Who Is Really Responsible?

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.

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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.”

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

Something to think about!

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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. 

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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 Five Minute Friday

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

Are You Approved?

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. 

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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. 

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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 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

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?

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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!

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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 Five Minute Friday

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

Respond Like a Overcomer

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!

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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!

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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.

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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. 

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?

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?

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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.

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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!

Sharing at Let's Have Coffee

He is there.

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.

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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.

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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!

Sharing at InstaEncouragements Link-Up

Grateful for the Help

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! 

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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.

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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.

Ordinary Life: I'm Here For It

 

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!

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

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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.

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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 Five Minute Friday.

Experiencing faith even when there's a problem

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.

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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?

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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.

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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

Can I ask you something?

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!

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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

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!

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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

 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.

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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.

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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 InstaEncouragements Link-Up

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

Music to Type By

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?

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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

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.

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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!

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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.

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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

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