I’m Jim Kepler, Christian nonfiction author bringing you inspiration and encouragement as you join me on my writing journey. I’m an older adult, widower, and write as my retirement job. If I can write and get published, why not you? Thank you for joining me as I share encouragement and my journey. And now here’s the my update for Friday, August 18, 2023.
Yesterday, Dallas shattered the temperature record, hitting a scorching 109°F! That’s two degrees higher than the old record of 107°F. Can you believe Dallas’ temperature history only spans 125 years? Today marked just the 5th time in that span when it hit 109°F or higher in August.
Brace yourselves, because the forecast predicts we’re in for 109°F or hotter for the next few days, with over 105°F for the next 12 days! Let’s cross our fingers that we don’t match or break today’s record high of 112°F.
The day kicked off like any other. I woke up, took care of the usual morning routine, prescription meds in check, and out the door before 8:00 AM. My go-to start? A long pit stop at Starbucks for some much-needed morning coffee, a yummy bagel, and writing.
Today at the coffee joint, it felt like I stepped into a cheerleading movie scene! High school cheerleaders were all decked out in their outfits, with those knee socks and super short skirts. Seriously, when did cheerleader outfits shrink so much? Some of my headbands are wider than their micro minis! And when did they get so young? I did the math, and it’ll be like the years 2075-2080 before these girls are my age.
Still deep into editing and rewriting my upcoming nonfiction book “Hope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship from my series The Bible Speaks to Life Issues Book Three. My trigger finger needs some surgical attention, but I’m holding off until after my fall getaway. Also dealing with a trigger thumb on my left hand, probably from compensating for the trigger finger. Add in the ol’ arthritis, and it’s a party!
Dictation is my savior – using it for most of my social media posts and emails. Takes me back to the days after graduating from university in the ’70s, when dictation was king and secretaries were wizards. The PC wave pretty much ended that era. And secretaries have transformed into administrative assistants.
Later today, it’s off to the fitness center for my walk. Gotta keep the momentum going – been hitting my walking goal for 26 out of the last 30 days! I take Sunday’s off to rest the tired old body of mine. And boy, does regular exercise make a difference. Even in yesterday’s blistering heat at Dallas Love Field, I trekked from my car to the terminal barely breaking a sweat.
Nap time’s on the schedule for later today too – a well-deserved one, considering the heat, my age, and a big night ahead. Mensa group’s monthly fundraiser is on, and we’re playing poker to rake in some funds for scholarships. Going with my partner-in-crime “she who can’t be named on the Internet” and the Chicago lady I met at Love Field yesterday. I just am no longer able to rock and roll all night and party every day. That’s now the formula for an dying from exhaustion.
Somewhere in the mix, I’ll sneak in some quality reading and tune in to soothing jazz as I immerse myself in a blissful hour or two with a good book in my comfy recliner.
Life lessons have taught me that hot summers don’t last forever. Fall’s around the corner, with cooler weather and then winter – and even Christmas! Appreciating them more as I live through the summer blast furnace, surviving for the bliss ahead.
You can find my books at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jimmie-Kepler/author/B00IBTG83K or https://books2read.com/u/4jNAV5 or https://books2read.com/u/3k5eGO.
Stay hydrated, keep flashing those smiles, and let’s embrace whatever comes our way!
Welcome to “It’s Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty,” I’m Dr. Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Christian nonfiction author and poet. This is my writer’s log for Saturday, July 15, 2023. Today, I’m writing about my surviving the North Texas summers. It’s a combination of battling the heat, thunderstorms, and electricity woes. They all add to the challenges of my writing life as a sixty-nine-year-old writer. A great title for this post is Surviving North Texas Summers: Battling the Heat, Thunderstorms, and Electricity Woes.
Hey there from scorching North Texas! The summer blast furnace is cranked up to its maximum setting, and boy, it’s a strange weather cocktail we’re dealing with. We’re currently under a heat advisory with heat index values soaring up to 112 and temperatures hitting a blistering 105 degrees.
It’s like being in an oven! These high temperatures coupled with the dreaded humidity make heat-related illnesses a real concern, especially for those toiling outdoors or engaging in outdoor activities. But hey, don’t worry, the national weather services have some tips for us to survive this sizzling ordeal.
According to the weather folks, it’s all about staying cool and hydrated. They’re urging us to guzzle down plenty of fluids, seek refuge in air-conditioned havens, avoid the scorching sun, and make sure we check up on our loved ones and neighbors. Oh, and by the way, they emphasize that under no circumstances should we ever leave young children or pets alone in vehicles. Seriously, it’s a recipe for disaster.
On top of that, they’re suggesting we take extra precautions if we have to brave the outdoors, like rescheduling any strenuous activities to the cooler early mornings or evenings. And hey, let’s not forget to don lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to give our bodies a fighting chance against the inferno.
As if the heat wasn’t enough, North Texas also likes to surprise us with some thunderstorms. Yep, we’ve got gusty winds, lightning galore, and heavy downpours to contend with. Mother Nature just can’t make up her mind!
While the rain might give us a brief respite from the scorching temperatures, it usually means the humidity skyrockets, turning our surroundings into a tropical sauna. Oh, the joy!
Hold onto your hats, folks, ’cause here comes another challenge! Our dear friends at ERCOT, the ones responsible for managing the Texas Electric grid, have warned us about the possibility of rolling blackouts due to the surging electricity demand. Can you believe it? They predict that from Sunday through next week, we might be left sweating in the dark. Just what we needed, right?
But hey, if the heat gets too unbearable, I’ve got a plan. I’m heading for the mountains, finding some high elevation to beat the heat. Like those old rockers Twisted Sister said, “We’re Not Gonna Take It Anymore!” I’ll find somewhere cooler, even if it means taking a mini-vacation to escape the boiling cauldron of North Texas.
Okay, let’s get serious for a moment. In the face of these challenges, we gotta stay smart and take care of ourselves. Stay hydrated, my friends—drink water like it’s going out of style! Seek refuge indoors where the AC is pumping cool air, and keep an eye on the weather updates.
And let’s hope and pray that the electricity grid holds up, so we don’t have to resort to caveman survival tactics. But hey, if all else fails, let’s remember that we Texans are a resilient bunch. We’ll find a way to beat the heat, whether it’s by chilling in the mountains or creating our own personal oasis.
So, fellow Texans (and all facing the heat), let’s raise our water bottles high and toast to surviving another scorching North Texas summer. It may be a wild ride of extreme heat, thunderstorms, and electricity scares, but together, we’ll ride it out and emerge stronger on the other side.
And who knows, maybe there will be a future score idea from the struggles of living in the heat. But first, I’ll keep on with my rewrites from the edit recommendations. It’s still hard to type as I’m continuing to deal with trigger finger.
Stay cool, my friends, and don’t let the summer heat get the best of you!
July is an extraordinary month, filled with celebrations and significant milestones. For one, it marks the birthday of America, a time of patriotism and fireworks. But for me, July holds an even deeper meaning—it’s my spiritual birthday.
Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is a spiritual birthday? Well, let me explain. You see, everyone has a physical birthday, the day they were born into this world. Mine happened on November 25, 1953, at Brooke Army General Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.
However, a spiritual birthday is different. It’s the day when a person experiences a profound transformation, accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and embarking on a new spiritual journey.
My spiritual birthday is July 11, 1977, a date etched in my heart forever, when I was “born again” and found salvation at the First Baptist Church of Lakewood in Tacoma, Washington.
Allow me to share with you the story of my own spiritual awakening, the day that changed the course of my life forever.
Back in July 1977, I was a second lieutenant serving in the United States Army at Fort Lewis, Washington. Life seemed to be going splendidly. I had a loving and intelligent wife, and we had welcomed our first child earlier that year. Professionally, I was excelling, receiving accolades for my work and had been selected for career status. Yet, despite all the achievements and blessings, there was an unexplained void, a sense of emptiness deep within me.
In my pursuit of fulfillment, I tried various avenues. I indulged in the politically correct social drinking, sought solace in relationships, chased material possessions, and immersed myself in the social scene. But no matter what I did, that elusive something remained absent from my life. I sensed that there had to be more, something I was missing.
It was during this time that I became involved with a group of men at my church who seemed to possess a profound sense of purpose and contentment. Intrigued, I joined them for a Bible study. Little did I know that this encounter would lead me to the answers I had been desperately seeking.
Through the study, I discovered that God had provided us with a guidebook for life—the Bible. It held the key to addressing the problems we face and filling the void within us.
I learned that I was not here by accident, but rather, I had a purpose. Most importantly, I discovered that Jesus loves me and desires to have a personal relationship with me. However, sin had created a separation between us.
Coming to terms with my own sinfulness was a crucial turning point. The Bible states,
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23
I realized that despite my best efforts to be good and virtuous, I couldn’t save myself. Good deeds alone wouldn’t secure my place in heaven.
The Bible also teaches that there is a penalty for sin—
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
It was clear to me that I needed a solution, a way to bridge the gap between my sinful nature and God’s righteousness.
Thankfully, God provided a promise—a way for us to be saved.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16
This verse revealed to me that God’s love is so immense that He sacrificed His only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price for our sins.
In light of this revelation, I learned that I could receive God’s gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9-10
It became clear to me that by acknowledging my need for a savior and accepting Jesus into my heart and life, I could experience the transformative power of His love.
In a heartfelt prayer, I embraced this gift of eternal life through Jesus. I acknowledged my sins, believed in His sacrifice on the cross, and invited Him to be the Lord of my life.
It was a moment of surrender, a surrender that would forever shape my journey.
From that day forward, my life has been far from perfect. I’ve stumbled and made mistakes along the way, sometimes veering off course. But amidst it all, I’ve found direction, purpose, and unshakeable peace.
The Bible has become my compass, guiding me through life’s trials and offering timeless principles for daily living. I’ve never been alone on this journey, for the presence of God has been with me every step of the way.
Now, I pose a question to you: Have you experienced your own spiritual rebirth? Have you been “saved” and found solace in a higher power?
Just as I did, you too can find salvation and peace.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. … For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:9-10, 13
But perhaps you are skeptical, wondering if an intelligent person or an intellectual can truly believe in God. The answer is a resounding yes!
Many brilliant minds have found faith in God and embraced Christianity. The real question should be, “How can an intelligent person believe in Christianity?” or “Why would an intelligent person believe in Christianity?” The truth is, faith and reason can coexist harmoniously.
As I reflect upon my spiritual journey, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary transformation that took place.
That tired, weary face you see in the photo taken in February 1977 holds a story of profound change and hope. It captures a moment in time, a snapshot of a young couple embarking on a path filled with uncertainties and new beginnings.
So as we celebrate the birth of America this July, let us also remember the significance of personal rebirth, the power of salvation, and the transformative journey of faith.
It was taken in February 1977 in my military quarters at Fort Lewis, Washington. In the photo in Miss Benita, my bride. We have been married since 1974. Also in the picture is our first child, Kristopher. Yes, I look tired. I had just returned home from a fourteen day training exercise. I had not had sleep in over 72 hours at the time the picture was taken. I was very tired. The picture was taken by my late father-in-law William Clarence Breeding, Sr. He and my mother-in-law had came to Washington State to help Miss Benita with our new son Kris.
Welcome to “It’s Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty,” I’m Dr. Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Christian nonfiction author and poet. This is my writer’s log for Friday, July 7, 2023. Today, I’m writing about my writing life as a sixty-nine-year-old writer.
I’m continuing to make it to the fitness center twice a daily. Stretching my leg and hip muscles begins each session followed by a 30 minute walk and five minute cool down session. I do this twice a day. The walking has not had an impact on my weight which is staying steady in the weigh too much category. I’m five feet six inches tall and weigh in the 206 pound range with my weight fluctuating between 202 pounds and 212 pounds.
Trigger finger update – Last time I mentioned I’ve been gripping the treadmill wrong or too much. I have developed something called “trigger finger.” My finger physically locks and I have to force it to straighten out. I saw the doctor on July 6. They still have me wearing a splint and added physical therapy of the hand and a RX for nerve pain. I am still waiting for the pharmacy to fill the RX after 24-hours. I’ll see the physician again on Monday, July 10. Potentially, I’ll receive a steroid shot if the hand isn’t better. So far, it isn’t better.
My new black Sketcher step-ins for exercising on the treadmill are working out fine. I have prescription orthotic in-souls and they’re great. They were a $600 plus investment from the podiatrist.
I continue to spend time in God’s word and attending Bible study class plus attending worship.
My devotional time today was from the Christian Devotions US website https://christiandevotions.us/viewblogentry/21322. The devotion was from Romans 1:12 NIV, “That is, that you may be encouraged by each other’s faith.”
This week I finished Harry Potter and The Soccer’s Stone. The auto scrolling feature on my Kindle is working wonderfully where I can read while walking on the treadmill. I’m now reading Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets.
When I finish rereading The Harry Potter series I will read Lindsay Buroker’s Fallen Empire Series. I purchased the entire series on Kindle eBook this week. I previously owned and read book one in the series. The series is science fiction. Lindsay is a wonderful writer. The cost was minimal. I spent under $35. The books in the series are:
I purchased the books to in this series to read on my trans-Pacific cruise in October – November 2023.
Writers need to read. Stephen King and my university English professors taught me this.
You may enjoy Joanna Penn’s podcast The Creative Penn, You can find Episode #701 – 9 Ways That AI Will Disrupt Authors and the Publishing Industry in the Next Decade [2023 Update] with Joanna Penn and Nick Thacker at https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2023/07/03/9-ways-that-artificial-intelligence-ai-will-disrupt-authors-and-the-publishing-industry-an-update-with-joanna-penn-and-nick-thacker/ and episode #700 – Using Sudowrite for Writing Fiction with Amit Gupta https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2023/06/29/using-sudowrite-for-writing-fiction-with-amit-gupta/
I continue to edit/rewrite my latest book. It goes slow with the “trigger finger” as I have to type primarily with just my right hand.
Pen and journal have also come back into my life as I am using my journal for writing my poetry. It’s a great way to avoid using my left hand.
I did not attend a Zoom or local writer’s group this week.
Welcome to “It’s Never Too Late: Uncovering the Magic of Writing After Sixty,” I’m Dr. Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Christian nonfiction author and poet. This is my writer’s log for Sunday, July 2, 2023. Today, I’m writing about my writing life as a sixty-nine-year-old writer.
I made it to the fitness center yesterday. My goal of stretching my leg and hip muscles and walking 30-minutes on the treadmill was met.
I guess I’m gripping the treadmill wrong or too much. I have developed something called “trigger finger.” It is a condition affecting tendons that flex the fingers and thumb, typically resulting in a sensation of locking or catching when you bend and straighten your digits. My symptoms may include pain and stiffness in the fingers and thumb.
The condition is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. I need to rest the left hand and specifically the “fickle finger” or middle finger on the hand. My father suffered from this condition. My finger physically locks and I have to force it to straighten out. Ugh.
A trip to the Sketchers store bagged me two new pairs of shoes. One was a pain of black Sketcher step-ins for exercising on the treadmill. They replace a pair of SAS athletic shoes at less than one-third the cost. The second pair were light brown (tan) casual shoes for wearing on ship during my trans-Pacific cruise this fall.
My Christian faith is important to me. I regularly attend Bible fellowship class and Sunday morning worship at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. I’ve been a member there for over two decades.
In the worship service this morning, there was a salute to the armed services. The song for each branch of the military was played and members of or veterans of that branch stand and are recognized.
It is the annual “God & Country” service. Today Dr. Jack Graham preached on “Is There Hope For America?”
You can watch live streaming or a replay of the service at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJXF34u8Xlk
My devotional time today was from the Christian Devotions US website https://christiandevotions.us/viewblogentry/21317. The devotion was from Matthew 5:42 NIV, “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
I read another 40-minutes worth of Harry Potter and The Soccer’s Stone. I’ve figured out how to use the auto scrolling feature on my Kindle where I can also read while walking on the treadmill.
By using this feature I don’t have to change pages. I have it set to my reading speed. This allows the eReader to scroll like a teleprompter. Very cool!
You may enjoy the blog post “When Words Changed a Kingdom,” by Maureen Miller at https://www.blueridgeconference.com/when-words-changed-a-kingdom/.
Maureen Miller blogs regularly at www.penningpansies.com.
You may also enjoy Linda Goldfard’s The Best Writing Life Podcast. This week’s episode is “How Authors Should Create Online Courses with Thomas Umstattd Jr.”
You can listen for free at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-your-best-writing-life-69198117/.
You can learn more about Linda at https://www.lindagoldfarb.com/ or Thomas at https://www.thomasumstattd.com/.
Have a good Sunday.
