The Brightness of His Glory

Embracing Life’s Challenges: How Problems Shape Your Life Journey

Welcome to “It’s Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty,” I’m Dr. Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Christian nonfiction author and poet. This is my writer’s log for Monday, July 10, 2023. Today, I’m writing about embracing life’s challenges as I look at how problems shape your life journey.

Introduction

Maybe, like me, you’re facing challenges in various aspects of your life. I’m dealing with health issues like trigger finger (see photo), irritable bowel syndrome, and pancreatitis. Plus, I’m sixty-nine years and nine months old. Father Time has found me and is working me over.

Some of these issues are my excuses for being slow in getting edits/rewrites completed.

Dr Jim Kepler with trigger finger in a splint.

Be it personal, professional, or spiritual, it’s important to recognize that life presents us with many opportunities for problem-solving.

How we respond to these obstacles determines whether they will defeat us or contribute to our personal growth.

In this article, we’ll explore how God uses problems to guide, examine, correct, protect, and perfect us, as supported by powerful verses from the Bible.

1. God Uses Problems to Direct You (Proverbs 20:30)

Sometimes we need to experience painful situations to prompt us to change our ways. The blows that wound us can cleanse away the evil within us.

“Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.” These challenges can act as guiding forces, redirecting us towards a better path.

Proverbs 20:30

2. God Uses Problems to Inspect You (James 1:2-3)

Faced with various troubles, we are called to embrace joy, knowing that these challenges test our faith and build patience within us.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

James 1:2-3

However, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid excessive self-analysis, which can lead to a detrimental “why me Lord syndrome.”

3. God Uses Problems to Correct You (Psalm 119:71-72)

Difficulties can often be the catalysts for necessary corrections in our lives.

“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.”

Psalm 119:71-72

These afflictions, in hindsight, may be the best things that could have happened to us, guiding us to pay attention to God’s teachings and guiding principles.

4. God Uses Problems to Protect You (Genesis 50:20)

When others intend to harm us, God can transform those negative intentions into something good. Joseph acknowledges this truth in Genesis 50:20.

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

Genesis 50:20

God’s divine intervention can protect us from harm and transform our trials into blessings.

5. God Uses Problems to Perfect You (Romans 5:3-4)

Rather than discouraging us, problems can serve as opportunities for growth and character development.

Romans 5:3-4 teaches us to rejoice in our sufferings because they produce endurance, character, and hope.

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”

Romans 5:3-4 ESV

These challenges strengthen our faith, enabling us to trust God more deeply.

Conclusion

Problems, when approached with the right perspective, have the potential to shape our character. While comfort may be appealing, God is more interested in our character development.

Our relationship with God and our character are the only things we will carry into eternity. Therefore, let us embrace the challenges we face, knowing that God desires to bring about positive changes in our lives, allowing us to make a difference in this world.

Remember, problems are not roadblocks, but stepping stones on our journey towards personal growth and spiritual maturity.

Writer’s Log – July 7, 2023

Welcome to “It’s Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty,” I’m Dr. Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Christian nonfiction author and poet. This is my writer’s log for Friday, July 7, 2023. Today, I’m writing about my writing life as a sixty-nine-year-old writer.

In Personal News

I’m continuing to make it to the fitness center twice a daily. Stretching my leg and hip muscles begins each session followed by a 30 minute walk and five minute cool down session. I do this twice a day. The walking has not had an impact on my weight which is staying steady in the weigh too much category. I’m five feet six inches tall and weigh in the 206 pound range with my weight fluctuating between 202 pounds and 212 pounds. 

Trigger finger update – Last time I mentioned I’ve been gripping the treadmill wrong or too much. I have developed something called “trigger finger.” My finger physically locks and I have to force it to straighten out. I saw the doctor on July 6. They still have me wearing a splint and added physical therapy of the hand and a RX for nerve pain. I am still waiting for the pharmacy to fill the RX after 24-hours. I’ll see the physician again on Monday, July 10. Potentially, I’ll receive a steroid shot if the hand isn’t better. So far, it isn’t better.

My new black Sketcher step-ins for exercising on the treadmill are working out fine. I have prescription orthotic in-souls and they’re great. They were a $600 plus investment from the podiatrist. 

In Spiritual News

I continue to spend time in God’s word and attending Bible study class plus attending worship.

My devotional time today was from the Christian Devotions US website https://christiandevotions.us/viewblogentry/21322. The devotion was from Romans 1:12 NIV, “That is, that you may be encouraged by each other’s faith.” 

In Reading News

This week I finished Harry Potter and The Soccer’s Stone. The auto scrolling feature on my Kindle is working wonderfully where I can read while walking on the treadmill. I’m now reading Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets.

When I finish rereading The Harry Potter series I will read Lindsay Buroker’s Fallen Empire Series. I purchased the entire series on Kindle eBook this week. I previously owned and read book one in the series. The series is science fiction. Lindsay is a wonderful writer. The cost was minimal. I spent under $35. The books in the series are: 

  • Cyborg Legacy: A Fallen Empire Novel (prequel), 
  • Star Nomad: Fallen Empire, Book 1; 
  • Flight: Fallen Empire, Book 2; 
  • Starseers: Fallen Empire, Book 3; 
  • Relic of Sorrows: Fallen Empire, Book 4; 
  • Cleon Moon: Fallen Empire, Book 5; 
  • Arkadian Skies: Fallen Empire, Book 6; 
  • Perilous Hunt: Fallen Empire, Book 7; and 
  • End Game: Fallen Empire, Book 8

I purchased the books to in this series to read on my trans-Pacific cruise in October – November 2023.

Writers need to read. Stephen King and my university English professors taught me this.

In Writing News

You may enjoy Joanna Penn’s podcast The Creative Penn, You can find Episode #701 – 9 Ways That AI Will Disrupt Authors and the Publishing Industry in the Next Decade [2023 Update] with Joanna Penn and Nick Thacker at https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2023/07/03/9-ways-that-artificial-intelligence-ai-will-disrupt-authors-and-the-publishing-industry-an-update-with-joanna-penn-and-nick-thacker/ and episode #700 – Using Sudowrite for Writing Fiction with Amit Gupta https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2023/06/29/using-sudowrite-for-writing-fiction-with-amit-gupta/ 

I continue to edit/rewrite my latest book. It goes slow with the “trigger finger” as I have to type primarily with just my right hand.

Pen and journal have also come back into my life as I am using my journal for writing my poetry. It’s a great way to avoid using my left hand.

I did not attend a Zoom or local writer’s group this week.

Writer’s Log – July 2, 2023

Dr Jim Kepler

Welcome to “It’s Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty,” I’m Dr. Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Christian nonfiction author and poet. This is my writer’s log for Sunday, July 2, 2023. Today, I’m writing about my writing life as a sixty-nine-year-old writer.

In Personal News

I made it to the fitness center yesterday. My goal of stretching my leg and hip muscles and walking 30-minutes on the treadmill was met. 

I guess I’m gripping the treadmill wrong or too much. I have developed something called “trigger finger.” It is a condition affecting tendons that flex the fingers and thumb, typically resulting in a sensation of locking or catching when you bend and straighten your digits. My symptoms may include pain and stiffness in the fingers and thumb. 

The condition is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. I need to rest the left hand and specifically the “fickle finger” or middle finger on the hand. My father suffered from this condition. My finger physically locks and I have to force it to straighten out. Ugh.

A trip to the Sketchers store bagged me two new pairs of shoes. One was a pain of black Sketcher step-ins for exercising on the treadmill. They replace a pair of SAS athletic shoes at less than one-third the cost. The second pair were light brown (tan) casual shoes for wearing on ship during my trans-Pacific cruise this fall.

In Spiritual News

My Christian faith is important to me. I regularly attend Bible fellowship class and Sunday morning worship at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. I’ve been a member there for over two decades. 

In the worship service this morning, there was a salute to the armed services. The song for each branch of the military was played and members of or veterans of that branch stand and are recognized. 

It is the annual “God & Country” service. Today Dr. Jack Graham preached on “Is There Hope For America?”

You can watch live streaming or a replay of the service at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJXF34u8Xlk

My devotional time today was from the Christian Devotions US website https://christiandevotions.us/viewblogentry/21317. The devotion was from Matthew 5:42 NIV, “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

In Reading News

I read another 40-minutes worth of Harry Potter and The Soccer’s Stone. I’ve figured out how to use the auto scrolling feature on my Kindle where I can also read while walking on the treadmill.

By using this feature I don’t have to change pages. I have it set to my reading speed. This allows the eReader to scroll like a teleprompter. Very cool!

In Writing News

You may enjoy the blog post “When Words Changed a Kingdom,” by Maureen  Miller at https://www.blueridgeconference.com/when-words-changed-a-kingdom/.

Maureen Miller blogs regularly at www.penningpansies.com.

You may also enjoy Linda Goldfard’s The Best Writing Life Podcast. This week’s episode is “How Authors Should Create Online Courses with Thomas Umstattd Jr.”

You can listen for free at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-your-best-writing-life-69198117/.

You can learn more about Linda at https://www.lindagoldfarb.com/ or Thomas at https://www.thomasumstattd.com/. 

Have a good Sunday. 

Writer’s Log – June 30, 2023

Dr. Jim Kepler at Starbucks,

Welcome to “It’s Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty,” I’m Dr. Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Christian nonfiction author and poet. This is my writer’s log for June 30, 2023, the last day of June! Today, I’m writing about my writing life as a sixty-nine-year-old writer.

This week has been challenging for me.

Challenge One – Travel

I’m getting back into my routine after traveling last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I made a six hundred miles round trip to meet my brother. It was our first face-to-face visit with each other since November 2019. We both stayed in the same hotel.

The trip allowed us to check on our parents’ graves and to visit the graves of our maternal grandparents and many maternal aunts and uncles.

They’re buried in a family cemetery in the country. The cemetery does not offer perpetual care. If we need more dirt added to a grave, you have to request it from the cemetery association.

Fortunately, my brother does the heavy lifting and works with the proper authorities to get things fixed. Family is special, and I am blessed that he and I get along and converse regularly.

Challenge Two – A New Daily Task

The Monday before making the three-day trip, I joined a fitness center. No, my goal isn’t to pump iron.

Instead, I joined to have an indoor location to walk on a treadmill. The fitness center location is about five minutes from where I stay.

My routing is to go twice a day at least five days a week. The plan is to go for a morning walking session and an afternoon walking session.

Each session on the treadmill is 30 minutes of waking. I found I take an hour from leaving the house to returning. The travel time is about minutes each way. Five minutes plus five minutes equals ten minutes. It takes about five minutes to get out of the car, go through check in and to do a few words of small talk with the staff. That has me to fifteen minutes. I next stretch my legs and hip muscles. This adds five more minutes and we’re now up to twenty minutes.

It’s on to the treadmill. Five minutes are used to set down my water bottle, keys, glasses, and iPhone and select a podcast to listen to on the iPhone or have my Kindle with a book. I get those staged for listening or reading.

It’s time to start and I’m now up to twenty-five minutes since leaving the house. Pushing the green start button, I set the incline at 0.5% and walk at a two miles per hour pace for thirty minutes.

Walk my mile passes fast and then the treadmill transitions to a five minutes cool down time and I’m at fifty-five minutes. I pick up up stuff, get in the car and return to the house. One hour has been used … and that’s if I don’t run into someone I know and I almost run into some I know.

My friend Morris who used to own JGs Old Fashioned Hamburgers is always there in the afternoon. He reminds me of my late father. He’s in his eighties, lonesome for conversation, and a great guy. We chit chat at least ten or fifteen minutes. I’ve known him long time and remember him telling me of his girls graduating from high school, college, marrying, etc. The older of the daughters is now fifty. Friends are special and I appreciate his friendship.

I have two young women baristas and one of the young men baristas from my favorite Starbucks also works out there. They are in their early twenties. Surprise describes their reaction to my age, that I have long hair with a ponytail, and I still have dark hair. It also amazes them I’m a writer. They’ve found my books online in a local bookstore didn’t have them, but said they could get them a copy. It seems to encourage them to engage in their creative pursuits.

Challenge Three – Hot Weather

The hot weather has been rough. I’m not as young as I once was, and the heat has slowed me down. I do everything slower.

Challenge Four – Trans-Pacific Cruise Planning

Getting the arrangements completed for the trip’s week stay in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia took several hours this week. The cruise is about 100 days away.

Challenge Five – Not Neglecting Friends and Family

Human beings need other people and friends.

I’m blessed with several friends.

I find my life enriched when I have lunch and go for a walk with my friend Les..

We help each other out with life challenges. Our wives both passed away in a two-year time frame..

My local writing group is important. Doing something with people in person is critical in my thinking. I’m still learning the group but it takes time as Covid has made the meetings remote until a few months ago.

I’m blessed to have “she who can’t be named on the Internet” in my life. She’s a beautiful, intelligent woman who knows how to balance life where I don’t feel second fiddle to her family (sister, adult children, and grandchildren).

My adults children and grandchildren are important to me. I strive to have life balance where I’m there for them, but not intrusive into their lives.

Church and Bible study with Christian writing friends are also important. I still make church and Bible fellowship class 48 out of 52 weeks a year. It’s foundational to my life.

Conclusion

Balancing the demands of life with the writing life is tough.

Getting up and go to Starbucks twenty-eight out of thirty days a month to write, rewrite, and edit is my routine. I sometimes wish “life” didn’t impede my writing.

Knowing I must maintain my physical health to be a healthy writer, that I need the relationships to not be a lonely writer and to maintain my mental health motivates me.

I remember from my seminary days the need for a balanced life.

Using the biblical description of Jesus’ childhood given in Luke 2:41-52, we can better understand growing up in terms of four overlapping categories: mental (wisdom), physical (stature), social (favor with men) and spiritual (favor with God). That’s the balance I strive for in my life.

Reference:

“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”

Luke 2:41-52 KJV

Writer’s Log – June 21, 2023

Dr Jim Kepler

Welcome to “It’s Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty, ” I’m Dr. Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Christian nonfiction author and poet. This is my writer’s log for June 21, 2023! Today, I’m writing about coffee, a few hours of continuing recommended rewrites, a day of cleaning, being a fit writer, and an emotional reflection.

Introduction:

Welcome friends! Today I want to share with you the events of my day, starting with the arrival of the housekeeper in the morning. She dedicates a full eight hours to meticulously cleaning every corner of my house, leaving it fresh and spotless. I’m blessed to afford this luxury. The common man does not describe my life style.

Editing and Rewrites:

While Mary takes care of the chores, I headed to Starbucks to enjoy a peaceful morning of writing while sipping on a delightful cup of blonde roast coffee. I even had the pleasure of greeting my friends Melissa and Karen, who were also indulging in their favorite coffees and also working remotely (Melissa) and crossword puzzles (Karen).

Like many writers, I prefer writing the first draft to doing the editing and rewrites, especially the editor’s recommendations. Sigh, it’s the editor’s suggestions that polishes my work and sometimes is the single secret ingredient that makes is saleable.

Fitness Center Connection:

After a productive writing session, I’ll kickstart my physical well-being by going for a walk at the fitness center. It’s always refreshing to engage in some exercise after a good dose of caffeine and creative thinking or mind-numbing editing.

Interestingly, I frequently encounter the former owner of JG’s at the fitness center, as we both share a membership there. It’s always a pleasure to catch up and reminisce about the old times while pursuing our fitness goals.

The sense of community in such encounters is truly heartwarming. I normally walk twice a day and see Morris during my 4 PM treadmill session. 

Weekly Routine:

As the morning progresses, I have an exciting lunch appointment with my friend Les Hall at 10:45 am.

We chose JG’s Old Fashion Hamburgers as our meeting spot, and I must say, their delicious food never disappoints. 

I usually eat either their veggie burger or chicken Caesar salad with water.

An Emotional Journey:

This afternoon holds a special plan for me as I embark on a 250-mile drive south to Gonzales, Texas, where I will spend the next two nights. I have reserved a suite at La Quinta, which proved to be more economical than a regular room thanks to the points I accumulated. 

This trip holds a significant emotional weight as I will be meeting my family and visiting our parents’ graves. Tomorrow would have been my father’s 96th birthday, and the absence of his presence weighs heavily on my heart. I miss him dearly, and this visit will provide an opportunity to honor his memory and find solace. I think I miss him so much as I really got to know him and we developed a great friendship, talking multiple times daily for almost three-years after my mother passed.

Happy early birthday dad.

Embracing Summer:

It’s worth noting that today marks the first day of summer, and as expected, the scorching heat continues to make its presence felt. While the weather might be intense, it only adds to the anticipation of the summer season and the adventures it holds. So, despite the heat, I’m determined to make the most of this day.

Conclusion:

I hope you enjoyed reading about my day, filled with cleaning, coffee, friendship, fitness, and emotional reflection. As the summer begins, let’s embrace the opportunities it presents and make each day count. Here’s wishing you a fantastic day ahead!

Keep on smiling and be the sunshine in someone’s life.

 

Writer’s Log – June 19, 2023

Jim Kepler at Starbucks

Celebrating Sweet Sixteen and Beating the Heat

Hello friends! Today, June 19, 2023, the United States is celebrating Juneteenth, a significant day in Texas and United States history.

But amidst the festivities, there’s an even more special occasion—my granddaughter’s sweet sixteenth birthday!

Let’s dive into the events of the day, the scorching Dallas heat, and my plans that lie ahead this week.

Battling the Extreme Heat:

As I stepped outside, the oppressive heat hit me like a wave. With the temperature expected to reach a blistering 99°F (37°C) and a heat index of 117°F (47°C), it was crucial to stay cool and hydrated. I adorned myself in light-colored clothing. Take advantage of air conditioning as an ally in this relentless battle against the heat.

A Day in Motion:

Bright and early at 7 AM, the alarm on my trusty iWatch roused me from slumber. After my morning devotionals, I embarked on my routine household chores. Taking out the recycling, trash, and water table box for collection, I got my day off to a productive start. Ensuring I took my medications, shaving, and dressing in light colors, I headed to Walmart at 8 AM to conquer the day’s errands.

Finding Respite:

In search of respite from the scorching outdoors, I retreated to Starbucks. With the air conditioning providing much-needed relief, I settled in with a tall blonde roast coffee. It was the perfect atmosphere to indulge in some writing and bask in the ambiance.

This Week’s To-Do List:

As the day and week progresses, I have several important tasks on my agenda. Among them, I need to pick up my heart medications from the pharmacist and receive allergy shots on Tuesday.

I need to reach out to both my cardiologist and rheumatologist to discuss some concerns about my medications and the persistent joint pain I’ve been experiencing.

Tonight (Monday, June 19) I have the monthly meeting of the Writer’s Guild of Texas at 7 PM in the basement of the Richardson Public Library.

Reflecting and Reconnecting:

The middle of the week holds promise for reconnecting with loved ones. But first, on Wednesday, the housekeeper comes, ensuring a fresh and tidy living space.

I had plans to meet my friend Les Hall at JGs Old Fashion Hamburgers for an early lunch, a tradition we’ve maintained since our days as coworkers. Wednesdays are always open for friends to join us!

A Trip Down Memory Lane:

Wednesday afternoon marks the start of a small getaway. Driving my trusty Mercedes, I’ll embark on a journey to Gonzales, Texas, where I had made reservations at a lovely hotel. The purpose of this trip was to pay a visit to my parents’ graves, especially poignant as Thursday would have been my father’s 96th birthday. After two nights, I would return on Friday morning and afternoon. I’m just getting too old to make the 250 plus miles each way in one day or even as an over night trip. Accepting the limitations of age forced on me is challenging.

A Solo Movie Date:

The week will end on a high note. I have my monthly date with Harry Potter. This month it’s seeing Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire at the Angelika Theatre in Plano on Saturday. While I usually watch Harry Potter movies alone, I invite any local friends who wanted to join me. The magic of Hogwarts is best shared, after all.

Conclusion:

Settling down to focus on my writing for the morning, I reflect on the events of the day and the week that lie ahead. It’s a day filled with celebration, responsibilities, and cherished memories.

Wishing you all a fantastic day, filled with joy and inspiration! Keep on smiling. Be the light that shines into someone’s day. Let others see Jesus in you.

Writing Life – June 9, 2023

Jimmie Kepler wearing a Stetson straw fedora while sitting in Starbucks.

Overcoming Writing Challenges

Introduction:

It was 7:40 AM this morning, when I found myself standing in front of the bathroom scales, staring at the digital printout. It revealed an unwelcome truth: I had gained 1.1 pounds since yesterday’s weigh-in. Frustration welled up inside me as I muttered under my breath, recounting the 4.1 miles and 11,369 steps I had taken the day before. Despite my efforts, the weight refused to budge, leaving me questioning my abilities and wondering what was wrong with me.

This momentary setback reminded me of the work in progress book awaiting my attention, with edits and rewrites that had been looming for almost forty-five days. In the face of this writing challenge, I found myself constantly distracted by other tasks, evading the completion of my book.

However, I knew deep down that it was time to confront my fears and regain my focus.

1. The Struggle of Writing:

Writing, as an art form, is no stranger to struggle. Even for seasoned writers, taking the next step can be arduous, despite knowing exactly what that step entails.

The process is often marked by self-doubt, uncertainty, and a fear of failure. In my case, the current challenge was completing the rewrites for my book, a task that should only require six hours of dedicated work.

However, there was an inexplicable fear that held me back, preventing me from taking the leap and finishing what I had started.

2. The Temptation of Distractions:

To compound matters, I discovered that distractions easily found their way into my writing routine. Each morning, as I sat down at my computer here at my local coffee shop, I found myself drawn to writing my daily writer’s log or checking the stock market and my financials.

While these tasks had their own importance, they took precedence over the crucial edits and rewrites that my book demanded. Reflecting on this, I realized that my fear of completing the book and putting it out into the world may have contributed to my subconscious preference for these distractions.

The allure of familiarity and comfort prevented me from facing the unknown terrain of completing my manuscript.

3. The Culprit: Life’s Demands:

Blaming life became my go-to excuse for my writing struggles. Amidst the daily responsibilities, obligations, and unexpected challenges that life throws our way, it is easy to lose sight of our goals.

Writing, an intensely personal and creative endeavor, often takes a backseat as we prioritize the demands of our professional and personal lives. While it is essential to strike a balance, it is equally crucial to acknowledge that life’s challenges should not hinder our progress. Instead, they should serve as catalysts for finding renewed determination and motivation.

4. Embracing the Solution:

Confronted with these realizations, I knew it was time for a change. I made a conscious decision to cease typing my thoughts and go straight to the rewrites that awaited me. The thought of completing even a single chapter today filled me with a newfound sense of determination.

I reminded myself that progress is often achieved one step at a time, one chapter at a time. The task of completing twenty chapters seemed less daunting when broken down into manageable increments of fifteen minutes per chapter.

With the end of the month as my deadline, I took a deep breath and reaffirmed my belief in my ability to overcome this challenge.

Conclusion:

Writing, like any creative pursuit, is fraught with challenges. It demands perseverance, focus, and an unwavering belief in oneself. By acknowledging and addressing the obstacles that impede our progress, we can navigate the treacherous path of creation more effectively.

Although fear and distractions may threaten to derail our endeavors, it is through embracing these challenges head-on that we find the strength to persevere. As I embarked on my rewrites, I realized that completing a book requires discipline, dedication, and a willingness to confront our inner doubts. With each chapter I completed, I inched closer to my goal.

The journey may be difficult, but armed with determination and a commitment to take it one step at a time, success is within reach.

My guess is you face similar challenges. 

writer’s Log – June 3, 2023

Hey hey, folks! It’s Saturday, June 3, 2023, and I’ve got some exciting updates for ya! 🌞 The weatherman says we’re in for a treat today with a high of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Can I get a hallelujah? 🙌 It’s a nice break from those scorching 90s we’ve been dealing with lately. 

But wait, there’s more! We’ve got an 80% chance of rain ☔️coming our way here in North Texas. Can I get a rain dance going? We always need more of that precious liquid in the Dallas Fort Worth area, am I right? ☔️

So, let’s dive into the adventures of my wild weekend! It all kicked off yesterday when I had a fabulous lunch date with my buddy Dan. Guess what? He and his lovely wife are gonna join me on the trans-Pacific cruise this fall. How cool is that? We’re becoming fast friends, and I’m pretty sure having a breakfast and walking buddy like Dan is gonna be a blast. Plus, I think his wife might appreciate a little break each day from his constant presence when we’re cruising. You know what I mean? 😄

Now, who would’ve thought that going to Walmart could be part of a wild weekend? Well, it totally can! I swung by and grabbed some health and beauty goodies. Oh, and let’s not forget my trip to Michael Stores. Can you believe it? I managed to buy the wrong thing not once, but TWICE! 🙈 But fear not, my friends, because third time’s the charm, and I finally got the right thing, or so I think. Man, it’s a whole rollercoaster of confusion out here, but I’m just gonna go with the flow and hope for the best! 🎢

Next up, let’s talk about the backyard oasis, the swimming pool. It always needs TLC, so I backwashed it, added more DE, and tossed some chlorine in there. I tell ya, buying chlorine is like throwing ten-dollar bills straight into the water. 💸 Last night, I chucked in four of those bad boys. Ah, the things we do for a sparkling pool and living the rest lifestyle!

Now, let’s get real for a sec. We all have those guilty pleasures, and last night, I indulged in some mindless TV series on Apple+. Yep, I called it a time waster, but hey, we all need a little mindless entertainment every now and then, right? 📺 Although I must admit, I’d usually choose a good book over TV, but last night was all about chillin’ in front of the screen. Sigh.

Fast forward to this morning, my lovely peeps! I popped my RXs, did my morning devotional (gotta get that spiritual fuel!), set my pool robot to work, handled some financial stuff like a boss, and you bet your bottom dollar I headed straight to Starbucks. Gotta get that caffeine fix to kickstart the day, am I right? 

Oh, and I’ve got Fernando Ortega’s heavenly Hymns and Meditations playing in my ears, filling my soul with positive vibes and helping me worship the Lord. Can I get an amen? 🙏

Speaking of chores and updates, today I’m bidding farewell to AT&T Verse and saying hello to AT&T fiber optic Internet only. It’s time to cut the cord, my friends! Shoutout to my middle adult child for coordinating this epic switcheroo. You rock, kiddo! 🎉

But hey, it’s not all work and no play! I’ve gotta squeeze in my daily walk and, of course, some quality Lord of the Rings reading time. And with the rain threat looming large, guess where I see myself heading for walking? That’s right, the mall! Gotta keep dry while indulging in some walking therapy, right? 

And tonight, the enigmatic “she who can’t be named on the Internet” and I have some exciting plans. No idea what they’ll be at this time, but the time is all hers. I forward to the surprises that await! 😉 

Oh, and an early bedtime is definitely in my future, ’cause tomorrow is all about church and Bible fellowship class. Can’t wait to kick off Sunday with a dose of spirituality!

My selfies is from this morning. I screwed up trimming the beard so now it’s a mustache. Amazing when you forget to get the height on the beard trimmer and buzzcut it before you realize you messed up. A classic senior moment for me, I confess. 

Alrighty, my lovely peeps, that’s the lowdown on my wild weekend so far. Hope you’re all having an absolutely fab time out there, filled with adventures and good vibes! Remember, live it up and make some fantastic memories. Catch you later! ✌️😎 #WeekendVibes #WildTimes

Writer’s Log, June 1, 2023

Hey there, lovely people! 🌟 It’s June 1, 2023, and guess what? I’m super excited because in just 129 days, I’ll be embarking on a fantastic trans-pacific cruise! 🚢🌊 Can you believe it? This has been on my bucket list forever, and I can’t wait for the adventure to begin!

Let me give you a little sneak peek of the cruise itinerary. We’ll be starting in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, then sailing off to breathtaking destinations like Hawaii, Tahiti, and French Polynesia. Oh, la la! 😍 After that, we’ll make a stop at Pago Pago in American Samoa before heading to the stunning landscapes of New Zealand and Australia. Twenty-nine days of pure bliss! And you know what’s even better? I’ll be spending a few extra days exploring Australia before heading back home. 🐨✈️

Today’s photo is a gorgeous stock image from the stunning paradise of Tahiti, which is part of French Polynesia. Fun fact: you don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days in Tahiti, but make sure you have your passport ready to go! 🏝️🛂

Now, when it comes to American Samoa, lucky for us Americans, no visa is required. Just don’t forget to pack that passport of yours! As for New Zealand and Australia, passports and visas are a must. Time to get that paperwork sorted ASAP, my friends! 🗺️🛃

But enough about travel logistics. Let’s talk about what’s been happening lately. On Wednesday, I had the most amazing time hanging out with my good friend Les. We indulged in a delicious lunch and took a lovely stroll at North Park Center. And guess what? We even met up with my mysterious friend, who shall remain nameless on the internet, for some mouthwatering Mexican food at one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Good times, good company! 🌮❤️

This morning, I treated myself to a bit of extra sleep since I stayed up until midnight. Rise and shine happened just after eight AM. After taking care of some chores around the house and getting the trash out, I made my way to Starbucks for my much-needed cuppa. ☕

To kickstart my day, I completed my morning devotional, and I’ve been jamming to uplifting Christian music on The Prestonwood Worship channel on YouTube. Seriously, you’ve got to check it out! Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/@PrestonwoodWorship/videos 🎶✨

My to-do list is bursting with tasks today, but I won’t bore you with all the details. Let’s just say it involves some walking, reading, and tackling the routine stuff that comes with life. Gotta stay productive, right? 💪📚

Before I wrap up, I want to take a moment to send out some prayers and good vibes to all the incredible attendees of the Blue Ridge Christian Writer conference. As they head home with newfound knowledge, hopes, and dreams, I pray for their safety and that they have the courage to pursue the amazing opportunities they encountered at the conference. You’ve got this, writers! 🙏✍️

Alrighty, folks, it’s time for me to dive into my morning writing session. Thanks for joining me on this little update. Stay tuned for more adventures, fun stories, and positivity coming your way! Until next time! 😄🌈