Writer’s Log, May 29, 2023

Jimmie Kepler at Starbucks.

๐ŸŒŸ Good morning, everyone! It’s Monday, May 29, 2023, and here in the United States ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ, we’re celebrating ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Memorial Day! ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ
As I drove down the streets this morning, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful American flags ย ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธย  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. ๐Ÿ™
I drove to essential stop at Starbucks for my morning dose of caffeine and writing inspiration. โ˜• 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. ๐Ÿ“š 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! ๐Ÿ’ช
Yesterday was a blast! We had an amazing pool party ๐Ÿ’ฆ and celebrated the third birthdays for my girlfriend’s grandson. ๐ŸŽ‰
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 ๐Ÿ’ฆ , 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. ๐Ÿ’ฆ
Now, let’s talk sports! The NASCAR race scheduled for Sunday was rained out, but don’t worry, it’s rescheduled for this afternoon. ๐ŸŽ๏ธ Fingers crossed for an exhilarating and action-packed race! I wonโ€™t watch it but will listen to itโ€™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. ๐Ÿ’ Of course, they havenโ€™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! ๐Ÿ’ซ
Enjoy the day, my friends, and may it be filled with cherished memories, laughter, and a whole lot of joy. Happy Memorial Day! ๐ŸŽ‡

Writer’s Log, May 28, 2023

๐ŸŒž Good morning, everyone! It’s Sunday, May 28, 2023! โ˜•๏ธ๐Ÿ“

Starting off the day with some #poolcleaning. Gotta keep that water sparkling! ๐Ÿ’ฆ๐Ÿ’ช

But first, #coffee! Enjoying a cup of blonde roast while I get my writing groove on. โœ๏ธ๐Ÿ“š

Later on, I’m heading to #BibleFellowship class and #church. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿปโ›ช๏ธ Always a great way to nourish the soul.

Exciting stuff happening today! It’s time for a #poolparty! ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŠโ€โ™€๏ธ 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. โœจโœˆ๏ธ 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. ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๏ธ 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! ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ

Hope you all have an amazing Sunday filled with joy and excitement! ๐Ÿ˜„โœจ๐Ÿ’•

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

The Family Reunion

The Family Reunion

The setting was an old wood-framed church house.
Built by a tree on the crest of a gently sloping hill.
Its wood siding all faded and weather-worn.
The brass church bell for years had been still.

He walked up the hill to the church house.
With each step, old long-past years reappeared.
Soon in his mind, he could hear the congregation singing.
Then down his cheeks streamed the warm, wet tears.

Once again, the old song leader was his Grandpa.
His young Mama on a pump organ played.
Packed on the third pew were his mischievous boy cousins.
Standing by the back door to the music his dear Daddy swayed.

And old remembrances flooded his being.
A grand family reunion was well underway.
Hearing again the stories of King Jesus,
He couldnโ€™t hold the tears at bay.

Then he moved from the little wooden church house.
Walked down the hill on the path just ahead.
The music and memories slowly fading in the distance.
He arrived at a cemetery with the graves of his family long dead.

There will be a great reunion in heaven in the future,
Theyโ€™ll all be reunited one wonderful day.
They were all Believers in Jesus,
Heโ€™s the Light, the Truth, and the Way.

Jimmie Aaron Kepler
December 2015

The poem “Family Reunion” is in the forthcoming book, “Selected Poems: 1967 – 2021” by Jimmie Aaron Kepler and published by Poetry and Prayer Press.

Picture Credit: William Clarence Breeding, Sr. The church is in eastern Oklahoma near Ida Belle where my late father-in-law, William Clarence Breeding, Sr, and his family attended reunions.