The Dennis Jernigan Podcast

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song,  “Breathe” from the recording, Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1." That mp3 is available at https://www.dennisjernigan.com/store/product.php?c=24&p=2353 The lyrics can be found below.

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to help you find healing for your wounds; find hope in your despair; find intimacy in your loneliness; find refuge from the storms of life; Basically, to help you find a deeper walk with Jesus. There is one thing I know after having lived all these years: God wastes nothing. Not our sorrows. Not our wounds. Not even our failures.
Hey there, I'm Dennis Jernigan, your host, and I'm excited to unveil the story behind my song, “Breathe” from the recording, Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1.
As I shared last week, in the year 2010,  I felt led to embark on something I had never experienced in my life…a forty day fast. Always marveling at those who had accomplished such a feat…marveling at, while at the same time,  considering those who had completed a forty-day fast somewhere between ‘hero’ and ‘eccentric’…I woke one day feeling compelled to begin my own journey of a forty-day fast. Little did I know that God would speak to me in such profound ways and so radically re-order my life in the process.
Having just gone through 3 years of grief and sorrow at the loss of relationship with several friends…reeling from the dramatic downturn of our economy…recognizing the lonely place I found myself due to the call to declare to the world my freedom from same sex attraction…major surgery…another daughter marrying and moving literally to the other side of the earth…coming to grips with how different and removed I was from the ‘normal/mainstream’ Christian music scene…I woke that day knowing I needed a change…needed to reboot my system in every way – mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
From May 3 until June 11 I consumed only water and fruit and vegetable juice losing 40 pounds in the process. While the weight loss helped get my body back on track after the surgery, the re-focusing of my mind, emotions, and spirit on the things of the Lord began to get my entire being back on track. I began each day meditating on either Psalm 40 or Isaiah 40. With each day’s meditation the Lord saw fit to give me a song…which I recorded immediately after receiving it. The forty songs in these four volumes are the culmination of a 40-day journey of self-rediscovery.
My vision for these collections is that you would use them as devotional meditations in your personal daily spiritual walk of intimacy with Christ. We have made the lyrics available to you on this web site along with the Scriptural reference on which I meditated. Use this as a guide to help you rediscover a deeper awareness of your identity in Christ or to uncover new hidden treasures concerning your relationship with the King. Should you decide to set out on your own fast, I strongly encourage you to get the book Consumed:40 Days of Fasting, Repentance & Rebirth by Dean Briggs. You will be greatly encouraged and strengthened in your soul as Dean leads you through a healthy, Christ-centered approach to a spiritual fast.
Today I am sharing the story behind the song, Breathe, which came to me on May 4, 2010 or day 2 of my 40 Day Fast, as I meditated on Psalm 40:1 which says, “I waited patiently for the LORD” along with Matthew 6:17-18 in the NIV, which says, “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
At this point in my fasting journey, I felt it was important to take heed of the Matthew 6 instructions as I continued to wait on the Lord for whatever he might have for me. I continued with my daily physical workouts. Continued with my daily focus on my music ministry. I continued with my duties toward my family and toward my marriage. I carried on with my duties at our local church body. In other words, the only ones who knew I was really fasting were my wife, my children, and a few close friends. The fast was not about stroking my pride or inflating my ego. It was about whatever the Lord wanted me to gain from Him concerning not only my life but those to whom I ministered to as well.
I woke that day feeling a deep sense of hunger, both physically and spiritually, and with a deep anticipation of what the Lord would speak to me or reveal to me that day. As the first words of the first verse reveal, I did not even know what I needed other than I knew I needed Jesus first and foremost to be the Lord of every area of my life and existence. The more I thought on these things, the more I related my need to physically breath in order to keep existing. This, in turn, had a direct correlation with my need to breathe in all the Holy Spirit had for me.
At that point, the song began to flow out of me. I had physical hunger. This reminded me of my spiritual hunger. I was thirsty and this reminded me of my thirst for God’s presence in my life. It reminded me of just how bound up in sin I had once been and of how many more lies of the enemy I had still been believing.
It became apparent that I had a great void in my heart that only my heavenly Father could fill. It became very apparent that I had been wondering in the desert for quite some time and I needed the refreshing rain of God’s presence to drench my soul.
Those 40 days proved to be very healing to my body and to my soul and I must add this: since I have been struggling with Parkinson's, the Lord has brought these songs back to my mind and I find myself, once again, having to still and quiet my own soul - especially since my body is in perpetual motion due to the tremors caused by this disease. It is as if I’m learning an even deeper stilling of my soul even as my body ails and refuses to cooperate. Just do what I do. Just take a few minutes. Get alone with the Lord if possible and make this your heart’s cry for today:
I waited patiently for the LORD…
Psalm 40:1a NASB
Let's just do that. Let's just sit here a while and patiently wait for the Lord. He is here whether you feel Him or not. He is just here.
SONG
What I found on day two of my fast was my great need for intimacy with the Father. My soul longs to just feel Him breathe on me; aches for just a drop of the rain of His presence; yearns to have the chains of the enemy’s lies broken from my mind; and now that I battle Parkinson’s, I recognize how much more I need Him to set me free from the cares and fears  of this world; that in Him I find that even in the midst of a life-altering sickness, in His presence I have room to breathe.

Let's be as those who wait on the Lord this week; among those who find room to breathe even in the midst of our circumstances; room to breathe in our our sorrows; room to breathe even in our fears; room to breathe even when bombarded by the enemy and his lies. Let’s just wait on the Lord. Let us learn the art of lingering with Him. It’s time well spent.

Thank you so much for joining me here on The Dennis Jernigan Podcast! For further insights into my journey, music, and more, visit dennisjernigan.com. Stay connected by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and find my music on most major streaming services. To help with the ongoing creation of this podcast, would you consider becoming a member of my team? If so, just go to www.patreon.com/dennisjernigan to find out more! 

If you're wanting the mp3 version of the song “Breathe" from the studio album "Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1," simply head to the store at dennisjernigan.com or, again, on most major streaming services. You can also find a very amazing version of this song on my album “Days of Awe.” Check them both out and let me hear from you which version you prefer.

If you get nothing else from today's podcast, get this: the constant undercurrent of God’s love is the place we must choose to wait on Him. God loves you and He is patiently waiting to meet with you. Can you spare a little time today, tomorrow and the next to wait on him? I guarantee it will be worth the wait. Now go and be who your heavenly Father says you are.

Breathe
Words & Music: Dennis Jernigan
Received on May 4, 2010
Psalm 40:1b; Matthew 6:18
©2010 Shepherd’s Heart Music, Inc./Dennis Jernigan

Verse One
I don’t even know what I need
All that I know is that I need You

The hunger and thirst of my heart?
All that I know is I need You

Like a child needs a Father
I need You

Like a desert needs the water
I need You

Chorus
Lean so close that I feel You breathe
Lean so close You quench this thirst in me

Lean so close You loose these chains in me
Set me free…

So I can breathe…

Verse Two
The world has grown so dark I can’t see
Reminding me just how much that I need You

Much more than the air that I breathe
All that I know is I need You

Like a child needs a Father
I need You

Like a desert needs the water
I need You

Chorus
Lean so close that I feel You breathe
Lean so close You quench this thirst in me

Lean so close You loose these chains in me
Set me free…

So I can breathe…

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song,  “I Wait Here” from the recording, Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1." That mp3 is available at https://www.dennisjernigan.com/store/product.php?c=24&p=2353 The lyrics can be found below.

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast, a journey towards healing, hope, intimacy, and refuge in the storms of life – basically, a guide to a deeper connection with Jesus. Through all my years, one thing stands true: God doesn't waste a thing. Not our sorrows, not our wounds, not even our failures.
Hey there, I'm Dennis Jernigan, your host, and I'm excited to unveil the story behind my song, “I Wait Here” from the recording, Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1.
In the year 2010,  I felt led to embark on something I had never experienced in my life…a forty day fast. Always marveling at those who had accomplished such a feat…marveling at, while at the same time,  considering those who had completed a forty-day fast somewhere between ‘hero’ and ‘eccentric’…I woke one day feeling compelled to begin my own journey of a forty-day fast. Little did I know that God would speak to me in such profound ways and so radically re-order my life in the process.
Having just gone through 3 years of grief and sorrow at the loss of relationship with several friends…reeling from the dramatic downturn of our economy…recognizing the lonely place I found myself due to the call to declare to the world my freedom from same sex attraction…major surgery…another daughter marrying and moving literally to the other side of the earth…coming to grips with how different and removed I was from the ‘normal/mainstream’ Christian music scene…I woke that day knowing I needed a change…needed to reboot my system in every way – mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
From May 3 until June 11 I consumed only water and fruit and vegetable juice losing 40 pounds in the process. While the weight loss helped get my body back on track after the surgery, the re-focusing of my mind, emotions, and spirit on the things of the Lord began to get my entire being back on track. My good friend, Dean Briggs, sent me a new book he had just written as a guide through a forty-day fast called Consumed:40 Days of Fasting, Repentance & Rebirth. Written in the form of daily devotions, I began each day meditating on either Psalm 40 or Isaiah 40. With each day’s meditation the Lord saw fit to give me a song…which I recorded immediately after receiving. The forty songs in these four volumes are the culmination of a 40-day journey of self-rediscovery.
My vision for these collections is that you would use them as devotional meditations in your personal daily spiritual walk of intimacy with Christ. We have made the lyrics available to you on this web site along with the Scriptural reference on which I meditated. Use this as a guide to help you rediscover a deeper awareness of your identity in Christ or to uncover new hidden treasures concerning your relationship with the King. Should you decide to set out on your own fast, I strongly encourage you to get the book Consumed:40 Days of Fasting, Repentance & Rebirth by Dean Briggs. You will be greatly encouraged and strengthened in your soul as Dean leads you through a healthy, Christ-centered approach to a spiritual fast.
Pun intended, I cannot wait for you to hear this song, I Wait Here, because it was the first song I received on the first day of my 40 Day Fast, but also that it encapsulates the importance of quieting and stilling one's soul before the Lord. Those 40 days proved to be very healing to my body and to my soul and I must add this: since I have been struggling with Parkinson's, the Lord has brought these songs back to my mind and I find myself, once again, having to still and quiet my own soul - especially since my body is in perpetual motion due to the tremors caused by this disease. It is as if I’m learning an even deeper stilling of my soul even as my body ails and refuses to cooperate. Just do what I do. Just take a few minutes. Get alone with the Lord if possible and make this your heart’s cry for today:
I waited patiently for the LORD…
Psalm 40:1a NASB
Let's just do that. Let's just sit here a while and patiently wait for the Lord. He is here whether you feel Him or not. He is just here.
SONG
Isaiah 40:31 says , “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Let's be as those who soar this week. Soar above our circumstances; Above our sorrows; above our fears; above the enemy and his lies. Let’s just wait on the Lord. Let us learn the art of lingering with Him. It’s time well spent.

Thank you so much for joining me here on The Dennis Jernigan Podcast! For further insights into my journey, music, and more, visit dennisjernigan.com. Stay connected by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and find my music on most major streaming services. To help with the ongoing creation of this podcast, would you consider becoming a member of my team? If so, just go to www.patreon.com/dennisjernigan to find out more! 

If you're wanting the mp3 version of the song “I Wait Here" from the studio album "Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 1," simply head to the store at dennisjernigan.com or, again, on most major streaming services.

If you get nothing else from today's podcast, get this: God loves you and He is patiently waiting to meet with you. Can you spare a little time today, tomorrow and the next to wait on him? I guarantee it will be worth the wait. Now go and be who your heavenly Father says you are.

I Wait Here
WORDS & MUSIC
Dennis Jernigan
May 3, 2010
Verse One


I wait here in the quiet


I wait here and I quiet my soul


I wait here for You


I wait here in the quiet


I wait here for You

Chorus


So be still, my soul, for my God is here


So be still, my soul, for my God is here

In this quiet place I am free to hear


Free to seek Your face


Father, I am here



Verse two


I wait here in the silence


I wait here and I silence my soul


I wait here for You


I wait here in the silence


I wait here for You

Chorus


So be still, my soul, for my God is here


So be still, my soul, for my God is here

In this quiet place I am free to hear


Free to seek Your face


Father, I am here




•©2010 Shepherd's Heart Music, Inc./Dennis Jernigan
• 7804 W. Fern Mountain Rd. Muskogee, OK 74401
•www.dennisjernigan.com•1-800-877-0406
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In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song, "Live the Adventure", from the album "The Chronicles of Bren: Captured – Songs for the Journey". That mp3 is available at https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ The lyrics can be found below.

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to help you find healing for your wounds; find hope in your despair; find intimacy in your loneliness; find refuge from the storms of life; Basically, to help you find a deeper walk with Jesus. There is one thing I know after having lived all these years: God wastes nothing. Not our sorrows. Not our wounds. Not even our failures.

Hi. I am your host, Dennis Jernigan.
Today’s podcast is gonna be a bit different from most of my podcasts. This is the story behind the final installment of the music from my fantasy book series, The Chronicles of Bren: Book One: Captured. The collection of songs is called “Captured: Songs for the Journey.” 

This week’s episode is the story behind the last song in the series. That song is called, “Live the Adventure.”

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Helen Keller

I love that quote. It almost captures my heart for this series of books. Almost. I have adapted a  personal version that has influenced the writing of these stories of and from the land of Bren.

“Life is either a grand, daring adventure or it is nothing at all.” Dennis Jernigan

My love of writing and my love of hearing great stories of people who have overcome impossible circumstances has led me to write…in spite of whether those writings are ever considered great or not. The reason I wrote The Chronicles of Bren series and The Bairns of Bren series is simple. I wanted to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren for generations to come. As a part of that legacy, I endeavored to write stories which depict the realities of life. Life is not easy. Life is full of sorrow. Life brings times of wounding of both body and soul. Life brings times of disappointment and even betrayal. 

My goal is to leave my family a legacy that explains how life, even with its many hurtful episodes, is meant to be lived with joy. And just how does one do that?

I personally believe that if one sees life and its circumstances - both good and bad - from the Lord’s point of view, insurmountable mountains become molehills. Impassable rivers become rites of passage. Unbearable grief becomes an opportunity to receive comfort. Fear is replaced with love. Rather than being something to somehow endure, life becomes the most grand adventure because a life lived with the Lord ever-present at one’s side sands away the bitterness of life revealing a many-faceted treasure of great worth. 

Forgiveness and humility replace bitterness with the heroic heart of a benevolent conqueror. My desire, as a dad and granddad, is that my heirs would come to see themselves as overcomers.

I believe Almighty God created the human imagination as a means of revealing His nature to mankind and as a means of helping the human mind understand and begin to unravel the wonderful mystery of Who God is. The gift of imagination has helped me see how even things that are meant to hurt me can be seen from a different point of view - and perspective is everything.

Why write in the fantasy genre? Simple. God used fantasy to rescue my heart and mind when I was just a young boy. I felt trapped in what I now call stinkin’ thinkin’ concerning my identity. I felt I was being held captive in my own mind but God did something amazing during my boyhood that carried me through to the day He set me free. 

From the time I was a little boy and all the way into my marriage and adult life, God has used fantasy, mythology, and imagination to rescue and save me. Just a quick case in point. When I was a boy, I felt constantly bullied and that my father could not possibly love me and that there was no escape and no one to rescue me…but each night as I fell  asleep, I was suddenly on the USS Enterprise. My dad was none other than Captain James Tiberius Kirk and my mother was Doris Day. Each dream I was captured by aliens and just as they were about to end me, my dad, Captain Kirk, would materialize and blast them with his phaser, not set to stun but set to destroy. My mom was always there singing Que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be…Just a cool memory of how my mother used to comfort me. I believe the Lord used that recurring dream to keep me hanging on…to make me feel someone or something good was pursuing me. When it dawned on me that this was the case, I began to understand the role of imagination in the way I viewed the world and the massive creativity and divine order God set in motion by His own imagination.

What does any of that have to do with living the adventure? A simple example from my own life. When I was about 30 years old, I asked myself this question: When you get to the age of 65, what is something that you would look back on and regret not even having tried?

For me that was writing and recording music and authoring books. In college I was not allowed to major in song writing because they told me they saw no potential in me. I nearly gave it all up…but something deep inside of me kept nudging me to step out and see life as a grand adventure…so I did. And Father God has seen fit to spread my music literally all over the world.

I also wanted a large family, but many told me we needed to wait until we had enough money to start a family before we should even consider it. If I had taken that advice I would not have had the privilege of raising 9 of the most amazing men and women I know of on this planet. I worked hard to provide for my family, but set aside personal time to be with them a lot, and I also carved out time to write each and every day. But had I not dared to believe what the Lord was putting in my heart, I never would have taken one step toward any of my dreams. 

Even if you’re 65, it’s not too late to begin living out the adventure of things you have dreamed of doing. If you’re breathing, there is hope…and if you take that first step in the journey, your adventure has begun. What is your heart telling you right now? 

[Pro 13:12 NIV] 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

SONG

[Joel 2:28 NIV] 28 "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”

I certainly enjoyed writing the three book series, The Chronicles of Bren. They honestly helped me get a better grip on Father God's point of view of my life. My hope is that you would discover joy and solace within the pages of the books and the melodies of the songs. May they serve as uplifting companions, guiding you to encounter Jesus even amidst life's toughest trials. 

Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about my journey, music, and more, visit dennisjernigan.com. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and explore my music on various streaming platforms. If you're keen on joining my team, consider becoming a Patron at patreon.com/dennisjernigan. Your support means the world to me!

The book "Captured" is now available on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook versions. Once you have finished reading captured, I invite you to read the next two books in the series. Book Two is called “Sacrifice” and Book Three is called “Generations”. All are available on Amazon. 

Soon, I hope to introduce you to the songs from book 2, but that will be at sometime in the near future. In the meantime, I encourage you to delve into "Captured" and then enjoy the songs inspired by its characters, all available for FREE. Simply head to https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ to download the complete collection at no cost.

Thank you once more for being a part of today's podcast. Remember, you are deeply loved by God and by me. Dare to see life as a grand adventure - in spite of your circumstances - and dare to live that adventure with fullness of joy. Now go and be who your heavenly Father says you are.

Live The Adventure
WORDS & MUSIC
Dennis Jernigan
October 2012

Verse
Life is best lived with a sense of adventure!
You can wonder what flying is like
Or you can take to the sky!
Life is the best lived in wonder and splendor!
Even when you're knocked down
Just get back up and dare to believe!

Chorus
Live the adventure! 
Conquer the wind!
To the ends of the earth
And right back again!
Live the adventure! 
Dare but to dream!
Around every corner new sights to be seen!
But you'll never fly if you never try
To conquer the wind!

Live the adventure! 
Dare to believe
Knowing he cannot fly
Who won't spread his wings!
Live the adventure! 
Knight, take your horse!
Ride to the horizon,
Eyes fixed on the course!
But you'll never see what you don't believe!
And you'll never live what you never dare to be!

Verse 
Life is best lived with a sense of pure wonder! 
Even storms that we face can be seen
From a new point of view!
Life is best lived with a sense of pure wonder!
Dare to see far beyond
What most human eyes dare to conceive!

Chorus
Live the adventure! 
Conquer the wind!
To the ends of the earth
And right back again!
Live the adventure! 
Dare but to dream!
Around every corner new sights to be seen!
But you'll never fly if you never try
To conquer the wind!

Live the adventure! 
Dare to believe
Knowing he cannot fly
Who won't spread his wings!
Live the adventure! 
Knight, take your horse!
Ride to the horizon,
Eyes fixed on the course!
But you'll never see what you don't believe!
And you'll never live what you never dare to be!

Chorus
Live the adventure! 
Conquer the wind!
To the ends of the earth
And right back again!
Live the adventure! 
Dare but to dream!
Around every corner new sights to be seen!
But you'll never fly if you never try
To conquer the wind!

Live the adventure! 
Dare to believe
Knowing he cannot fly
Who won't spread his wings!
Live the adventure! 
Knight, take your horse!
Ride to the horizon,
Eyes fixed on the course!
But you'll never see what you don't believe!
And you'll never live what you never dare to be!

You, dare to be!

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song, "Battleground", from the album "The Chronicles of Bren: Captured – Songs for the Journey". That mp3 is available at https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ The lyrics can be found below.

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to help you find healing for your wounds; find hope in your despair; find intimacy in your loneliness; find refuge from the storms of life; Basically, to help you find a deeper walk with Jesus. There is one thing I know after having lived all these years: God wastes nothing. Not our sorrows. Not our wounds. Not even our failures.

Hi. I am your host, Dennis Jernigan, and I am so excited about the final two installments of the music from my fantasy book series, The Chronicles of Bren: Book One: Captured. The collection of songs is called “Captured: Songs for the Journey.” 

This week’s episode is the story behind the next to last song in the series called, “Battleground.”

The story behind this song is really quite simple. This is classic darkness versus the light; good versus evil; truth versus lies; the understanding that true love involves the laying down of life.
There came a point in my life on November 7, 1981 where I had to do it decide if Jesus Christ was real; if he thought that I was worth dying for; if I thought he was worth dying for; if he truly loved me or not. 

I came to the irrefutable conclusion that he thought I was worth dying for; that he thought I was worth fighting for; that he, indeed, had paid for my life and my sin-debt by the shedding of his own blood. In the process, he had gone to battle on my behalf and conquered Satan, hell and its demons, giving me a brand new identity and a brand new start on life in the process.
God was no longer a distant, unknowable force of the universe. He was now alive and well and living in my heart, giving me a brand new purpose and a brand new perspective on living out my life in joy. I have now been granted a forever relationship with God who created all that is good.

What I soon discovered was just because the enemy had been defeated did not mean that I no longer had to fight for my freedom. I discovered the true battleground of my life was not some thing I could see with flesh and blood. The true Battleground of my life is my mind; the thoughts I think; the perspective through which I run my thoughts. The enemy’s only option was to try and trip me up through his deception and lies about who I am. 
I learned that God had equipped me, as a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ, with the full armor of God and that my greatest weapon against the lies of the enemy is the truth of God's Word. My battle-sword!

As I begin to recognize the lies of the enemy, I soon learned the key to renewing my mind. As soon as the lie was revealed to me, I picked up my sword, the Word of God, and replaced that lie with the truth of God's Word. I have since discovered that the enemy does not stop lying to me, so I must be vigilant by putting on the Word of God each and every day of my existence. In fact, I have learned the best thing to do regarding the enemy is to run towards the battle and not away from it. Having read the end of the book, I know who wins. Now you know the story behind the song, ‘Battleground”, let's all pick up our swords and take it to whatever dark lies the enemy has spoken against our minds over the next few minutes. The Truth of God’s Word is clear: we are more than conquerors! We are sons and daughters of the Most High God!

SONG

[Rom 8:37-39 NASB20] 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I certainly enjoyed writing the three book series, the chronicles of Bren. They honestly helped me get a better grip on Father God's point of view of my life. My hope is that you would discover joy and solace within the pages of the books and the melodies of the songs. May they serve as uplifting companions, guiding you to encounter Jesus even amidst life's toughest trials. 
We only have one song left to go in this series which has gone by so quickly for me. Be sure and listen to next weeks episode because I think he will enjoy it thoroughly and that it will minister to your soul in someway.

Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about my journey, music, and more, visit dennisjernigan.com. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and explore my music on various streaming platforms. If you're keen on joining my team, consider becoming a Patron at patreon.com/dennisjernigan. Your support means the world to me!

The book "Captured" is now available on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook versions. Once you have finished reading captured, I invite you to read the next two books in the series. Book Two is called “Sacrifice” and Book Three is called “Generations”. All are available on Amazon. 
Soon, I hope to introduce you to the songs from book 2, but that will be at sometime in the near future. In the meantime, I encourage you to delve into "Captured" and then enjoy the songs inspired by its characters, all available for FREE. Simply head to https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ to download the complete collection at no cost.

Thank you once more for being a part of today's podcast. Remember, you are deeply loved by God and by me. Be quick to humble yourself when pride raises its ugly head and be quick to seek forgiveness when you have wounded another. Now, I challenge you to rise as the warrior for God's kingdom you are called to be today. Cast off the enemy's lies, embrace the truth of your identity in the Lord, and go forth as the cherished son or daughter of your Heavenly Father.

Battleground
Words & Music
Dennis Jernigan
©2015 Dennis Jernigan

Verse
Standing on the battleground
Faced with life or death
Faced with ‘Will I run away?’
Or “Give my very best?’

Standing on the battleground
Faced with destiny
This could be the difference
Between victory or defeat!

Face to the fight!
Fight for what is right!
Conquering the night!
Swords lifted high!

Son, this is war!
Better be sure
What you fight for
Is worth dying for!

Chorus
Fight for what is right!
Keep truth on your side!
Love lays down its life!
Willing to die!

Verse
Facing down the enemy
Facing down your fear
Look ahead to victory
And keep your vision clear

Facing down the enemy
Warrior, stand your ground
You will have the victory
This freedom comes with life laid down

Face to the fight!
Fight for what is right!
Conquering the night!
Swords lifted high!

Son, this is war!
Better be sure
What you fight for
Is worth dying for!

Chorus
Fight for what is right!
Keep truth on your side!
Love lays down its life!
Willing to die!

Bridge
Put on the armor!
Prepare for war!
This is a cause worth dying for!

Put on the armor!
Prepare for war!
This is a cause worth dying for!

Put on the armor!
Prepare for war!
This is a cause worth dying for!

Chorus
Fight for what is right!
Keep truth on your side!
Love lays down its life!
Willing to die!

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song, "Chiroptera", from the album "The Chronicles of Bren: Captured – Songs for the Journey". That mp3 is available at https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ The lyrics can be found below.

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast, where we journey together toward healing, hope, intimacy, and refuge, ultimately fostering a deeper connection with Jesus. Through the years, I've learned one thing for certain: God doesn't waste a single moment. He redeems our sorrows, our wounds, and even our failures.
Hey there, I'm your host, Dennis Jernigan, and I'm thrilled about the upcoming episodes on the podcast, diving into a topic I'm truly passionate about. For some time now, I've been unraveling the tales behind songs inspired by a fantasy book series I crafted for my children and grandchildren. However, in my excitement (I'll blame it on my forgetfulness due to Parkinson's), I overlooked sharing the core reason behind these stories—to paint an allegorical representation of salvation in Christ and a Christ-centered worldview. The Chronicles of Bren subtly weave in images of Jesus and the discovery of one's identity in Him.
But wait, there's more! I've penned not just one, but two book series. The initial trilogy, The Chronicles of Bren, sets the stage for the adventures that follow in the upcoming fourth book of The Bairns of Bren series. In this second series, my grandchildren take the reins as heroes, leading us on an exhilarating journey. Stay tuned for updates on the release of book 4 in this captivating saga.
You're accustomed to my tales behind worshipful, comforting, and ministerial songs straight from the heart of Father God. However, the song I'm unveiling today draws inspiration from a trilogy of fantasy novels I penned for my beloved children and grandchildren back in 2015. The first installment, Captured (Book 1 in The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy), sets the stage for this enchanting journey. You might wonder, "Why would a worship leader and songwriter delve into the realm of fantasy literature?”
I won't divulge all the intricacies that led me to craft fantasy novels. To catch up on the full story, tune in to the podcasts starting from the episode "Riding the Wind" up to today's episode. This week's featured song, "Creatures," born around 2015 or 2016, delves into the eerie depths of the spiritual realm. Some creatures embody goodness, while others embody malevolence. Through this song, I aimed to impart the lesson of discernment to my young ones, urging them to trust their instincts and remain wary, as the adversary often disguises himself as an angel of light.
I hope to instill in my grandchildren a sense of vigilance, for the enemy prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may deceive with his falsehoods. Last week I shared the story behind the song “Creatures”. This week I am sharing the story behind a song about a specific creature called “Chiroptera”.
"Chiroptera" is the name of the order of the only mammal capable of true flight, the bat. The name is influenced by the hand-like wings of bats, which are formed from four elongated "fingers" covered by a cutaneous membrane. 
In the book, “Captured”, the Chiroptera are giant bats...yet their facial features are those of men (albeit with pointy ‘bat’ ears and sharp ‘bat’ teeth) and instead of claws extending from mid-wing they had actual fingers, though with long claw-like fingernails extending in a menacing fashion. On the ground they make bird-like hops. Those who hover in the air above hold large stones in their hands, ready to wield great destruction on any whose head they are dropped upon. In the story, they are meant to represent opportunists. Sometimes they are good. Sometimes they are enemies. Their attitude just depends on what is most advantageous to them in their agenda. They are meant to be and depict yet another reality of living life in the real world. The leader of the Chiroptera in “Captured” is called Falling Rocks and the story behind that name was inspired by a story my mother used to tell my children when they were small.
When my children were young, my mother told them many stories. One of those stories was about a little Native American boy called Falling Rocks. This story began when my mom and dad took my nephew and niece on a trip to Utah. Being very young at the time, my niece and nephew asked why there were so many signs that said ‘Watch For Falling Rocks’ along the mountainside roads. My mom came up with this story: there is a little lost boy named Falling Rocks and his mother has placed those signs there so she can get the public to help her find her little lost son. Not but a few minutes after she came up with this story meant to entertain the children than a little Native American boy in full Native American dress was standing on the roadside. My niece burst into tears and asked her grandparents to stop and help him. My mom told the children that she would stop at the next rest area and call the boy’s mother. The children were beside themselves in panic over helping this boy. At the next stop, my mom made a ‘phone call’ to the boy’s mother, relieving the children of this great burden to help Falling Rocks. As my children heard the story from my mother, the legend only grew! To this day, whenever we see a sign warning of ‘Falling Rocks’ we all laugh and enjoy the memory all over again! I had to use the name Falling Rocks for a character in my book. It seemed appropriate to call the leader of the mountainous dwelling creatures, the Chiroptera, Falling Rocks.
SONG

[1Pe 5:8 NIV] 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

I firmly believe that the enemy's roar, embodied by Satan, is merely a facade of lies—a cacophony intended to instill fear and lure us into temptation. Like a lion without teeth, his power over us is solely through deception. Let's not forget that crucial truth.

I trust that this series of songs on my podcast hasn't been too overwhelming for you. These narratives offer me a unique insight into the hearts of my grandchildren. Many of them are reaching an age where they grasp the allegorical essence and its profound significance, and for that, I am truly grateful.

May you discover joy and solace within the pages of the books and the melodies of the songs. They serve as uplifting - and, I’ll admit, sometimes scary - companions, guiding you to encounter Jesus even amidst life's toughest trials.

Thank you for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about my journey, music, and more, visit dennisjernigan.com. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and explore my music on various streaming platforms. If you're keen on joining my team, consider becoming a Patron at patreon.com/dennisjernigan. Your support means the world to me!

The book "Captured" is now available on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook versions. I encourage you to delve into "Captured" and then enjoy the songs inspired by its characters, all available for FREE. Simply head to https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ to download the complete collection at no cost.

Thank you once more for being a part of today's podcast. Remember, you are deeply loved by God and by me. Now, I challenge you to rise as the warrior for God's kingdom you are called to be today. Cast off the enemy's lies, embrace the truth of your identity in the Lord, and go forth as the cherished son or daughter of your Heavenly Father.

Chiroptera!
WORDS & MUSIC
Dennis Jernigan
©Dennis Jernigan 2015

Verse
Wings like a bat
Face half human 
Talons like a bird of prey
Making their abode in the heights of the mountains
Hunt by night
Sleep by day

Chorus
Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
Shadow in the sky overhead!
Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
See them coming, hope they’re well fed!

Like a cloud in the sky on a moonless night
You’re never really sure if you’ve seen one!
Like a storm in the night
You better hope it passes by
‘Cause you’re always better off
If you never meet one!

Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
Phantom of the air on high!
Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
Better hope they just pass by!

Verse
Preying through the night on owls and fairies
Any creature small and weak
Waiting in the shadows 
For their unsuspecting victims
Sinking in their jagged teeth

Chorus
Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
Shadow in the sky overhead!
Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
See them coming, hope they’re well fed!

Like a cloud in the sky on a moonless night
You’re never really sure if you’ve seen one!
Like a storm in the night
You better hope it passes by
‘Cause you’re always better off
If you never meet one!

Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
Phantom of the air on high!
Chiroptera! Chiroptera!
Better hope they just pass by!

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song, "Creatures", from the album "The Chronicles of Bren: Captured – Songs for the Journey". That mp3 is available at https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ The lyrics can be found below.

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

 Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to help you find healing for your wounds; find hope in your despair; find intimacy in your loneliness; find refuge from the storms of life; Basically, to help you find a deeper walk with Jesus. There is one thing I know after having lived all these years: God wastes nothing. Not our sorrows. Not our wounds. Not even our failures.
 Hi. I am your host, Dennis Jernigan, and I am so excited about the next few weeks of the Dennis Jernigan podcast because I absolutely love the subject matter that we're covering. I really do.

 For the past few weeks I have been sharing the stories behind songs inspired by a fantasy book series I wrote for my children and grandchildren…but something I have forgotten to tell you (I will blame my forgetfulness on the Parkinson’s) is that the underlying reason I wrote these stories was to paint an allegorical picture of what it means to come to Christ for salvation and how to view the word from Christ’s point of view. I wrote the books in such a way that people would not be deterred from reading the books if they felt they had overtly religious undertones. You will be able to find pictures of Jesus and discovering none’s identity in Christ painted throughout The Chronicles of Bren.
 And there’s one more thing to tell you. I have actually written 2 series of books. The first series is called The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy and the second series (which is about to have its 4th book completed) called The Bairns of Bren. This second series features my grandchildren as the heroes of the stories and it has become quite a wild ride. I’ll let you know when book 4 in that series is available.
 You are used to hearing me share the stories behind songs of worship and praise; songs of ministry; songs of comfort; songs from Father God’s heart to ours…but the song I am sharing today was inspired by a 3-book series of fantasy novels I wrote for my children and grandchildren way back in 2015. The first book in this three-book series is called Captured (Book 1 in The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy). You may be asking yourself, “Why would a worship leader and song receiver write  series of books and songs about a fantasy world?”
 I won’t share everything that has led me to the writing of fantasy novels. You can simply listen to the podcasts from the episode called “Riding the Wind” all the way up to today’s episode in order to catch up. 
 This week’s song, “Creatures”, was received sometime in 2015 0r 2016 is a very scary song and was intended to paint a picture of the evil that is at work in the spiritual realm. Some of the creatures are good. Some are evil. My goal was to teach my children and grandchildren to walk in discernment and to trust their consciences and to remember that the enemy sometimes presents himself as an angel of light.
 My desire is that my grandchildren would learn to be vigilant because the enemy goes about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour with his lies. I’ll just mention a few of the lyrics that are meant to instill that vigilance. 

Better watch out. 
Better watch out
When you pass through
Forest or valley
Whatever you do

Better watch out
Better watch 
Whatever you do
Better be watching 
But who’s watching who?

 Following is a list of the creatures found in Bren. Ogres, Werewolves, Terrebithians (a race of men who live under the ground), Hawken (Hawk people who are faifthul to Bren), Wolfen (wolf people who are faithful to Bren), and Treesant (faithful, yet cautious of Bren). Swine rats, demons, unicorns (always good), dragons (fifty fifty chance of being good), fiends (never a good thing), Witches (never good), warlocks (never good).
  Captured is a tale as old as time.
Day at war with night. I painted a saga of peril and balanced it with faith, because I want my grandchildren to know life is not always easy but it always best lived by walking in faith with Jesus Christ. In this story The Founders represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Let me highlight a couple of the creatures to give you some insight as to why I created them.

Sylvan – Treesants – These people of the forest – tree spirits, if you will – were inspired by my love for the woods. On our farm, we have acres and acres of forest. In fact, my sons and I have cut trails through the forest and have built a campground in those woods. The campground sits atop a small hill we have dubbed Stirling Mountain after the famous battle of Stirling depicted in the movie about William Wallace, Braveheart.  As a teenager studying vocational agriculture, I actually spent time studying trees and was tested on identifying various species native to Oklahoma. Throughout the history of fantasy and mythological writings there have been depictions of tree spirits. I had to include my own version in this story. The Treesants – Sylvan in particular – represent the mystery of life and the joy of trying to unravel the mystery…which Leonolis never does. But I don’t think he will ever stop trying. After all, isn’t that where the fun is?

Swine Rats – This particular creature was conjured up in my mind by the various wild animals I have experienced throughout my life – especially when growing up in the country. We often see coyotes and deer and bobcats and skunks and woodchucks and raccoons and squirrels and possums. When I was a boy in FFA, I had show animals. I bought my first pig to show at livestock shows when I was a freshman in high school. The pig was purchased from a friend who lived ten miles away. After getting the pig home and placed in the enclosure I had prepared for her, she promptly escaped! I searched for a couple of weeks to no avail. After a futile period of searching, I gave up. A week after my search ended I receive a call from the friend I had bought the pig from. He told me the pig had come back to his birthplace! As I secured the enclosure and went to once again bring my pig home, I could not help but imagine what she had endured and all she might have gone through just to make it those weeks alone in her incredible journey. All of that helped inspire the swine rats. I combined rats with a pig just because rats personify dirty, rotten, scoundrels, soaked in evil to me!
 My grandchildren love to scare me and I love to scare them when it is apprpriate. I do not want them to walk in fear but learn to discern when fear comes it can serve as a warning to be alert and to get themselves out of harm’s way if necessary. This is meant to be a scary song and is meant to remind us to walk in the light but walk prepared to stand against the darkness with the light of Jesus Christ.

SONG

[1Pe 5:8 NIV] 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

 I believe the roar of the enemy, Satan, is simply lies…noise meant to cause fear and to lead to temptation. I also believe he is like a lion who, though he makes a lot of noise, has no teeth because his only power over us is deception. It would do us all good to remember that.
 I hope this series of songs on my podcast has not been too off-putting for you. These stories truly do give me an inside track to the hearts of my grand children. Many of them are getting old enough now to understand the allegory and the meaning behind it and for that I am grateful.
 I hope you find joy and encouragement as you read the books and listen to the songs. They really are refreshing ways to help you find Jesus even through the most difficult times of life.

 Thanks for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about me, my story, or my music, visit dennisjernigan.com. You can also catch me on Facebook and Instagram, and find my music on most major streaming services. And hey, if you really want to be a part of my team, you can even become a Patron over at Patreon.com/dennisjernigan. I'd love to have you on board! 

 The book “Captured” is available at Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. I encourage you to read the book “Captured” and then listen to or download the songs inspired by each of the main characters for FREE. Just go to https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ and download the entire collection for FREE.

 Thanks again for being part of today's podcast. Remember, God loves you, and so do I. Now, I challenge you to rise up and be the warrior for the kingdom God has called to to be today. And I urge you to put off the lies of the enemy and put on the truth of who the Lord says you are and then go and BE who your Heavenly Father says you are…

Creatures
WORDS & MUSIC
Dennis Jernigan
©2016 DennisJernigan

Verse
Ogres and werewolves and Terrebithians
Hawken and Wolfen and Treesant
Myriad creatures inhabiting Bren
Some of the dark - Some of Light

Swine rats and demons, a unicorn or two
Dragons and various fiends
Myriad creatures inhabiting Bren
Some of the Day - Some of night

Chorus
Better watch out!
Better watch out when you pass through!
Forest or a valley - whatever you do!

Better watch out!
Better watch whatever you do!
Better be watching
But who's watching who?

Verse
Witches and warlocks and men of every race
With just a thin veil in between them
Darkness has no place to go in the Light
But always they're hiding its face!

Chorus
So you better watch out!
Better watch out when you pass through!
Forest or a valley - whatever you do!

Better watch out!
Better watch whatever you do!
Better be watching
But who's watching who?
Better be watching
But who's watching who?

Bridge
Tale as old as time
Day at war with night
Tale as old as time
Day at war with Light

Chorus
So you better watch out!
Better watch out when you pass through!
Forest or a valley - whatever you do!

Better watch out!
Better watch whatever you do!
Better be watching
But who's watching who?
Better be watching
But who's watching who?

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song, "Jidgel! Jidgel!", from the album "The Chronicles of Bren: Captured – Songs for the Journey". That mp3 is available at https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ The lyrics can be found below.

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below:

 Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to help you find healing for your wounds; find hope in your despair; find intimacy in your loneliness; find refuge from the storms of life; Basically, to help you find a deeper walk with Jesus. There is one thing I know after having lived all these years: God wastes nothing. Not our sorrows. Not our wounds. Not even our failures.
 Hi. I am your host, Dennis Jernigan, and I am so excited about the next few weeks of the Dennis Jernigan podcast because I absolutely love the subject matter that we're covering. 

 For the past few weeks I have been sharing the stories behind songs inspired by  fantasy book series I wrote for my children and grandchildren. You are used to hearing me share the stories behind songs of worship and praise; songs of ministry; songs of comfort; songs from Father God’s heart to ours…but the song I am sharing today was inspired by a 3-book series of fantasy novels I wrote for my children and grandchildren way back in 2015. The first book in this three-book series is called Captured (Book 1 in The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy). You may be asking yourself, “Why would a worship leader and song receiver write  series of books and songs about a fantasy world?”
 I won’t share everything that has led me to the writing of fantasy novels. You can simply listen to the podcasts from “Riding the Wind’ to today’s episode in order to catch up. That being said, I will share a brief story that may give you insight into the reason I would create a fantasy world.

 For many years, from my early childhood and even well into my early adult years, I felt rejected by most people and had a deep desire to know my father's love for me. I had already believed the lie of the enemy, deeming myself unlovable. Each night as I went to bed, I would dream of being a little boy on the starship enterprise and my dad was Captain James Tiberius Kirk. My mother was Doris Day and she was always singing Que sera sera, whatever will be will be. Each night in those dreams, I found myself captured by aliens, placed in captivity, and being readied for execution. Just as I was about to be destroyed, my dad, Captain Kirk, would materialize with his weapon, his phaser, set not on stun but on destroy. Every night I was rescued in those dreams and I woke up right at the moment of rescue. As I have looked back now, I can see how creatively God engineered those dreams to paint a picture of what he had already done for me by the work of the cross. He used fantasy through my dreams to paint a picture of his great love for me. I truly believe that with all my heart. And that is the reason I am sharing these songs from my fantasy books.

 The song I am sharing on this week’s episode is called “Jidgel! Jidgel!”, a song I wrote for the book “Captured (Book 1 in the The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy). “Captured” is my life story written in allegory as a legacy to my children and grandchildren. As I wrote the books, I envisioned what it might sound like if Disney ever made a movie based on these books. I completed the songs for the first two books but never got around to writing songs for book three. That book is about my vision for my 9 children…and their real-life stories are still being written. They will need to write their own songs.
 This week’s song, “Jidgel! Jidjel!”, was received sometime in 2015 0r 2016 and was intended to infuse a bit of humor in the story as well as to paint a picture of taking ownership of our own feelings and attitudes and points of view, that regardless of our circumstances, we can choose joy. In the land of Bren, there is a place known as The Forbidden Swamp. It is massive and almost impassable, yet due to circumstances, our protagonist, Leonolis, needs to find a way through The Forbidden Swamp.

He is led to a feisty old man, named Jidgel to seek a way through. 

 The name for this character was invented by one of my sons when he was just a boy. My son is one of the most creative people I know. One of  his funniest ideas was the way he spoke about what he would call his one-day children. He told me that when he had a son he would call him Jidgel! I never forgot that and decided that this character’s name had to be Jidgel. Jidgel represents self-reliance and personal responsibility…and also a beacon of wisdom. Jidgel lives alone and fends for himself in the swamp, daring to live where others fear to tread. As a result, he sees through the trappings of government and superficiality of mankind and evokes a sense of accepting people just because of who they are and not for what they can do for him. Leonolis trusts him quickly once he discerns the wisdom coming from this feisty little man. 

Jidgel was one of my favorite characters to write.  He is very curmudgeonly and bluntly honest and has no fear of what others may think or say of him. Leonolis asks Jidjel to show him the way through the swamp and the keeper of the swamp, as Jidgel is known, challenges him to walk in wisdom. His purpose is to challenge young men and women, to not hold others responsible for their feelings or their attitudes or for their lots in life. He challenges them to hold themselves responsible and to walk as one who is responsible. He believes it is weakness to  blame others for your misfortunes. He challenges Lronolis to learn to make something beautiful even out of his misfortunes just as Jidgel saw beauty in a place most others in the Kingdom avoided. I absolutely love this song. Sorry you’re about to get a song stuck in your head for a few hours, but it’s just fun to say and sing the name Jidgel…

SONG

Jidgel showed reverence to the boy, Leonolis, but was very honest with him. Though Jidgel was not a constant character throughout the three book series, he is one of my favorites simply because he loved Leonolis enough to be honest with him.

His character could have written these words from Pro 3:11-26 NIV 11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, 12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. 13 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, 14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. 19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; 20 by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. 21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; 22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. 23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, 26 for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.

 I hope you find joy and encouragement as you read the books and listen to the songs. They really are refreshing ways to help you find Jesus even through the most difficult times of life. And besides, laughter does good like a medicine. Just try saying the name Jidgel without at least smiling a bit!  

 Thanks for tuning in to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about me, my story, or my music, visit dennisjernigan.com. You can also catch me on Facebook and Instagram, and find my music on most major streaming services. And hey, if you really want to be a part of my team, you can even become a Patron over at Patreon.com/dennisjernigan. I'd love to have you on board! 

 The book “Captured” is available at Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. I encourage you to read the book “Captured” and then listen to or download the songs inspired by each of the main characters for FREE. Just go to https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ and download the entire collection for FREE.

 Thanks again for being part of today's podcast. Remember, God loves you, and so do I. Now, I challenge you to rise up and be the warrior for the kingdom God has called to to be today. And I urge you to put off the lies of the enemy and put on the truth of who the Lord says you are and then go and BE who your Heavenly Father says you are…

Jidgel! Jidjel!

Verse 
Man of the swamp
Man of the fen
Man of the water and reed
Man of his word
Man among men
Meeter of shelter and need

Chorus
Jidgel! Jidjel!
Curmudgeon short and stout
Jidgel! Jidjel!
What is life about?
Lack-it-y loo!
Didgeridoo!
Tell me what life is about to you
Lolly-go-lie!
Lolly-go-loo!
Show me the way to get through

Verse 
Eater of fish
Drinker of wine
Shorter than average men
Taller in heart
Taller in mind
Defender of Truth, you’re his friend

Chorus
Jidgel! Jidjel!
Curmudgeon short and stout
Jidgel! Jidjel!
What is life about?
Lack-it-y loo!
Didgeridoo!
Tell me what life is about to you
Lolly-go-lie!
Lolly-go-loo!
Show me the way to get through

Bridge
I can go around 
But I’d rather go through
I think that’s what you would do
Tell me what I know 
That I know to be true
Show me the way to get through

Chorus
Jidgel! Jidjel!
Curmudgeon short and stout
Jidgel! Jidjel!
What is life about?
Lack-it-y loo!
Didgeridoo!
Tell me what life is about to you
Lolly-go-lie!
Lolly-go-loo!
Show me the way to get through
Show me the way to get through
Show me the way to get through 

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song, "Fairies", from the album "The Chronicles of Bren: Captured – Songs for the Journey". That mp3 is available at https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ The lyrics can be found below.

You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month.

Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX

Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

You will find the show notes and lyrics below: