Three Fs of 2020 by Gail Johnson

Three Fs of 2020 

Have you struggled to find inspiration this year? I daresay we all have at some point. I'm sure we'd like to forget some events in 2020. But if we pray and look around us, we may find the needed encouragement in the oddest places.

Plant Your Dreams by Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson

Spending time in nature gives me peace, and it stirs my creativity. It’s where I feel closest to God. So, today’s post by author Gail Johnson deeply inspires me—and gives me hope. Enjoy! ~ Dawn

Plant Your Dreams

When we moved our house to the piece of land we call home, it was nothing but a barren sand ridge. The only trees in our yard were the ones we left standing when we cleared the land. We didn't have money for landscaping, so every spring found me planting tufts of grass taken from our former yard behind my in-loves.

Throughout the coming years, I planted shrubs, trees, and flowers. I enjoyed some plants the moment I stuck them in the dirt, but I had to wait for certain flowers. Like the year I planted gladiolus and daffodil bulbs.

Those bulbs didn't bloom that year or the next, or the year after that. In fact, they remained hidden for so long, I completely forgot about them. When they finally appeared in all their glory, I had to think hard about where they came from and when I had planted them.

Our writing dreams can be like those bulbs. We may spend years cultivating stories without a promise of publication. The longer we write, the more we fight the urge to give up. If you're in a waiting season, remember, burying and planting are the same in action, but not in thought. When we bury something, we don't expect to see it again in this lifetime. But when we plant something, we plant it knowing that it will soon appear and bring pleasure to others.

Don't bury your gift. Cultivate with confidence. Plant your dreams in faith and expect "that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." And one day, when you least expect it, your story will bloom for His glory.

What are you planting this year?


Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay

If you're in a waiting season, remember, burying and planting are the same in action, but not in thought. #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @GailJohnson87

Don't bury your gift. Cultivate with confidence. Plant your dreams in faith and with expectation. #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @GailJohnson87

Treasures of Hope

Treasures of Hope

When long-buried memories of abuse resurface, Gail faces a choice: continue ignoring the implications of her nightmares and remain a captive of fear and shame, or dare to remove the painful chains binding her present to her past. Unearthing the sorrows of her past would not be easy and distressing questions would arise along the way to challenge her faith.

Why would a God of both love and justice allow this abuse?
Why does He expect me to forgive my abuser?
If He let this happen, does He truly love me at all?

In her memoir, Treasures of Hope: Discovering the Beautiful Truth Beneath My Painful Past, Gail Johnson shares the truths she uncovered while studying earlier daughters of both harm and hope. As she became better acquainted with women of the Bible like Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, Rahab, Tamar, and Esther, their stories spoke truth into her own, mining the jewels of Identity and Purpose, Intimacy, Incomparability, Courage, Peace, and Victory. With each new discovery, Gail traded a length of chain for a balm of gold . . . and unearthed treasures that would sever the past’s stranglehold on her life, allowing her to live joyously in the present and anticipate the future with emboldened hope.



Gail Johnson enjoys sharing her passion for life and Christ through the power of the written word. Whether it’s through stories, articles, or songs, she invites her reader and listener to “taste and see” the hope she has found in a faithful God and loving Savior. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the author of Treasures of Hope, Discovering the Beautiful Truth Beneath My Painful Past, a memoir.

You can find Gail online—at Inspired Prompt, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Amazon Author Page.

Growing in Courage by Gail Johnson

The following post from Gail Johnson ran on my personal blog in 2018. She has graciously agreed to share it with the readers of Seriously Write, because we all need an extra measure of courage on occasion. ~ Sandy

Some people are born courageous while others must learn how to cultivate it. I fit into both categories. I was fearless as a child, but later I had to learn how to squash the weed of fear so the fruit of courage could grow. And the gardening never stops.

When I planned to write my memoir, I faced questions. Why should I venture out into unknown territory, a place of vulnerability? What will people think of me after sharing my story? Where will I find the answers to finish this task?

But no matter what I did, my story refused to leave me alone. One morning I conceded and put my notes together. Oh, boy! The more I typed, the more dissatisfied I became. I failed to find the perfect formula to share my story. Still, something rose inside of me.

I printed out the pages and laid them on the table. After scrutinizing the text, I could see the personal stories needed rearranging. So I took scissors—yep, scissors—and separated the stories and then taped them where I believed they should go. By the time I had finished, they were in the order they are in the book.

Meanwhile a friend, who is a developmental editor, contacted me and asked if I needed her that year. I stared at the question. I had a choice. Say no, or commit to write like a madwoman to reach my goal.

Suddenly, the Lord impressed me with a date. I typed that date into a message even while fear screamed, “Have you lost your mind? You can't do this. You’ll never finish on time.” Still, I hit the send button.” She penciled in the date. I felt sick.

Courage is not instantaneous. It grows as we reach our goal step-by-step. I arrived every day to write, cry, mourn, and hope. And I’m so glad I did. It was the most liberating experience of my life.

Viewing my story as a finished manuscript, I connected the disjointed notes and saw every drop of God’s grace in my life. And during the following months of rewriting and publishing, I watched the Lord knock over every obstacle of fear and doubt. To this day, I have yet to miss a deadline. He truly is faithful.

Experience teaches us courage. Go ahead. Take that leap of faith!

Other than prayer and Bible reading, how do you grow your courage?

~~~~~~

Gail Johnson enjoys sharing her passion for life and Christ through the power of the written word. Whether it’s through stories, articles, or songs, she invites her reader and listener to “taste and see” the hope she has found in a faithful God and loving Savior. Born and raised in Georgia, she is a wife and mother of two adult children. She enjoys lots of family time, good music, maple pecan ice cream, and southern living.

Keep Pushing! by Gail Johnson

Writing and publishing a book has sometimes been compared to birthing a baby. There’s a lot of truth in that, as relayed in today’s post by Gail Johnson. Boy, can I relate! ~ Dawn

Keep Pushing!

When I became pregnant the second time, I did everything right. No cheeseburgers with extra pickles, no sitting around waiting. I ate my veggies and did my exercises.   

The first due date was February 14. Later, the doctor changed it to February 22. That didn’t happen either. My son refused to play along. March rolled around and they induced labor. After hours of pangs and an unexpected cesarean section, 9 pounds and 6 ounces of screaming flesh emerged, and we understood why I had failed to deliver my child. Ouch!

I tell you that story because every birth isn’t the same. Some moms do not carry a babe as long as others. Some deliver mere weeks after conception and others after hours—sometimes days of excruciating labor. Some women seem to blink and the baby appears, while others, like myself, need help.

It’s the same with writing. Some conceive an idea, and within months they’ve produced a robust bouncing story. Others conceive and labor—maybe years—before presenting their little bundle of joy to the world. This journey is unique. Certain steps may be easy for one, while excruciatingly difficult for another.

This year has been an I-didn’t-see-that-one-coming year. Obstacles and detours kept popping up along the way. You know what I’m talking about. Life happens and we must learn to roll with the punches. Easier said than done, I know. But once labor begins, it doesn’t stop. If we keep pushing, eventually, we will give birth to our dream.

A wise friend recently reminded me, “God’s timing is perfect.” I agree. Just as in childbearing, our WIP has a birthday too. God knows the perfect time to unfold it. So whatever pangs you are feeling at this moment, let me encourage you. Today’s birthing pangs will become tomorrow’s joyous cries of victory. Keep pushing!

With what part of the writing process do you struggle?

Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson enjoys sharing her passion for life and Christ through the power of the written word. Whether it’s through stories, articles, or songs, she invites her reader and listener to “taste and see” the hope she has found in a faithful God and loving Savior. Born and raised in Georgia, she is a wife and mother of two adult children. She enjoys lots of family time, good music, maple pecan ice cream, and southern living.

You can learn more and connect with Gail here:

https://centerofhiswheel.com/

 https://www.facebook.com/GailJohnson87

https://twitter.com/GailJohnson87 

The Write Race by Gail Johnson

Take a peek at the photos on my camera, and you will quickly surmise this girl loves capturing horses in action. So it was only natural that I watched the Kentucky Derby this year. However, it wasn’t the horses that held my attention but the amazing stories behind the majestic animals, especially Gunnevera's trainer, Antonio Sano.

The Kentucky Derby

In Venezuela, he was known as the best—the “Czar of the Hippodrome” until his life changed in 2009 when he was kidnapped twice in one year. The first time his kidnappers drove him to an ATM, forced him to give them money, and then released him. The second time, he was held for thirty-six days. This time a $360,000 ransom was paid for his freedom. That year changed Sano’s life forever. He and his family left the life they knew and came to America to begin again.

Sano built a new life in Florida and in 2015, along with three Venezuelan clients, purchased a $16,000 yearling named Gunnevera. That horse and Sano proved to be winners in nine races. Two years later, Sano stood in front of the Churchhill Downs stall that housed Gunnevera. The dream of a lifetime! The Kentucky Derby.

Sano’s story is one of determination in the midst of the most horrible circumstances. We may never face such conditions. But we all have our own race to run.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV

So what can a writer learn from a horse trainer?

• Never let your circumstances dictate your actions.
• Learn to recognize a blessing when you see it.
• Before you can contend, you must show up.
• Not everyone runs the same race.
• One loss doesn’t prove your worth.
• Keep your eyes on the prize.
• Celebrate every victory accordingly!

So, my friend, run your race in your own unique way. And when you reach the finish line on this project, take a break, and then begin your next project! Happy writing!

Gail Johnson

To hear more about Gunnevera and Sano click here. To find out who won the 2017 Derby, click here.

About the Author

Gail Johnson is a retired cosmetologist and homeschool teacher. She lives in the South on a farm with her family and three dogs where she writes inspirational fiction/nonfiction. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and is currently learning the entire process of indie publishing. You can connect with her on Center of His Wheel, Facebook, and Twitter.

For more posts by Gail Johnson, click here. 

The Comparison Corner by Gail Johnson

Have you ever compared yourself to another? You know, when you look at their bio and spy their list of accomplishments and say what in the world am I thinking? I have lost my mind! If so, you’re not alone.

"Creativity takes courage." - Henri Matisse, artist

Henri Matisse, a famous French artist, must have thought the same thing when he said, 

“It has bothered me all my life that I do not paint like everybody else.”

I find it strange that a famous artist would compare himself to others. Why would he do such a thing? To answer that question, I went in search of the story behind the quote. What I found helped me realize every gift is as unique as the artist. 

Like every famous person, Henri Matisse didn’t start out as a renowned artist. He began painting after his mother purchased art supplies for him while he recovered from an attack of appendicitis. That gift changed his life forever.

By 1905, his art fell under the label of Fauvism, characterized by the use of vibrant and unnaturalistic colors. Most people didn’t like this form of art. When Matisse unveiled Woman with a Hat, a portrait of his wife, people laughed at his use of raw colors on the canvas.

Their laughter may have bothered Matisse, but it didn’t stop him from painting. He studied artists such as Paul Cezanne, Paul Gauguin, Vincent Van Gogh, and Paul Signac. Yet, he remained true to himself even while incorporating some of their techniques. For instance, he used Cezanne’s method of space, and Georges Seurat and Paul Signac technique of pointillism to create his Woman with a Parasol in 1905.

Matisse’s story got me to thinking…and praying. Eventually, I stepped away from the comparison corner and learned to appreciate my gift. I understand that writing, like painting, takes practice. I learn by doing. The first draft will be a mess. And even after it has been edited umpteen dozen times, it will never be a masterpiece to some. But like Matisse, I keep studying the craft and practicing my technique.

I do that by learning from other writers. I read novels, follow blogs, and subscribe to newsletters. I am a member of ACFW and a critique group. I keep the helpful advice and discard the rest. When I begin writing, I search my notes of the dos and don’ts. But, the technique is all mine.

Another thing I had to do was settle in my mind that everyone may not be a fan of my writing or chosen genre. Frankly, I’m not a fan of every genre or every writer, either. But, like Matisse, I will study, respect, and support my fellow artists because I can appreciate the work involved in producing their story.

In the end, Matisse had the last laugh when his paintings sold for millions, and his face appeared on the 1930 cover of Time magazine. So, if by chance you are chained to the comparison corner, I encourage you not to give up. Keep studying and keep writing! There is an audience of fans waiting for just you!

About the Author

Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson is a retired cosmetologist and homeschool teacher. She lives in the South on a farm with her family and three dogs where she writes inspirational fiction/nonfiction. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and is currently learning the entire process of indie publishing. You can connect with her on Center of His Wheel, Facebook, and Twitter.

My 3-D Life by Gail Johnson

Waiting is hard, especially when you have that dream that seems to be put on hold for a reason you can't understand. Today, Gail Johnson shares her experience with the three Ds. -- Sandy

Gail: Last year I watched my twenty-three-year-old son struggle with the path the Lord was asking him to follow. Each day he traversed the same timbered trails while crying and seeking answers. Weeks later while praying with him, I heard the Lord whisper, “I’m not late, and you’re not behind.”

I repeated what I had heard to my son, who chuckled even while the tears continued streaming down his face. At this point in time, I must admit I was beginning to question God’s timing myself. Yet here we were being assured that we were not behind and God was not late.

The Lord recently reminded me of His words.

In 2005, I could no longer ignore the tugging of my heart to write. I enrolled in a creative writing class and began crafting short stories. Two years later, I began a Christian fiction novel, My Desire, Chronicles of Adora. In 2009, I enrolled in the two-year Apprentice Course at CWG. But life didn’t go as planned.

Disappointments

In 2010, as my husband and I struggled with major health issues our marriage stalled as we grew apart. Something we had thought impossible before. Between the angry outbursts and the silent days, I struggled to write about happily-ever-after. Eventually, I stored the manuscript and walked away.

Delays

In 2014, I began hearing my characters once more. Finally with my marriage back on track, I enrolled in the Journeyman’s Course and began working again on My Desire. I was even planning a prequel! But it wasn’t to be…not yet. The Lord asked me to write my current WIP, a creative non-fiction piece of heartache and healing—defeat and triumph. Hello, You (Working title) is scheduled to be published this year.

Detours

Detours are like flies. Often annoying. But as I crafted this story, I traveled back through the past forty years of my life—something I had avoided for decades—and found disappointments, delays, and detours scattered throughout. Yet, without them, I could not have written this book.

I have come to appreciate my 3-D life. For a while, I thought them to be stumbling blocks. But to my surprise, they have proven to be building blocks that bring my stories to life.

And so, as I sit pounding the keyboard toward my deadline, I am reminded nothing is ever as it seems at first glance. God is always up to something. He is never late. And in the end, we are never behind.

Has God ever shown you that His timing is not yours? Have you experienced the 3 Ds?

~~~~~

Gail Johnson writes inspirational stories and songs to encourage her readers and listeners. She is currently working on a creative nonfiction story scheduled for publication this year. She is a retired homeschool teacher and cosmetologist. She is also a fighter, blogger, reader, music lover, amateur carpenter, and four-wheeler rider. Visit her at:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/GailJohnson87

Website: www.centerofhiswheel.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GailJohnson87

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/GailJohnson87/