It's WIP Wednesday. What work? What progress? As some of you can tell, I have been in a bit of a funk this week. I blame it on hormones.
I thought maybe if I blogged about something sad, it would be cathartic. That backfired. It made me feel worse. (Why did I have to drag everyone down with me?) Don't worry. I won't be trying that again.
Anyway, I am going to try a new tactic today. I am going to write about a book that I found uplifting: The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale.
A few years ago, I was going through a tough time, and I came across some mention of this book. (It was pre-blogging, so God only knows where.) The book sounded fantastic! The chapter headings were something like this:
- How to Have More Energy
- How to Be More Patient
- How to Stop Worrying
- How to be Happy All The Time
I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! I ordered it from Amazon immediately and opened it the second it arrived.
And this is basically what every chapter said:
If you want more energy, just wake up every morning and say, "Jesus, please give me energy today."
If you want to be more patient, just get up every day and ask Jesus to give you patience.
If you want to... okay, well, you get the point.
I found this hilarious.
First off, I am Jewish. Second, it is billed as a "self-help" book. It should have been called The Power of Prayer, not The Power of Positive Thinking.
But as I read on, the book was filled with touching anecdotes of people who overcame hardships by believing in themselves. It was strangely inspiring. I was much more positive for several months. My husband even noticed, and I would joke with him, "I'm much happier since I found Jesus."
Now I just need to remember tomorrow to ask Jesus for a new PB idea.
16 comments:
Hm, maybe this IS your PB idea. You can write a story about a Jewish girl who is among people who thank Jesus for everything :-)
Anna, ha! So glad you commented, because I was getting worried that I might have actually said something offensive!
I've never read the book so I can't comment on it, but I understand where you are at. Although I've been on a roll before, I seem to be at stand still now. I have a feeling we'll both have great ideas tomorrow! :)
Hey I think Anna is on to something. That is a great idea for a book. It sure would be interesting and challenging. Your prayers have been answered ;)
Lol, I say go with Anna's advice! :)
"I found this hilarious.
First off, I am Jewish."
*SNORT*
HA!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Jesus that I'm not the only one having a rough time with the WIP!
Hmm, I don't think I'm doing that quite right... *smile*
I. am. rolling. on. the. floor. laughing.
Fantastic! I think you just helped me write a scene. Thanks! Yay for WIP Wednesday!
I'd always heard about that book.....who knew?
Maybe your book is about someone, perhaps a barnyard animal, trying to banish the FUNK. I can see it now:
Little Chicken was filled with doom and gloom. He did not like it. He did not like it one bit.
"I banish thee, bad mood," he clucked, "get the funk out of here!!"
(written with an obvious lack of morning caffeine.)
Shelley
Shelley, ha!
Chicken was filled with doom and gloom.
He sadly looked around his room.
The piles of toys caused him distress
"This place has become a clucking mess!"
Shelley, we can write it together!
This was LOL funny. I can imagine you reading this and praising Jesus!
We had a similar experience just this week. There was a free outdoor concert advertised across the street from where we are staying in Beach Haven--three rock bands--so we strolled over. One band finished up and a man came on stage...he just kept talking. I wasn't paying much attention because I was playing tag with the kids. Then I heard him say, "Praise Jesus!" and the audience responded "Amen, Jesus!" I stopped in my tracks and realized we were at a Christian concert. No wonder they were handing out free bibles.
So back to your story. There's a lot to be said for positive thinking. Nothing good ever comes out of being down on yourself. So if it works, wake up every morning and thank Jesus. Just don't tell your Rabbi. HA!
Yeah, Tara, probably funnier for those of you who know me in person!
Are you home yet? Miss you!
I agree with everyone on the hilarity of this post.
I'd heard of this book before, but had no idea it was a religious book! It sounds a lot like "The Secret," only aimed at asking a specific person for power (ie, Jesus), rather than the "forces of the universe."
But yes, it really is amazing how much attitude can affect everything.
"Clucking mess"!!! hahahaha
I actually have a manuscript involving chickens where someone referred to them as "pecking cluckers" but I think I have to change that.......
Shelley
How 'bout this title for your next pb... Are You There Jesus, It's Me, Corey?
Ha! J.L., so funny! But I really need to stop making jokes, because a lot of people seem to think I am serious!
(Just look at my PIGS on Submission post! I've got everyone praying for me now)
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