Nurtured by The Shepherd

This week's prompt provided for the free writers at Five Minute Friday is the word, "nurture."

Nurture means to care for, feed, protect, and foster the growth or development of someone or something. One of nurture's synonyms is tend. (Merriam -Webster)

Tend? Now, there is a word I can talk about! 

GO

I first thought of the Lord comissioning Peter after his denial of Christ during the crucifixion. The Lord forgave Peter but challenged him three times about his love for Christ to counter the three times Peter denied Him.

Every time Peter admitted that he loved Jesus; then Christ gave him the directive to feed my lambs, then tend my sheep and finally, feed my sheep. (see John 21:15-17) Doing so would prove Peter's sincerity in his love for the Lord.

I find it so interesting we prove our love for God in how we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ.

I especially love that Peter was told to tend the sheep, or in other words nurture them. He was to help them grow both physically and spiritually.

Of course, any discussion of sheep and shepherds immediately draws us to the beauful imagery of Psalm 23.

STOP (My five minutes are up, but wait! I have more!)

You see, tending is much more than just feeding the physical body. Look at the action words I highlighted in green contained in Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever. - Psalm 23, NL

I think the Shepherd described in Psalm 23 is the very essence of a Nurturer.

Who is this Nurturer? The Lord Jesus Christ! And I'm thankful to proclaim, to publish, the news that He is my Shepherd.

He can be yours, too.

Want to know more? Read my post, A Ticket Home. It describes the way Home.

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

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey!

Sharing at Five Minute Friday, Remember Me Monday, Sweet Tea & Friends

Everyone Leaves a Legacy

Everyone is born and eventually everyone will die. What you do with the time in between determines what legacy you leave behind.

People are watching your life. It doesn't matter whether you intend to leave a legacy or not, you WILL leave one.

For example, I had a great aunt who was an Avon lady. Each time I visited her as a child, two things happened. She opened the door when we knocked and showed great delight that we had come. She always made a point of greeting me, the child, separately from greeting my parents. It was like she was so honored I had come. And then, when we left, both my mom and me received some sort of Avon product. 

My memories of my aunt are that she was generous and welcoming.

I also had a relative who could never stay in one place. He left wives, children and locations all the time. He was your original rambling man, a person who ccrisscrossed the country by stowing away on trains. (It's a wonder he stayed alive as long as he did!)

I'm sure he didn't intend to leave a legacy of a life lived for himself ... but he did.

Your people are watching you. What example will you leave them?

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

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This post was written in response to this week's prompt, "legacy" at the Five Minute Friday community; but also because legacy is on my mind this month.

The book, "A Family Legacy: Passing Down Love, Wisdom and Tradition" releases this week. I am one of the authors of this book written in collaboration with 8 other authors.

In this book, you will read the stories of some incredible grandparents who modeled the values so important to them. You will meet people like my granny in the chapter, "Violet: The Color of Connection," who believed hospitality practiced by feeding people and playing games with them and praying for them was the best way of building a circle of connection.

You can order your copy here TODAY!

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

Sharing at Five Minute Friday and Remember Me Monday, Let's Have Coffee

A Prayer to Travel the Opposite Path

But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.

    If you keep to my path,
    I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”

Psalm 50:23 NLT

Abba,

The giving of thanks is hardly a sacrifice when I consider all that You have done for me! 

I know I am human, and when going through a rough patch it is difficult to lift my eyes and see all the blessings I have been handed. The enemy wants me to focus on everything that is wrong, any perceived injustice, any slight, any time I feel taken for granted.

And it's true those things happen; and a big part of the reason why people around me zero in on those wrongs and dwell on them so much they are blinded to the goodness.

But as a believer, I should fixate my attention opposite from the focus of the worldly. My eyes should be on Jesus and the incredible gift of salvation and the promise of a forever Home where none of the trials and injustices here on earth will happen.

It's been said our destiny is determined by our choice. As a believer, I choose You and the future I have with You - not only in the hereafter but also in the here and now.

Because I know that trials will come, but You will deliver me out of them all. (Psalm 34:19)

I stand on Your promise to share my burden. (Matthew 11:28)

I know You have promised to guide us on the right path. (Psalm 48:14)

And finally, I believe with everything in my heart goodness and mercy are pursuing me all the way Home to You. (Psalm 23:6)

In Jesus' holy name, I pray, so be it, amen.

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

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This post was written in response to the Five Minute Friday community's prompt, "Obedience."  

Disclosure: I wrote the prayer in 5 minutes, but added the scriptures and graphic later.

I have been blogging a long time, so this subject has been discussed before. 

Check out the archives:  

The Opposite Life

But God Says

Opposite 

Relevant - the story of two opposite sisters

Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

I'm sharing at Five Minute Friday and 

InstaEncouragements Link-Up

Tell His Story 

Let's Have Coffee

Path to Becoming A Writer

Photo taken by Elissa Miller

I've had a life-long dream to becoming a writer but I didn't seriously pursue my dream until 2008 until I published my first blog.

What a trip! I could write anything I wanted and I was boss whether it got published or not.

I spent several years writing about family stories, participating in memes and writing bible studies.

Then, sometime in 2017, a divine appointment happened. I met an author who came to speak at our Ladies meeting, Adrienne Ross, who wrote "Push Your Way to Purpose."

Sometime later, Adrienne, who had been a creative writing teacher for a couple of decades, decided to put on Facebook some writing challenges. Anyone could participate for free, so of course, I dove in and had so much free writing on her prompts. Later, she held a writing club that I joined. Eventually, I even was a part of a John Maxwell Leadership Mastermind.

All of things stretched me as a writer. I discovered I loved writing fiction and dialogue.

In 2018, I was inspired to write a novel about a girl with a huge family secret. It took me a year to flesh out all my characters and discover there was more than one book in me. I wanted to become a series writer.

I felt God had given me this story, but it needed polishing. I knew I needed to learn how to make my characters and settings spring to life. But I also was afraid, so I saved my novel to my hard drive and just waited.

One day, Adrienne and I crossed paths again. She had some coaching slots open for writers. I decided to take the plunge and invest money into my dream. She and I worked on my novel for 14 months. (We both had very busy schedules!) 

And then, the novel was done! I felt very proud of what I had accomplished.

But now, the burning question in my mind: "How do I get published?"

I looked into the options. Frankly, they all looked scary and I either didn't have the social media platform or the money to do any of the options.

I prayed and waited and prayed some more. One day, I saw a little writing challenge about legacy that Hopewriters was sponsoring. They said to submit a story about someone whose legacy made a difference in your life. You might even be considered to be a part of their collaborative work honoring Family Legacy.

Right away, I knew I should write about my Granny Violet who was such an influence in our family and in her community.

So I did. And I was chosen to be one of the ten authors for the book, "Family Legacy: Passing Down Love, Wisdom, and Tradition." It will be published this September, 2025!

And that is how God led me down the path to becoming a published author.

I still intend to write my series but this is a first step in learning about publishing. I'm thankful for the opportunity.

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I began this post writing on the prompt, "Path," provided by the community at Five Minute Friday, but it took longer than five minutes to tell the story. Sorry, Kate and FMF writers, I will try to limit myself next time!

Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

This time of year is the perfect time to consider how much margin is in your life. You may want to read my series  A Rich and Satisying Life on my other blog, (No, it’s not about money.)

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

I'm sharing at Five Minute Friday and Let's Have Coffee

Journey

 I've had a super-busy weekend; but I feel I must participate in this week's Five Minute Friday since the prompt is "journey," even if it is a few days later

I named my blog, Jerralea's Journey, back in 2008 to reflect the things I learned on my Journey Home. I always have something to say about the journey.

GO

You and I are both on a journey. Life is a journey, from the moment we receive our first slap on the bottom making us draw our first breath, to the day the breath of life leaves us. 

Some have a plan in mind from the day they first realize they are the master of their own fate.

Still others wander aimlessly until the end and then they question "what was it all for?"

I feel my journey kicked in when I decided to follow Christ. I've been His disciple, His servant, for over 50 years now. It seems unbelievable I've been on the Journey Home that long, but it's true.

I'm closer now than ever. 

I was thinking today about testimony time in my home church. I had a brother there who every week got up and said "I'm so glad this world is not my home. I'm just a stranger passing through on my way to my heavenly home."

This life is not all there is. In fact, the apostle James tells us in light of eternity, life is a vapor that vanishes quickly. I don't want to waste time with stupid stuff.

STOP

Do you view life as a journey? Have you decided what is the most important thing about your journey?

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I wrote this post in response to Five Minute Friday's prompt, "original." In the interest of full disclosure, I wrote the above post in 5 minutes, but took extra time to make a graphic and look up scripture references.

Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

This time of year is the perfect time to consider how much margin is in your life. You may want to read my series A Rich and Satisying Life. (No, it’s not about money.)

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

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

Pursue = Follow Hard

 This week’s prompt from Five Minute Friday is the word, “pursue.”

 

I’ve written a few times in the past about goodness and mercy pursuing us (as found in Psalm 23:6); but today I wanted to try it from the opposite direction:  a believer’s pursuit of God.

 

Here’s my five minutes:

 

When I thought about pursuing God, this verse came to mind.

 

Psalm 63:8 AMPC
My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me.

 

The most important thing in anyone’s life is whether they are in right standing with God.

 

As a believer, I treasure the words of Christ. As a dyed-in-the-wool rule follower, I love knowing what the rules are so I know what to do. Christ told us the most important rule we can follow which can be found here:

 

Mark 12:29-31 The Message
Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.”

 

I love that translation – love God with “all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.” In other words, “follow hard,” like Psalm 63:8 directs. In the original language, the phrase translated “follow hard” means  to catch by pursuit, overtake, pursue hard.

 

If you don’t want to follow hard after him, can that mean you really don’t want to know Him?

 

But let’s ask the question, why pursue God?

 

Because fellowship with Christ is everything.

 

Because He rewards pursuit.

 

Hebrews 11:6 New King James Version
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

 

I believe diligently pursuing or seeking Him is the most worthwhile thing I can do with my life.

What do you want to pursue?

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If you would like to read my posts about pursue as used in Psalm 23:6, click on these links:

The First Faves of 2019

The Journey's Weekly Check-Up #4

Why Would I Fear the Future

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I wrote this post in response to Five Minute Friday's prompt, "original." In the interest of full disclosure, I wrote the above post in 5 minutes, but took extra time to make a graphic and look up scripture references.

Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

This time of year is the perfect time to consider how much margin is in your life. You may want to read my series A Rich and Satisying Life. (No, it’s not about money.)

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

Sharing at Five Minute Friday

Originial Sin

I’ve often thought original sin started in the Garden. The source of the sin was doubt. Eve believed the lie that God was withholding something from her that would enrich her life.

 

But then, I go to thinking … Originally, sin entered the ranks of heaven through the archangel, Lucifer. He was the worship leader, and he was extra beautiful. The Word says this about him:

 

¹² “How you are fallen from heaven,
    O Day Star, son of Dawn!
How you are cut down to the ground,
    you who laid the nations low!
¹³ You said in your heart,
    ‘I will ascend to heaven;
above the stars of God
    I will set my throne on high;
I will sit on the mount of assembly
    in the far reaches of the north;
¹⁴ I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
    I will make myself like the Most High.

Isaiah 14:12-14 English Standard Version

 

In pride, he decided leading worship was not enough. He wanted to receive worship. Anytime, you go against God it is not going to work well for you.

 

And so, Lucifer fell from heaven and became man’s mortal enemy. He spends all his time and energy laying traps for men to fall into sin because he hates anything God loves.

 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV

 

Since God’s love is so massive, He decided to give His Son, Jesus, for our redemption. Jesus agreed and willingly became a sacrifice so that any who want to put their trust in Him and believe Him for a rich and satisfying life could become a child of God.

 

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT

 

I choose not to live in pride like Lucifer, or doubt God like Eve. My goal is to finish my life’s journey well and be welcomed with the words, “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.” (See Matthew 25:21)

 

What is your choice? 

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I wrote this post in response to Five Minute Friday's prompt, "original." In the interest of full disclosure, I wrote the above post in 5 minutes, but took extra time to make a graphic and look up scripture references.

Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

This time of year is the perfect time to consider how much margin is in your life. You may want to read my series A Rich and Satisying Life. (No, it’s not about money.)

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

Sharing at Five Minute Friday

But God Says

Today, I'm joining the Five Minute Friday group of writers who free write on a prompt for five minutes. This week's prompt is the word, "but." This is a word with several possibilities! 

I chose to go this route:

I submit that as a believer in Christ, I am to live an opposite life from what my peers think is a successful existence.

The world says look out for number one - yourself; but God says * to esteem others above yourself.

Our culture's attitude says to accumulate wealth - the one who has the most toys when he dies wins. But God says ** lay up treasures in heaven that can never rust, fade away or be stolen.

In our world self image is everything. But God says *** He wants to make you into the image of Jesus.

YOLO - You only Live Once - is the heart's cry of this generation; but God says you will live forever in eternity. You must choose whether it is with Him or in Hell. ****

You have one beautiful, precious, irreplacable life. How will you choose to live it?

*    Philippians 2:3

**   Matthew 6:19-20 

*** Romans 8:29

****Matthew 7:13

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In the interest of full disclosure, I wrote the above post in 5 minutes, but took extra time to make a graphic and look up scripture references.

Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

A current post is How to Survive and Thrive in 2025. I'd be honored to share it with you.

Have you read my Transformation Series? It’s just as vital today as when I wrote it in 2023. Click here to read all the posts.

Also, this time of year is the perfect time to consider how much margin is in your life. You may want to read my series A Rich and Satisying Life. (No, it’s not about money.)

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

Sharing at Five Minute Friday and InstaEncouragement Link-Up and Let's Have Coffee

Second in My Life

It's been a time since I have participated in 5 Minute Friday; but I have missed being part of the group that free writes for 5 minutes on a writing prompt. 2025 seems like a great time to dive back in, so here goes:

SECOND

When I was a kid, I was taught a little rhyme which said,

Jesus, and Others, then You. 

What a wonderful way to spell joy!

I think most Christ followers know - and try - to put Jesus first in their lives and in their daily thoughts. Then we dive into the day and it all becomes about us, about our agenda and what we need to get done.

I'm convicted I do a lot of thinking about me, actually.

But the second part of the JOY formula is to focus on others.

As a wife, mom and MiMi, I felt I had that covered. After all, a family takes a lot of time and attention.

On the other hand, my family is an extension of myself. When they are happy and safe, I feel good. So I could really call focusing on my family the same thing as focusing on myself.

I believe the Others part of that formula means my community. Am I praying for them? Serving them? Really seeing them? Lending a listening ear?

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My 5 minutes are up! Wow, writing time went quickly.

I would like to sum up the past 5 minutes of writing this way: Make room for the second thing which is ministering to others in whatever way God leads you to use your talents.

I think this is one of the keys to living a blest life.

Never act from motives of rivalry or personal vanity, but in humility think more of each other than you do of yourselves. None of you should think only of his own affairs, but should learn to see things from other people’s point of view. Philippians 2:3-4 J.B. Phillips Translation

If I esteem others in my community above myself, and my community esteems me and the others above themselves, then we have a community where everyone is valued. 

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

A current post is How to Survive and Thrive in 2025. I'd be honored to share it with you.

Have you read my Transformation Series? It’s just as vital today as when I wrote it in 2023. Click here to read all the posts.

Also, this time of year is the perfect time to consider how much margin is in your life. You may want to read my series A Rich and Satisying Life. (No, it’s not about money.)

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

Sharing at 5 Minute Friday