- Shopping Bag ( 0 items )
It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life
Available on NOOK devices and apps

Want a NOOK? Explore Now

Want a NOOK? Explore Now
* * *
Livin' on love, buyin' on time Without somebody nothing ain't worth a dime Like an old fashioned story book rhyme Livin' on love It sounds simple that's what you're thinkin' that love can walk through fire without blinkin' It doesn't take much when you get enough Livin' on love Alan Jackson,"Livin' on Love"
In some ways my life feels like a fairy tale. I grew up in a little brick house with a gravel driveway in Newnan, Georgia. My daddy was a mailman. As a small girl I'd help my mother can green beans from our garden. I never dreamed that one day I'd live in an immense castle, showered with jewels by a handsome prince.
But that's what happened. Today tour buses pass the perimeter of our gated estate; people hang out the windows and take pictures of our mansion. Private planes, boats, and dozens of cars stand ready to take me whereverI want to go, anywhere in the world. Three lavish vacation homes are staffed and available to enjoy at any time. Employees cook, clean, shop, and run errands for me.
I've been photographed in shimmering designer gowns on more red carpets than I can remember. I've spent time with actors, musicians, celebrities, and presidents. Reporters have interviewed me, eager to portray my private life for newspapers, magazines, radio, and television. Strangers often ask if they can have my autograph, or if they can have their pictures taken with me.
Why have I received all these benefits?
It's certainly not because of me or anything I've done. It's because I'm married to a country music superstar named Alan Jackson. Alan's award-winning, multiplatinum albums and his enormous career success over the last two decades have made him wealthy beyond his dreams; he's a celebrity whose fans adore him.
Because of our relationship, I receive these gifts as well. Out of Alan's graciousness and love for me, he has showered me with extravagant pleasures I haven't earned. I am rich-because of him.
Riches Anyone Can Have
Recently it's struck me how all this so closely parallels my relationship with Jesus Christ. I enjoy spiritual riches, not because of who I am or what I've done, but because of who God is and what He's done. I'm rich in love, joy, and peace because I'm in an intimate relationship with a gracious God who loves me just as I am.
Obviously this parallel isn't exact. As Alan would be the first to say, he's human, full of flaws, weakness, and sin. So am I. We've gone through hard times, when each of us hurt the other. We've struggled in our love and commitment. We've fallen apart, separated, and come back together again. We've experienced the raw fact that wealth and fame really don't buy joy and peace.
We've learned in hard ways what is truly important: the priority of faith and family and the ties that bind us to the God who is always faithful, even when we are not.
That's why I've felt that perhaps it's time to share some of our journey. I don't know why you've picked up this book. You may be a fan of Alan's, and you're curious about his private life. Or maybe you've never heard of Alan Jackson and couldn't care less about country music ... but you're curious about how God really works in people's lives, and how He might change yours.
Wherever you're coming from, our story is here to let you know that regardless of your situation, you can have the very richest blessings we enjoy. This is because the best assets aren't houses, planes, boats, cars, and diamonds that only the wealthy can possess. The very best gifts in this life are absolutely available to everyone.
Recently I met a woman who asked if she could take pictures of our estate. She was a Sunday school teacher, and she'd been telling the kids in her class about how Jesus said that He was preparing mansions in heaven for them. Since these kids had never laid eyes on a mansion, she wanted them to see pictures of one so they could better visualize the wonderful splendor of Jesus' promise.
I'm grateful for our beautiful home. Every time Alan and I drive into its big gates, we're floored that we actually get to live in such an incredible place. But it's made of bricks and mortar, and it will one day crumble. Christ's heavenly mansions will be more beautiful than we can imagine, and they will last forever. And they're available not just for the select few who make it big in this world, but for all who look to Jesus.
Better Than Material "Stuff"
I've learned through a lot of tears, over a lot of time, that possessions alone will never satisfy the hunger we all have inside. The only thing that can fill us up to overflowing is a real relationship with Jesus. That's not just nice religious talk. It's true. While material stuff is great fun, and I enjoy it and try to share whatever I have, I could give it all up tomorrow. But I could never give up Jesus, and more important, He will never give up on me.
Softly and tenderly, He calls each of us, His arms flung wide to hold us tight. He can give us real joy, true peace, and fulfillment forever. This isn't about religion or going to church or looking holy or trying to do all the right things. It's about being in an unbreakable bond with Jesus, living with Him in a cherished connection of love. He longs to bless us abundantly, beyond our wildest dreams.
As is pretty obvious, I'm no theologian. This book isn't a sermon on prayer, God's will, forgiveness, trials and temptations, or any of the other big topics on which it touches. I'm not trying to instruct anyone as if I'm an expert; many excellent authors have written with great insight about these subjects.
But I do know what I know. I'm like the blind man Jesus healed in the Gospel of John. When he was questioned as to exactly why this miracle had happened, he said, "I don't know!" Then he went on, "One thing I do know. Once I was blind, but now I see!"
That's a little bit like my story in this book. One thing I do know: Even though I had all the material things we chase after in this world, I once was miserable, full of uncertainty and fear. But now I have real joy and peace!
This transformation is why I have felt so strongly about writing this book. A life lived in the sweet riches of God's amazing grace is far better than any so-called fairy tale you could ever imagine. I know this firsthand. So can you.
It's all about Him.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from It's All About Him by Denise Jackson Ellen Vaughn Copyright © 2007 by Denise Jackson. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
BeccaG1
Posted March 8, 2010
The biography It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life written by Denise Jackson is a book about her good and bad times in the life of fame. Denise shares with us her life-changing story of her life struggles with being a wife of a country music artist Alan Jackson and a mother of three children. Denise talks about her and Alan's separation and that as hard as it was going through that, it was a growing experience and that they came out stronger in the end. Through this Denise found happiness, Denise says, "as I chased after God, I actually found my true self." Most of this book is based on Christian values. When reading this book I didn't not want to put it down wanting to know what happened next and what she learned while going through it. I recommend this book to any woman who needs encouragement and who chooses to seek God and desires to find their true self. As she says, "brokenness moves my story forward in a way that peaceful times do not. It's in difficulties that I became desperate to really know God, to cry out to Him."
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 21, 2012
Highly recommend that you read. I could not put book down. Read it all in one day.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ruthhill74
Posted December 30, 2011
I have been an Alan Jackson fan for several years now, but I honestly did not know a lot about him or his family. I had the supreme joy of seeing him in concert this past summer, and I was impressed. I really enjoyed it.
I heard about this book a couple years ago when I was listening to a country radio interview with Alan Jackson (it was shortly after the Tiger Woods scandal). I was totally shocked when I heard that he had cheated on his wife, and their marriage had survived it. I saved this book to my list.
I happened to win this book (I selected is as my winning book), and I finally had a chance to read it. And I was completely impressed! I knew that they were Christians, but suddenly a few things made sense. There is a portion of Alan Jackson's career that just doesn't really impress me, and his music seems so "worldly" during that time. I now understand why.
I was completely impressed with the way Denise told her story. She did not ever put her husband down. She even took responsibility for some of the issues in their marriage. She explained that when her husband became famous, they kind of forgot about God, and that is when the trouble started.
Her message in the book was simple but sincere. God can work through any situation. He is always faithful even when we are not. This book will strengthen your faith, and it can truly encourage you in the midst of your trials. It sure did for me!
6366377
Posted December 28, 2010
first book i read in a while and i couldnt put it down
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Staying on Track
RePost-
This book I recommend I am a former stay at home Mom and I feel this book can be a great help for couples today. I feel Denise emphasizes the wealth aspect only as to say, it's not about wealth and this healing is available to all who seek it. 'It's All About Him', is thought provoking and inspirational with a simple hearted flair. It is to me delightfully humorous and poignant. It shows the humanity, that regardless of social status, we all share.Separations of any kind are not easy. Denise was given great strength through her faith to sustain her during their personal trials. I admire the strength of this dear young woman.a young woman of deep found faith. I enjoyed the humorous side of their relationship. I thank Denise for sharing a bit of the private life of the Jackson family. It's a great read ! It shows that with love and faith, one's marriage can prevail.I think Alan acknowledges his wrong doing and was willing to seek help and save his marriage. I admire them getting back on track with God and really knowing 'It's All About Him.' I wish Denise much success with this book! It's a great little read!
Michele34
Posted April 14, 2010
I love the book that Denise Jackson wrote. It's intersting to read and never stop reading it. I like it because it's about family and god. I think Denise Jackson did the right thing and worte this book for everyone to read. I give it a 10 for all the work she did and the people who help her make this book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 27, 2010
I was enthralled from the moment I opened the book...I really knew nothing about Alan Jackson other than he is a Country singer...no idea how old he was when he got his big break...but the WOW came from Denise's walk/talk about the true Him...as a "stale" Christian she truly opened my eyes to ways of becoming and alive Christian...believe me I am not there yet...but working on it...loved the journal idea. I encourage everyone to read this book...and enjoy
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.KayeB
Posted July 23, 2009
I read Denise Jackson's book basically because I enjoy learning how God works in people's lives. I thought Denise's accounting of her life with Alan from the start was a simple story. Yet, I was disappointed to read reviews from others who decided that Alan and Denise should have not made the first step down the aisle. Only this couple and God knows their own hearts and why they chose to be life partners. Denise's commitment to remain faithful to God's direction throughout this chapter of her life that she shares with us speaks volumes of her true love for Christ and her husband. Alan decision to be accountable for his own choices and ask for forgiveness from both God and the wife of his youth demonstrates the conviction and courage one can recieve from God's Holy Spirit.
Equally disappointing was several reviewers objection to Denise's mention of wealth and lavished gifts, adding that she might not have stayed with Alan if it weren't for this lifestyle. Again how does one take it upon them to judge another person's heart and motives? The Bible talks about how gold, myrrh and frankincense were presented to the Christ child, so please get past any objections to Denise's descriptions of her rings.
I praise God that Denise fell in love with the guy who took a second shift at Kmart and stayed in love with him despite the many challenges, disappointments and yet, rewards of their very public life. I would recommend this book to anyone who values the love and support you can receive from a prayer partners, friends and family during a very difficult time -- and to understand the power of God's healing hand on broken hearts and homes.
Organizedgal
Posted February 9, 2009
Loved this book from the time I opened it. Was a gift in a book exchange this Christmas and it was well worth the read and staying up at night to finish it.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 17, 2008
First of all, I do not believe Denise and Alan Jackson were compatible from the very outset of their relationship. From the very beginning of the book there were many unsuitable likes and dis-likes. Initially it was a physical attraction at best - more so on Alan's part 'He having pursued her.' As time marched on in their marriage, they began to drift apart and then they fell apart after Alan's infidelity. I got the sense that Denise would have liked to share more concerning Alan's unfaithfulness but showed great restraint in choosing not to cast him or his career in a bad light. It was upsetting to me and I'm sure countless others to see Denise blame herself for Alan's betrayal or trying to pull herself down to his level for a few impure thoughts she may have had back when...whenever. Denise fought long and hard by exhausting every avenue to restore her relationship with Alan until finally surrendering it all to Christ, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith. I to have been there until I did exactly what Denise did in crying out to God to not only save my marriage but to save myself and by divine intervention, my marriage was spared. That was over 25 years ago and we are still going so very strong today. In all honesty, I do not think Denise would have fought so long and so vehemently to save her marriage if it were not for the extravagant and opulent lifestyle she had come to know and love, for herself and for their children. I appreciate Denise's honesty in making mention in her book before the fame and fortune she said to Alan, 'I don't remember any woman chasing after you when you worked the second shift at K-Mart.' I truly believe that Denise would have shown Alan to the door had it not been for all the wealth. It is my hope that they will both stay on the straight and narrow path that leads to everlasting life and their children as well. The scripture does say, 'It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.' Denise closed her book by quoting the passage, 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.' However, for the readers enlightenment I would like to add the very next passage that states, 'But God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes the deep things of God.' I'll close by sharing this thought, 'It is Christ Himself who empowers us to forgive those who have violated our trust, all we need do is ask and by the Holy Spirit He will enable us to forgive all.'
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 24, 2008
This couple is well deserving of the wealth and riches portrayed in this book and I am glad she shared those with everyone! But she came to admit you can have it all in the world but without HIM you will never find true happiness! Its a blessing to see someone blessed beyond measure from the Lord and the talents he gave Alan and through it all the Lord will always come out on top. He brought them through tough times and gave them all they deserved! Its super easy reading I finished it in two days. Its a good pick me up book!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 7, 2008
When I see the title of the book I thought it was all about Alan and boy after buying the book and starting to read it I realised it wasnt about him and was very upset about that. I give this book a 0 rating as I feel kind of tricked!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 27, 2008
I would recommend this book for someone who just enjoys a good story. I was surprised how I could not put it down. I was blessed and felt better about my walk with God after reading this book. Again, no this will not change the world in some profound way but it is a great story to read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 11, 2007
This book I recommend I am a former stay at home Mom and I feel this book can be a great help for couples. I feel Denise emphasizes the wealth aspect only as to say, it's not about wealth and this healing is available to all who seek it. 'It's All About Him', is thought provoking and inspirational with a simple hearted flair. It is to me delightfully humorous and poignant. It shows the humanity, that regardless of social status, we all share.Separations of any kind are not easy. Denise was given great strength through her faith to sustain her during their personal trials. I admire the strength of this dear young woman.a young woman of deep found faith. I enjoyed the humorous side of their relationship. I thank Denise for sharing a bit of the private life of the Jackson family. It's a great read ! It shows that with love and faith, one's marriage can prevail.I think Alan acknowledges his wrong doing and was willing to seek therapy and save his marriage. I admire them getting back on track with God and really knowing 'It's All About Him.' I wish Denise much success with this book!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 11, 2007
Just finished the book ... very long and boring. Could have been a 20 pager at most. I am a big fan of Alan Jackson but no more books from his wife please. They were young, got married, got rich, spent a fortune, he played around, got a mansion, our big estate, big diamonds, lots of cars, etc. Not much to say in the book except God was their co-pilot while they flew thru the cash.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 24, 2007
I didn't like the book at all, I felt she took the blame for his unfaithfulness and was willing to do whatever to get him back. I didn't like how she continue to let us know how much money they had, that was the point she didn't want to give that up. Harsh but true....
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 27, 2007
Poor little rich girl was my over thought on this one. Through out this book, she comments on her INSECURITIES, again and again. She admits how attentive he was, allowed her to do whatever she wanted once they had financial success. She admits to the hard times Alan had to get where he is now. Appears to be a book about a very very insecure lady. Other than her religious statements, I don't think this is a good inspirational book for others. I enjoyed hearing how Alan adores his children indeed a family man, and his determination to succeed and follow his dream regardless of doors being slammed in his face....God bless you Alan.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 18, 2007
I felt this book was quite repetitious and too long for such a short story. I felt the author was taking on 95% of the blame for the failure of her marriage even though it was her husband who broke the wedding vows by committing adultery. Denise stayed at home and raise the children and made a house a home while the 'star' had an exciting 'life' outside the home. She probably DID seem 'boring' after the exciting life HE led. I felt this book was a slap in the faces of the 'stay at home' moms. I wouldn't reccommend it---if you're a stay at home mom, save your money and treat yourself out to a nice lunch instead. No more Alan Jackson cd's for me.....
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 21, 2007
I liked the premise of the book and was really looking forward to reading about how the Jackson's got their marriage back on track. I was very disappointed with the materialism spoken to in the book by Denise. She mentioned at least twice about rings Alan purchased for her including carat size and surrounding diamonds. This by a woman who claims to understand that none of this is important. If that is so why is so much time spent talking about her dream life. This does not measure up to the hype.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 13, 2007
I loved the book. I have been curious of the rumors and I am glad the book was written by Denise. It was very inspiritually. I'm sorry Alan had to leave his family to realize how much they meant to him. I am always curious when the man leaves his wife to seek other comforts and how he thinks she is being comforted while he is away. Surely he understands that when a man and woman are married they have needs that each one addresses to the other one. Then when there is a separation that need is still there only to be neglected by the other. I believe Alan wanted his cake and eat it too. Anytime someone says I married too young and I wonder what I missed and you have a wonderful marriage, I believe it is a copout. Everyone has those thoughts sometime in their married life but few act on it because they may end up with something far worst. I believe if you truly are in love and you just can't stand to be away for any length of time from the other there is no need to separate. I don't see how Alan could be separated from Denise for such a long period of time living in the same town. I realize Alan was on the road a lot and the children and Denise got used to that. I believe that time on the road would be enough separation for him. It would be different if he was home every night of the week. I know it took a lot of courage for Denise to tell her story. It is a wonderful book and it is helping me in my daily walk with Jesus and God. I highly recommend the book and it was an easy read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview
Written by Denise Jackson, with co-writer Ellen Vaughn, this inspirational book gives the reader an all-access look into one of country music's most famous couples: their love story, struggles, dreams, success, the near-failure of their marriage, and the rediscovery of their faith and how that has dramatically shaped their lives.