Wednesday, January 21, 2015

New Year Philosophy: Do! Craft! Share! Guest Johnnie Alexander

Today we have a special guest blogger, Johnnie Alexander, author of Where Treasure Hides, and she's sharing a lovely message I'm taking to heart. Join me in welcoming Johnnie!

***

New Year Philosophy: Do! Craft! Share!

In the weeks approaching January 1st, everyone seemed to be talking about resolutions, goals, and choosing “one word.” Blog posts, loop emails, Facebook updates, and conversations abounded with shoulds and shouldn’ts, advice and encouragement, plans and intentions.

So, like many of you, I made my resolution (more water, more motion), set my goal (5000 words a week till I type “The End” on my manuscript), and chose my word (a symbol actually, an acorn, which signifies potential, possibility, hope, and stability).

But this year, thanks to an answer to prayer, I’m also choosing to embrace a philosophy.

The date is Wednesday, December 17th. My faded green sweatshirt is zipped against the morning’s chill as I watch water gush from the hose into a watering tank. The alpacas are behind me, comfortably grazing from a large mound of hay, and assorted chickens scratch in the dirt and squawk at each other.

It’s a great time for praying, and I’m thinking ahead to this blog post. What can I say that’s new to those who may be weary of resolutions, goals, and seeking that one word for the year?
An hour later, snug in the kitchen and eating my cereal, I read a Joy to the (Writer’s) World! by literary agent Karen Ball. These words grip my heart:

“Too often, we writers get so tangled in all the “must dos” that we lose sight of what’s really important:
  • Doing the task God has given us
  • Crafting words steeped in His truth and spirit
  • Sharing the message He’s given us with a weary, terrified world . . .”


Wise words.

And an answered prayer.

After all, Karen’s advice is timeless, and it isn’t only for writers.

It’s for teachers and salespeople, hardworking moms and dads, those who work with their hands, and those who sit behind a desk.

Whatever our calling, our profession, our career, our ministry, we can do the task we have been given, craft whatever we do so that the One who gives us our gifts and talents is glorified, and share with those who need what we have to offer.

This year, I encourage you to keep your resolutions, achieve your goals, and focus on that significant one-word.

But I also encourage you to join me in embracing this simple philosophy:

Do! Craft! Share!

{A special thanks to Karen Ball for touching my heart with her words and for her gracious permission to use them in this post.}

***
Johnnie, I couldn't agree more! It's easy to get caught up in a crazy I-should-be-doing-this phase. I have a card on my bulletin board that says, "I Write For God." It reminds me not to worry about sales and social media and the perfect book. Thanks so much for being my guest today, Johnnie!

***



Where Treasure Hides ~

Artist Alison Schuyler spends her time working in her family’s renowned art gallery, determined to avoid the curse that has followed the Schuyler clan from the Netherlands to America and back again. She’s certain that true love will only lead to tragedy—that is, until a chance meeting at Waterloo station brings Ian Devlin into her life. Drawn to the bold and compassionate British Army captain, Alison begins to question her fear of love as World War II breaks out, separating the two and drawing each into their own battles. While Ian fights for freedom on the battlefield, Alison works with the Dutch Underground to find a safe haven for Jewish children and priceless pieces of art alike. But safety is a luxury war does not allow. As time, war, and human will struggle to keep them apart, will Alison and Ian have the faith to fight for their love, or is it their fate to be separated forever?

Where Treasure Hides is currently available as an ebook. The print edition releases August 2015.

Interested in purchasing Where Treasure Hides? Go to Amazon (linked).

***




About Johnnie ~

Johnnie Alexander is the author of Where Treasure Hides which won the ACFW Genesis Contest (2011 Historical Fiction). The first of her three contemporary romances, tentatively titled Into a Spacious Place, releases from Revell in January 2016.

She also has won the Best Novel and Best Writer awards at the Florida Christian Writers Conference and is a 2012 Bronze Medalist in the My Book Therapy Frasier Contest.

A graduate of Rollins College (Orlando) with a Master of Liberal Studies degree, Johnnie lives in the Memphis area with a small herd of alpacas, her dogs Rugby and Skye, and assorted other animals. Visit Johnnie’s Blog, Facebook  and Twitter.

 ***

Do you get caught up worrying about things you should do?

Have a terrific day!


6 comments:

  1. Hi, Jill. Thanks for hosting me on your blog. And thanks again, too, to Karen Ball whose wise words have resonated so deeply with me.

    I love the card. I write for Him, too, and I don't want to ever forget that in the midst of all the to-do's.

    May God bless us all in the coming months as we do our best to glorify Him.

    Thanks again, Jill.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Johnnie and Jill, I'm so late to the party. I love your words, Johnnie. Thank you. I know for me, I'm being pushed to digger deeper into my heart for this new Women's Fiction writing project. And it's a challenge. I'm afraid I've pushed life aside to pour my heart out into this project for the moment. But now, I'll slow down, work at perfecting it, and try not to miss life. :) But the work is such a happy place.

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When I read Karen's post, her words deeply resonated with me. I'm glad they did with you, too, and so appreciate your sharing your challenges. (I love "work is such a happy place." I so agree!!)

      Delete
  3. Shelli, it's a wonderful feeling when you're wrapped up in writing a book! I do love that! But I hear you on how it can take over. Enjoy slowing down!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Johnnie, thanks so much for a great and challenging post. Kind of relieves the pressure and focuses one on what is really important :)

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from you!