Jerralea's Journey

It's a gradual thing ...

2026-11-02T11:27:41.419-06:00

Something I have noticed that happens in the life of a novelist is a gradual losing of your focus.

You start out all gung-ho, but since a novel can't be written in a day - or edited, or marketed, either - it seems like you have plenty of time.

Your goal might be 500 words a day; but if you're in a time crunch, it's easy to do 200 and assume you will just do 800 tomorrow to make up for today. After all, you're so very busy!

And then the next day is just as overwhelming, so you just 100 and say you will make up for it this weekend.

And then the weekend is worse than ever.

I get it, I really do.

For example, the month of October has been a pressure-cooker for me. I'm struggling to barely keep my head above water.

Waves of responsibilities, added tasks, and unmet expectations keep continuously rolling in.

And gradually, you realize you've done nothing for quite some time.

Here's the deal: if you have a message, a story that God has given you, then the enemy's attention is flagged. Like a fireman, noticing a flame to be extinguished, he wants to prevent any words of hope going out.

The enemy wants messages of despair and doom to be the order of the day.

God wants His word shared.

Which message will go out?

The one that has your attention.

(My 5 minutes are up to write on the word "gradual," but as always, I have more to say.)

I'm reminded of what the writer of Hebrews says in this passage:

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3 NASB 1995)

I notice a few things:

It's up to us to lay aside sin and distractions. Both those things are sent by the enemy to rob you from reaching your goal. You have to say no!
You have to fix your own eyes on Jesus. No one does it for you. You have a message from God? You have to keep your eyes on Him in order to share it effectively.
Keep Him in mind when you are getting tired and losing heart. If He can endure the hostility He had to face, He can surely help you to endure the race you are running.

Ok, I've taken a breather. Now, I'm ready to jump back in and press on.

How about you?

This post was inspired by the prompt "gradual" shared at the Five Minute Friday community.

I'm including this post as part of my series, My Writing Life, which will have 1-2 posts a week exploring my life as a writer of a novel.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Five Minute Friday and Sweet Tea & Friends

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

What's Your Approach?

2026-10-28T12:56:25.973-05:00

As believers, we are encouraged to share the gospel wherever we go But how do we do it? How do you tell someone the good news - that they can have a fresh start - a do-over. Their slate of offenses against God can be wiped clean.

In my novel, one of my main characters, Bobby, finds God late in life. He has had a dramatic conversion. He has been transformed from a life of selfishness and rage and temper . His living situation? The state prison. Why? Because he let his temper get the better of him and he committed a crime of passion.

Thirty years later, he fo surrendered his life to Christ. The joy of being forgiven was overwhelming. He wanted to share.

"it was Bobby’s day to work in the laundry. The mood was subdued as the prisoners attended to their tasks.

Bobby glanced at each one, wondering how to approach telling someone about Jesus. Then he remembered the prison chaplain's advice about building relationships. The person he was working next to that day was Joe Stopka."

Bobby approach began with asking Joe questions about himself. Joe responses were anything but warm and friendly, but he began to thaw when Bobby became vulnerable and shared about himself.

His words were a bridge to understanding. Eventually Joe confided his story..

Before Bobby could convince Joe to give his life to Christ, Joe needed to believe God was concerned about him, so Bobby issued a challnege.

"Go on! I dare you! He doesn’t joke around, but if you seriously ask to hear from Him, you will in some way.”

“Man, you crazy.” Joe shook his head, just as the guards yelled it was time to go back to their cells.

Bobby called after him, “Man, I’ll be praying for you.”

It was days later that Bobby learned Joe decided to accept the challenge and asked God for something that really surprised Bobby.

I don't want to give away the whole story (*grin); but I will say, God had the answer on its way before Joe even asked the question!

God is amazing like that.

This post was inspired by the prompt "approach" shared at the Five Minute Friday community.

I'm including this post as part of my series, My Writing Life, which will have 1-2 posts a week exploring my life as a writer of a novel.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Five Minute Friday and Let's Have Coffee

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

Never Abandoned

2026-10-19T14:08:16.247-05:00

It's often true that family relationships are complicated.

In my novel, most of my characters are from the same family. They didn't always get along. In the beginning there was an event that caused a rift - a chasm so wide it felt impossible to ever cross.

It took a lot of prayer, a change of perspective, and a heavenly visitor to get things moving in the right direction.

Now, if you have tension in your family, I can't promise God will send an angel to help - although He might! - but I do believe in the power of prayer to get the ball rolling.

The first relationship that must be restored is the one between you and Your heavenly Father.

Although it's not easy, it is pretty simple to get in right relationship with God:

Admit you have messed up. 1 John 1:9
Believe He is who He says He is - and say it! Hebrews 11:6 and Romans 10:9-10
Change direction. Acts 3:19 (After all, the way you have been going hasn't been working for you, right?)

Once you sincerely do those things, God looks upon you as His child. And He never gives up on His child.

For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” ~ Hebrews 13:5b - NLT

Then, you can concentrate on your other relationships.

And listen, God is all about reconciliation. He will work with you on making things right.

Talk to Him about it.

Thanks for dropping by. Next time, we will discuss forgiveness which is key in working out relationships.

This post was inspired by the prompt "abandon" shared at the Five Minute Friday community.

I'm including this post as part of my series, My Writing Life, which will have 1-2 posts a week exploring my life as a writer of a novel.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Five Minute Friday

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

From Mess to Masterpiece, Part 2

2026-10-12T19:48:14.482-05:00

Yesterday, I wrote about God's plan to create each believer into a masterpiece.

I based my thoughts on Ephesians, chapter 2, in particular verses 8-10:

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-10

You can read part 1 here.

Today, I have more to say.

The transformation from a mess to a masterpiece is not to show your beauty, or to give you credit, but to show the goodness of God.

You thought you were worthless; but God sees something in you.

You thought you had made your life ugly, but God intends to create beauty out of it.

In my novel, my character, Sharon encountered the Lord and began to change. Once consumed with bitterness, she was always ready to jump down someone's throat if they dared to cross her.

But once she turned her life over to God, she began to change.

One day, at a diner, Sharon ran into a bitter woman. A woman who hated Sharon's family and lashed out at her for something she didn't even do.

This was the first time Sharon had been tested on whether she could keep her temper. She prayed under her breath and she was able to keep a rein on her tongue.

Now there is always somebody watching you, and the waitress at the diner later said this about the situation: "I expected her to go off on the lady any minute because the Sharon I went to school with would have cussed her out in a New York minute."

See, Sharon was already on her way to being transformed. God is working with her and someday her beautiful spirit will be a work of art.

If you are a believer, God is working on you, too. He uses every trial and struggle to make you stronger. Every blessing to draw you closer. He reveals so much through His word letting you know He loves you. All these come together and make you more like Jesus.

The more you're like Jesus, the more you'll shine.

And we will all marvel ...

I'm including this post as part of my series, My Writing Life, which will have 1-2 posts a week exploring my life as a writer of a novel.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Let's Have Coffee

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

From Mess to Masterpiece

2026-10-12T11:08:13.829-05:00

Not too long ago, I was talking with someone whose life was not going the way they had imagined it. Can you relate?

When the enemy is trying to pummel us into the ground, we can begin to feel helpless and hopeless. But we need to be reminded God is at work shaping us into something beautiful.

The Apostle Paul wrote about becoming a masterpiece long ago when he wrote to the Ephesians.

Once, we were a mess:

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. Ephesians 2:1-2 NLT

Paul goes on to tell us in verse 3 we all were a mess.

But God,

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, Ephesians 2:4 NLT

Because of that love and mercy, He couldn't leave us in our mess. What did He do?

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT

God saves us not just to save us from the wrath we so deserve, but also to make something beautiful of us.

We are His workmanship (the ancient Greek word poiema), His beautiful poem. Some translations say "work of art," or "masterpiece" for poiema.

He is creating something beautiful out of each believer's life.

Why? So we can be about the Father's business doing good works. Those works were planned for you from the very beginning, and it is something only you can do. Your unique life and personality, placed in your unique setting, can make a difference in the people around you.

YOU ARE NOT A MISTAKE, GOD HAS SOMETHING FOR YOU TO DO.

My point to my friend who felt she was not going to receive the dreamed-for life she wanted was God was making something beautiful out of her life. Sometimes it hurts to be molded and shaped into the masterpiece He is creating, but in the end, you wouldn’t have it any other way. You will be beautiful and complete and will enrich the kingdom of God. No one else can take your place, you were uniquely designed and created for such a time as this.

What about you?

Will you embrace the molding and shaping that must take place to turn you into a masterpiece?

Will you embrace a life of good works to influence others for the kingdom?

Remember, those works don't save you - you were saved when you accepted the gift of what Jesus did for you.

Your good works are to bring glory to Him, our good, good Father.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Sweet Tea & Friends, Let's Have Coffee

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

Not by Sight

2026-10-02T16:55:31.410-05:00

Sometimes, our goals and dreams don't look like they are going to happen. But I'm here to tell you if God gave you a dream, it's going to happen.

I stand on 2 Corinthians 5:7 which says:

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

It might look unlikely but don't count your dream dead. If it is truly from God, He is working in the background, bringing things together and at just the right time, it will all come together, and you will be amazed.

For instance, I've poured a lot of effort into my novel. I've wrestled with the thing until it now numbers 98,000 hope-filled words.

My vision is a book that will encourage people to believe no matter what they have done, there is still a chance for redemption. It's possible to become a new person.

No, I don't have the book in hand yet, but it is closer to being completed than ever before.

I will not give up on my dream because the Lord gave it to me.

Do you have a dream that you are holding onto? Remember, if you could see it, you wouldn't need faith.

This post was written in response to the prompt, "sight," provided by the community of writers at Five Minute Friday.

I'm including this post as part of my series, My Writing Life, which will have 1-2 posts a week exploring my life as a writer of a novel.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Five Minute Friday, InstaEncouragements Link-Up

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

Looking for Direction

2026-09-28T12:47:29.187-05:00

Have you ever been unsure what direction to take?

Today, I’m sharing a story from the archives that tells of a time we were physically lost – back in the days before GPS.

We had decided to visit a church where a beloved pastor friend of ours was holding a revival. I had arranged to take off early because this church? It was deep in the bowels of Missouri - out where we like to say "so far back in the woods, the hoot owls don't even hoot."

We got lost. In fact, we were lost so badly that now we were 20 minutes late for service. Friends, I am not a happy camper when I'm lost.

We started over at the beginning of the road. This time, we saw the church sign that said one mile pointing left. We said, "Okay, we are going to time one mile on the odometer and turn left the first opportunity we get, even if it looks like a driveway."

It was so dark out there!

We went one mile and sure enough, we saw a path leading through the woods on the left. We'd seen that opening earlier but didn't take it because of the sign at the opening, "MASS GRAVE."

What in the world? Deciding to take a chance, we took the path and eventually came to a little clearing and there was the church.

Who'd ever think a church would be on a road marked, "MASS GRAVE?"

But it gets better. When we went inside, they were still singing. One lady got up and sang a special, "Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down!"

You can't make this stuff up!

In my book, my character, Cherie Stopka, was also looking for direction. Feeling betrayed, she wanted to go somewhere new and start over. But where should she go?

Feeling strongly impressed to take a bus to Atlanta, GA, she met a group of travelers on the way home to Hawkinsville, GA. Led by Holy Spirit, the group reached out to Cherie, one by one, on the long trip home. Cherie soon realized these were her people and got off the bus with them to check out Hawkinsville. She ended up finding a job, a place to live, a church, a best friend, and eventually her Savior.

Sometimes, you have to take that first step towards your destiny!

This post is part of my series, My Writing Life, which will have 1-2 posts a week exploring my life as a writer of a novel.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

Part of this post was adapted from a 2016 post, Laughter: The Best Medicine

A Brief Intro

2026-09-25T18:32:18.662-05:00

Hello readers,

For anyone new, I thought I would share a brief intro.

I'm Jerralea, a daughter of the King of the Universe, a wife, mother, and MiMi, author, blogger and bible teacher.

I always say, “I write bible-based words for the discouraged so they can have hope.”

You might ask, "What makes you qualified to speak to the discouraged?"

In my 70 years of living, I've experienced alcoholism in the family, infertility, my spouse having bipolar disorder, job losses, a flood trying to destroy my home, church hurt, loss of loved ones and many other changes.

Yet through it all, I have learned to stand on God's word. He has never let me down.

As a blogger, I invite you to drop in regularly for words of encouragement from the Word of God. I love to share the nuggets God gives me.

As an author, my book will be an encouraging read as well. My characters are not perfect by any means, but they have learned there is no pit so deep that God will not redeem you. Conflict and forgiveness are deeply engraved across the pages because everyone of us needs forgiveness.

I invite you to follow along to learn more.

This post was written in response to the prompt, "brief" chosen by the group of writers at the Five Minute Friday community.

I'm also launching a new series, My Writer Life, which will have 1-2 posts a week exploring my life as a writer of a novel.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Five Minute Friday

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

Who Is Really Responsible?

2026-09-18T13:35:38.542-05:00

Sometimes I feel I'm responsible for everything.

Do you ever feel that way?

But as a believer, I must remember the Lord is really in charge.

Scripture tells me He is my strength, my help, and He will uphold me with His strong right arm of victory. (See Isaiah 41:10)

So what is my part?

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
Michah 6:8

If I do what is right, be merciful and humble, that is all that is required. I'm not responsible for the rest. He is.

In my novel, Dee McCloud takes out her frustrations on Sharon Ford for something her father did.

Let's listen in:

"Before Sharon could stop herself, words tumbled out of her mouth. "Mrs. McCloud, I'm so sorry you’re consumed with hate. My daughter and I are not your enemies. We can't help what my father did. We hate it just as much as you do!” Chest heaving, she spat out, “Are you held responsible for everything your family ever did?"

Later,

"Then Dee burst out, “I can’t believe she said that!”

Bill calmly laid his napkin down. “You mean, when she asked if we wanted to be held responsible for everything our family ever did?”

“I hate when people mention Uncle Buford and his shenanigans.”

“True,” Bill responded, “and it is unjust to blame us all these years later. It’s not like we encouraged him in his choices.”

She crossed her arms and stared at Bill. He looked at her steadily with a slight one-sided smile.

Finally, Dee’s resignation revealed itself in the form of a sigh. “And I guess it is unjust for me to blame Sharon for what that nutcase did 30 years ago.”

Perhaps when we are frustrated with someone, we should look and see who is really responsible for the situation.

Something to think about!

This post was written in response to the prompt, "responsible" chosen by the group of writers at the Five Minute Friday community.

I'm also launching a new series, My Writer Life, which will have 1-2 posts a week exploring my life as a writer of a novel.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Five Minute Frida y

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

Are You Approved?

2026-09-14T13:01:37.480-05:00

As a writer, my goal is to use my words to uplift and encourage, and sometimes, to make one think.

There are times when I hesitate to push the publish buttons because I want my readers to approve of my message.

But, there is Someone whose approval is more important.

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NLT

I want to be a 2 Timothy 2:15 writer!

In my book, one of my characters, Darren, observes how only wanting to associate with the approved social set in his world can lead to conflict.

"I see all the conflict that Joe Lee and Sharon have gone through. The family is in an uproar that he chose someone not approved from our social set. Some of them are quite ugly about it. I haven’t wanted to subject you to their nastiness.

It really gets me. We go to church and sing “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world,” but heaven help us if an outsider wants to become part of our world.

I mean, Jesus wasn’t like that! Think about it. I’m not a preacher, but the story about the Good Samaritan tells me that a person with real religion helps people even if they are not from his same neighborhood."

The truth is: We will all present ourselves before God. We need to be sure we know His truth and not what the world presents as truth.

Here at the Journey, and also in my novel, I am striving to share bible-based words of truth. I hope you follow along.

This post was written in response to the prompt, "approve" chosen by the group of writers at the Five Minute Friday community.

I'm also launching a new series, My Writer Life, which will have 1-2 posts a week exploring my life as a writer of a novel.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Five Minute Friday, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Let's Have Coffee

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

Boundaries Must Be Set

2026-09-08T17:30:00.000-05:00

As a writer, I have found boundaries must be set to protect my time.Time can flitter away before I know it.

In fact, anything worthwhile needs time set aside to accomplish the goal. If it is worth doing, it's worth sacrificing your free time.

We live in a time when we are very easily distracted. We have an information overload going on and it can be very tempting to listen to every voice that comes along.

I will never be able to read all the books in the world - I probably will never even finish all the books in my genre.

There is not enough time in the day to listen to every podcast - and I do love listening. But, I can't keep up with everyone.

So, I must choose between all the voices in my world.

Here's the best guide I have ever heard when it comes to who or what gets my attention:

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:8-9 THE MESSAGE

I have determined to set boundaries against anything that encroaches on a positive, faith-filled mindset. I believe God has great things in store for me and my family. I am putting my trust in Him and keeping my mind focused on Him.

What about you?

This post was written in response to the prompt, "boundary" chosen by the group of writers at the Five Minute Friday community.

I'm also launching a new series, My Writer Life, which will have 1-2 posts a week exploring my life as a writer of a novel. This series will go well with my Birthing My Book series. Hope you follow along!

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Five Minute Friday

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

Respond Like a Overcomer

2026-09-05T18:11:18.136-05:00

It is really hard not to do something you've always done.

Three of my characters in my novel do this when trouble comes their way:

one runs away
one shoots off her mouth
one explodes with temper

Can you relate?

The thing is, no one can promise you a trouble-free life.

Even believers are not promised everything will go their way. In fact, Jesus said:

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

You see, if we have Christ in our heart we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.

It's a promise we can stand on.

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 NKJV

The next time trouble comes along, ask Jesus to help you respond in the right way instead of reacting like you have always done.

You might be surprised how much better things go!

This is Day 25 of taking my reader along a journey with me as I birth my book. I have created my characters to become overcomers by learning to forgive, let go of the past, and rely on God. It's a process!

The Birthing My Book 25 Day Challenge is now over, but I am having so much fun I don't want to stop! So, I will be popping in weekly to share more about the life of a writer. Soon, there will be an opportunity for you to sign up and read a free chapter. I can't wait!

Some have asked how they can find all of the Birthing My Book posts. You can follow me on Instagram @ jerralea or visit me on Facebook at Jerralea Winn Miller to find the posts, or see the landing page here to find links to all the posts. I would be honored if you would like and share the posts that resonate with you.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

In the meantime, I'm covering you with prayer. I'm radical enough to believe that anyone who visits here at the Journey will be drawn by the Holy Spirit to find out who Jesus is and then accept Him as their Savior. You have your own free will, of course, but why wouldn't you want Him, once you know the truth about Him?

By the way, I hope you visit often to find out more truth!

Pantser or Planner?

2026-09-02T09:14:00.000-05:00

Are you a planner? Do you have every detail of a project worked out before you begin? Or do you get inspiration and take off flying by the seat of your pants? (That's called being a pantser.)

Currently, even though my manuscript is written, my publisher wants me to make an outline of my chapters. If I had been a planner, this would have been done before I'd ever put fingers to keyboard.

Instead, one day an idea came to me, and I took off flying! The ideas came often at the most unexpected times. Once, I was driving and realized I had my character, Sharon, all wrong. It's like the inner workings of her personality suddenly became clear to me. I had imagined her as a mean mama, but God revealed to me she was a mama in pain. At a stoplight, I hastily made a note to myself (That was before I learned about the Voice Memo app.)

Sharon's story went into a different direction.

I know planning is good, and the smart thing to do. I planned on having an outline when I started my second book ... But, I'm 12,000 words in and I'm flying by the seat of my pants again.

Hello, I'm Jerralea, a pantser who prays for inspiration by the Holy Spirit. That's a good thing, right?

This is Day 24 of taking my reader along a journey with me as I birth my book. I hope you consider checking in daily to see my progress.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

By the way, I hope you visit often to find out more truth!

Sharing at Let's Have Coffee

He is there.

2026-09-01T17:30:00.000-05:00

Recently, I learned something surprising. I don't know how many times I have heard the story of the 3 Hebrew Children in the fiery furnace, but Sunday, my pastor told us something new.

He said the only person who saw the fourth man in the fire whose "form ... is like the Son of God," was the king! A person who did not worship the one true God was the one who saw His form, not the children of God who were believers.

I had to see for myself. Surely, Pastor missed it; but no! Chapter 3 of the book of Daniel does not say anyone else saw the Son of God (Jesus) except the villian of the story, Nebuchadnezzer.

You know what this means? A believer may be going through a trial and yet not be able see that God is right there. Maybe we don't feel His presence or hear His voice, either, but that doesn't mean He is not there.

Intellectually, we should know He is there because He has promised "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV)

Yet, often during a fiery trial, we feel alone. But we must walk by faith, not by sight. God can be trusted. He never breaks His word.

You are not alone. He is there.

In my novel, my character Sharon feels alone. The man she loves is dead. Her mother is dead and her father is far away. She would not accept his help even if he had been there. It was just her to raise her daughter and pay her bills. No one to help.

But, even though she didn't realize it, she did have someone. She had a praying neighbor who stood in the gap for her more times than you could count. And God heard those prayers.

And, then, He put a plan into motion.

This is Day 23 of taking my reader along a journey with me as I birth my book. I hope you consider checking in daily to see my progress.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

By the way, I hope you visit often to find out more truth!

Sharing at InstaEncouragements Link-Up

Grateful for the Help

2026-08-31T12:13:45.180-05:00

Relationships make our lives so much richer and sweeter. Even the most introverted of us need people at some point.

Today, I'd like to give a shout-out to someone who started me out on the book birthing process.

I would like to thank Adrienne Ross, author, speaker, and podcaster, for her part in helping to shape my book.

I've written before of how I made the switch from writing non-fiction to fiction. Adrienne is the one who offered a free online writing club a few years back and took time out of her busy schedule to mentor a group of aspiring writers for a few months. My confidence in becoming a novelist all started with her. I'm so grateful!

But that's not my only reason to thank her. Later, Adrienne took me on as a client and coached me on writing my manuscript. I learned many things from her and will never forget her kindness during the year we worked together. She gave me the tools to bring my characters to life and made me feel empowered. Her main piece of advice? Put more of the supernatural into your story! (Also, don't use the word very.)

Thanks, Coach!

This is Day 22 of taking my reader along a journey with me as I birth my book. I hope you consider checking in daily to see my progress.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Ordinary Life: I'm Here For It

2026-08-29T12:01:21.852-05:00

Love this quote by Laura Ingalls Wilder:

"I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet simple things of life which are the real ones after all."

When you think back over your life, it's the daily little happenings that stick in your mind.

For example, I smile thinking of my childhood home and my dad saying, "Pass the rabbit food." (His term for a lettuce salad.)

My heart melts when I remember little things my children did when they were little: Lissa telling her daddy, "I gotta go home and cook," when she wanted to play with her new toy kitchen; Janae saying, "I too," when told "I love you," and Malia declaring, "Ever'thing good happens on a Sattaday."

I absolutely love recalling the grandkids sweet little voices singing happy birthday to MiMi and helping me blow out the candles on the birthday cake.

I wouldn't take a million dollars for those memories!

In my book, I use Sister Clara's dining room table as the setting for a lot of scenes in my character's lives. There's just something about being at a table, whether having a meal, or sipping hot beverages, that embodies love and comfort. Words of understanding are expressed here. Open bibles and notepads often adorn the table as ideas are discussed. Sometimes both tears and giggles happen here.

Ordinary life happens at the table, and I'm here for it!

Do you have favorite ordinary memories? We'd love to hear about it!

This is Day 21 of taking my reader along a journey with me as I birth my book. I hope you consider checking in daily to see my progress.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Five Minute Friday.

Experiencing faith even when there's a problem

2026-08-28T21:53:29.315-05:00

Here's a true story of a time when things looked bad.

It was 2021 and my husband, Jim, was having heart surgery to replace a valve aneurysm. We felt some apprehension because heart surgery is major.

I felt like the Lord had highlighted the last part of Matthew 9:29 for me:

“According to your faith let it be done to you.”

I kept standing on that scripture as I prayed all day. And everything went well. As I drove the 25 miles home that night after seeing him tucked into bed in the ICU unit, I felt good about everything.

He was in the hospital for 5 days, then was released to go home. We arrived home just before a snowstorm hit on Friday.

We were snug in our home, no need to go anywhere, yet felt like we should have someone come clean out the driveway for us. I am glad we did, because the next day Jim was experiencing problems. I knew I should take him back to the hospital. How thankful I was for the prompting by the Holy Spirit to get that driveway cleared. I was able to get out and take him back to the hospital.

It turned out that Jim was in A-fib. He was given medication for it but instead it just made him sicker. By the next day, he was having tremors and unable to make sense when he tried to talk.

I was scared! What if he never got better? How could I take care of him at home? But then I remembered Matthew 9:29 and told the Lord I had faith for Jim to be healed.

Doctor decided Jim needed an ablation. It was late evening when they wheeled him to surgery. I stayed in Jim's hospital room staring out the window at the dark. I felt pretty alone, actually. But then my Pastor called and said God had laid us on his heart and he prayed with me. I shared about Matthew 9:29 and we agreed together in prayer that we had the faith for Jim to be healed.

The nurse came in and said surgery was a success and that I might as well drive home because it would be very late by the time Jim was out of recovery.

The next morning, before I was even out of bed, Jim called me. "Come get me," he said. "They are releasing me."

I could hardly believe it, but Jim was back to his old self! He has never had a single problem with his heart since that day.

Faith moves mountains.

"I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart." Mark 11:23 NLT

Dear reader, pray about everything. And if, after praying, you can believe God for something, you, too, can stand on scripture, and pray the prayer of faith.

You might ask, "Jerralea, what does this have to do with you birthing your book?" This story of faith encourages me because my characters in my book experience real problems and need a saving faith. How can I write about faith when things look bad if I have never experienced it?

This is Day 20 of taking my reader along a journey with me as I birth my book. I hope you consider checking in daily to see my progress.

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Let's Have Coffee

Can I ask you something?

2026-08-27T17:30:00.000-05:00

As I work on learning what readers want, some questions come to mind. It would mean a lot if you could give me some feedback.

How often do you read a novel? Daily? Weekly?
Do you love reading a series? Or would you rather read a stand-alone book?
What is your favorite series so far?

It's not fair to ask you to do something I haven't done; so here are my answers to those questions.

I love novels and for big parts of my life, I'd read a full novel at least once a week, often reading on my lunch hour. Nowadays, the schedule is too full to read as much. On my recent vacation, I was able to read 5 full novels in one week. I was excited!
I love me some series. I get highly invested in book characters and I always want to know more. I'm here for the next book delving into each character's story. That being said, I will read a stand-alone book as well. Shout out to Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. A character like Theo is unforgettable.
I love two different series that are my favorites and have reread them multiple times: The Father Tim series by Jan Karon, and The Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.

What do you think? I would really appreciate your feedback!

This is Day 19 of taking my reader along a journey with me as I birth my book. I hope you consider checking in daily to see my progress.
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I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Let's Have Coffee

Knowledge is Never Wasted

2026-08-26T17:30:00.000-05:00

One thing my readers may not know about me is that I and my husband were once Amway Distributers. Yes, we once sold soap. No, we did not make any money during those years; but perhaps the lessons we learned were more valuable.

We attended a lot of conferences that included some great teaching that not only applied to the business but to life. The downline distributors that we were involved with believed in motivating their people. So, as young twenty-somethings we learned about organization, positive thinking, reading to always be a learner, dressing for success, and never giving up.

We did wash out of the soap business, but many of those lessons stuck.

After all, a writer that needs to also work a day job must be organized. Any creative must think positively when outside forces are constantly whispering words of negativity. I've mentioned before that writers need to be readers; and we absolutely must learn to never, ever, give up.

All those books I read and motivational speaches I heard are still in my brain and the knowledge shows up at the most surprising times. Learning is priceless, and knowledge can open doors.

What is something I don't know about you? Inquiring minds want to know!

This is Day 18 of taking my reader along a journey with me as I birth my book. I hope you consider checking in daily to see my progress.
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I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Let's Have Coffee

Tools for the Job

2026-08-25T17:30:00.000-05:00

Are you a digital or an analog person?

I'm both! As a wife, mom, MiMi, ministry assistant with 2 churches, and bible study leader, I live by my to-do lists. There are just too many details whirling around inside my brain to rely on memory. I must write it down. In fact, I have 2 to-do lists that live side by side on my desk - one for work and one for everything else.

But, as a writer, my favorite tool is a word document and a portable hard-drive. I carry them around with me wherever I go in case inspiration strikes. Because my handwriting is so atrocious, once it gets cold, I can't read it anymore, so I must type the thoughts that are most important.

Something new I've learned to do is to use Voice Memos App on my smart phone while I'm driving. I have Siri send the Voice Memo to myself. (Does anyone else get mixed up in telling Siri or Alexa what to do?)

It's great to live in 2026! I have the best of both digital and analog worlds.

This is Day 17 of taking my reader along a journey with me as I birth my book. I hope you consider checking in daily to see my progress.
~~

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at InstaEncouragements Link-Up

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

Music to Type By

2026-08-22T11:33:04.608-05:00

Are you like me? Sometimes, I need a little inspiration. I need some music to type by, something calming and soothing and faith-building. I usually open up my Spotify app and play some music.

Lyrics can be distracting, so if I really need to concentrate, I will play instrumental music. I'm crushing on Josh Snodgress and his worship guitar music currently. You can click on the link and download for yourself, if you would like.

But there are times, when I need enthusiastic worship songs to build my faith and help me remember who my God is! Here is the writing playlist I've created. (I also have to be real - I play this in the car when I'm on my way to work and I'd rather be home writing!)

I call it my Warfare Playlist. Go check it out!

What do you like to listen to when you are working?

This is Day 16 of taking my reader along a journey with me as I birth my book. I hope you consider checking in daily to see my progress.
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I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

Grandparents make memories

2026-08-21T12:57:22.513-05:00

Memories are priceless.

Most of my character, Morgan Ford's, childhood memories are sad, but a few stand out like a shining light. Here's one:

... I saw myself as a skinny, scraggly-haired kid, jumping with enthusiasm and talking a mile-a-minute. My grandma Rose was always encouraging me.

"My Morgan, you are SO smart," she'd say. "You are going to do something awesome someday. I just know it!" Her beautiful brown eyes would sparkle with delight every time she looked at me. Even though my ice-blue eyes and almost-black hair looked out of place next to her glamorous auburn curls, she seemed to think I was so adorable.

She would hug me so tightly and kiss my cheeks until they tingled. I loved it because I sure didn't get affection from anyone else.

Grandparents can make such a difference in the lives of their grandchildren which is why I chose to create a special bond between my characters, Rose and Morgan, in my novel.

In my own life, I remember my Granny Violet standing in her driveway, waving good-bye to us with tears in her eyes, as my dad backed the car out and we headed home to Florida. There was no doubt how she felt about us, and we knew she would always welcome another visit from us.

Do you have a special memory from a grandparent? Please share in the comments and uplift grandparents!

This is Day 15 of taking my reader along a journey with me as I birth my book. I hope you consider checking in daily to see my progress.
~~

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Let's Have Coffee

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

Sharing Good Books

2026-08-20T05:30:00.000-05:00

My goal as a writer is to encourage my readers, so I like to share resources I have found that also encourage them.

Today, I want to give a shout-out to Eva Burkholder, whose book, In Every Moment: Recounting God's Goodness in Overseas Life released in May of this year.

Eva's book is both a memoir and a devotional relating her experiences as a missionary overseas. If you are thinking about going into missions, or love and support someone who is walking down that path, this book is for you.

One of the stories Eva told in her book was about moving into their apartment close to a mosque in their new country. They were so tired and so she, her husband, and their baby had just got settled in bed for the night when an overwhelming noise woke them all up and their baby started screaming. It was the Muslim's call to prayer over a loudspeaker that seemed to blare into every corner of their apartment. The call to prayer happened five times a day lasting for about 15 minutes at a time, Incredibly, after a while, they did get used to the daily interruption.

I highly recommend reading Eva's book. You will definitely gain specific ways to pray for the missionaries you support.

Also, I want to highlight the Hope-Book authors of the collaborative book, Brave Faith: Trusting God Through Life's Transitions, that launches today. These authors share their hard stories with us letting us know God will show up when we keep trusting in the midst of difficulties.

As I said in my earlier post, "What are you reading?", writers are readers. Even though I'm busy working to improve my book, I do take time to read, learn and grow.

This is Day 14 of taking my reader along a journey with me as I birth my book. I hope you consider checking in daily to see my progress.
~~

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Let's Have Coffee

We need reminding

2026-08-19T05:30:00.000-05:00

Do you sometimes forget the good things God has done for you lately? If so, you are not alone.

In my bible study class, we are doing a deep dive in the Gospel of Mark. Something I noticed was how quickly the disciples forgot about Jesus supplying needs.

In Mark 6:30-44, Jesus feeds the 5,000 (plus women and children) with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Then in Mark 8:1-9, he feeds another huge crowd, This time, 4,000 men (plus women and children) are fed from 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish.

The time period between these two events is thought to be as little as a couple weeks up to two months apart.

I find it incredible that the disciples seemingly forgot about the feeding of 5,000 in less than 8 weeks time, When Jesus said He had compassion for the crowd because they'd been with Him so long without eating, the disciples response was:

“How are we supposed to find enough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?” (Mark 8:4)

Duh! You are with Jesus who spoke creation into existence as well as multiplying bread and fish the last time the audience was a humongous crowd.

Maybe we shouldn't be too hard on the disciples, because I have forgotten plenty of times how God has shown up in the past for me. Haven't you?

Truth is, we need to be reminded often of the goodness of God.

As writers, we must continually get the message of hope out to the world in whatever ways we can because our readers need reminding of God's goodness.

If you are overwhelmed, there is peace through Christ.
If you have a prodigal, remember the Great Shepherd will search for that one lost sheep.
If you are tired of falling in the same pit over and over, the Rescuer, Jesus, will get you out if you ask.

My book is being written to remind you there is no one too far gone for redemption. As long as there is life, there is hope.

This is Day 13 of taking my reader along a journey with me as I birth my book. I hope you consider checking in daily to see my progress.
~~

I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at InstaEncouragements Link-Up

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy

What are you reading?

2026-08-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

Writers are readers. It's a fact.

I've always been a voracious reader even when I was a child. It was my coping mechanism. When life got too much, I would disappear into a good story.

One of the reasons I want to become an author is to write stories that give people hope. Maybe they will pick up something I have written when events have disrupted the flow of their lives.

I want words of truth woven into a good story to be a way the reader can be encouraged when the book is finished and it's time to step back into the real world.

Do you have some favorite authors?

Recently, I read Carrie Watts' book, Crisis of Faith. It was written for young adults but I think everyone can get a message of hope out of it.

Another recent treasure I found is the phenomenally popular, Theo of Golden, by first-time author, Allen Levi. It was a page-turner that was definitely hard for me to put down. I think one of the things I loved most about the book was the individual stories of every person Theo took the time to discover.

It makes me wonder ... what are the stories of everyone I come across ... and how can I find out?

Do you reach for a good story when something disrupts the way you want things to be?

This is Day 12 of taking my reader along a journey with me as I birth my book. I hope you consider checking in daily to see my progress.
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I'm also linking this post with the writers at the Five Minute Friday community. Their prompt this week is "disrupt" and I think a good story is the way to fight against disruption when it comes - as it always will.
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I write for believers, but if you are not a believer and would like to know more, visit A Ticket Home. to find the way Home.

Sharing at Sweet Tea & Friends, Five Minute Friday

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy