Writer’s Log, May 20, 2023

Jimmie Kepler at a local coffee house. He's wearing a driving cap and hoodie. A big smile on on his bearded face.

🌟 Hey there, fabulous friends! Happy Saturday, May 20, 2023! Guess what? The scorching πŸ”₯ 93 degrees F weather from yesterday has given us a break. Woo-hoo! I woke up yesterday to a sweltering 76 degrees F, but today it’s a refreshing 63 degrees F. So much better, right? And hold on tight because the high for today will be a pleasant 76 to 78 degrees F. Now that’s what I’m talking about! Nice! 😎 #WeatherUpdate #FeelingGood

So, let me tell you about last night’s shindig. I was at the Mensa poker scholarship fundraiser, and oh boy, it was a brainy blast! Picture this: eighteen brilliant minds gathered around three poker tables, ready to rock the game. It lasted a whopping five hours, and let me tell you, I didn’t emerge as the ultimate champion. Nope, not this time. I secured a solid second place, though! Tension filled the room as the last hand had four of us vying for glory. The winner had an unbeatable combo of two kings and two threes, ace high, which trumped my pair of queens and pair of threes, also ace high. Phew, luckily it was all “play money” with no actual cash involved, because that hand would have cost me over five grand. On the bright side, we raised around $300 for the college scholarship fund. Woo-hoo! πŸ’ΈπŸ’ͺ #PokerNight #SecondPlace #PlayMoney

After returning home, I took my nineteen evening prescriptions. Yup, you heard that rightβ€”nineteen! With all those meds, I munched on a half black forest ham sandwich to avoid an upset tummy. I drink two bottles of water to wash down this pharmaceutical feast created by those genius biologists, chemists, and pharmaceutical folks. I hit the sack at 1:44 AM. And you won’t believe what happened next. πŸ’ŠπŸž #PrescriptionLife #MedsOnPoint

Now, here’s the kicker: despite the late bedtime, my internal clock had the audacity to wake me up at 5:55 AM. Can you believe it? Since going back to sleep was a lost cause, I got up, got dressed, took my morning prescriptions, and headed straight to my go-to caffeine joint. Oh boy, the line was insane!

There was this lady in front of me with a stack of gift cards, using them for a massive order. It seemed like an entire army had pooled their cards, even if they only had a penny on them, to cover the bill. Kudos to the superstar barista, who handled the situation like a pro when the lady realized there were a few cents missing to cover everything. I bet she was picking up enough coffee and food for over twenty people! While I waited patiently in line (well, kinda patiently), the queue behind me grew to almost a dozen folks. β˜•οΈπŸ’ƒ #CaffeineRush #GiftCardSurprise

Oh, and while waiting for my much-needed java, I discovered the Dallas Stars lost their NHL hockey game last night in overtime. Bummer! I was planning to catch the replay later since Mensa took priority over the game. πŸ’πŸ˜ž #NHL #HockeyLife

Tonight, I have dinner reservations with someone special (you know, the girlfriend who shall remain unnamed on the Internet) and three other fantastic folks from my local writer’s group. They’re an amazing bunch! 🍽️✨ #DateNight #WritersUnite

Somewhere in between all the excitement, I need to squeeze in a walk, do some reading, make a health and welfare call to my dear friends Les and Don, and swing by the grocery store. Of course, I can’t forget to check my email and social media to keep up with what my adult children are up to. πŸšΆπŸ“šπŸ“žπŸ›’πŸ“§ #BusyLife #SelfCare #StayConnected

But before I dive into all that, I need to let you know my morning devotional is completed (it’s always a priority). I’ve got my music playlist ready to go, and I’m almost done with this post. It’s time to get my writing groove on, folks!

Thank goodness for my noise-canceling headphones, ’cause this coffee shop is buzzing with people craving their morning fix and a hearty breakfast to go. πŸŽ§β˜•οΈπŸ“ #WritingMode #CoffeeHouseVibes

Life as a retiree is anything but dull or lonely, my friends. I’ve got my gig as a writer, and I’m blessed with an abundance of wonderful friends.Β Friends are like the family I’ve chosen.

Back in the ’80s and ’90s, when I was a Senior Adult Pastor, I used to tell my fellow retirement age friends to make at least one new friend every year. Why, you ask? Well, because we all need people, and if we don’t actively seek new connections, we might outlive most of our pals. Plus, let’s not forget what the Holy Bible says about friendship: “A man that has friends must shew himself friendly.” Wise words from Proverbs 18:24a, don’t you think? 🌟🀝 #RetirementVibes #BlessedWithFriends

Alright, my amazing buddies, have an absolutely fantastic weekend, and remember to spread that friendly vibe wherever you go! Catch you later! πŸ˜‰βœ¨ #WeekendVibes #FriendlyFeels

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 People Who Please God?


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 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.