Creativity Project Year Two-Day 82

Journal entry:

Resurrection

They laid His body,
Lifeless, within the dark tomb,
Shadow fell across
Their souls for they did not know
What miracle awaited.

He had explained to
Them, but they lacked understanding,
Nothing prepared them
For His crucifixion and
Their loss of His leadership.

On the third day they
Found the tomb’s stone rolled away
He was not there, but
Had risen up from the grave,
Conquering death, coming alive.

When Jesus appeared
To them, they were amazed and
Overcome by joy
Here was the Lord who they loved
Resurrected and alive.

Death had lost its hold
And been swallowed up by life
The Eternal One
Christ Jesus had overcome
Sin’s punishment with victory.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, March 31, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   Jesus is alive.
2.   The new outfit Mom gave me fit well.
3.   Lunch was special because we spent it with friends.
4.   I did not have to cook today.
5.   Mom felt good.

My Easter has been wonderful, except the unpleasant side effects I am experiencing. I hope your day was glorious, full of joy and blessing. Gather you wits and devote some time to exploring your creativity. If I can write, so can you. You have so much to share with the world.

As a prompt, write about resurrection. You may have questions, your thoughts may differ with mine, but you should be able to examine the topic in a poem, story, or journal entry. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to enter your email above and subscribe to Chronicles. I would love to read your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 81

Journal entry:

Calling For Relief

I see their faces
Projected on all my screens,
There is no hiding
From their desperate hardship,
I want to alleviate.

I am not so far
Removed from their poverty,
But God blesses me
With everything which I need
And some things I merely want.

How can I with so
Little do enough to help
Make their lives better?
Maybe someone who reads this
Will be moved to aid the poor.

I pray Lord Jesus
To send them all the help that
They need in this time
Including the Good News of
The awesome gift of His grace.

I try to remind
Those who are within my reach
To lend helping hands
To those who cross their pathways
And those who are far away.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, March 30, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up early this morning.
2.   Though my stomach was upset I had a good day.
3.   The outfit Mom got for me fits.
4.   I am still writing daily.
5.   My computer is very useful.

My Saturday has been delightful. I hope your day was also enjoyable. I loaded fourteen CDs (162 songs) into iTunes and onto my iPods today. The music helped intoxicate my muse who came out of hiding for a little while. I recommend you engage your imagination and creativity to make something to share with the world.

As a prompt, write about an issue in society that concerns you. You might write a poem, concoct a story, or write a journal entry. Do whatever suits your mood and leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. While you are here you might want to enter your email address in the space above so you will receive future updates from Chronicles. If you have any thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 80

Journal entry:

Good Friday

The longest hours in
Creation happened on this
Day ages ago,
While my Lord Jesus suffered
Hung upon the cruel cross.

He who did no wrong,
Died for me who does no right,
Expunging sin from
My guilty soul through His blood,
The innocent Lamb of God.

I am so blessed by
The grace He freely bestowed,
I have a great hope
Because Christ died, a pure
Sacrifice, redeeming me.

His separation
From the Father in those hours
Ensured my pardon
And bought me eternity
In His presence in Heaven.

The impossible
Was made possible through God’s
Provision of His
Only Begotten Son who
Died for all sinners like me.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, March 29, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   Mom did not wake me before she left with June this morning.
2.   I vacuumed the floors.
3.   I put down the new rugs for the living room and kitchen.
4.   I was able to dispose of the plant that had died.
5.   Mom got me a new outfit to wear on Easter.

I had a good day, and I hope you also enjoyed this Friday. I wrote my journal entry without any great inspiration and the poem came more easily because I had made some effort. I believe you can do the same. You can creep up on creativity and capture it when unexpected. So get yourself busy.

As a prompt, write from where you are, even if you feel you have nothing to write. Begin and see where you are led. There is magic in the writing. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I appreciate your visit to my blog and hope you will find your way back often. You might also want to enter your email address in the space provided to subscribe to Chronicles. If you have anything you would like to share with me, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 79

Journal entry:

Wordsmith’s Purpose

I am a wordsmith
Forging letters into words
And words into lines,
Which encourage and inspire
People who peruse my work.

My desire is to
Set the imagination
Afire within each
One who reads my faithful lines,
Blazing bright creatively.

Sometimes I fall short
And cannot fully convey
My meaning to minds
And hearts because I lack some
Element artistically.

Yet I continue
Attempting to bring to life
Something so special
It changes the fabric of
My reader’s whole existence.

I want each person
To realize their great worth
Using their own gifts,
Talents, creativity,
To impact the living world.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, March 28, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I got up early enough to go to town.
2.   The return at Best Buy went smoothly.
3.   I decided to fill the truck with gasoline.
4.   Wal-Mart had Cream of Asparagus Soup.
5.   I had enough money for all I got today and did not overdraw my account.

This was a very fortunate Thursday for me. I hope your day also went well. While you have a few moments, engage your mind creatively. There is much you can do if you will only make an effort. No dreams ever materialized without work.

This evening’s poem began with a totally different set of lines, so as a prompt, I encourage you to begin writing freely and find your subject. You might even throw away some lines. Let your imagination lead you wherever it wishes. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for reading my blog. You might want to enter your email in the space above and subscribe to updates from Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 78

Journal entry:

Moving Forward

I thought it would be easy
To move beyond those moments
Engraved upon the fabric
Of my fragile memory,
But I was so mistaken.

Those times I still remember
With the starkest clarity,
And though I try to forget,
I am forever haunted
As if it were yesterday.

I guess it was such a loss
Of not just relationship,
But also physical things
Missing in this my present,
That I can hardly let go.

Yet I am now determined
To move myself beyond this
Feeling of deep emptiness,
And rise up to meet these new
Beginnings, full of promise.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, March 27, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I am not forced to be perfect.
2.   I have the right to make choices.
3.   My life is full of simple pleasures.
4.   I have people who believe in my abilities.
5.   I am allowed to grow.

I hope your Wednesday went well, mine was a bit short because I slept very late. I encourage you to work creatively in these moments, because there is no time like the present to bring your imagination to life. You have great talent and awesome gifts, if you will only use them.

As a prompt, write about something you have read that has impacted your life. This might be a line, an article, a story, or a book. You should be able to create a poem, story, or journal entry about how you have changed because of these words. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you chose to spend some of your precious time visiting my blog. Thank you. I hope that you will continue to visit often, but you might also want to enter your email address in the space provided 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 77

Journal entry:

In Passing

Here I am again
Writing out my many lines,
In hope of reaching
Someone’s heart, making my voice
Heard beyond this lonely space.

There you are reading
These words I so carefully
Chose to place before
Your eyes with the intention
Of influencing your thought.

Everywhere I go
I try to capture something
Of the essential
Quality of life’s meaning
And distill it into verse.

Here, there, everywhere
I gather up the phrases
That will somehow change
Or impact lives in contact
With mine through these expressions.

Will anyone long
Remember or soon forget
What I have written
Of my life’s experience;
Just here, there, and everywhere.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, March 26, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I stayed home all day.
2.   My package came, so I have the right power adapter for my laptop.
3.   Mom went out with her best friend, June.
4.   My hair does not require cutting as often as Mom’s does.
5.   My life is not as stressful as those of some others.

I like Tuesdays like today, when I can stay home and enjoy the peace and relative quiet. I hope your day was full of joy and smiles. Now I urge you to engage your imagination in doing something creative. Your mind is filled with ideas that will appeal to other people. You just have to excavate the treasure you possess within you. I am not endowed with any special quality that you do not also embody. So if I can work creatively, so can you.

As a prompt, write about what you think might happen if you suddenly disappeared. You might handle this as a poem, story, or journal entry. If you use the prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below. I look forward to reading what you create.

Thank you so much for reading my blog. I hope you will come back to visit often, but you might also want to enter your email above and subscribe to Chronicles. I am always glad to receive your comments. Your words encourage and challenge me to continue this Creativity Project.

Always,
Jo Ann 

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 76

Journal entry:

Be Audacious

Do not ever quit…
Be strong and be courageous,
Continue your work;
You have great ability
And much creativity.

Keep your head and hopes
Up, live your full potential,
Accomplish the things
Laid out for you from the start…
Make the best of the moment.

You can be the one…
The hero others cherish,
Just keep on making
A valiant effort to live
The dreams you hold the dearest.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, March 25, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I woke up this morning.
2.   The day was beautiful though there was a chill in the air.
3.   I can read and write.
4.   I can balance a checkbook.
5.   I have friends who support me through prayer.

I had a great Monday and I hope you did the same. I encourage you to set aside some time to work creatively. It will enliven your hours. Anytime you engage your imagination you enrich your life and the lives of those who encounter your work.

As a prompt, write about courage. You might know someone who exhibits the quality, or it might be something from your own experience. If you write a poem, story, or journal entry using this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I appreciate your taking time to read my blog. I hope you will come back often, but you might also want to enter your email above and subscribe to Chronicles for future updates. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 75

A poem instead of a journal entry:

The following poem was prompted by The Sunday Whirl. The wordle there contained the words in italics. If you need inspiration you should visit that site.

Easy Verses

Plain speaking poems
Jar the mind fully awake,
Never forgotten
Across yesterday, today,
In a hurry, tomorrow.

The poem, a tree
Stirred, its roots linger in sand
Of the beloved
Country, wound around and round
Disguised as something special.

Plain speaking poems
Framed by minds awakened to
The English language
From time of understanding
Until thought’s smooth expression.

The poem freely tells
Story of experience
Travelling inside
Imagination’s delight
At its creativity.

Plain speaking poems
Brought to life beautifully
Spreading happiness
Throughout every existence
In past, present, and future.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, March 24, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   We remained safe through the storms last night.
2.   Mom was able to go to church with me today.
3.   Whoppers were on sale, two for $5.00.
4.   We went to Ross and shopped a while.
5.   Penny ate better this evening.

My Sunday was wonderful. I hope you also enjoyed your day. God is so kind to give us time. I urge you to engage your mind in creating something that will capture some of the precious quality of these moments. You have the talent to dazzle the world if you only apply yourself.

As a prompt, convey some of your feelings on the passage of time. If you write a poem, story, or journal entry in answer to 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 return to visit often, but you might also want to enter your email in the space above and subscribe to future updates on Chronicles. I value your feedback, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 74

Journal entry:

Stormy Weather

Thunder
Rolling over
Us like they are bowling
In Heaven and my poor puppy
Dog, Hope, is frantic with apprehension.
She wants me to make room for her
In my lap, but I am
Busy just now,
Thunder…

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, March 23, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   Penny seems a little better.
2.   My computer is not broken.
3.   Best Buy had a workable power adapter.
4.   Mom rode to town with me.
5.   I am able to post tonight.

This Saturday has been a bit taxing, as always happens when my technology does not work as it should. I hope your day was relaxing and filled with happiness. Get yourself in gear and create something. You have unlimited resources of imagination at your disposal. Do not waste time in self doubt. I believe you have the talent to do marvelous things if you only apply yourself.

As a prompt, write about the weather where you are. You know we often converse about the weather in small talk, so just create a poem, story, or journal entry that explores the subject. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for taking time to read my blog. I hope you will return often, but I also suggest you enter your email above and subscribe to Chronicles. I cannot stress enough how much your feedback means to me. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 73

Journal entry:

Outstanding Effort

I am not the best,
But I make an attempt to
Do my very best.
Sometimes I accomplish goals,
Sometimes I am left dreaming.

No one is perfect…
Though I attempt perfection,
I am very hard
On myself when I create,
Even worse than most critics.

My expectations
Are set exceptionally
High and I continue
Making art according to
My increasing expertise.

I hope to win some
People over through effort,
Even if I fail
At being the very best,
I recognize limitations.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, March 22, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I did not have to leave the house today.
2.   I was able to finish the SCC page for the CHN&V.
3.   I am gradually learning more about Photoshop.
4.   I have wonderful tools with which to work.
5.   Outlook has begun working again after repetitive freezes.

My Friday was busy, but rewarding. I always enjoy seeing work turn out well. I hope your day was filled with accomplishment. Now, while you have a few minutes you can dedicate to creation, make something wonderful to share with the world. It does not have to be perfect, just make an effort to express yourself.

As a prompt, write a poem, story, or journal entry that celebrates continued effort rather than perfection. Share a link to your work in the comments below.

I appreciate your visiting my blog. I hope you are encouraged by something you found here. Please come back often, but you might also want to enter your email in the space above so you will receive future updates to Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 72

Journal entry:

Desolation With Hope

You reminded me
How lonely I can be
Without nearby friends
To keep me company.

I was doing fine
Here on my own, alone,
Using up my time
Avoiding loneliness.

Now I am aware
Of the friendship I lack
And cannot pretend
I really do not care.

I wish there were some
Way to transplant you here
So I could see you
Again very often.

Maybe I should look
For others to fill in
The empty space where
You left me far behind.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, March 21, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I took time to pay some of the bills today.
2.   I got medicine for Penny’s ears.
3.   I called and found out what dosage of medicine to give Hope.
4.   I took my camera when I went to town.
5.   We had Subway sandwiches for supper.

My Thursday went well, although I am nursing two sick puppy dogs. I hope your day was pleasant. Now I suggest you use your imagination to create something outstanding. If I can do this, just think what more you can accomplish when you put your mind to it.

As a prompt, write about loneliness. All of us are afflicted with this malaise from time to time. I am sure you can write a poem, story, or journal entry that is illustrative. Please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for reading my blog. I did not have easy inspiration today, but I managed to create. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to enter your email address above and subscribe to Chronicles. Any comments you might have to share will be much appreciated.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 71

Journal entry:

The focus is a little off in the following photo, but I like the dreamy feeling of it. The colors really stand out.

Recollections

Echoes
Stray across my
Mind, reminding me of
Times regulated to the past
Where memories are left to fade away;
So I, after these many years
Gone by, cannot assert
Any control,
Echoes…

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, March 20, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   There is time enough to work creatively.
2.   I don’t have to keep up with all my email, though I like to do so.
3.   I called the vet today about Penny and am going to get something to help her.
4.   Mom enjoyed the supper I prepared.
5.   My class tonight showed me some new techniques.

This was a good Wednesday. I hope you found some happiness in your day. Creativity enhances our lives and the lives we touch through our work. I encourage you to invest some time in exploring your imagination. Give yourself a chance to work without engaging your critic. Just create for the joy of it...

As a prompt, use the word echoes in a poem, story, or journal entry. Let your mind wander and make connections to that word. 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 visit often, but you might also want to enter your email above and subscribe to Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment. Tell me what is working and what you would like to see done differently here. I welcome your ideas.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 70

Journal entry:

In Utmost Gratitude

Grateful
For the faithful
Prayers which have been lifted
Over my mother’s condition…
I believe those words were most effective
And have perhaps helped allow her
More time with family;
I need her here…
Grateful

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, March 19, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I slept well and felt rested when I woke up.
2.   We were able to cash Mom’s check.
3.   Mom’s test results were very good.
4.   I did not have to prepare supper.
5.   I got some of the work done on the Sweetwater Camera Club website.

My Tuesday has been quite wonderful. I hope your day was pleasant as well. I encourage you to engage your imagination and create something to share with the world. You no doubt have the talent to accomplish much more than you may think possible. Just get busy.

As a prompt, write a poem, story, or journal entry about the picture above. You could write about the past use of those items, or what you imagine may have caused them to remain. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so glad you took time to read my blog. I hope you will visit often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles by email so you will receive future updates in your inbox. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann