Jami A.

Today, author Jami A. speaks to us about the true meaning of grace, how God was a gentle voice of guidance she always heard, books she has written that you will want to add to your list and growing in belief.

Jami A.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I was born in Avenal, California. My parents are from Utah. We moved 13 times before I graduated from high school, I guess I am an oilfield kid. I am the oldest of three and my family is very close. I am a daddy’s girl. He is my biggest fan and I am his.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “As a man thinketh, so he is.” Proverbs 23:7

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Belief. Not with the words of my mouth but the deep beliefs of my head/heart.

Profession: I am the beloved of the God of all. Nothing can separate me from Him, nothing. I walk in the favor of the Lord. He is for me and with me. I am bought and paid for, and I rest in the loving arms of the Jesus who came to set me free.

“He is for me and with me.”

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? I guess I already did. Stolen Jesus: The Unconventional Search for the Real Savior. It is Christian non-fiction/inspirational/humor, but a lot of people say it reads like a memoir.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? In the Mormon church in Ogden, Utah, in about 1975. That is where I first learned of Him. Prior to that, I don’t know how to explain it, I knew He was the gentle voice of guidance I always heard.

How has your relationship with Him changed you? I went from believing He was gentle to trying to please Him, afraid I was always in trouble. While writing my first book, Stolen Jesus, I fell into the message of grace. And I was forever changed. I am free. I have joy and peace that is not of this world. I want it for everyone.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Writing and painting.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson–love is the only way, and Jesus is love.

Top three essentials: Coffee, paint, and fresh canvas.

How did God speak to you recently? While writing my third book, Well, Girl… I call it the “download.” I look back over that book and just think, “OH MY WORD, that was beyond me!” It had to be Him.

Hobby: Hmmm… well, I paint and write for a living. But if I were to have a hobby… I would paint and write.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: ‘I am’ affirmations convince your mind the words of your mouth are true. Speak only truth. Step away from judgement with the statement, I see God in you.

“Speak only truth.”

Favorite person in scripture? Jesus

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? You can have real joy, no really.

“You can have real joy”

How do you engage with your community? I am an introvert; Facebook is where I am among my friends.

Favorite holiday? Christmas

A goal you have? To have a non-profit organization that helps foster families with legal expenses.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Christmas Eve cheese and crackers and “Home Alone” marathon.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? I don’t think I have one. That may seem silly, but I think that being with Him will answer everything for me.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: GRACE. You can’t earn salvation. I believe that like me, so many Christians miss out on pure grace. If you buy something, it is a purchase. If you earn something it is a wage. The resurrection of Christ was the fulfillment of that try and try harder. He just loves you. He likes you. He calls you friend.

“He just loves you. He likes you. He calls you friend.”

What does your morning routine consist of? Prayer time, coffee, visiting with my husband.

What is on your nightstand? Face cream, prayer note cards, fresh flowers and nasal spray. (My name is Jami Amerine, and I am addicted to nasal spray.)

Define Christianity in a sentence: Just Jesus.

“Just Jesus.”