Preacher Feature: Aaron Davis

Aaron Davis's nickname is the Tattoed Preacher. His mission in life is to touch the untouchable and reach the unreachable. No small task, but his 17 years of ministry experience in areas that most people won't go give him an edge.

And speaking of edge, I am a fan of his edgy look. From the bald head to sleeved-out arms to the bike he rides. But it brings up a question: what should Christians look like? In my opinion, there is no set standard of dress that makes one holier than another. It takes people from all walks of life to reach people from all walks of life.

Would you be willing to bring the word to gangsters, thugs, and drug dealers?

No?

Me either?

God bless men like Aaron Davis who are brave enough to put their lives on the line to do it because the rough crowd they minister to are totally worth the risk. Every soul is worth it. (John 3:16)

It was a life without God that got them into those situations, and it is only a life with God that can get them out.

Aaron Davis is the author of two books, Love Thy Neighbor...? and The Spirit of Religion, which can be found on Amazon.

In John 17:20-21 Jesus prayed, "My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father--that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me." (NLT) The Christian church continues to find points of contingency by which they justify their divisions. Many do not realize that it is not the Spirit of God under which they operate, but a subtle counterfeit named Religion. The Spirit of Religion has been the greatest opposition of the Christian Church since its inception. It was the "religious" leaders of Jesus' day who were influenced by this spirit and continually sought to discredit Christ and his teachings. Those who were bound by this spirit sought to silence Christ, and eventually found cause to kill Him. This same spirit at work today continues to cause division, among Christians as well as between Christians and non-Christians. This book has been written to expose the evil influence that Satan has had upon the Christian church under the guise of religion and to release those who have been bound by religions chains by establishing a true relationship with God. Issues addressed in this book include: What is the Spirit of Religion?What is the difference between church doctrine and sin?Why do Christians judge? What does it mean to "be ye separate?"What does the Bible say about those who are Tattooed or Pierced? What is the difference between having a religion and experiencing a relationship with God? ....and much more.

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In John 17:20-21 Jesus prayed, "My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father--that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me." (NLT) The Christian church continues to find points of contingency by which they justify their divisions. Many do not realize that it is not the Spirit of God under which they operate, but a subtle counterfeit named Religion. The Spirit of Religion has been the greatest opposition of the Christian Church since its inception. It was the "religious" leaders of Jesus' day who were influenced by this spirit and continually sought to discredit Christ and his teachings. Those who were bound by this spirit sought to silence Christ, and eventually found cause to kill Him. This same spirit at work today continues to cause division, among Christians as well as between Christians and non-Christians. This book has been written to expose the evil influence that Satan has had upon the Christian church under the guise of religion and to release those who have been bound by religions chains by establishing a true relationship with God. Issues addressed in this book include: What is the Spirit of Religion? What is the difference between church doctrine and sin? Why do Christians judge? What does it mean to "be ye separate?"What does the Bible say about those who are Tattooed or Pierced? What is the difference between having a religion and experiencing a relationship with God? ....and much more.

Buy on Amazon!

I challenge you to live a life without judgement, to see people's hearts and not skin, to dress yourself in the Holy Spirit, disregarding current fashion trends, and to truly love thy neighbors. This doesn't mean you have to love what they do, but it does mean showing them God's love regardless. Who knows? You may be the missing piece in their life puzzle.

Each morning, I receive a daily Bible verse on my phone. Today, I read Matthew 18:5-6: "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."

You may think you are not leading anyone astray because you live a straight-laced life, but if you pass judgement on others and make them feel inadequate and unacceptable in God's eyes, then you are as guilty as the sinners. Judging others and making them feel unworthy actually drives them further away from God. Love thy neighbors. Love their spirits. Look through the behaviors and outer coverings and see them as God sees them.

My hero, Henry Hearth, is a bit of a rebel. Driven from religion by hypocrisy and judgement, he struggles. I call him my:

Bad News Bringing the Good News!

I pray you'll love him as much as I do! Listen. Do you hear that? He's revving that engine, checking his mirrors, and heading straight for Sweet Home, Texas...

Romance Framework in Sweet Home

Lovin' this reno show on HGTV featuring two writers-turned-renovators. But more than that - the hubby is scruffy, tattoed minister!! For those of you following my Sweet Home, Texas series, you're in for a treat. The next installment in the series - HENRY - features a tattoed, motorcycle-ridin' minister hero. Not at all based on this man, but every time I watch, I can't help but think, "That's Henry!" A dream home construction brings wandering framer, Henry Hearth, back to Sweet Home, Texas, where he begins the framework on Dr. Bliss Ayers' home...and a new life!

My Big Family Renovation

Holdin' on to the Memory of Robin Williams

I didn't know Robin Williams personally, but I was deeply saddened to hear about his death. The thing about someone as iconic as Robin Williams is that he appeared in so many movies and played so many memorable characters in a career that spanned several decades. There isn't a generation alive today that doesn't have at least one Robin Williams film on their favorites list. Once an actor is gone, it's hard to watch the movies in the same way. I speak for a lot of people when I say he will be missed.

And like a lot of people, I was surprised to learn that he'd struggled with addiction and battled depression. It's easy to think that someone so funny would be one of the happiest people in the world. He must channel all that energy and enthusiasm from somewhere, right? Wrong. It's tough to discern what lies behind a smile or a laugh or bubbly personality. There are millions of people floundering around through life and masking their true feelings with this, that, or the other. Robin Williams was no exception.

Which brings up debate in the Christian world as to the final destination of his soul. I don't know why some Christians play this guessing game: Heaven or hell?  I, for one, make great effort to judge nobody. There are too many unknowns.

But why am I posting about this on my Sweet Homemade Cafe blog?

My heroine in the third book in the Sweet Home, Texas series - HOLDEN - struggles with her faith because her father committed suicide.

"No, Irelynn. Thank you for making this past week the most memorable of my life. I know God had a hand in this. Do you believe in a higher plan?"

"I struggle with all that."

"With your faith, you mean?"

She nodded. "Do you remember I told you my father killed himself?"

"Yes."

"Well, I want to believe. I was raised to believe. Most days I do believe, but in my dark moments, I remember what the Bible says about suicide. I can't think about the possibility of my dad's soul..."

Her voice trailed off. She was unable to finish. Instead, she focused on her breathing and holding back tears. If she had a breakdown in front of him, it would be her own fault for bringing the subject up in the first place. While she needed to talk about her fear with someone, she really, really wished she'd have picked a better time and place. She barely knew Holden. And here they were standing in a place that could crumble at any moment.

Standing in a place that could crumble at any moment...

Indeed, that's literally where she was in her life.

Oh, God.

"I do remember. I also remember you telling me that, at the time of his death, he wasn't in his right mind. God knows that it was the illness, not the man, who made that decision. He won't be held accountable. Don't let your fears control you and keep you from a deep relationship with your Savior. Jesus loves your dad and you. Do you believe that, Irelynn?"

 

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I'm not saying that suicide is okay, but I know that Robin Williams was standing in a place that could crumble at any moment. We don't know the depth of his addiction or depression. He could have very well not been in his right mind at that time. Think about Alzheimer's patients that say and do things that they normally wouldn't. How about the clinically insane? What about those who live in extreme pain or develop degenerative brain disease?

Jesus loved Robin Williams. Beyond that, I cannot and will not make judgments or speculations. I believe God knows that it was the illness, not the man, who made that decision.

Jayna Morrow’s romance novels and a resource for writers have spent time on the Amazon Top 10 lists. Morrow brings to life heartwarming stories that embody realistic plots with an uplifting message, giving readers a sweet and warmly satisfying sense of love and hope.

Morrow is the author of the Sweet Home, Texas series -  Garrett; Gabriel, and Holden, numerous sweet contemporary and inspirational works; a short read with several other Prism Book Group authors, A Blizzard Wedding; a resource for writers, Book Writing for the Rest of Us: The Layering Process, a book of devotionals for writers, 45 Devotionals for Christian Writers, and several children’s books. She has been featured at eReader News Today, Daily Cheap Reads, Working Writers and Bloggers, Books for Book Lovers, The Old Stone Wall, Lilly’s Book Club, Book Goodies, Nearly Brilliant, Goodreads, and Christian eBooks Today. She is an active member of the East Texas Writers Association and is a regular guest speaker, presenting mini-workshops on plotting structure, drafting a novel in 30 days, and the layering process. 

In addition to writing novels, Morrow is an elementary school reading teacher. She and her husband, Chip, are patrons of the arts, especially fine arts and music. They also enjoy the outdoors and frequently go off-roading, canoeing, barge riding on Caddo Lake, and camping.
She is a devoted mother to two precious little girls and spends a majority of her time creating memories with them. Jayna, Chip, and the girls live in East Texas, near the Lousiana border. 

www.jaynamorrow.com

Author Spotlight: Jennifer Osufsen

Be careful about encouraging people too much....they just might do it! I've known Jennifer Osufsen for several years, though we've never met in person. We hail from the same hometown and have  mutual friends, which Facebook generously pointed out. The rest is history. 

I took a liking to Jenn right because we share so much in common: couponing, recipes, making things from scratch, sewing, and the list could go on and on. Just about anything that has to do with the old ways of life. We also has a gaggle of little girls between the two of us. My two and her three. But then she went and added two boys to her brood. I'll stick with two. 

If being a stay-at-home mom of five children, baking and cooking from scratch, homeschooling, and maintaining a garden weren't enough, she confessed to me her burning desire to write. And that's where the encouragement came in. She used to say, "When I find the time, I will write." She has since discovered that you will never "find" time to write, you must "make" time to write. Now there's no stopping her. 

This blog isn't about selling books, though I do hope you click on over to Amazon and get a copy of her debut novel. This blog is about celebrating an AUTHOR AGAINST ALL ODDS! That's Jenn. A husband, five kids, homeschooling, and whole household to run couldn't keep her from her dreams. Whatever your dream is, Jennifer Osufsen is inspiration that passion, determination, and some wicked time management skills are all you need to make your dreams come true. 

Let's meet this remarkable writer, my friend, Jennifer Osufsen:

Jayna: When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Jennifer: In fourth grade our class went to the library one week, and I selected The Hound of the Baskervilles. It was the first book I remember falling in love with. Most of the language was above my grade level in comprehension at the time, but I still recall being amazed that words could convey such vivid images to my brain. From that day on, I knew I would be a writer. My love for the written word is woven into my being.

Jayna: I totally agree that words have the ability to come alive. Tell me, how much of yourself do you write into your characters?

Jennifer: Good golly, a tremendous amount! I like to select choice morsels from my own self and implant them in my characters; but I would never pattern a character soley after myself. By picking and choosing various personal traits, I can write firsthand feelings into my characters. I also choose to put some of my less desirable characteristics into my antagonists. It’s a good way to delve into my weaknesses and get to their core.

Jayna: When I read Mercy Springs, I knew exactly which parts were the "real Jenn," but I do know you pretty well. Tell us about the kind of books you enjoy reading.

Jennifer: Books that transport me out of my hectic mind and into another place and time. I have a soft spot for romances, but nothing too explicit. That’s like peeking into someone else’s bedroom (or kitchen or laundry room or what have you) and it’s a wee bit much. I’ve read everything from science fiction and fantasy to chick lit; although chick lit is probably my least favorite genre. And oh, time travel books. Love ‘em! And historical fiction as well. I used to joke around and say, “Books with tiny print and narrow margins,” but then I quickly realized I wasn’t joking around. I like books that can be doorstops or weapons in a pinch.

Jayna: There are distinct elements of fantasy in your book. Mercy Springs isn't traditional Christian romance. Speaking of fantasy worlds, how do you keep your sanity in this crazy fast paced world of ours?

Jennifer: I am extremely selective about the extra-curricular activities, both for myself and for my kiddos. We choose to spend as much time together as a family as possible, but make room for one or two sports or other undertakings. My husband and I have learned to say “NO!” to the world when it seems like it’s running our lives. As for myself, I take an hour before bed and read. It helps me decompress and let go, for just a little while. Most of all, when I’m feeling out of control, stressed, or simply overwhelmed – which tends to happen with having five children, homeschooling, and writing novels – I take comfort in the words from my Lord.

Jayna: I understand. And I totally admire the way you juggle so many things, so efficiently. Let's talk about your life post-publication. You can say that you're a published author now. In what ways has being published changed your life?

Jennifer: I have allowed myself to let go of my “wordy babies”, the novels that I pour so much of myself into. In publishing, I get to see my thoughts in the hands of others. It is all at once terrifying and exhilarating. I’m still not used to signing books, and I’m constantly trying to find the exact words that are both meaningful and personal. Overall, I would say that I have gained more confidence and a desire to write even more.

 Jennifer, thank you so much for your time and sharing a little background with us. 

Friends, if you would like to connect more with Jennifer, she operates a blog and a Facebook fan page. Here are the addresses to locate those:

Work in Progress

Jennifer Osufsen Author

Official Website of Jennifer Osufsen

Now let's discover the debut work of Jennifer Osufsen:

In the wake of the economic disaster known as The Collapse, two countries rise from the ashes of the former United States: Unified Socialist America and The Republic of Texas.

After personal and professional tragedy, physician midwife Cora Thomas flees the Missouri District of America, seeking asylum and safety in the idyllic Texas town of Cotton Springs. She hopes the quaint community is a new beginning, a place to heal and plant roots. A home where she is not an underground Christian living in fear for her life.

A logging accident leaves Cotton Springs’ prodigal son, Ben Tucker, in the care of the feisty new red-headed doctor. The attraction is undeniable and bewildering. But his rejection of God’s existence and Cora’s steadfast faith collide, leaving him with more questions than answers. And a heart desperately in need of healing.

Missouri District deputy Gordon Wilkes is on a witch hunt. He holds Cora accountable for the death of his wife in childbirth. And no border will stop him from exacting his revenge.

MERCY SPRINGS is a love story blooming beneath the towering trees of east Texas, under the canopy of grace and mercy, and in the shadows of lurking danger.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON!

Mercy Springs is Jen's debut novel, the first in the "Republic of Texas" series of books. Her faith-based writing combines the feel of an historical fiction with modern and future technology, and adds a bit of mystery and romance in the mix to make it interesting.

Jennifer grew up beneath the tall yellow pines of east Texas, but currently resides in the northwoods of Minnesota. Writing allows her to escape into a world devoid of dirty dishes, mounds of laundry, sticky floors, and piles of toys. Most of the time you'll find her spending time with her best friend and husband of fifteen years, or with the five hooligans she birthed.

​
Book Two of the Republic of Texas series is in the works, and should be published near the end of the year.

Holden and Irelynn's First Kiss in the Rain...