Above average,
Indubitably you are,
Rivaling the best;
Or maybe I should declare
You are best at being you.
Category: Poem
Just A Few Musings
This is a picture of me taken yesterday after physical therapy. After surgery on my right knee I need a little help getting back up to speed.
I have a few musings to share that have been written recently.
Own This
Dreams come true,
Yes they do, believe,
Say fervent prayers,
Follow your heart,
Invest your life,
Create the reality
That fits your desire.
Claim the miracle,
Make good on your promise,
Carry out your purpose,
Then watch your wishes
Become manifest in the now,
It happens, you can fulfill
All your fondest hopes.
Know it can transpire,
You have what it takes,
You deserve the gift,
Dreams come true!
Yes they do, believe,
Say fervent prayers,
Follow your heart,
Invest your life,
Create the reality
That fits your desire.
Claim the miracle,
Make good on your promise,
Carry out your purpose,
Then watch your wishes
Become manifest in the now,
It happens, you can fulfill
All your fondest hopes.
Know it can transpire,
You have what it takes,
You deserve the gift,
Dreams come true!
© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, October 28, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
Love is the answer to the questions of the soul. It has the power to relax the weary mind and supply comfort to the body. Love holds the world in place in space and time. Love is the miracle giving life in the present, and eternal existence. Be at peace for Love is, and knows your name. You are never forsaken, forgotten because Love always surrounds you. There is one Truth, and He is Love.
I equate Love with my Lord, Jesus, but see Love as you will, Love is here for you.
No Wasted Words
Writing can do magic,
Of this I am convinced,
Because it has supplied…
Me with things, once,
I thought impossible.
This life improves,
Becomes more blest,
By words written
Courageously, despite
Overwhelming fear.
To live this moment
More richly alive
Is fulfillment of
Long held dreams
Unbelievably realized.
Lessons learned
Through pages turned;
Questions asked,
Answers given,
Unconditional deliverance.
An article made request,
An inadequate email in reply,
A prayer answered;
The story continues
Much better than before.
Writing, editing, publishing,
Art, photography, design,
These things I love,
Finally, pay dividends,
Life becomes sublime.
© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, October 28, 2016
You must define yourself; no one else knows who you are. You develop your abilities, your specializations. Let no one impose limitations on you; you are capable of changing the world.
I know I don’t understand, I don’t have the experience, I cannot live your life with your challenges, but please know I am here. I want to hear your story; I want to listen carefully and learn what I can. I want to understand. I want to wrap you in love and show I care about all you are going through.
I tell you all that miracles happen all the time.
This evening I gave Mom a bath in the little bitty shower that is too small for a human being. She was standing up after I rinsed her and went to sit down. Somehow she had turned so that her bottom came outside the shower stall and she headed for the floor. I caught her mostly on the leg that hurts so much because I am still recovering from surgery and with my arms. I pushed and pulled her upward and pushed her back into the s…tall and onto her shower stool.
We managed to get her settled without a fall, but in reality, I should not have been able to do it. Both of us should have wound up with broken bones.
God was with us, and it was a miracle.
I hope November brings you many blessings. May you find many opportunities, much prosperity, and lots of love.
As a prompt today, write about something unexpected that happened over the last week and how it made you feel.
Thank you for visiting my blog. If you enjoyed your time here please subscribe and be sure to come back soon.
Always,
Jo Ann
If We Were Aware
10/2/2016
Often we do not see what is happening around and within us until after the time has passed. Our awareness is not tuned into the present. Much of the time we are ruminating over the past or fantasizing about the future. This is not an ideal way to live. Throughout time many of our most respected leaders have recommended we become more in touch with the now.
If we wish to contribute to our times in ways that are important, we must engage in every moment. Creativity is not something for which we can delve into our past to enact, nor project into the far future. The reality is now is where creation occurs. We work with the materials and details of today. We take a scene we see, a conversation overheard, an article or book read, and we turn them into something that influences others. Our ability as creators is attached to the present. We may reach people in the future, but our work does not originate there.
We must commit ourselves to paying attention, being mindful, becoming involved in each moment of every day we live. Time is a precious commodity, and we should never waste it in a daze of careless inattention. We invent our lives and thereby touch others. This is a task we should take up with determination. We cannot change the world in the past because there is no way to return there. We cannot make a difference by stepping into the future because it is not here yet. Only now, only today, in this present can we impact events. We are instruments uniquely equipped to use our creativity to contribute positively to our lives and those of others with whom we interact.
When we face life with a positive attitude, sharing our smiles and encouragement, we can do lasting good. No matter what may have happened in our past, today we can give the world something that will help make it a better place. Every human being has talents, gifts, creative energy to share.
I urge you to become more intimately involved in your life. Notice what is around you, pay attention to your thoughts, ideas, emotions, begin to employ your gifts, talents, abilities more effectively. You are unique, an individual with the power to assist others in becoming the best version of themselves, as you also achieve this yourself.
I suggest you take a few moments to examine and detail the things for which you are grateful. Gratitude has a way of improving mood and bringing happiness. Here is a short list of mine.
I am grateful:
-
I learned how to use a new app that will improve my work.
-
Magazines are available electronically from the library.
-
Conversation with my Mom is a gift I still enjoy.
-
Reading on my tablet is fun.
-
My current computer arrangement is excellent.
In this house of peace
I will have no argument,
No disagreement;
It is quiet, no one crying,
Tenderness is spoken here.
Engage your creativity with the following prompt: Express some ways or reasons why you and others can or should engage yourself in the present.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I hope you found it edifying. If you enjoyed the time you spent here, please come again. You may also subscribe to receive updates by email.
There are many unhappy things in our world. My wish for you is happiness, prosperity, and a multitude of blessings. Be at peace and do well.
Always,
Jo Ann
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
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
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
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.
Some Textual Photos I Created Today
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.
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.
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
Life Lessons Learned
If I could change it
I am not quite sure I would
For from the deep pain
Has come more compassion than
I otherwise would have known.
I have seen the dark
Inside the very heart of
Intense happiness,
And I have lived the death of
The sweetest most precious gift.
Losing your children
Without watching them grow strong
Or even later
Is an agony beyond
All human capacity.
What more pain it must
Be for all-knowing, all-loving
God to contemplate
The loss of those who shun the
Mercy freely given them.
We are not able
To comprehend suffering
Deeper than our loss,
But Christ died, in agony,
That we might gain eternity.
One day, I will hold
The hands of those now missing
And experience
The joy of glad reunion
Because Jesus loves even me.
© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, January 20, 2014
Chronicles 