Tag: means

Election Reflections

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Jim Kepler Reflection on 2024 Presidential Election Results
Jim Kepler Reflecting on the 2024 Presidential Election Results

Election Reflections

If you were in favor of the reelection of the former president, I know you’re happy.
 
If you were hoping the vice-president would ascend to office, well … it didn’t happen. And so goes life. Ups and downs. Thrills and disappointments.

God Still Reigns

Remember, our God reigns and is ultimately in charge. Even if someone doesn’t believe in God, that doesn’t change the fact that He’s still there, still in charge, and His will be done. That’s how I can accept any election results.
 
Remember, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. Genesis 1:1.
 
The stock market seems very happy with the election results.

What The Bible Says

While these verses are from the Bible, I borrowed the verses from an excellent article by my writing friend Dr. Katherine Passour. All other content in the post is my original content.
 
 
Here are a few versers that help me through each day as I reflect on the government and our leaders.
 
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1
 
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:17
 
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 1 Peter 2:13-15
 
Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it. Luke 11:28
 
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:10-11
 
And so goes the week and must trust in God.
 
 

 

What I Learned From Time Change Sunday

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Psalm 121:4 "Behold, He that keepers Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
Lessons Learned From Time Change Sunday

 

Time Change Sunday

It’s “time change” Sunday. Last night we moved the clocks back one hour. For most people, that’s a big deal.

Moving clocks forward and back for time changes have become routine because of my travel. On my trip to the British Isles, France, Portugal, and then returning to the United States via a transatlantic cruise, I changed time zones eight times.

Last fall when I did a transpacific cruise I crossed sixteen time zones. The trip was from Dallas, Texas, USA to Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Yes, I’m fortunate to travel. An interesting lesson learned was God was always with me. I could read His word and pray to Him in Scotland or Paris as easily as I could in Tahiti or New Zealand. I could be still wherever I was and know He is God.

A Lesson From the Bible

In the Bible, we read in Psalms 124:1 King James Version, “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” It reminds me that my God is all powerful. He keeps watch over His chosen nation of Israel. And, He never sleeps or slumbers. He’s always there for them and He is always available anywhere for me, regardless of which time zone I’m in.

Terry Pratchett on Writing

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Embrace the evolving journey of writing!

Sir Terry Pratchett shares: “I, on the other hand, am a technophile, so there is no such thing as a first draft. The first draft plunges on, and about a quarter of the way through it I realize I’m doing things wrong, so I start rewriting it. What you call the first draft becomes rather like a caterpillar; it is progressing fairly slowly, but there is movement up and down its whole length, the whole story is being changed. I call this draft zero, telling myself how the story is supposed to go.”

Writing is an ever-changing process. Draft zero is a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving as you uncover the true path of your story. It’s a journey of discovery, where revisions shape the narrative from start to finish.

Don’t be afraid to dive in, knowing that transformation is part of the process. Allow your story to grow and change, like a caterpillar inching towards its final form. Embrace the fluidity of draft zero, trusting that each rewrite brings you closer to the story you’re meant to tell.

Sir Terry Pratchett I, on the other hand am a technophile, so there is no such thing as a first draft. The first draft plunges on, and about a quarter of the way through it I realise I'm doing things wrong, so I start rewriting it. What you call the first draft becomes rather like a caterpillar; it is progressing fairly slowly, but there is movement up and down its whole length, the whole story is being changed. I call this draft zero, telling myself how the story is supposed to go.

Jon Acuff on Creativity

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Embrace your unique journey! Jon Acuff reminds us: “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.”
 
Every creative path is different, and comparing your early steps to someone else’s advanced stages can hinder your growth and joy.
 
Each artist, writer, and creator starts somewhere, and it’s important to honor your own progress. Celebrate your beginnings, for they are the foundation of your future successes. Focus on your growth, learning, and development without the weight of comparison.
 
Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Embrace your journey with patience and pride, knowing that your unique path will lead to extraordinary places.
 
Creativity meme Jon Acuff - "Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle." - from the book by Jon Acuff, "Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average, and Do Work That Matters"

Creativity is Rooted in Love

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Creativity is rooted in love, reflecting the essence of God as love, as stated in 1 John 4:8.
 
Christians see creativity as a beautiful expression of this divine love, mirroring the boundless compassion and creativity of the Creator. When we create, we channel this love, infusing our work with purpose, meaning, and beauty.
 
Through creative acts, we share a piece of our hearts, connecting with others and spreading joy and understanding. This sacred process allows us to participate in the divine act of creation, celebrating the love that flows through us from God.
 
Embrace your creativity as an act of love. Let it shine through your work, touching lives and reflecting the divine love within you. 
 
Creativity is rooted in love.

Anne Lamott On Writing

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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.