Scene: Writer is sitting at computer, working on in-progress novel.
Rising Action: Said writer decides to go online to research a portion of the history.
Climax, and also falling action: The research continues for two hours, as said writer finds so many interesting facts, contradictory issues, and related stories.
Conclusion: Writer is tired of sitting at the computer. Calls it a day after only writing two paragraphs on novel.
This was yesterday. Hopefully, it will not be today.
If any of you have any helpful tips to avoid these research rabbit holes, I am all ears.
Lately, my coping methods have been a combination of the following:
-“I’m fine…” Said in a slightly manic, overstated Ross Geller way
-Smile and wave, smile and wave……in my best Queen Elizabeth II manner
-Frozen rabbit that has been spotted in the yard…..holding very still and barely breathing until the danger has passed.
None of these are good, or healthy, or helpful. The only, only, only thing that helps unfreeze the frozen rabbit is the Lord Jesus Christ. Wrenching my eyes off the chaos of this current world and gazing upon the wonder of Who He Is.
God has been placing Psalm 46 in my mind lately. Some key verses:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and mountains quake with their surging…..
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – excerpts, Psalm 46
Christians quote the Be Still and know that I am God verse all the time, but for years, I did not know the context that this verse is placed in the Bible. It’s not quite as peaceful and serene as I had thought. In this psalm, total chaos, destruction and disasters are coming upon the earth. In the midst of all this, God is our refuge, our strength, our help. As we see all of these things, we are to quiet ourselves, look to him, and know, without a shadow of a doubt, that He Is God. And every knee will bow to Him.
All creation, all created beings of the Living God, find rest, peace, an unfreezing of the panic, when they realize that God is in charge of their every breath, their yesterdays, todays and tomorrows.
Pray for me to keep remembering this, and not to look to useless coping mechanisms in these days. Pray that I keep my eyes firmly fixed on Christ. And as always, please know that I would love to pray for you. Let me know in the comments if I can. Love, Lisa
Seeing how it’s Monday, and it’s getting close to Christmas, I definitely feel in need of a laugh. Hope these provide you with a modicum of jocularity. 🙂 Slainte, Lisa
This “is” my best Christmas smile.
Polar bears after watching too many Christmas specials.
Does this hat make my ears look fat?
Oops, got your nose!
Merry Christmas to ewe! (and yes, I do use conditioner)
All you need’s a long nap, a soft sofa, and some good friends…Merry Christmas!
Think About These Things 