Category: Poetry

Creative Expression Reflects God’s Glory

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Bible, Bible Memes, Blog, Books I've Reviewed, Christian Living, Christian Writers, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment

Let your creative expression shine forth as a reflection of God’s glory!

Rooted in the belief that every talent and ability is a divine gift, Christians find inspiration in 1 Corinthians 10:31. Just as the heavens declare the glory of God, so too does your creativity serve as a testament to His greatness.

Whether through art, music, writing, or any other form of expression, each stroke of brilliance echoes His magnificence. As you cultivate and share your unique talents, you become a vessel through which His splendor is revealed to the world.

So, embrace your creativity wholeheartedly, knowing that in every creation, you are reflecting the beauty and wonder of the Creator Himself.

1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

 

 

What is the Essence of Creativity?

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Bible, Bible Memes, Blog, Books I've Reviewed, Christian Living, Christian Writers, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment

Embrace the divine essence of creativity!

Rooted in the belief that we are crafted in the image of a creative God, Christians find inspiration in Genesis 1:27. Just as the Creator fashioned the universe with boundless imagination, so too are we endowed with the power to shape our worlds through creativity.

Let this understanding fuel your artistic endeavors, infusing every stroke of your pen or brush with the divine spark within you. As you harness this sacred gift, remember that your creations have the potential to reflect the beauty and wonder of the Creator Himself.

So, let your creativity flow freely, honoring the source from which it springs and illuminating the world with its radiance.

Genesis 1:27, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

Creativity is a Divine Gift: Christians believe that creativity stems from being made in the image of a creative God who designed the universe from Genesis 1:27 in the Old Testament of the Bible

Joanna Penn on Writing

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Books I've Reviewed, Christian Writers, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's LifeLeave a comment

Don’t wait for inspiration; create it!  Let Joanna Penn’s wisdom ignite your creative flame.

The Muse doesn’t linger in the realm of wishes but eagerly awaits you in the act of creation. So, don’t hesitate, don’t procrastinate; pick up your pen and start writing.

Every word you craft, every sentence you mold, beckons her closer, ready to infuse your work with magic. Embrace the journey of creation, knowing that with each stroke, you draw closer to your artistic destiny.

Let your imagination soar, let your ideas flow, and let the Muse guide you on this enchanting voyage of storytelling.

Joan Didion on Writing

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Books I've Reviewed, Christian Living, Christian Writers, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment

Why do you write?

Author Joan Didion says, “I write nonfiction to share my inner most thoughts on how I’ve navigated life’s challenges. I write fiction to imagine and create new worlds, characters, and narratives. I write poetry because I simply must.”

Like Joan Didion, I write simply because I must.

Wordsworth on Writing

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Christian Writers, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment

Let your pen dance to the rhythm of your soul! Embrace the words that spring from within and paint your paper with the vibrant hues of your heart’s whispers.

William Wordsworth reminds us that our truest writing comes from the depths of our being.

So, let your creativity soar and let your story unfold!

C.S. Lewis on Writing

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Christian Living, Christian Writers, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, WritingLeave a comment

Let’s take a moment to remember the timeless wisdom of C.S. Lewis: ‘Write what you need to write, not what is currently popular or what you think will sell.’

Let your words flow from your heart, your passions, and your truths. Don’t be swayed by trends or commercial interests.

Embrace the authenticity of your voice and the power of your unique perspective. Your genuine expression will resonate far beyond fleeting trends.

Writer’s Log – July 7, 2023

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Christian Living, Christian Writers, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Travel, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment

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

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Bible, Blog, Christian Living, Christian Writers, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Travel, Writer's Life, Writing2 Comments
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 13, 2023

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Books I've Reviewed, Christian Living, Christian Writers, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment

The Importance of a Good Writing Area for a Writer: Home Office vs. Coffee Shop

Yes, I’m a Writer

In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a writer. Yes, I confess an addiction to put words in an organized manner of a page. I even sell the collections of words I pen.

Writing Areas

For writers, having a dedicated and comfortable writing area is crucial for fostering creativity, focus, and productivity. A well-designed writing space not only provides a physical space to work but also creates an ambiance that promotes inspiration and concentration. 

Home Office or Coffee Shop Advantages

While both a home office and a coffee shop offer potential writing environments, each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. In this essay, we will explore the importance of a good writing area and compare the pros and cons of a home office versus a coffee shop for writing.

Ownership and Familiarity

A good writing area provides writers with a sense of ownership and familiarity. 

A home office allows writers to personalize their space according to their preferences, with familiar objects, photographs, or inspirational quotes adorning the walls. This familiarity can create a comfortable and reassuring environment, enhancing one’s creative process. 

On the other hand, coffee shops offer a different kind of atmosphere, often bustling with activity and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Some writers find this ambiance stimulating, as it provides a dynamic backdrop that can inspire new ideas and fresh perspectives.

Facilitates Focus and Minimizes Distractions

A good writing area facilitates focus and minimizes distractions. 

A home office offers the advantage of privacy, allowing writers to shut out external disturbances and immerse themselves in their work. With the ability to control the environment, writers can minimize noise, interruptions, and other distractions that may hinder their concentration. However, a home office may present its own set of distractions, such as household chores, family members, or the temptation to procrastinate. 

In contrast, a coffee shop can provide a semi-public space that naturally limits distractions, as the writer is less likely to be interrupted by domestic responsibilities. The ambient noise in a coffee shop can also act as white noise, helping some writers enter a state of focused flow.

Productivity and Creative Output

A good writing area influences one’s productivity and creative output. 

In a well-organized home office, writers can have easy access to all the resources they need, including reference materials, books, and research documents. This convenience can streamline the writing process, allowing for efficient work and quick reference checks. Additionally, a home office eliminates the time and effort spent commuting to a coffee shop, providing more dedicated writing time. 

Conversely, a coffee shop can offer a change of scenery, which can be especially beneficial for those experiencing writer’s block or feeling uninspired. The lively atmosphere and the presence of other people can inject a sense of energy and motivation into the writing process.

Home Office or Coffee Shop Disadvantages

While both a home office and a coffee shop have their advantages, they also have some drawbacks. 

A home office, for instance, can sometimes become isolating, lacking the social interaction and sense of community that a coffee shop provides. Additionally, the solitude of a home office might result in feelings of loneliness or hinder collaboration opportunities. 

On the other hand, coffee shops may have limited seating availability, noisy patrons, or inconsistent Wi-Fi connections, which can impede productivity and concentration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a good writing area plays a significant role in a writer’s creative process and overall productivity. Whether it is a home office or a coffee shop, each option offers unique benefits and drawbacks. 

A home office provides familiarity, privacy, and easy access to resources, while a coffee shop offers a dynamic atmosphere and the potential for inspiration. Ultimately, the choice between a home office and a coffee shop depends on individual preferences, working style, and the specific needs of the writer. 

Some writers may thrive in the solitude of a home office, while others may find inspiration in the lively ambiance of a coffee shop. 

The key is to find a writing area that cultivates focus, minimizes distractions, and ultimately fosters a conducive environment for the creative process. 

My Writing Areas Over Time

Starbucks 2023

Jim Kepler in hat at Starbucks
In this photo I am sitting at my writing area at Starbucks.

My writing area at Starbucks

Home office 2023

This is a tour of my bedroom office in The Colony, Texas in June 2023.

Home office 2013

This is a tour of my bedroom office in The Colony, Texas in August 2013.

Writer’s Log – June 4, 2023

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Bible, Blog, Christian Living, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Travel, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment

🌟✨ It’s a spectacular Sunday! 🌞💃 The date is June 4, 2023. I always write the day, date, and year just to make sure I’m on track, haha! 😄

Yesterday was a scorcher! 🔥🌡️ The weather person predicted 82°F, but we soared up to a humid 88°F! ☀️💦 The rain was dancing around everywhere except where I was. Today, they’re saying we’ll have upper 80s with a lower chance of rain. Fingers crossed! 🤞🌧️

Exciting news! 🎉🛫 I just booked my flight back to DFW and the USA from Sydney, Australia! 🇺🇸✈️ I’ll be spending five amazing nights in Sydney this November. After a month of exploring Hawaii, French Polynesia, Tahiti, Pago Pago, American Samoa, and New Zealand, my trans-Pacific cruise will end in Sydney. I can’t wait. It is a #bucketlisttrip! 😍🌏

Last night, I had a blast watching hours of YouTube videos about Sydney, Australia and all the fantastic things to do there. I feel like I know so much about the city, yet there’s still so much more to learn! Seems they have beaches, museums, parks, and lots of food.📺📚

Guess what I did this morning? You got it! After showering and washing my hair, shaving, dressing, and taking my RX’s, I hopped in the car and drove straight to Starbucks for my much-needed dose of coffee and writing time. ☕️📝 Gotta get that word count in before church and Bible study! 📖🙏 Currently, I’m jamming to the Precious Memories Collection by Alan Jackson. 🎶 For those who don’t know, Mr. Jackson is a fantastic country singer, and this collection consists of those classic church hymns that still give me goosebumps when we sing them at church. 🎵❤️

My agenda for today is packed! I’ll be attempting to apply online for my travel visa to New Zealand and Australia. 🌍✈️ No time like the present to get it done, right? I’ll also check in on NASCAR because, let’s go #8 Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing! 🏎️💨

Getting my steps in is a must today. When I don’t hit my 10,000 steps, I tend to gain weight instead of maintaining it. As the doctor says, “Eat less, exercise more!” 💪🥗 And as the Apostle Paul says in the Bible, “The things I know I should do, I don’t, and the things I know I shouldn’t do, I do.” 🍦🍿 Bad ice cream and tempting popcorn, why must you be so delicious?

I’ve got some extra editing to tackle today. I’m a bit behind on my goal of completing the recommended edits, but I’m determined to catch up. The book on Hope is still set for release this month, as long as I finish up and send everything back to the publisher. 📚✍️

Somewhere in my busy day, I’ll make sure to dive into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien and Lord of the Rings. Just ten to fifteen minutes a day to get lost in the magic! 🧙‍♂️📖

This evening, I’ll have a tough choice to make: swimming or visiting with “she who can’t be named on the Internet.” 😄🏊‍♀️👵 I’ll probably end up visiting her son, daughter-in-law, and adorable grandchildren. Can’t resist family time!

What are you doing to make your Sunday spectacular? Don’t forget to include the Lord in your day! 🙌❤️

#SpectacularSunday #June4th2023 #BlessedSunday #SydneyBound #CoffeeLover #SundayAgenda #FitAndActive #WritingGoals #NASCARFan #Bookworm #FamilyTime