Creativity Project Year Two-Day 148

Journal entry:

The prompt at my friend Khara’s Our Lost Jungle helped initiate this poem, as did the quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson…

Avoid The Crush

Emerson wrote,
“Things are in the saddle,
And ride mankind.”
Even those many years ago,
It was realized that people
Are crushed under the weight
Of all that they possess.

We need to turn our hearts
To the finer things of spirit,
Letting go our occupation
With always acquiring more,
Our souls are forever reaching
Out to be filled with sweetness
Found in loving interaction.

We can develop our potential
By employing our creative powers
Making our dear held dreams
Become reality and leaving things
To a lesser importance within
The days we live… Then we will
Be much happier every moment.

Loaded down with soulless things
We are crushed and find ourselves
Unable to rise above the heaviness,
We must break free, desiring
Relationships that reward us
With the best fulfillment of
Our many human needs.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, June 5, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I slept long and soundly with no disturbing dreams.
2.   The buffalo hot wings we had for supper were as good as something at a restaurant.
3.   We have a working air conditioner.
4.   There is rain coming down outside.
5.   Using Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations is helping me write when I have so few ideas.

I caught up on some rest on this wonderful Wednesday. I hope your day was pleasurable. If you will turn your thoughts to working creatively, I am sure you can make something of worth to share with the world. You have the tools you need, the most important being your imagination. I urge you to give your talent a chance to shine.

As a prompt, use Emerson’s lines, “Things are in the saddle, And ride mankind.” in a poem, story, or journal entry. No doubt you can do something marvelous. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles for updates by email. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 147

Journal entry:

Consecration

Silver and gold have I none;
But such as I have, give I Thee…
I turn my heart toward You,
But that is not fit for my King;
There should be so much more.

I must devote every fiber
Of my existence to You,
Oh my Lord, but You give
Everything to me who am
Completely unworthy of favor.

The life You give me is fit
For highest royalty, but I have
Nothing with which to repay
Your ultimate kindness and
Totally magnanimous love.

My devotion is all I can offer
To You my mighty King,
You hold my life in Your palms
And I am blessed beyond measure
Because of Your sacrifice for me.

Silver and gold have I none;
But such as I have, give I Thee…
Jesus, my heart, my whole being,
Is yours to employ however
It is you may decide, my King.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, June 4, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I enjoyed staying up all night.
2.   I made progress with installing applications on my tablet.
3.   I only have about 100 pages left to read in The Accursed by Joyce Carol Oates.
4.   God graciously allowed my test results to come back without further irregularities.
5.   Life is rewarding though packed with challenges.

My day went much better than I expected, because I was very afraid. I hope your day went beyond your expectations as well. Now, while you have a few moments, I encourage you to engage your mind in creative exercise. You are full of talent and gifts that you have hardly explored can bring dreams to fruition. So get busy.

As a prompt, use this line as from the Bible for your inspiration: Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee. Any part of it, or all of it, can be used in your creation. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please come back often. If you are interested in receiving email updates from Chronicles, please subscribe. Any comment you may have to share would be appreciated.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 146

Journal entry:

Unbridled

Red is the passion
Of a heart unfettered by
Any real restraint,
One that is given freely,
Totally dedicated.

Scarlet are kisses
Tracking over the body
Of one who lays down
All inhibitions that hold
Burning emotions at bay.

Red is fulfillment
Of wildly raging lovers
In each other’s arms,
Carrying them beyond all
Their dearly held fantasies.

Crimson is the first
Flush of love opening souls
To one another,
The divine connection draws
Sweethearts together always.

Red is the growing
Trust between any who share
Intertwined lives for
Longer than they ever had
Reason to expect they would.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, June 3, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up early.
2.   I had a hot shower.
3.   Mom was able to get her bath.
4.   The tablet I wanted went on sale.
5.   Best Buy did have it, even though one of the sales associates said they did not.

I had a great Monday, although Mom was in a lot of pain and I was saddened by her discomfort. I hope your day was also good. I encourage you to take time to use your imagination and create something to share with others. Even if you only work for your own pleasure it is worthwhile. However, your talent is sure to move people if you put your creations on display.

As a prompt, write about something you have delayed doing. Maybe it is buying something, or sharing news with someone you care about. Whatever it is, write it out. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I am embarked on a challenge throughout June sponsored by Our Lost Jungle. I hope this will keep me motivated. Please come back to see what I am doing often. You might like to subscribe to Chronicles by email so you receive updates. You comments are always welcome, so leave one below.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 145

Journal entry:

Hoke took this picture of the group at the meeting today with my camera. I am on the right. I don’t do pictures well… Probably should hide away from photographers…

Not A Stranger

You do not know me
Like I wish you knew me or
You would understand,
I have too much going on
To convince you to love me.

My heart is laid out
Bare upon the page for you
To make your own choice,
If you only take the time
To read a few of my lines.

I am not hiding
Myself away from you or
Anyone else who
Wishes to learn about me,
I am highly visible.

Make yourself at home
Inside my virtual world,
Explore what you like,
Maybe you will then decide
I am someone worth knowing.

I beg you only
Do not judge me without you
Take time to know me,
I am more than my surface
Can fully convey to you.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, June 2, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I chose to get some sleep last night.
2.   Mom bought me some beautiful clothes that make me presentable to go to meetings.
3.   I did not have to drive to the conference today.
4.   I got home before too late and fixed Mom’s supper.
5.   Mom is always interested in my endeavors.

This is an artistically rendered photo of me taken and processed by my mentor, Richard Nichols.

I enjoyed my Sunday a great deal. I hope your day was equally pleasant. I encourage you to spend a few minutes exercising your creativity. There is much in your experience worth sharing with the world. Your imagination, your vision, can contribute so much to the perceptions of others. I am convinced you are uniquely talented in amazing ways. Believe in your ability to make a difference.

As a prompt, write about how others perceive you. You can share a link to your poem, story, or journal entry in the comments below. The exercise could be very revealing to you.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will return to visit often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles for updates by email. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment below. Your feedback helps me know how to better reach you and others.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 144

Journal entry:

When Storms Threaten Us

Sometimes God allows
Things to happen we hardly
Even understand,
But have faith it is just part
Of His overriding plan.

God carries us through
Every dangerous storm with
Overwhelming love,
Caring for us as His own
Dear children, never leaving.

Jesus watches us,
Taking care situations
Are never so hard
We lose our connection to
Him, and our abiding faith.

We depend upon
The Father, Son, and Spirit
To maintain our lives
Amidst pain and suffering,
Knowing they can give relief.

We are not ever
Forsaken, though we may doubt,
God understands us
Knowing we are sometimes weak,
He strengthens us with His peace.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, June 1, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I am given words to write when I do not know what to say.
2.   I slept a good deal today.
3.   God surrounds us with beauty if we open our eyes to see.
4.   My puppy dog, Hope, keeps me company.
5.   I have learned to use some self control.

I needed this quiet Saturday at home. I hope your day was relaxing and pleasant. Take time to exercise your creativity and make something wonderful to share with others. You are blessed with the talent you need to achieve great things if you only apply some effort. I know your gifts are worthwhile, for each of us is a precious treasure.

As a prompt, write about a place you would like to vacation, or perhaps why you are not vacationing. Share a link to your poem, story, or journal entry in the comments below.

Thanks so very much for spending your time reading my blog. I hope you will find your way back here often. You might want to enter your email address in the space above and subscribe to Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 142

Journal entry:

I wrote the following poem in the deep darkness of the early morning hours. There is an element of crisis to it…

In Doubt

Am I so wholly
Unpleasing to God that He
Would fully desert
Those for whom I so dearly
Care, leaving them to suffer?

So it seems to me,
For I have constantly prayed
Entreating the Lord
To reach down in His mercy
And alleviate their pain,

But with no result.
I am bereft; believing,
Praying, and hoping
Has worked no good on their part,
They are in great agony.

I am now beset
With undeniable doubt,
I am not given
The strength of faith that Job had;
I am so weakling a worm.

Yet still I pray God
Even should He find it just
To forsake my cause
That He would show unceasing
Love and tenderness to them.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, May 30, 2013

This was a Facebook status inspired by the above picture and divided into lines to make a poem…

In Life’s Garden

People are beautiful
And delicate like Summer roses.
They need careful tending
And abundant love to
Reach their glorious potential.
No matter their appearance
People are worthy of respect.
Nurture every person
Who touches your life
And show your gratitude
For the blessings they impart.
Like the roses, people only
Bloom for a little while
And then they fade away.
You are only left with
Memories of their splendor.
So cherish your moments with
Others and share your
Feelings of love.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, May 30, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I got a little sleep, but accomplished a lot overnight.
2.   I decided to call Qwest Diagnostics, and hopefully took care of that problem.
3.   We were not late to Mom’s appointment.
4.   The new program seems to be helping Mom a little.
5.   I got some beautiful pictures today.

This was an emotional Thursday. I hope your day was more stable and enjoyable. I encourage you to engage your imagination and do some creative work. I guarantee it will enrich your life and touch others with whom you share. You may believe you have nothing to say, but if you open your mind you will find words. I believe in your talent. Believe in yourself.

As a prompt, write a crisis poem, story, or journal entry. You might want to resolve the crisis or leave it as a cliffhanger. You know what writing will nourish you. Follow your heart. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for reading my words. I have managed another day of writing and I have a little hope that I can go on. You might want to subscribe to Chronicles for future updates. I hope you will also come back to visit. Your comments are always appreciated and they help encourage me. Sometimes I feel the writing is too personal and I should stop sharing, but you all help me go on.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 140

Journal entry:

Higher

I rise…
And you cannot
Keep me down because I
Am being lifted up by God
Who supplies my every need through His great
Abundant love given freely
With no payment required
Of me ever
I rise…

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, May 28, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   We have almost enough award dollars to buy a tablet.
2.   I read quite a bit through the night.
3.   I took a nap this morning.
4.   Alex is working on a mind map of his story.
5.   Laura came by this evening.

This Tuesday was a very good day. I hope you accomplished things you wanted today. If you will devote some time to your creativity, you will find it has many rewards. Your communication with others can enhance their lives. Your gifts are many, use them wisely.

As a prompt, write about something that moves you higher. This could be a person, your spirituality, an accomplishment, whatever moves you to write a poem, story, or journal entry. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I hope you will find your way back often. It is easy to subscribe to Chronicles, just enter your email in the space above and you will receive updates. I would love to read your remarks, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 139

Journal entry:

Dilemma

I procrastinate,
Because I am unsure of
What the future will
Bring, but indecisiveness
Can become very costly.

I wish I could know
Without a shadow of doubt
That buying something
Now is better than waiting,
But I have no guarantee.

So I hesitate,
Thinking the purchase over,
Measuring value
Against what I believe may
Be upgraded in future.

Technology has
Been changing so rapidly
I am unwilling
To spend money on something
That will be soon obsolete.

Yet I want very
Badly to have the device,
I cannot decide
What it is I should really
Do and the prices vary.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, May 27, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I managed to get up fairly early.
2.   I decided to cook my concoction for lunch.
3.   I vacuumed the floors.
4.   Mom’s best friend, June, came to visit.
5.   I told Leigh we had a lot of trash and she decided to come get it.

My Memorial Day was wonderful. I hope your day was fantastic. Now take a few minutes to create work that will last beyond the temporary. You undoubtedly have talent, so use it. The world awaits your effort.

As a prompt, write about indecisiveness. Maybe you are not plagued with it as I am… Tell your story. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thanks for reading my blog. You can subscribe to Chronicles by entering your email in the space provided above. Any comments you choose to leave would be appreciated.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 138

Journal entry:

My son, Alex, and his beautiful bride, Laura… Since they married they have hardly had time together because he has been stationed in Okinawa and she is going to school back here.

Military Duty

They all
Give full measure
Of their hearts, minds, and souls
That they may serve and defend our
Nation from enemies both foreign and
Domestic keeping us safe from
Harm and protecting our
Independence
Bravely.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, May 26, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I was able to spend some time in conversation with Alex.
2.   I finished all the laundry.
3.   When Hope bit me, she did not hurt me to badly, although it was on the face and drew blood.
4.   Mom was pleased with the work I did today.
5.   I fixed her medicine much earlier than I usually do.

I have accomplished more than I imagined possible on this Sunday. I hope you enjoyed your day. I encourage you to make a creative effort and see what you can do. I know you have the talent necessary, just get busy. The world awaits your contribution.

As a prompt, write about our military personnel. You may wish to note their sacrifice or their honor. This is a weekend to have them on our hearts and in our minds, as we should always. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for reading my blog. I hope you will come back often. You may also wish to subscribe to Chronicles by email so you won’t miss updates. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 137

Journal entry:

Ideal Communication

Words like
Rushing waters
Flow from the center of
My heart, the middle of my mind,
Bringing my meaning to the surface of
The universal consciousness.
I share my vision
With readers of
My thoughts.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, May 25, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I was allowed to sleep extra today.
2.   I woke at times so that I could fix Mom’s meals.
3.   I did not have to go to town.
4.   I crushed the cans so I am caught up on that chore.
5.   I did this journal entry and poem despite not wanting to write.

Another Saturday passes into history. I hope you are enjoying this holiday weekend. If you will make an effort you can create something wonderful to share with the world. I realize creating is not always easy, sometimes inspiration is lacking, but even so you can produce some work that will cement this day in memory. We only pass this way once and we should leave tracks across the pathway of time.

As a prompt, write about how communication impacts the world. You might do this on a personal level or on a more societal level. If you use this prompt, please share your work by leaving a link in the comments below.

Thank you for spending a few moments with me. I hope you will visit often, and if you are new here I encourage you to sample the archives and visit the about page. There is a little information about me there that might interest you. If you would like to receive email updates, please subscribe to Chronicles. Your comments are always welcome, so if you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave them below.

Always,
Jo Ann

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