Category: Poetry

I’m Just a Believer

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I’m Just a Believer

Gazing at the morning skies,
Bible open, truth before my eyes.
Seeking wisdom, ancient and true,
Faith in Christ to carry me through.

Your Spirit whispers, calm and near,
A gentle voice that casts out fear.
Your Word’s a lamp to light my way,
Guiding me through each new day.

I’m just a Believer,
Living for Christ.
Trusting His mercy,
And walking in light.

I’m just a Believer,
Struggling each day.
But Jesus, my Savior,
Has shown me the way.

I don’t understand all the hate,
Violence, anger, fear at the gate.
Why can’t we live in brotherhood?
Touch the world with Christ for good?

He calls us now to love, not fight,
To shine His truth, to share His light.
Break every chain, the walls come down,
Till peace and mercy spread around.

I’m just a Believer,
Living for Christ.
Trusting His mercy,
And walking in light.

I’m just a Believer,
Struggling each day.
But Jesus, my Savior,
Has shown me the way.

Help me share Your Word with love,
Spirit guide me from above.
Give me courage, make me strong,
Help me lift Your Name in song.

Teach me boldness when I’m weak,
Your truth is all I long to speak.
With open hands and heart of flame,
I’ll praise forever Jesus’ name.

I’m just a Believer,
Living for Christ.
Trusting His mercy,
And walking in light.

I’m just a Believer,
Struggling each day.
But Jesus, my Savior,
Has shown me the way.

Written by Jimmie Aaron Kepler
September 9 – 13, 2005
The week of the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks
and the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

 

Here is a Biblical basis for each line in the poem:
I’m Just a Believer – with Scripture References

 

Poem Line Bible Verse
Gazing at the morning skies, Psalm 19:1 – The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Bible open, truth before my eyes. John 17:17 – Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
Seeking wisdom, ancient and true, Psalm 111:10 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
Faith in Christ to carry me through. Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Your Spirit whispers, calm and near, Romans 8:16 – The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
A gentle voice that casts out fear. 1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.
Your Word’s a lamp to light my way, Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Guiding me through each new day. Lamentations 3:22–23 – Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed… his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.
I’m just a Believer, Living for Christ. Philippians 1:21 – For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Trusting His mercy, And walking in light. 1 John 1:7 – If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son purifies us from all sin.
I’m just a Believer, Struggling each day. John 16:33 – In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
But Jesus, my Savior, Has shown me the way. John 14:6 – Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’
I don’t understand all the hate, 1 John 3:15 – Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Violence, anger, fear at the gate. Colossians 3:8 – Put away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
Why can’t we live in brotherhood? Psalm 133:1 – How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Touch the world with Christ for good? Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
He calls us now to love, not fight, John 13:34 – A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
To shine His truth, to share His light. Matthew 5:14 – You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Break every chain, the walls come down, John 8:36 – So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Till peace and mercy spread around. Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Help me share Your Word with love, 2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.
Spirit guide me from above. John 14:26 – But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things.
Give me courage, make me strong, Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the LORD your God goes with you.
Help me lift Your Name in song. Isaiah 12:5 – Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.
Teach me boldness when I’m weak, Ephesians 6:19 – Pray… that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.
Your truth is all I long to speak. Acts 4:20 – We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.
With open hands and heart of flame, 1 Timothy 2:8 – Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
I’ll praise forever Jesus’ name. Philippians 2:9 – Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.

Written by Jimmie Aaron Kepler
September 9 – 13, 2005
The week of the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks
and the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Faith Through Every Season

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Faith Through Every Season: Reflecting on Isaiah 46:4

 
Life is made up of seasons—each one bringing its own unique joys and challenges. There’s the energy of youth, the busyness of middle age, and the reflective beauty of our later years. In every one of these stages, Isaiah 46:4 offers a promise that steadies the soul:
 
“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar (gray) hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.”
 
This verse is rich with reassurance, showing us how God’s care spans a lifetime. Let’s take a closer look at four key truths it offers:
 

God Made You and Knows You

“I have made…”
 
It’s comforting to know that the One who created the stars and the oceans also created you. He knows you inside and out—the parts you celebrate and the parts you keep hidden. From the very beginning, God has had His hand on your life, shaping you with intention and care.
 
Have you ever looked back and seen His fingerprints in the way your life has unfolded? I know I have, even in times when I didn’t fully realize it at the moment.
 
 

God Carries You Through Every Season

“I will bear; even I will carry…”
 
We’re not meant to carry life’s burdens alone. God steps in to bear the weight, especially when we’re too tired to keep going. Whether you’re facing the demands of a busy life or walking through a season of uncertainty, His promise is the same: “I will carry you.”
 
I can’t count how many times I’ve leaned on that promise. Sometimes, it’s the quiet assurance that gets you through the day. Other times, it’s a moment where you can’t help but say, “Thank You, Lord, for carrying me through this.”
 
 

God Will Deliver You

“I will deliver you.”
 
God doesn’t just carry us through the hard times—He delivers us. Whether it’s deliverance from a specific challenge or the ultimate promise of eternity with Him, this is a God who doesn’t leave us stuck. He moves us forward, always working for our good.
 
Think about a time when God brought you through something you thought you wouldn’t overcome. That’s His faithfulness at work.
 
 

God Walks With Us in Old Age

“Even to your old age… and even to hoar (gray) hairs…”
 
There’s something deeply comforting about this part of the verse. As we age, the world may see grey hair and slowing steps, but God sees a lifetime of stories, lessons, and faithfulness. He doesn’t abandon us in our later years—in fact, He carries us all the more tenderly.
 
Growing older can bring new challenges, but it also brings a perspective that only comes with time. God promises to stay with us, steady and faithful, as we reflect on where we’ve been and prepare for where we’re going.
 

Conclusion

 
No matter where you are in life—whether you’re just starting out, in the middle of the race, or enjoying the wisdom that comes with age—Isaiah 46:4 offers the same beautiful truth: You are not alone.
 
How has God carried you through life’s seasons? Share your reflections in the comments below—I’d love to hear your story.
 
 

 

 

Keep Creating, Keep Evolving!

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Your Unique Masterpiece

Remember: Every word you write, every brushstroke you make, every idea you nurture brings you one step closer to your unique masterpiece.
 

It’s Who You Become

I’ve learned that, “Creativity isn’t just about what you produce; it’s about who you become in the process.” 💡✨
 

Shape the Artist Within

So, lean into the journey, embrace the mess, and keep creating. You’re not just making art—you’re shaping the artist within. 
 
 

Creative Dreams

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Book Review: “Write and Publish Organically”

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I own both the Kindle ebook and audio versions of this book.
 

Book Review: Write and Publish Organically

Values-based Approach

In “Write and Publish Organically”, Catherine Lawton explores the unique journey of writing and publishing through a holistic, values-based approach. The book is structured around insightful chapters that guide readers on how to discover their voice, foster authentic creativity, and navigate publishing in ways that reflect integrity and purpose.
 

Write From the Heart

Lawton encourages writers to explore “Writing from the Heart,” focusing on creating stories that are true to their experiences and emotions. She stresses the importance of “Organic Growth,” likening the writing process to nurturing a garden—each phase requires patience and care, allowing ideas to flourish naturally. She delves into the business side of publishing, encouraging writers to maintain their values rather than compromising for market trends, to publishing with integrity.
 

Relationships

Later chapters emphasize the importance of genuine reader relationships, fostering connections beyond transactional book sales. Lawton’s gentle encouragement and practical advice on how to balance creativity with the realities of the publishing world make this guide a rich resource for both emerging and experienced writers. With its focus on authenticity, purpose, and a steady, patient approach, “Write and Publish Organically” offers valuable insights for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact through their writing.
 
It’s a great resource and read for the new and experienced writer as well a publisher.
 
You can get information or purchase the book at https://cladach.com/writing-organically/.

W.S. Merwin on Creativity

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, Meet the Poets, Poem, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment
 
“I learned from my own work that the poem is a way of seeing and feeling both at once,” said W.S. Merwin, a poet whose influence resonates deeply.
 
Merwin’s poetry invites us to experience the world through a lens that merges vision and emotion, offering a profound connection to both the inner and outer landscapes.
 
As a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and U.S. Poet Laureate, Merwin’s words transcend mere language. His work embodies a rare spiritual presence, much like Thoreau’s, capturing the essence of human experience and the natural world.
 
Embrace poetry as a means of seeing and feeling simultaneously. Through your own writing, discover the power to reveal truths that touch the soul and awaken the senses.
 

 

Bob Dylan on Creativity

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“Creativity is a funny thing. When we’re inventing something, we’re more vulnerable than we’ll ever be,” says Bob Dylan.
 
In these moments, eating and sleeping fade away, and we enter a state of “Splendid Isolation,” much like the solitude Warren Zevon sang about and Georgia O’Keeffe embraced in the desert.
 
To be truly creative, you often need to be unsociable and intensely focused. It’s not about being violent or ugly, but about being unfriendly and distracted, immersed in your own world. This self-sufficiency allows you to stay focused and channel your energy into your work.
 
Embrace this solitude and vulnerability. It’s in these moments of deep focus and isolation that true creativity blossoms, allowing you to create something unique and powerful.
 
 
Picture source:
Alberto Cabello from Vitoria Gasteiz, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
 

Leonard Cohen on Writing

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“I’ve always felt that the more personal you get, the more universal the application, rather than the other way around,” said Leonard Cohen.
 
When you delve deeply into your personal experiences, you create something profoundly relatable to others. By sharing your unique story, you touch on universal truths that resonate widely.
 
If you try to address the masses directly, you might achieve broad appeal, but true connection comes from authenticity.  The more accurately you capture your situation, the more others can see themselves in your work. This honesty and specificity make your creations accessible and meaningful.
 
Embrace the power of personal expression. Let your true self shine through in your art, writing, or any form of creativity. By doing so, you’ll forge genuine connections with others, creating work that speaks to the human experience.
 
 

Leonardo Da Vinci on Poetry & Art

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“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen,” said Leonardo Da Vinci. Both art forms are expressions of beauty and emotion, but they reach us in different ways.

In painting, we experience visual poetry through colors, shapes, and compositions, allowing our eyes to interpret the artist’s vision. In poetry, we feel the emotions and imagery through words, letting our hearts and minds paint vivid pictures.

Embrace the interplay between these art forms. Let your paintings tell a poetic story and your poems create vibrant imagery. Each form enriches the other, offering a deeper, more profound experience. Celebrate the harmony of sight and feeling, and let your creativity flow across both mediums.

Kay Ryan on Poetry

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A poem is a conversation between a reader and a writer, beautifully described by Kay Ryan, Pulitzer Prize winner in Poetry 2011. In this intimate exchange, the writer pours their heart onto the page, and the reader engages, bringing their own experiences and interpretations.

Through poetry, we bridge gaps of time, space, and understanding, creating a shared experience that resonates deeply with both parties. It’s a dialogue where emotions, thoughts, and reflections flow freely, fostering connection and insight.

Each reader’s interpretation adds a new layer of depth to the poem, making it a living, evolving piece of art. This dynamic interaction enriches both the writer’s expression and the reader’s experience, creating a profound bond through the power of words.

Embrace the power of poetry to foster meaningful conversations. Let your words reach out, inviting readers to join you in a dance of language and emotion, discovering new layers of meaning together.

"A poem is a conversation between a reader and a writer." Kay Ryan (BA, MA - UCLA) is an American poet and educator. Pulitzer Prize in Poetry 2011 MacArthur Fellow 2011 United States Poet Laureate 2008 - 2010 Guggenheim Fellowship 2004 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize 2004 - with photo of Kay Ryan