Writer’s Log, May 29, 2023

Jimmie Kepler at Starbucks.

🌟 Good morning, everyone! It’s Monday, May 29, 2023, and here in the United States πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ, we’re celebrating πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Memorial Day! πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
As I drove down the streets this morning, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful American flags Β πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈΒ  lining the way. It’s a reminder of the incredible sacrifice made by the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the military. Today, we honor their memory and express our gratitude. πŸ™
I drove to essential stop at Starbucks for my morning dose of caffeine and writing inspiration. β˜• While enjoying my cup of joe, I’ll be delving into my morning devotional time. Today, my prayers will be with the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, currently in session at the Ridge Conference Center in North Carolina. πŸ“š I hope their conference is filled with inspiration, knowledge, and meaningful connections.
As for me, I’ll be tackling the recommended changes from my editor during my writing session. There’s something magical about sipping a steaming cup of coffee while fingers to keyboard.
Oh, and before I forget, I have a quick errand to run at the store on my way home. I need to pick up a couple of bags of ice and some health and beauty items. Gotta be prepared for any situation that arises! πŸ’ͺ
Yesterday was a blast! We had an amazing pool party πŸ’¦ and celebrated the third birthdays for my girlfriend’s grandson. πŸŽ‰
Today, it’s all about tidying up and getting ready for another fun-filled day. No, we’re not repeating the birthday party, but we’re hosting another awesome pool party πŸ’¦ , this time with some of the talented ladies from my local writers group. It’s always a joy to share laughter, stories, and splashes with such a fantastic group. πŸ’¦
Now, let’s talk sports! The NASCAR race scheduled for Sunday was rained out, but don’t worry, it’s rescheduled for this afternoon. 🏎️ Fingers crossed for an exhilarating and action-packed race! I won’t watch it but will listen to it’s replay as I read before going to bed tonight.
And in NHL playoff hockey, tonight the Dallas Stars triumphed over the Vegas Golden Knights. πŸ’ Of course, they haven’t played yet. I don’t have the inside scoop, but hey, a little hope and positive vibes can go a long way! I believe the Stars will win.
On this special Memorial Day, I want to wish each and every one of you a magnificent day! Let’s be the bright spot in someone’s life today and every day. Let’s radiate kindness, love, and compassion, showing others the beauty of God’s love through our actions. Together, we can make a difference! πŸ’«
Enjoy the day, my friends, and may it be filled with cherished memories, laughter, and a whole lot of joy. Happy Memorial Day! πŸŽ‡

Writer’s Log, May 28, 2023

🌞 Good morning, everyone! It’s Sunday, May 28, 2023! β˜•οΈπŸ“

Starting off the day with some #poolcleaning. Gotta keep that water sparkling! πŸ’¦πŸ’ͺ

But first, #coffee! Enjoying a cup of blonde roast while I get my writing groove on. βœοΈπŸ“š

Later on, I’m heading to #BibleFellowship class and #church. πŸ™πŸ»β›ͺ️ Always a great way to nourish the soul.

Exciting stuff happening today! It’s time for a #poolparty! πŸŽ‰πŸŠβ€β™€οΈ Celebrating my lady friend’s oldest grandson’s third birthday. Can’t wait for all the fun and cake!

Sending good vibes to my friends heading to the Ridgecrest Conference Center at Black Mountain, North Carolina. ✨✈️ They’re attending the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Praying for safe travels, inspiration, and new writing skills for them. Also hoping they find the perfect agent and nail their book pitches with the publishers there.

Attention, motorheads! It’s a big day for racing fans. 🏁🏎️ The #Indy500 (Indy Car) and the #CocaCola600 (NASCAR) races are happening! Let’s cheer on Kyle Busch driving the #8 car for Richard Childress Racing! πŸ†πŸ

Hope you all have an amazing Sunday filled with joy and excitement! πŸ˜„βœ¨πŸ’•

The selfie is from this morning. The hat? I’m a 1975 grad of The University of Texas at Arlington with a BA in history and English / military science minors. It’s from my university! #SundayVibes #HappySunday

Writer’s Log, May 23, 2023

Jimmie sitting at the coffee shop

🌟 Good morning, fabulous peeps! Peeps means people. Who needs “people” when we’ve got a whole new lingo? πŸ˜„βœ¨ Just had a blast chatting with this awesome college student who schooled me on the meaning of “peeps.” She looked at the confusion on my face when she greeted her friends.

She looked at me and asked, β€œwhat’s a peep?” I answered, “those little yellow marshmallow candy things they stores sell at Easter.” She and her peeps bust out laughing. Then she explained. Born in the early 2000s, she’s got the inside scoop! And shared it with me … πŸ’« So rise and shine, folks, because it’s TUESDAY! Time to seize the day with boundless enthusiasm and a mega-watt smile! πŸ˜„βœ¨

Who’s feeling those Tuesday vibes today? πŸ™‹β€β™€οΈπŸ™‹β€β™‚οΈ Let’s kick off this day right by spreading some serious positivity and joy all around.

Remember, a little dose of positivity can work wonders! I’m a total believer in Jesus Christ, and I know that my attitude and good vibes can influence everyone I interact with today. It’s like a ripple effect of love and happiness! 🌈✨ So let’s dial down the moodiness and share the love and peace. Be the radiant light that others need in their lives!

Alright, spill the beans, peeps! What’s on your agenda for today? Are you diving headfirst into a new project, smashing your goals, or simply enjoying the journey? Let’s dish out our daily motivations and inspire each other like there’s no tomorrow! πŸš€πŸ’ͺ

My agenda? You guessed it, I’m currently stationed at my favorite coffee house for my morning writing session. As soon as I walked in, I received five big hello Jimmies and waves from all the regulars around here.

Three of the super cool baristas were genuinely thrilled to see me. They even mentioned how I bring some sparkle to their morning! 😊 One of them even asked, “Why aren’t you grumpy like most older guys?” I flashed my brightest smile and replied, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” 🌈

And guess what? Two regulars said hey when I entered. They always ask if I’m back to write some more today. I even got asked why I write about Jesus and the Bible. I simply share my testimony and the latest Bible verse that spoke to me during my regular devotional time. I keep it short and sweet, telling my own story. The rest is up to the Big Guy upstairs!

Oh, and don’t forget to pamper yourself today with some self-care. Sip on your favorite cuppa β˜•οΈ, take a leisurely stroll in nature 🌳, or crank up the volume on your go-to tunes or playlist πŸŽΆβ€”find those little moments of bliss throughout the day! 😊 As part of my self-care routine, I’m heading for two allergy shots. πŸ’– Yep, I’ll be taking my stroll too, but in the comfort of an air-conditioned mall. Gotta get those daily steps in to keep both mind and body in top shape!

Hey, let’s spread some serious love and kindness today! Take a moment to reach out to someone, send a sweet message their way, or maybe even give them a virtual hug.

It’s the small acts of kindness that can turn someone’s day around. Hey, how about treating that person behind you in the coffee house line to a cup of joe? You know, the one who could use a little pick-me-up? πŸ€—πŸ’•

Remember, you’ve got the power to make today absolutely fantastic, for yourself and others! Let’s make this Tuesday one for the books, filled with positivity, laughter, and all-around good vibes! And hey, it’s not just Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys who deserve to feel those good vibrations (yeah, that’s a throwback reference to fifty-six years ago, folks!) πŸŽ‰βœ¨

Sending virtual hugs and high-fives to all my fabulous friends! Have an absolutely amazing Tuesday, and let’s make it a day to remember! Let’s make it a day for the books, the record books, the books we’re devouring, and the books we’re dreaming of writing! πŸŒŸπŸ’™ #TuesdayVibes #SpreadPositivity #GoodVibesOnly #Jesus #ImaBeliever

Why I Write

My book “Caregiving: Biblical Insights From a Caregiver’s Journey” has been as high as #2 in paid sales in it’s category on Amazon. I write to share Jesus.

Morning Writing

My tall blonde roast coffee is sitting on the table. I’m at my usual table at my regular coffee house ready to begin my morning session. I know that in the age of mystics, life coaches, spiritual coaches, etc. that Jesus Christ and the Christian God isn’t that cool to many people and God is the brunt of disdain to some. But it’s God (God the Father, God the Son i.e .Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit) that I unapologetically write about. Β 

Hope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship

I’m 85% finished with the first draft of β€œHope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship” It’s book three in my series, β€œThe Bible Speaks to Life Issues.” Book one in the series is β€œPrayers for the Chronically Ill.” Book two is β€œCaregiving: Biblical Insights From a Caregivers Journey.” 

Bible Teaches About God

I remember what the Bible teaches about God. When Moses asked who shall I tell the Egyptians that send me, in Exodus 3:14 God spoke to Moses and said, β€œAnd God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.” In a time when other cultures and peoples had gods of their creation and naming, GodΒ  replies to Moses without a name but a statement. The answer given here is crucial for understanding the identity and nature of God. This response becomes foundational in both Jewish and Christian theology.Β 

I AM WHO I AM

God identifies Himself using a phrase which is actually a description, or a statement: “I AM WHO I AM” or simply “I AM.” The first phrase, in Hebrew, is e’heyeh aser’ e’heyeh. This is most simply translated as “I am who I am.” Other translations of this important phrase include, “I am what I am,” or, “I will be what I will be,” and it could be taken to mean “that which will be, I am, that which will be” or similar ideas. Even in Hebrew, this is a statement which is not merely expressed as a name, or a word, or a description. This is a poetic expression of God’s very nature.Β 

God identifies Himself as the self-existent One

The statement carries a sense of necessity, simplicity, and absolute-ness. In using this particular phrasing, God identifies Himself as the self-existent Oneβ€”the eternal, unique, uncreated God. God just is. He is the ultimate truth, the only necessary being, the beginning and end, the first cause. The question of who speaks from the burning bush is given an answer which is both simple and profound: “I AM.” This is how Moses would have interpreted the response, given the Hebrew words used.

No man cometh unto the Father, but by me

I’m reminded of the I AM statement in John 14:6 where Jesus is speaking and says, β€œJesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” 

The only answer is Jesus

Good teachings, great philosophies, and the coolest life coaches are great but no the answer. The only answer is Jesus Christ. The timeless, unchanging, uncompromising teachings of the Bible about God and Jesus Christ are the ultimate answer. When you explore other teachings, philosophies, gurus etc.you are actually being a seeker of truth. Seek God and you’ll find the answer. You’ll find fulfillment, direction, purpose and even book a place in heaven for eternity.

Why I write

And that’s why I get up and come write almost every morning. I do it to share Jesus and share how the Bible speaks to us on life issues.

My story of accepting Jesus

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.

What Does the Bible Say About Listening?


How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.


Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.


 

What Does the Bible Say About Faithfulness and Productivity?


How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.


Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.


 

What Does The Bible Say About to Whom You Should Give Thanks?

What Does The Bible Say About Whom You Should Give Thanks? It says, O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 107:1


How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.


Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.


 

What Does the Bible Say About Who the Lord Loves?

What Does the Bible Say About Who the Lord Loves? It says, The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous: Psalm 146:8


How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.


Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.


 

What Does The Bible Say About Facing Trials?

What Does The Bible Say About Facing Trials? The Bible says, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4 King James Version


How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.


Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.


 

What Does The Bible Say About Worry?