3 AM Whispers: Echoes of the Feast, Whispers of Winter
Friday, November 29th, 2025
Good morning, everyone. It's Friday, November 29th, 2025, and it’s 3 AM here at the cypress swamp cabin overlooking the Red River in Shreveport. The bayou is quiet, carrying the faint echoes of laughter and good cheer from our Thanksgiving and Birthday feast just a few days ago. The joy of gathering with my unique "dysfunctional family"—Bayou Earl, Baby Augie, the Leprechaun, Moon Elf, Uncle Bill, the White Were-Tiger Ranger, and even the Troll God—still resonates in these log walls.
But even as the warmth of that shared celebration lingers, a different kind of energy hums in the cabin. The portal to the Thirvaldi Winter Wonderlands, visible right through my window, still pulses with icy magic. My desk is covered with notes, maps, and early drafts for the Quick Start Guide and GM Supplements. My focus is now on the creative work, balancing the memory of the past feast with the demands of the present project.
This morning, I'm reflecting on the beautiful rhythm of life: the joy of community and celebration, followed by periods of focused creation. How do we keep our hearts aligned with gratitude and purpose through both the boisterous feasts and the quiet, demanding work sessions?
The Apostle Paul gives us powerful guidance for living intentionally, no matter the season or activity. I turn to Romans 12:12:
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
At 3 AM, this verse speaks to me about the ongoing journey.
"Be joyful in hope": This isn't just for celebrations. It's the underlying current of optimism and trust that allows us to cherish memories of the feast and enthusiastically tackle the vast, frozen landscapes of Thirvaldi. Our hope isn't tied to circumstances, but to something eternal.
"Patient in affliction": Even after a wonderful holiday, the realities of life, the exhaustion, and the crankiness can bring their own small "afflictions." Patience grounds us, reminding us that God is working, even when the work is slow or difficult.
"Faithful in prayer": This is the constant lifeline. Prayer connects the joy of the feast and the stress of the writing, ensuring both are rooted in God's presence.
As this Friday morning unfolds, let this be your guide: be joyful in the hope you have, be patient with yourself and others as you adjust, and be faithful in prayer as you continue to build your worlds.
I wanted to make sure I got this out to you all now. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. Have a blessed Friday.
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