Article

 

SAUGUS WOMAN CHRONICLES HER

SEARCH FOR GOD

Jolanda Tedford shows the cover her book, “My Eternal Search: A Journey into the Tabernacle of God,” a collection of poems that chronicles her personal journey toward better understanding God.

Every time Jolanda Tedford found herself in an emotional situation, she would quickly type up a series of poems and phrases to convey her thoughts.

She did this for 16 years, keeping track of all of them.

Now the Saugus resident has compiled a collection of her poems in the book “My Eternal Search: A Journey into the Tabernacle of God.”

The series of poems follows Tedford’s own personal journey through poetry while shedding light on the larger picture of understanding God.

“I found Him when I found myself,” Tedford said.

The book is made up of three sections: “My Flesh – The Outer Court – Jesus,” “My Spirit – The Holy Place – Holy Spirit,” “My Soul – Holies of Holies – The Father,” which mirrors the Old Testament illustration of the Tabernacle of God.

Tedford said she uses poetry because it comes natural to her, although she explained that she was never formally taught poetry or writing through school.

With her first book available through popular bookstores, Tedford believes telling her personal journey will help others find God.

“I found God in myself and it led me to believe that God is in everyone,” said the San Francisco native.

She later added, “God is multi-faceted and we are the faces of God.”

Additionally, by writing about the troubles of her own life, she hopes to inspire others as they search for God.

Although Tedford attended church at a young age and has thoroughly read the Bible, she considers herself to be more spiritual than religious and maintains that her message can be applied to anyone.

Tedford, who has worked as a legal secretary for 26 years, said she never intended for her writings to one day become published. Because she kept all her writing typed, Tedford said she decided to begin the submission process for publication about 10 years ago.

Years later, her manuscript was accepted by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, a Christian based publishing company, and her book was officially released on March 4.

With one book completed, Tedford soon hopes to make her writing a full-time occupation as she makes plans for her next work.

Tedford said the next book would focus on how God works in people’s lives.

“I found Him and now I have to see how He operates,” she explained.

RELATED CONTENT – MARCH 29, 2008

How to find the book
• “My Eternal Search: A Journey into the Tabernacle of God” is available on Amazon and via her publisher, TatePublishing and Enterprises, visit www.tatepublishing.com.
• Jolanda Tedford will host a book signing from 1 to 5 p.m. April 19 at the Barnes and Noble in Calabasas.
• She also will appear at a book signing from 1 to 5 p.m. May 3 at the Woodland Hills Barnes and Noble.
• For more information, visit http://myeternal search.wordpress.com.