August 25, 2011

New Fantasy Book Available!

God used fantasy to keep me alive in many ways as I was growing up. Due to my fear and my shame, I retreated into an inward world in many ways as a boy. One of the gifts the Lord granted me at that time was the ability to dream of rescue each and every night. The dreams were always the same. My dream-life was lived out on the starship Enterprise and my dad was Captain James T. Kirk. Each night I was captured by aliens – which was a reflection of how I felt in my real life – yet each night I was rescued! At the end of every dream, my dad swooped in and saved the day…saved me! And my mom – Doris Day – sang Que Sera at the end of each rescue! These ‘silly’ dreams somehow gave me renewed hope every day. As I have pondered how God used those fantasies to preserve my mental and emotional sanity and, indeed, be a part of how He led me to freedom, I felt impressed to write a series of stories for boys (and boys at heart!) with that same goal in mind.

The series is called The Chronicles of Bren and this first book is called Captured. It is now available exclusively as an eBook for only $2.99! We are working on the possibilities of a print version. You can help speed that process. How? If the book sells 300 copies or more for three months in a row, it will automatically go into print. I would love to be able to offer the physical book at my events for the sheer ministry I believe it contains. Would you consider purchasing books and gifting them to young men (and grown men who would benefit from the hope found in this story) and, thereby, help me get it into print?

The story was not written for the church, but rather for those who need hope and need to know how to discover their true identity and destiny. It is the story of a boy who was shamed in one reality but discovers he is really the son of a king. Full of new characters and chock full of adventure, the story takes many twists and turns. It was very cathartic for me to write, allowing me to relive my own childhood adventures from a whole new perspective.

The Chronicles of Bren: Captured is the beginning story in the saga of one boy’s journey to manhood. Young teen, Lee Jennings, bullied constantly by local boys, suddenly finds himself transported into a world of fantasy and adventure…and plunged into a whole new identity as the son of a king! How he traverses this new world and endures captivity at the hands of the realm’s resident evil lord is also the journey of self-discovery that will one day serve Lee in his adult life. Full of fantastic beings and magical creatures from this new dimension and wrought with many twists and turns, Captured is just the beginning for Lee Jennings…and is designed to be an adventurously entertaining ride for readers of all ages.

This book will be a great resource for home school families as well. In this day and age when media bombards our young people with messages that constantly attack their identity, this book is meant to be a wholesome adventure – and every boy craves adventure. Consider introducing Captured to your home school group or organization.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I truly want to lead as many young people to discover their true identity and calling as possible. You can be a part of that process by helping get this book out there with me.

Blessings,

DJ

What others are saying…

“We have been reading the book out loud to each other and have really enjoyed the plot twists.  We really feel like this would make a great movie and reads almost like a script for one.”

J. & K.

“The story of Prince Leonolis captured me from the very beginning. From the humble beginnings of Lee, to the capitulation of Lucian’s plans for him, I found myself flying through the pages as if saddled to Leonolis’s fine black steed, Arolis.

Dennis has given quite the adventures of a young man destined for more than royalty. It is not just the story of a boy coming of age, but conceals timeless truths about love, revenge, regret and redemption within a magical world filled with vivid characters that inhabit an enchanted, wild landscape.

I started reading to be entertained and came away captivated, strengthened for my own journey ahead. I look forward to the next book in the series!”

H.B.

Download Captured at the following links:

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Captured-Chronicles-of-Bren-ebook/dp/B005IGA6LO/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1314076251&sr=1-2

Barnes and Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/captured-dennis-jernigan/1105027846?ean=2940013033474&itm=1&usri=dennis%2bjerigan

Dennis Jernigan Newsletter

August 8, 2011

• Night of Praise in Breckenridge, CO

• NGCI

• New Book Coming Soon!

• Small Sound System Needed

• Three New Songs and Two Free mp3s

Night of Praise in Breckenridge, CO

Join Melinda and I this coming Saturday evening, August 13, at Agape Outpost Chapel. We will be worshiping in the church’s Amphitheater on the Blue River…right next to the church building! The NOP begins at 6PM. Agape Outpost Chapel is located at 15404 Highway 9, Breckenridge, CO. For more information and directions, please call (970) 453-1247 or visit their web site here.

NGCI

It is nearly time, once again, for the next Next Generation Creative Institute. For anyone, young or old, who has a need for joining with other believers for inspiration and creative encouragement, consider joining Dennis and Melinda in their home for this three day event. The upcoming NGCI will take place Spetember 9-11. I thoroughly enjoy these times of refreshing and encouragement and probably get more out of them than the attenders! Go to http://dennisjernigan.com/store/product.php?c=32&p=2564 to register.

I hope to see you there!

DJ

New Book Coming Soon!

My first-ever attempt at writing a novel in the fantasy realm (think The Chronicles of Narnia or Lord of the Rings) is about to be published as an eBook. We wanted to remind you that the book will soon be here…and we would like to whet your appetite by posting the following review of the book:

What Others Are Saying About Captured

Dennis has allowed a select few to read the early manuscript of Captured. The following was written by one of those individuals:

“Thank you so much for the privilege of reading your book before it is published.  I thoroughly enjoyed it!  It is always amazing to me the creativity that goes into writing a work of fiction.  Making up all these elements from scratch - the plot, the characters - and then add the 'fantasy' aspect. You aren't just creating a story but new and interesting creatures, fruits, places, etc...(and the names for all these things).

Speaking of names - I loved "Bren", "Ollieman", "Jidgel", "Treesants", and "Sniffum" and "Snuffim" to name a few (oh, and the "Kingdom of Rodenthe"!)  Your original creatures are fun and interesting (and some are just plain terrifying. I would never want to meet a pack of swine rats…not to mention the Chiroptera!)

You had me in the opening of the story.  Lee's past reminded me of your past, of course, but it also reminded me of "Silver Chair" with the bullies.  I can relate to bullies (hey, I attended public school) and I'm sure many people can relate to Lee.  So, the reader starts out rooting for Lee and then it just gets better.

I loved Arolis' pep talk to Leonolis in Chapter Nine.  It reminded me of Gandalf's talk to Frodo in "The Fellowship" (when Frodo tells Gandalf he wished the ring would have never come to him).  I also loved Arolis' encouragement in Chapter Eleven when Leonolis asks the "What if" questions. What a wise horse!

I enjoyed the prophecy of Leonolis in Chapter Eleven (destiny!), Augurian's talk in Chapter Sixteen ("join with those who love the light"), and King Troyolin's words in Chapter Twentyfour about the "wisdom of silence" (so true!).  The reconciliation of Lucian to his father was so moving and very powerful - awesome!  Also, the ending where Leonolis shares his journey with his father - I love it!

Thank you for sending me back to school and teaching me some new words. I had to look up "jocularity", "denizens", "phalanx" and "fie":).  I also liked the word "riderdom" (did you make it up?).   I've got to start using the word "funsy" because it makes me laugh.

I like the title "Captured" and think it is great for the beginning of the series.  A map could be really fun - there are so many interesting places and it would be nice being able to see Leonolis' journey (and for the future adventures in Bren).

It was an inspiration to witness Lee's transformation.  I'm sure there is a lot of just plain hard work in the time involved in writing a story like this. As a reader, I often think of the effort and time it takes to write while I just get to sit back and take it in.  It reminds me of listening to an orchestra performance or a play.  They've done all the practice and I just walk in, sit back and enjoy all the hard work.  So thank you!”

G.M.

Captured will be available near the end of August 2011!!!!!

Small Sound System Needed

As you may or may not know, Dennis and Melinda have given their lives to seeing the captive set free. They use their home in ministry to those who struggle with everything from unwanted same sex attraction to those whose lives have been so wounded they seem beyond repair. They use their home to minister to couples that are having marital problems as well as to those who desire to be mentored and encouraged in their own ministry and creativity. They see their home as a hospital. Ministering out of their home they often have small gatherings of 20-30 people and have only a small guitar amp to serve as the public address system. Would you ask the Lord if He would like for you to be a part in helping Dennis and Melinda purchase this much-needed system? Our goal is to keep the cost under $1000. If you feel led to give, please go to http://dennisjernigan.com/how-to-support-the-work-of-dennis-jernigan. Your gifts will go a long way in ministering to many hurting people. Thank you!

The Staff of Shepherd’s Heart Music and Dennis Jernigan

Three New Songs and Two Free mp3s

This month we are featuring two fee mp3s for free. The prophetic song ‘Something’s Coming’ and the worship song ‘Hosanna!’ Go to http://dennisjernigan.com/free-downloads for your free mp3s and to read the story behind the songs…and please tell all your friends and worship leaders to do the same!

Because DJ ministers so often to the parents of young men and women who struggle with unwanted same sex attraction, he recently asked the Lord for a song of deliverance for parents. The song ‘Be My Child’ was the result. Go to this link to purchase the mp3 http://dennisjernigan.com/store/product.php?c=24&p=3021

Something’s Coming Video http://youtu.be/QiImh51FfjA

Hosanna! Video http://youtu.be/d5a0ilJ3Lis

Be My Child Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QOaP7GOCs4

Dennis Jernigan Newsletter

August 1, 2011

• What To Do When It’s Hot and Dry

• Song Receiver’s Tip of the Week

• Broadcast Tonight – Worship From the Living Room!

• Something’s Coming – FREE mp3 download of the month!

What To Do When It’s Hot and Dry

Have you noticed it’s hot and dry in our nation? Duh! It is so readily visible the effects of extended heat and lack of rain. The lawns are dry and brown. The local cornfield is withered and un-harvestable. Even the tops of the trees are beginning to turn brown, giving the forests a ruddy glaze. Our governor in Oklahoma, Mary Fallin, has asked for us to pray for rain…and since doing so, we have experienced several showers in our region! As I sat down to read my devotional thought for the day, I was blown away by the Lord’s creativity. I write the devotions for DJ Insiders 6 months ahead of time. Below is what came up for today. Read and be encouraged that God sees our need LONG before we even know we will have it…and be encouraged that He is a ready source of constant Living Water in the dry times of our lives.

DJ

Daily Devotion - August 1, 2011

“…Living Water, run through me…”

Have you ever seen a houseplant that was green, lush, and vibrant one day and browning, lifeless, and wilted the next? What was your first thought? That plant needs water, right? And we rush to pour water into the soil surrounding the plant and watch, as if by some miracle, the plant begins to revive and come back to life within a few hours. Life is the miracle…and life is to be nurtured. We get that when it comes to plants, and pets, and children…but what about nurturing our own life? We come upon times of dryness, weariness, and lifelessness and we often have no one to blame but ourselves. Are we nurturing our minds with His Word and His thoughts? Are we nurturing our emotions with the Truth of what He thinks of us? Are we watering our own souls with the water of His Word? Spend time today watering your thoughts, emotions, and innermost being with the Truth of who our God says you are.

Watch over your heart with all diligence,

For from it flow the springs of life.

Next Generation Creative Institute

What is the next Generation Creative Institute? The NGCI is a gathering in the home of worship leader, song receiver, author, and freedom fighter Dennis Jernigan and his amazing wife, Melinda. Whether you are a worship leader, songwriter, author, or someone who simply needs intense rest or emotional healing, the NGCI may be just what the Doctor (Great Physician) ordered!

Each gathering is quite unique…a group of people from all over the US whom the Lord brings together, the NGCI began as a desire on the part of the Jernigans to invest in the lives of others from the blessings the Lord has given them. Dennis and Melinda believe that when people are given the freedom to get honest in a safe environment – whether the confession of sin, hurts, or simply have questions as to how to lead worship or write a song or minister to another – people will find hope and healing and a greater understanding of their identity in Christ.

NGCI is, simply put, a place to find answers. Whether you are songwriter or worship leader, whether you are a pastor or a layman, whether you struggle with debilitating sin or have experienced freedom, Dennis and Melinda find that when people are given a safe place to seek God in honesty that freedom is the result…and when people are led to freedom, they will worship.

The Jernigans simply provide an honest atmosphere – in their living room - where love is the rule and Jesus reigns…where identity in Christ is expressed and experienced…and worship is intense and personal. Doesn’t that sound good?

Here’s what people are saying about the NGCI:

“This was such a unique and amazing opportunity to sit and soak up what the Father has taught Dennis and Melinda. They so freely poured into our lives things that God has poured into them. No conference can offer what the Next Generation Creative Institute can - an opportunity to be influenced by some of the greatest worshippers of our time in their own home. As a worship leader, you do not want to let this opportunity pass. If you go, you will leave a better worshipper, and therefore, a better leader.”

JT, Lebanon, MO

"For me it was like walking into Psalm 42, with deep calling to deep and the waves of God's presence just roaring and crashing over us.  Simply a wonderful time of worship and rest, of friendship and laughter, of healing and hope and deep ministry for everyone who was there!"

Eric Reiss, Worship Leader, Northern Virginia

“NGCI was a unique, genuine, spirit-filled, divine appointment and a highlight on my creative journey. How edifying to be with brothers and sisters of like precious faith not bound by denominational labels. We were more than two or three and boy did He show up. Can’t wait for next year!”
Christina Howell, Midland, TX

“I couldn't help but smile as I drove to your house, realizing that you were going to lead us in a personal time of worship, right there in your living room. Then God blew me away during worship with His goodness (I've never used so many Kleenex in my life!). I drove away refreshed and ready to go back into ministry again.”

Eric Elder, Illinois

To find out more about NGCI, go to http://dennisjernigan.com/events/

To register for the next NGCI, go to http://dennisjernigan.com/store/product.php?c=32&p=2564