Category: Photographs

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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Tears Flow By

Why? Why kill? Why?
People, all people,
Every individual,
Each person,
Here and everywhere,
Is precious, priceless.
Human beings are
Repositories of
Creativity, goodness,
Kindness, generosity,
Faith, and hope.
When one of us
Is destroyed,
Cut down,
A bit of light,
Of happiness,
Of glory departs
The world forever;
An emptiness
Overwhelms me.
My heart aches,
Salty tears flow from
My burning eyes,
Over pale cheeks!
Is there no love
Left among us?
Why? I cry! Why?

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, July 6, 2016

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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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Hope In A Moment

I gravitate toward God
It is natural for me,
Sometimes I also
Wallow in the murk;
Because sin haunts me.

My mouth speaks prayers,
Gratitude, and praise,
Sometimes I curse
Like someone lost;
Sin tossed on the sea.

I believe I am saved,
Born again, a Christian,
Sometimes I worry
I am wrong, deceived;
His Spirit is not in me.

Without His grace
Nothing would I be;
Sometimes I wonder
If Jesus truly meant
Salvation for me.

I am a human bundle
Of troublesome contradictions;
Sometimes my faith
Lifts my soul so I see Christ,
In eternity, is waiting for me.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, July 6, 2016

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Children of Interesting Times

Come over here,
Pour the 151,
And we will party
Like we have the time.
Maybe if the world is to end,
We will still be smiling,
And will not have to cry.
The truth is,
Though my destination is
Fixed and I am ready;
I do not want to die.
Death is a gentleman
And shall pass us on by.
Turn up the music,
Listen to the band;
The drink tastes great,
We will make a stand.
Love is in the air,
And our company is fine.
Continue the conversation,
Just remember the lines.
If you have a story;
Make it sing
Of beauty, freedom,
And passion in kind.
Our joy will carry us
Through eternity,
Forever is our destiny,
We are blessed, children
Of interesting times.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Please do not be offended, I think this might be a song, transmitted to me, which wanted to be written down. Once I wrote like this, all the time.

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Some Textual Photos I Created Today

Mothers Day 2016

Tribute to Penny

Butterfly & Flowers_edited with text

Red Lilies

Writing Inspirations Photo_edited

I hope you enjoyed these creations from my photos. I hope you have an awesome day. I encourage you to create something today. You are capable of making whatever you desire and it will enrich your life. The world needs more of us to share our originality.

I am grateful today:

1.     I was accepted for a Creative Writing Specialization with Wesleyan University on financial aid.
2.     I have the technological devices I need to do creative work.
3.     I have access to multitudes of books through my local library.
4.     I had my eyes examined and have new contacts and glasses that make the world clear for me.
5.     We have plenty of food to sustain us.
6.     I have some beautiful clothing.
7.     Our home is temperate and comfortable.
8.     Some of my creative work was published in the Chapel Hill News & Views.
9.     We have had our Explorer a year, and it is one of the best vehicles I have ever driven.
10.   I have some wonderful, supportive friends around the world.

Now it is your turn. Make a list of at least five things for which you are grateful today. This will have a positive effect on you even, and especially, if you are going through a difficult time. Life looks better when you count your blessings. It makes you appreciate what you have, in spite of what you may lack.

Here is a picture I took a while back that I call, “Meet Me Here.” Your creative challenge is to write a story that might happen here, or one about this photo. Have fun, and do not allow your inner critic to stymie your work. You have the ability to create something wonderful.

Meet Me Here

Finally, if you enjoyed what you have seen here, please subscribe to my blog. I would love for you to share this blog with your friends if you feel it would add quality to their lives.

All the work found here is originally created by Jo Ann J. A. Jordan and is covered by copyright. Should you wish to share please credit the work.

All the best to each of you,
God Bless,
Always,
Jo Ann

One Step, One Handhold, At A Time

01/04/2016

You get your prompt at the beginning today. You were not expecting that, were you? I usually make you wait so you read what else I have written…

Climbing is hard work, but each milestone along your path brings special gifts which encourage you to continue. What have you gained as you work to fulfill your dream? What has inspired you to reach greater heights? Share your accomplishments to motivate yourself and others.

Now create something from this prompt. You are a creative person and have the ability to complete anything you desire. This is a simple exercise.

Get busy!

I stayed up all night. This seems to be becoming a pattern. One crash night and day, then one night and day into night and on to the morning staying up. Might be a little manic going on here. Watching it closely. I also seem to have an overabundance of ideas soaring through my mind.

Going to share a few thoughts I have been entertaining with you all. I have never considered journalism as an outlet for my talents, but since I have been reading The New York Times and Atlanta Journal – Constitution fairly regularly, I have come to think I might have something to contribute in this format. I know many writers got their start in the business through newspapers and periodicals. I am a little afraid my credentials will not stand me in good stead in this market, but all they can tell me is no. I have heard no before, and guess what? It has not killed me. I am tough, well, at least I can dodge with the best of them. I have no college degree, but have done a great deal of self-motivated learning through reading and free courses online. I have no particular publishing credits, but I have edited and published a desktop produced magazine. I have written since I was a very young child. This is my life. Words carry me, nourish me, move me toward achieving my purpose.

I have worked as a volunteer Publicity Chairman for Sweetwater Camera Club doing page layout and design for almost four years with a local ad funded magazine called The Chapel Hill News & Views. I doubt they will pay me, but I think they might be willing to publish some articles. I have not asked yet, but I have some ideas. I am thinking of doing some public interest pieces and some health articles. I have ideas of people to interview.
The question is; do I have the skills necessary? If you have an opinion, please share it with me in the comments below.

I am reading a new motivational book, which I will cover in more detail later, but it reinforces the ideas I have been having about doing something that gets me more into public view. I cannot have significant impact on people’s lives without widespread publication. Blogging, and social media alone are not enough to reach many. I want to encourage, inspire, motivate, and empower others to become creators who influence their destinies through what they create. I think I have ideas worth sharing.

I hope that by helping others I can also help myself and become self-sufficient. I want to share my challenges, but I want to overcome them so they no longer define me. I want to be measured by what I accomplish, not a disease I cannot control. I have struggled, but I want to shine. God willing, I can do things that in my own power are not possible.

I am doing a gratitude list again today. Join me by noting your blessings. It seems to bolster my positive attitude and you may find it helpful to you too.

I Am Grateful:

1) I went to physical therapy, although I really did not want to go.

2) I gave the staff some bookmarks and a box of cookies.

3) I helped a friend today.

4) Even though I have been very negative lately my best friend has not deserted me.

5) I started reading a great motivational book on Kindle.

6) I did not lose my stylus though it dropped out of my phone case several times.

7) Hope talked to me when I came home. She is so adorable.

8) My mentor and I talked a while this evening.

9) Since SunTrust was closed, I came home sooner than I planned.

10) The SYNC system in the Explorer worked better than ever.
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This space held a poem yesterday. I am not convinced I can poem today. I shall try:

As I Climb

I am blessed with
A gift the Creator wants
Me to share freely,
Or I do not believe He
Would have given it to me.

I need to pull up
Through my depths of poverty,
Becoming myself
Sufficient to support my
Own needs without assistance.

I am strong enough
To carry my own heaviness
Without you others
Looking after me without
Wanting to do, charity.

I know I have worked
And my benefits are mine,
But some are jealous;
They see me as parasite
Unworthy of such little.

I want more, freedom,
Choice to have the many things
Denied me so long,
I want health, I want wealth, and
I want to hold my head high.

So now undaunted
I will climb much higher up
Reaching lofty prize
Of the life I have long dreamed
I deserved to live and share.

I am blessed with
A gift the Creator wants
Me to share freely,
Or I do not believe He
Would have given it to me.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, January 4, 2016

I finished up just at midnight. Pardon this poem if it is a bit crass. I hope you enjoy most of this bit of thinking in ink. I have done a poor job, I am afraid, but I am a bit tired this late. Sleep, the pillow and sheets call.

May each of you create your dream come true. Please take time to subscribe to this blog if you enjoyed reading it. I would love to hear from you if you would leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Progress Report and New Beginning

I have made a great deal of progress since December 6, 2013, just walking and watching calories. I am down from 200 pounds to 179.6 pounds as of this morning.

Today, I am starting 10 Week Body Change. I had to take measurements and a photo to begin.

Weight: 179.6 pounds
Hips: 43 inches
Waist: 38 inches
Left thigh: 25 inches
Right thigh: 25 inches

I know that is pretty awful, and maybe too much information, but I want to come back with progress…

It is a good thing I already made some significant changes, because sodas are taboo, as are artificial water sweeteners… Gonna be some difficulty with that, but at least I have somewhat weaned myself.

The food choices look pretty good, but some things are gonna be challenging.

My new goal is 120 pounds… That should be quite a change.

We shall see…

Here is what I look like today:

Start of BodyChange 2014-01-20

I am so grateful to have come this far… Now I have more to look forward to accomplishing.

Always,
Jo Ann

Otherwise Entertained (7)

Morgan and Tony gathered their books, dice, drinks, chips, and character sheets together before driving over to Ramsey’s house. The date had been set at their previous session and no phone calls had come in to change the time. Ramsey’s mother generously allowed the bunch of them to set up in her rather large and very comfortable den a few times each week.

They were the last ones to arrive. Ramsey was already set up behind his Dungeon Master’s screen and Morgan had no doubt he had a harrowing array of events in mind for the evening. Kelvin, Wagner, Cade, and Max were already sitting scattered around the den. Sawyer did not play the game, but as Ramsey’s older brother, he sometimes made brief appearances, especially when the noise levels were high.

Morgan’s character died on the last adventure so everyone waited while she rolled a new character with her favorite green dice. Ramsey kept a watchful eye on the proceedings. He always made sure the scores were not enhanced to a player’s advantage. Her dexterity score was very high so she chose to be a thief, and because she had been reading Tolkien’s books, she chose to be a Halfling. This gave her some language advantages that would be an asset to the group. She named her character Celeste and joined the party at one of the inns in Devon.

Tony’s character was a human cleric named Cornelius. Kelvin’s character was a half-orc named Kaos, who being a chaotic fighter caused quite a bit of trouble in the game. Wagner played a human paladin with the name Marcellus. Cade was an elven magic user named Brandon. Max played a dwarf fighter named Silas.

Celeste managed to steal a few supplies they needed for their adventure before Kaos caused a fight that got the group run out of town. They found a curious hole in one of the hills several miles from town. When Silas went inside to explore, he soon returned saying it appeared to be a keep. They followed him into the darkness where their torches threw eerie shadows on the walls. They entered a large chamber and found several chests strewn around the room. Celeste attempted to pick one of the locks and succeeded. Inside the chest were some scrolls, which Brandon quickly claimed, a dagger, which she took for herself, and a few gold pieces, over which the others began to squabble. The noise rose and suddenly several orcs with weapons appeared. Celeste moved behind the stronger characters and took out her sling. Watching for an opportunity, she shot at their opponents in the melee. Ramsey told her each missile had a chance to hit the others in the group. He did rolls to determine if she hit her companions. Luckily, her shots hit her targets and she helped kill the orcs.

The guys had her try the lock on another chest, but she could not pick it. They moved on after she failed once more. Ramsey called for a break and they all went into the kitchen and devoured some snacks that each of them had contributed. Ramsey’s sister, Jane, made a rare appearance and quickly disappeared back into the private rooms of the house.

When they returned to the game, they went deeper into the dark halls of the keep. They decided to open a huge steel door, but Celeste’s lock picking skills were not up to the task. Brandon cast a spell he found on one of the scrolls obtained earlier and the portal opened. As they stepped inside the room, a group of skeletons attacked them. Cornelius and Marcellus had holy water and that was most effective against the monsters, but the whole group sustained serious damage before conquering the skeletons. When the weakened party explored the room, they found a very large chest. Celeste opened it with her tools and they found a sword, a mace, and a ring inside. There were also silver pieces, which they divided among themselves. An argument broke out over who would have the weapons and ring, Kaos began shouting as if he were berserk. Celeste, Cornelius, and Marcellus managed to quiet the others before something else could find them. They rode to another town and the game broke up for the night.

Morgan and Tony invited the others to come over to their apartment for drinks, but everyone had to be up early in the morning, so they went home alone. Tony went to bed soon after they got home. Morgan stayed up thinking about how Kelvin had acted during the game. Nothing about him, she decided, was simple.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Edited Cover Concept - Otherwise Entertained 

This is the edited cover concept. I would love to have your opinions on which you like better.

Always,
Jo Ann

Cover Concept

I suppose I am going to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. On the website there was a place to upload a cover photo. My drawing from the other night did not work, so I created a new one. I hope you will like this:

Cover Concept - Otherwise Entertained

Remember I am an amateur…

Always,
Jo Ann