Category: Bible

Prayer For Love

This poem, I dedicate to every person who has ever died because of jealousy, hate, unreasoning rage, or war; from Abel to the latest homicide or terror victim to the defenders of our lives. This poem, I also dedicate to every person who attempts to love in spite of all the unfairness of our world; from the lover cuddling the beloved to the missionary ministering in a hostile land to the parent kissing a child.

Prayer For Love

Hearts open,
Minds aware,
Spirits real,
Souls afire,
We cry for love.

Love reaches
Out to us,
Whoever we are,
Love makes
No distinctions.

We are offspring
Of love’s existence,
From the dawn
Of humanity
Until this day.

Love is our
Birthright,
Our destiny,
In love we are
And shall remain.

We crave freedom,
Respect, trust,
Honesty, family,
Friends, each life matters,
All products of love.

Love is thankful,
Kind, understanding,
Generous, helpful,
Forgiving, treasures life,
Love is a gift.

We create futures
Built around the gift
Of love which makes
Every one of us special,
Lives devoted to love.

Above all is love
The only solution
To our souls’ desolation,
Dare I say it, yes,
I believe, God is LOVE!

Hearts open,
Minds aware,
Spirits real,
Souls afire,
We cry for love.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, July 8, 2016

‪#‎GodSaveAmerica‬

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The Present Danger & The Victory

A terrorist is a person who has willingly been misled into a belief system that is inimical to life and liberty. He or she has embraced a diabolical ideology that foments terrible violence, destruction, and elimination of human life.

We, as a nation, Americans, as a people, have always held the beliefs that life and liberty are sacred. Our ideology is one of compassion, construction, and respect for all life.

Unfortunately, there is a war going on. It is a war for the hearts and minds of human beings. It is being waged worldwide, and all the actors are not flesh and blood. There are, of course, people involved, but there are also principalities and powers who are stronger than we. There are ideals not easily banished from susceptible humanity.

To win this war it will take the sacrifice of precious lives in combat, of lives that are taken without just cause, lives we can ill afford to lose. If we win, if we overcome this present evil, we will also have to submit ourselves to the love and power of Almighty God. Christ is the One, who will ultimately win this war. It has always been waged throughout all history. We will triumph in the Lord! Heed the call! Jesus is Coming! Everybody Get Ready, The King Is Coming!

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Creativity Project Year Two-Day 64

Journal entry:

Journal 3-13-20130001

Journal 3-13-20130002

Journal 3-13-20130003

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Our Redeemer

Whoever you are,
Wherever you come from,
However you have lived,
The Lord is seeking you…
He wants a relationship
Especially with you.

Jesus came and died
Because He knew you
Would need a Savior
And He arose to conquer
Death and guarantee
You everlasting life.

Whoever you are,
Wherever you come from,
However you have lived,
Jesus is waiting for you
To call upon His name
And join His Kingdom.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, March 13, 2013

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I am grateful:

1.   I did not fall asleep in church this morning.
2.   I was able to eat lunch and supper with friends.
3.   Mom did not catch the house on fire when she warmed her Chick-Fil-A sandwich in its wrapper in the microwave and fire broke out.
4.   I was able to attend the World Missions Conference this week.
5.   The conference is over.

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This Wednesday has been a wonderful day. I hope your day was productive and enjoyable. Take time to create something while you have a spare moment. If you engage your imagination it will lead you.

As a prompt, write about your reaction to the Truth I shared above. You might write a poem, story, or journal entry, but if you do, please share a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles for email updates. Just enter your email in the space above. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 21

Journal entry:

Journal 1-29-20130001

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Transformation

I am not convinced
That I have any answers
To heavy questions
Of living and existence,
But I make the best of it.

I find some great truths
Within the Bible’s story
Of God’s constant work
In redeeming each of us
Through Jesus’s sacrifice.

I believe and am
Convinced there is more than this
Suffering and grind,
There is a reality
Beyond what we envision.

There is a Heaven,
There is Christ my sweet Savior,
There is eternal
Life given freely by grace
To anyone believing.

My Lord chose me from
The beginning of all time
And remains with me
Throughout all passing ages
Making me totally whole.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, January 29, 2013

The page I pasted up for the Chapel Hill News & Views…

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I am grateful:

1.   I made it through the day despite staying up all night.
2.   I was able to communicate with Richard and get his advice.
3.   Hoke and I had some conversations through Facebook chat.
4.   Mom has felt a little better today.
5.   I accomplished a lot and spent some time outside.

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I have had a very productive Tuesday. I hope your day also fulfilled your expectations. I am a bit tired, but I devoted time to creation this evening. You can without doubt do the same. You have the talent, just make a concerted effort.

As a prompt, write about some sort of transformation. These things occur around us and within us daily, so you should be able to draw from your experience. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I would appreciate your leaving a comment and possibly subscribing to Chronicles. You are a major motivating factor for the work I do here and your voice counts with me.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 12

Journal entry:

Journal 1-20-20130001

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Nearly, Dearly

Maybe
I do not know
Or deeply understand,
But I am led deeper into
Relationship with Christ the Savior by
The Holy Spirit who lives in
My heart always wooing
Me, bringing me
Closer

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, January 20, 2013

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I am grateful:

1.   I spent over an hour thoroughly cleaning my bathroom during the night.
2.   I decided to stay up all night so that I would not miss going to church.
3.   I had a hot shower.
4.   I decided to stay for Worship Service, and it was much better than last week.
5.   Mom went to town with me this afternoon.
6.   Mom shopped with me at Sam’s Club.
7.   I have thought of a way to replace Mom’s Ensure if needed.
8.   I can make fruit smoothies that will be a good substitute.
9.   I got two nice shirts and two more devotionals for very good prices at Sam’s Club.
10. This blog challenges me to do more than I believe possible.

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My Sunday has been fabulous. I hope you have enjoyed your day as well. Make time to nourish the creative part of yourself by making something wonderful to share with the world. You are talented enough to excel if you apply your efforts diligently.

As a prompt, write about your understanding of the purpose of the Bible. Even if you are not a Christian you likely have encountered the most popular book in all history. If you have questions, I will attempt to answer them, or search out an answer. Should you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I would love to read your thoughts, suggestions, or even criticism, so please leave a comment. If you enter your email above, you can join the mailing list for Chronicles and receive updates in your inbox.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 341

Journal entry:

Journal 12-15-20120001

When There Is Crisis

When things
Fall apart and
Madness appears to rule
Our world, there is a safe haven,
A place, a person to whom we can turn
His name is Jesus and He stands
Ready to take us in arms
Give us hope of
Heaven

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, December 15, 2012

Photographs:

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I am grateful:

1.   I talked to my friend Dana last night, and greatly enjoyed our conversation.
2.   I was able to go back to sleep after being awakened by a phone call this morning.
3.   We had some extra extension cords.
4.   Jeremy came, cleaned our gutters, and check out the truck.
5.   I found out there is a small raise in my Social Security for 2013.

I have had a nice Saturday. I hope you were able to relax and enjoy your day. Before your day is over, take time to work creatively. It will spice up your day and give it more meaning.

As a prompt, write about what Christmas, or the holiday you celebrate during this season, means to you. You might write an expressive poem, a whimsical story, or a simple journal entry. Just apply your imagination and write.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me, please leave a comment. To receive daily updates you can subscribe to Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 237

Journal entry:

Journal 9-2-20120001

The poem below is in answer to today’s prompt at The Sunday Whirl. The words from that site are in italics. I hope you will visit there if you need a creativity boost.

Small Miracle

There must have been nine
Angels dressed in pearly white
Or some large number
Watching over me last night,
Because evidence is clear.

I could not refresh
Myself in peaceful sleep, but
Had my heart laid bare,
My mind was so gassed up with
Caffeine it was in high gear.

Somehow a smooth shift
In perception did occur,
And in the final
Hours before the breaking dawn
I chose to ready myself.

Services started
Well before nine this morning,
But I was at church
Anticipating Sunday
School without any complaint.

Surely evidence
God had His hand guiding me
Throughout the final
Hours of the swift passing night
So I would refresh my soul.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, September 2, 2012

Photographs:

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Sculpture in the foyer of Central Baptist Church. I purposely enlarged it so maybe you can see the detail. I think it is gorgeous and so poetic.

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A backdrop where the youth meet…

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A mural on the wall in the youth assembly…

I am grateful:

1.   I took a shower during the night and got dressed in anticipation of going to church.
2.   I left in time to get a good parking place.
3.   I visited with some of the church family I had not seen in some time.
4.   I was able to participate in the Sunday School Class discussion.
5.   I bought enough drinks for a while at Wal-Mart.
6.   I hand washed some clothes Mom had messed up before putting them in the washer.
7.   I got home in time to fix Mom’s lunch.
8.   Even though my mind was boggled by the wordle, I came up with a poem.
9.   My shoulder is not hurting too bad.
10.  I got some pictures at church.

I hope your Sunday has been glorious. I have enjoyed mine immensely, though I am a bit exhausted. I hope you will make time to exercise your creativity. I know it is not always easy, but the effort is worthwhile. You just have to make use of the opportunity to the best of your ability.

For a prompt, write about something unexpected or unplanned that you have done recently. I know our lives are busy and structured, but surely you can think of an event. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you chose to visit my blog. I hope you enjoyed your stay and will return often. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, I would appreciate your leaving a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

365 Creativity Project-Day 149

Journal entry:

Journal 6-6-20120001

Today’s poem is in answer to the prompt on Poetic Asides. I think you will find it inspirational, so go there and see what it suggests you create.

No Idle Time

Thin sharpened branches
Or sometimes long welding rods
Held hot dog wieners
Over the dancing bright flames
On cricket song breezy nights.

The reflected sun
Rippled across the water
While thundering boats
Cascaded over rough waves
Rattling our teeth on board.

Rain pattered softly
On green and yellow canvas
Lulling us to sleep
And waking we felt brand new
To begin vacation days.

Camping was childhood
Delight that never faded
In my memory
Especially my skiing
Behind our maroon Scat Craft.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Photographs:

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The notebook I finished yesterday…

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The new journal I started today…

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My darling Hope…

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Maybe my literary dog will become my muse…

I am grateful:

1.   I slept in a while.
2.   Mom is here with me.
3.   We have air conditioning.
4.   I have wonderful memories of camping as a child.
5.   Hope is such an adorable and lovable dog.

Can you believe it is Wednesday again? Time seems to speed by like a starship in warp drive. I hope your day has been enjoyable. Take time to create something that will commemorate the passage of your day. Make sure you date your creation so you can reference it in coming days.

I hope you will leave a comment letting me know your thoughts.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

365 Creativity Project-Day 114

Journal entry:

Journal 5-2-20120001

Black on White

There is space and time
Enough for us to fill up,
But words are often
Lost in the vacuum we find
Around our good intentions.

We lose the sure way
From what we intend to say,
What we really mean;
Voices waver, emotion
Colors our sayings unheard.

Yet we still speak out
Hoping to reach hearts and minds,
Not so much distant
As caught by intensity
Of all the surrounding noise.

Out of the vacuum
Arises our true meaning,
Abiding freedom,
To touch our fellow being
With love and deepest respect.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Photographs:

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Scripture… Symbolizing the good…

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A weapon… Symbolizing the darker side…

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Gardenias… Symbolizing beauty…

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Pen and notebook… Symbolizing the ability to create…

I am grateful:

1.   I am able to write.
2.   Most times the good controls me, rather than the evil.
3.   Creativity is free to all of us.
4.   Mom went out with June today.
5.   Sometimes inspiration comes to me.

I hope your Wednesday has been pleasant and that you accomplished much. Take time to create something before you retire this evening and share it with someone.

I hope you found this blog entry worthwhile. If so, please leave a comment. If not, also let me know.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

 

 

 

 

 

365 Creativity Project–Day 26

A poem I wrote in the wee hours of this morning:

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Some pictures from our trip to town:

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Mason’s Lodge which used to be a country church.

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Interesting oak tree.

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The new Dog River Library with Mom’s Explorer in the foreground.

We went to town today, because I had avoided going this week. It was the first time I had gone on Saturday in quite a while, and reminded me why I avoid town on the weekend. The place was working alive with people like a disturbed bee hive with angry bees. The ATM at my bank was offline, so I could not get my money to give Mom, as I do every month. I will have to try again another day. We ate lunch at Chick-Fil-A which was packed with people. Fortunately my wait in line was very short. We went to Wal-Mart and I looked around the parking lot and took the best available place instead of trying to get a handicapped space for Mom. We shopped without incident. I picked up two idea notebooks, four Sharpie pens, two toys for Hope, and some groceries. Mom stayed in the truck while I went into Sam’s Club to pick up her medicine and a few necessities.

I prayed about this trip to town last night. I asked that I come in contact with no idiots on the road, and shockingly no one pulled out right in front of me as usually happens. The trip went very smoothly, which is how I prayed it would go. The ATM being out of service was inconvenient, but not bad enough to ruin the pleasantness.

Unloading the truck, I got very hot and had to turn the air on in the house. It was 76 degrees in town today. I dread warmer weather, and really wish we would have a bit of cold. It is Winter and feels like late Spring.

I read the Bible aloud to Mom. We began our study of Exodus today. Moses’ attitude at the beginning of the book shows how cowardly people can be used to become great instruments in the work of God. Gives me some hope that I might be useful.

I hope you had a restful day and found something creative to work on.

Always,
Jo Ann