Writer’s Log – June 4, 2023

🌟✨ 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

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 2, 2023

🌟 Hey there, fabulous friends! It’s finally Friday, June 2, 2023, and the energy is electric! ⚡️ I woke up this morning to a toasty 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but in Texas, we call that “preheating for summer”! 🔥 Can you feel the heat, y’all?

💪 Let me tell you, yesterday was a total productivity party! 🎉 I tackled my to-do list like a boss and conquered ten tasks! Who’s got the productivity crown? This guy right here! 👑

🎬 Last night, I caught the premiere of the mind-blowing UFO disclosure movie, “Accidental Truth: UFO Revelations”! 🛸 The tagline says it all: “The truth can no longer be contained!” Can you believe it? Those “in the know” who interact with the public are finally opening up about what they know. Little green men or not, I’ve witnessed some mind-boggling unexplained phenomena myself, like the mesmerizing Marfa Lights! 🌠

⏰ Today has been a whirlwind of activity already! I started my day with a dose of my morning RXs, followed by some peaceful devotional time. Then, I dropped off my clothes at the cleaners before meeting up with my buddy, Dan Webster, for a delightful lunch at 1 PM. 🥪 He and his wife are part of my trans-Pacific traveling party this fall.

☕️ Right now, I’m at my favorite spot, Starbucks, sipping on my morning coffee and getting my creative juices flowing. Gotta hit that daily word count, am I right? ✍️

🚶‍♀️ Later on, I’m planning to get my steps in and go for a refreshing walk. It’s all about staying active and feeling alive, my friends! 💃

🔌 Big news! AT&T Uverse is upgrading my Internet today to lightning-fast fiber optics! 🚀 Fingers crossed they don’t play hooky. Though I’ve received mixed email and text messages confirming and saying they may need to reschedule, so who knows? We’ll see if they make it happen! 💻

⛈️ Oh, and keep your eyes on the sky because thunderstorms might crash the party later tonight! If they make an appearance, I’ll cozy up and enjoy a fantastic movie night. If not, it’s all about splashing around in the pool and rocking those water aerobics moves! 💦

✨ Remember, my friends, every day is an opportunity to spread joy and radiate sunshine! ☀️ Be that person who brightens everyone’s day, the one everyone is thrilled to see. Let’s make it a phenomenal day! 🌈💖

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! 😄🌈

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 🇺🇸, we’re celebrating 🇺🇸 Memorial Day! 🇺🇸
As I drove down the streets this morning, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful American flags  🇺🇸 🇺🇸  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. 🙏
I drove to essential stop at Starbucks for my morning dose of caffeine and writing inspiration. ☕ 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. 📚 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! 💪
Yesterday was a blast! We had an amazing pool party 💦 and celebrated the third birthdays for my girlfriend’s grandson. 🎉
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 💦 , 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. 💦
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. 🏒 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! 💫
Enjoy the day, my friends, and may it be filled with cherished memories, laughter, and a whole lot of joy. Happy Memorial Day! 🎇

Writer’s Log, May 28, 2023

🌞 Good morning, everyone! It’s Sunday, May 28, 2023! ☕️📝

Starting off the day with some #poolcleaning. Gotta keep that water sparkling! 💦💪

But first, #coffee! Enjoying a cup of blonde roast while I get my writing groove on. ✍️📚

Later on, I’m heading to #BibleFellowship class and #church. 🙏🏻⛪️ Always a great way to nourish the soul.

Exciting stuff happening today! It’s time for a #poolparty! 🎉🏊‍♀️ 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! 🏆🏁

Hope you all have an amazing Sunday filled with joy and excitement! 😄💕

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 27, 2023

🌟 Good morning, friends! ☀️ It’s Saturday, May 27, 2023, and I’m starting my day off right at Starbucks, sipping on my delicious morning coffee. ☕️ Today’s brew of choice, Pike Place. I’m listening to the great Don Francisco. He’s such a great singer, songwriter, and storyteller – his Christian music is the perfect soundtrack for my weekend vibes! 🎶✨
I’ve already completed my devotional time, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. 🙏 Now, I’m super excited because I just purchased my tickets for the 11 AM showing of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban at the Angelika Theater in Plano, Texas. 🎬🪄 The theater is nestled in The Shops at Legacy, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in the magical world of Hogwarts! ⚡️
After the movie, I’ll be treating myself to a delicious lunch and taking a leisurely stroll to soak up the beautiful day. 🥪🚶‍♀️ There’s nothing like a little fresh air and sunshine (surely, the morning cloud cover will clear) to recharge the soul!
Later in the afternoon, I’ll be heading back to my favorite Starbucks for some serious writing time. ☕️📝 There’s something about the cozy atmosphere and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee that sparks my creativity!
But before the day comes to a close, I’ll tackle a bit of yard work and spray for those pesky mosquitoes. 🌿🦟 Gotta keep my outdoor space enjoyable, right?
In the evening, it’s time for some entertainment! 📺 I’ll be catching up on the series finale of Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime. 🎉 I’ve been eagerly following the journey of this hilarious and inspiring character, and I can’t wait to see how it all wraps up!
I’ll be saying prayers for my friends headed to the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference near Asheville, NC. I’ve been six times but could face the Memorial Day traffic on the highways or airport this weekend. Maybe I’ll return next year.
I’ll be wearing green today because on gamely you wear green. The Dallas Stars face-off against the Vegas Golden Knights in NHL western conference playoffs tonight. I’ll be paying attention and listen on SiriusXM channel 91 (The NHL Channel).
Finally, it’s bedtime for me tonight, because self-care is essential! 😴💤 I want to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer whatever adventures Sunday brings, including church!
Wishing you all a fantastic Saturday filled with joy, laughter, and a touch of magic. ✨ Share your plans for the day below! 👇💖

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.  

Hope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship

I’m 85% finished with the first draft of “Hope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship” It’s book three in my series, “The Bible Speaks to Life Issues.” Book one in the series is “Prayers for the Chronically Ill.” Book two is “Caregiving: 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, “And 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, God  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. 

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. 

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 One—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, “Jesus 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 Having Perfect Peace?


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.