reached the thirty-sixth and thirty-seventh chapters, I was drawn in. I was blown away by the attack that came against Judah for their disobedience to God. The King of Assyria had captured them and had become arrogant and full of pride because God had given him victory over the fortified cities of Judah. They were not honoring God or obeying His teachings. Scripture says this was part of God’s plan from the beginning (Isaiah 37:23-29).
Because God had given Assyria so much victory, the king thought he could conquer Jerusalem. He sent a royal spokesman, Rabshakeh, to tell the people of Jerusalem to surrender to Assyria because they would not be able to defeat them. He warned the people of Jerusalem, saying, "Beware that Hezekiah does not mislead you by saying, ‘The Lord will rescue us.’ Has any one of the gods of the nations rescued his land from the power of the king of Assyria?" The people of Jerusalem did not answer him. But King Hezekiah, in sackcloth and ashes, turned to the Lord and sent word to the prophet Isaiah regarding what Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, had said.
Isaiah sought the Lord on behalf of Jerusalem, and God said, "The Lord says this: Do not be afraid because of the words you have heard, with which the king of Assyria’s attendants have blasphemed Me. I am about to put a spirit in him, and he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword." – Isaiah 37:6-7, CSB
God did exactly what He said. But even after this, King Sennacherib sent a letter to Hezekiah, saying, "Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the King of Assyria." What? This man was crazy! But I love that Hezekiah went straight back to God in sackcloth and ashes and laid the letter on the altar as he prayed.
Scripture says Isaiah sent word to Hezekiah, telling him what the Lord had said: "They will not have to fight this battle. The King of Assyria will not come into this city or shoot an arrow there or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it. I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David." The very next verse says, "The angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians." – Isaiah 37. Did you see that?! The angel of the Lord took care of their enemy!
Do not fear! No matter what you see, hear, or feel, take it to the Lord, and He will take care of you!
Key Points:
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore." – Hebrews 13:8, ESV
"Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass." – Joshua 21:45, ESV
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways, know Him, and He will direct your path." – Proverbs 3:5-6, CSB
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
You can also follow me at JCC Ministries TV: YouTube Channel
My published books are now available at: Amazon – Life’s Journey Volume 2 by Jacqueline Crooks