Tag: Christian Businesswoman

Sharon Olds on Poetry

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

Sharon Olds, Pulitzer Prize in Poetry winner in 2013, beautifully captures the essence of poetry: “Poetry is a place where the things you don’t want to happen sometimes happen.”

In the realm of poetry, we confront our deepest fears, sorrows, and unwanted truths. It’s a space where we can explore and process the complexities of life, turning pain into art.

Poetry allows us to give voice to the unspoken and face the uncomfortable. It provides a sanctuary for our innermost thoughts and emotions, even those we wish to avoid. Through poetic expression, we find a way to cope, understand, and ultimately transform our experiences.

Embrace the power of poetry to navigate through life’s unwanted moments. Let your words flow, capturing the essence of your journey and finding beauty even in the midst of difficulty.

Pulitzer Poet Sharon Olds

Calvin Miller on Writing

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Bible, Blog, Books I've Reviewed, Christian Living, Christian Writers, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Meet the Poets, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment
Embark on the sacred pilgrimage of writing! Dr. Calvin Miller’s words illuminate the solitary path that writers tread yet within the solitude of the page, they discover a profound connection.
 
As you journey through the vast expanse of creativity, know that you are never truly alone. With each stroke of your pen, you forge bonds with kindred spirits—writers past, present, and future—who walk alongside you in spirit.
 
In the hushed sanctuary of the blank page, you commune with the divine, channeling inspiration from realms unseen. 🙏💭 Let the silence speak volumes, let the ink flow like a sacred river, as you navigate the depths of your soul and explore the mysteries of existence.
 
Embrace the solitude as a sanctuary, a space where imagination dances freely and the voice of the divine whispers its secrets.  For within the solitude of the page, you discover not isolation, but a sanctuary where souls unite and truths are revealed.
 
A writer's journey is a solitary one, but in the solitude of the page, they find companionship with kindred spirits and communion with the divine - Dr. Calvin Miller
 
 
Note: In early 1979 Calvin Miller entered my life. I was a student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Miller spoke at a chapel service. The simplicity of his sermon  amazed me. I wasn’t sure if it was the storytelling or the beauty and relevance of his prose. I bought his Singer Trilogy. I remember thinking I have found the American CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. In the late 1980s I attended a writer’s conference at Ridgecrest, North Carolina where he was one of the teachers/speakers. He agreed to mentor me for a few months. The mentorship (at his suggestion) was simply agreeing to read my weekly newsletter column and give a few suggestions. The results were my church members noticed and commented on an improvement in my writing of the column. Dr. Miller’s best advice was do your best with everything you write, even a weekly church newsletter column. He told me how he had written his weekly pastoral column and his editor saw in it a a future book – The Phillipian Fragment.
 
 

Anaïs Nin On Writing

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

Embrace the unique purpose of your pen!

Anaïs Nin’s insight unveils the profound responsibility of a writer: to articulate the unspoken, to give voice to the silent echoes within.

As you embark on your literary journey, remember that your role transcends mere words; it’s about delving into the depths of human experience and expressing truths that linger in the shadows. Dare to explore the realms of the unsaid, to unravel complexities, and to illuminate the nuances of existence.

With each sentence you craft, strive not to echo the common chorus but to resonate with the silent symphonies of the soul. Your words have the power to unveil truths, to provoke thought, and to ignite change.

So, embrace the sacred duty of your craft, and let your writing be the beacon that guides others through the labyrinth of life.

Anaïs Nin on Writing

 

Robert Frost on Poetry

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

A poem is born from the depths of raw emotion—a lump in the throat, a sense of wrong, homesickness, or lovesickness. Robert Frost, the celebrated poet and only four time Pulitzer Prize in Poetry winner, eloquently captures this essence. These profound feelings ignite the spark of creativity, transforming our deepest emotions into powerful, evocative verses.

When we experience a lump in the throat, it signals an overwhelming emotion that demands expression. It could be an unspoken truth or a poignant moment that touches the core of our being. This intense sensation often becomes the seed of a poem, urging us to put pen to paper.

A sense of wrong, on the other hand, stirs a desire to address injustices or express dissent. It’s a powerful motivator, pushing us to articulate our thoughts and feelings about the world around us. This drive can lead to some of the most compelling and thought-provoking poetry.

Homesickness and lovesickness are universal experiences that resonate deeply with many. The longing for home or a loved one can be profoundly moving, providing rich material for poetic exploration. These emotions are timeless, connecting readers and writers across generations and cultures.

Embrace these moments of intense emotion, for they are the seeds of poetic inspiration. Allow your feelings to flow onto the page, transforming your experiences into verses that capture the essence of your journey.

In this way, poetry becomes a powerful outlet for our innermost thoughts and feelings, allowing us to share our unique perspectives with the world.

Robert Frost on Poetry

Sylvia Plath on Creativity

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Christian Writers, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Meet the Poets, Poem, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment
Crush the barriers of self-doubt and unleash your creativity! Sylvia Plath’s words resonate deeply, reminding us that doubt can stifle the spark of imagination.
 
So, silence the whispers of uncertainty and believe in the boundless potential within you. Embrace the unique visions and ideas that stir in your soul, for they are the essence of your creative journey.
 
Let each stroke of your pen or brush be a declaration of confidence, a defiance against doubt’s grip. Trust in your abilities, trust in your voice, and watch as your creativity soars to new heights.
 
Remember, you are a vessel of inspiration, capable of shaping worlds with your imagination.
 
Sylvia Plath on Creativity

Anne Lamott On Writing

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

Embrace the journey of writing, imperfections and all!

Anne Lamott’s wisdom in “Bird by Bird” reminds us that every writer, no matter how seasoned, has faced the fear of writing poorly. So, banish the hesitation, silence the inner critic, and simply begin.

Trust that with each word you pen, the path will unfold, leading you to unexpected treasures of creativity and insight. Remember, it’s in the act of writing, in the courage to start despite doubts, that the magic truly happens.

So, let your words flow freely, knowing that within them lies the power to inspire, to provoke thought, and to transform lives.

 

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.