Something From My Facebook Page I Wanted To Share Here, Plus Something More

Are they memories, or the delusions of my mind? So hard to say, and no one to answer... so I will pray that I make it through another day. I know God holds the answers and knows me completely, so I give it into His hands and remember Christ has the power to calm every storm.

Faith must trust in midst of turmoil, even if the turmoil is internal. God is greater than any trial, God is greater than any disease, God is greater than any person, and His love reaches out to each of us in our need. He sent His Son to save. Jesus became the sacrifice for sin in every life choosing to accept grace. His death, His blood, redeems. Christ's resurrection shows the great power of Almighty God and how very great a love He bestowed upon us in giving us a future hope. His Spirit abides with us, bringing us to acknowledge Christ's call upon our lives and then sealing us forever. No power can snatch a child of God from His grasp. Love enfolds us...

These things are sometimes hard to hold onto, but we are made strong through Him despite our weakness...

I stumble over words, but I pray God reveal Himself...


The following did not go on Facebook; I wanted to share it here first:

I went to Sunday School this morning, and it was Sanctity Of Life Day, which is a difficult day for me. Had I known that, I probably would not have gone. Someone said she could not imagine how anyone could have an abortion, and my heart broke all over again. My mind began to shatter as it always does when I think of choices I have been forced to make.

If you have read this blog much, you know my life has been a struggle and an adventure, but for those of you who are newcomers I am going to digress a bit. This is going to be sketchy, so if you have questions ask them in the comments.

I was once totally against abortion. I had to fight against it during my pregnancy with my wonderful son, Alex. I thought I might never have an opportunity to have a child, because I had wanted one for years, but never had one. When I got pregnant with Alex, I refused to terminate. He was born in 1988.

I had a miscarriage later, then in 1999 I became pregnant. I was carrying twin girls with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, which is a rare disorder where both babies share the same blood supply. Google it for more details… It rarely goes well. I was very sick all during the pregnancy and on bed rest. We knew the babies were developing at different rates and the neonatologist was very concerned. One day I went in for a sonogram and the smallest twin had died. The neonatologist recommended we terminate the pregnancy because the outlook for the remaining twin and myself was rather grim. I went home to make the hardest decision of my life.

Because there was no hope of a healthy baby being born and every indication that there would be severe problems for both of us, and because there was an almost certainty of losing the second baby, I chose to terminate. I cried, prayed, and suffered through agony. When we went in and her little heart was stopped, it nearly destroyed me. Then my ob-gyn refused to deliver the babies and told me to go to an abortion clinic. This was heartless and cruel of a highly respected doctor who serves politically. I did not want this outcome, but made the choice because of the health consequences. While devastated and emotionally in agony I had to try to find someone to deliver my twins. After two days, one of the other doctors in the ob-gyn practice had mercy on me and mine and delivered the girls in the hospital where I had hoped to have healthy babies.

I got treated with some respect for the grief I was suffering, but I felt overwhelming guilt. I continue to experience it. I doubt I made the right decision and wonder if the doctor could have been wrong. I hate myself for making a choice I feel only God can make, but I also know I was very sick and weak.

So I have come to believe there are circumstances where a woman may find herself almost forced to terminate a pregnancy… I am no longer totally against abortion. As I have often come to realize, life sometimes intervenes and brings unhappy choices. Not everything is always simple, there are gray areas.

I wish I had been strong enough to carry Katherine Rose to term, but after Melissa Faith died, and the blood was still flowing through her body as it decomposed, there did not seem any hope. I wish my babies had been healthy and I had born them. My life would no doubt be very different, but that was not the situation I was given. I made a tragic choice in a tragic situation.

Maybe others would choose differently, maybe I was wrong. I hope God can forgive me, and that perhaps my story can touch someone and make some hearts a little tenderer toward those who make hard choices in life. We are, after all, only human and prone to error.


We talked about the Sanctity Of Life on the other end, when caring for the elderly among us. I have dedicated the past thirteen, almost fourteen, years to the task. It is a hard job. My mother has a variety of health issues and I am her full-time caregiver. I, myself, suffer from Schizo-Affective Disorder, so am not without personal challenges daily. I will continue caring for my Mom as long as I can.


Sometimes, a little care and compassion can go a long way.

Always,
Jo Ann

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 64

Journal entry:

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

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.

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 62

Journal entry:

On Purpose

I suppose I am
On mission even here at
Home because no one
Else is willing to take on
The responsibilities
That I have with Mom.
I made a promise I will
Not break, but I thought
Mistakenly that others
Might step up and do their part.
I have to trust God
That if there is something else
He wishes me to
Do, He will make a way for
Me where there is not a way.
It is my duty
To be open to His call
Willing to do His
Work wherever I can be
Used by His almighty hand.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, March 11, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I have the opportunity to attend this World Missions Conference.
2.   My Mom is able to stay home without me some.
3.   I was able to eat at church and the meals were delicious.
4.   I am learning a lot from the speakers.
5.   I went to my Photography 2 class this evening.

I enjoyed my Monday and hope you also had a fulfilling day. I am getting this done very late because I was out until almost 10:00 this evening. I encourage you to do some creative work while you have the opportunity.

As a prompt, write about a time when you found yourself at cross purposes with someone. This could be a boss, a spouse, a child, a friend, a family member, or anyone. Write a poem, story, or journal entry and post a link to your work in the comments below.

I am very thankful that you took time to visit my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave a comment. I welcome your opinions. I hope you will visit again, but you might also want to subscribe to email updates from Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 61

Journal entry:

Fulfillment

Hope grows
Within my heart
As I allow my church
To minister to my spirit
I feel the Holy Spirit reaching out
To fill my life with great purpose
Christ gives me happiness
An anointing
Of love

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, March 10, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   Mom and I went to church.
2.   I talked to Linda and we decided we would meet later for the class.
3.   I ate lunch at Dairy Queen, which I had not done in a very long time.
4.   I was able to return the Starbella yarn that I could not use.
5.   I stayed at church instead of going on the field trip with SCC.

I enjoyed my Sunday, though by now I am quite tired. I hope your day was filled with happiness. Before you move on to something else, I challenge you to use your creativity. Write and engage the world.

As a prompt, pick one of the pictures above and write a poem, story, or journal entry that encompasses the image. I believe you can produce wonderful work. 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 want to subscribe to Chronicles for email updates. Share your comments with me, if you will.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 54

Journal entry:

Always Busy

Some say
They are bored quite
Often, but I have no
Time to tarry in such a state,
There is entirely too much to be done,
My days are so completely filled
That there is not a chance
To linger in
Boredom

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, March 3, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I do not have a huge bruise on my right side.
2.   The shoes Mom gave me were comfortable today.
3.   We had no emergency in which we needed my Droid.
4.   Mom went to church with me though she had very little sleep.
5.   The smoothies I made turned out well.

I had a beautiful Sunday that started a bit calamitously, but then turned out extremely well. I even saw snowflakes. I hope your day was gloriously happy. Now, before you turn your back on this day engage your imagination and create something wondrous. You have the talent to achieve all you dream possible, just believe in your ability.

As a prompt, write about your reaction to boredom. Place your observations in a poem, story, or journal entry. When you finish, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Your comments are always welcome, so share freely. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to subscribe to Chronicles for email updates.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 47

Journal entry:

On Mission

Do not
Know how to do
Witnessing, but I can
Be myself and perhaps invite
Others to come where they can hear gospel
Preached in an effective manner,
I have a small part to
Play in leading
Them home

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

I am grateful:

1.   I had energy for the day.
2.   Mom was able to go with me to church today.
3.   I finally talked to Brother Steve.
4.   Joel shared some of his concerns with me.
5.   I resolved not to be pushed around.

I had an awesome Sunday, though I am a bit tired. I hope your day was wonderful. If you will engage your imagination you can create something great to share with the world. Don’t you owe it to yourself to use the talents with which you have been blessed?

As a prompt, write about a mission you see developed in your life. Make whatever you desire of it. 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 return often, but you might want to subscribe to Chronicles to receive email updates. I am very grateful for any comments you should chose to leave.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 46

Journal entry:

Be Yourself

Dare to
Be different,
Be an original.
Stand out from the rest of the crowd,
Because God made you to be exactly
Who you are both inside and out,
You are created in
His own image…
Yourself

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

I am grateful:

1.   Although I ignored my alarm awhile, Mom called me and I got up before she left this morning.
2.   I wrote up the list of contest winners for the webpage, and separately typed them up for email.
3.   I posted the description of the new contest on the webpage and placed it in its proper menu without making a mess.
4.   Mom brought me an excellent lunch and chocolate éclairs.
5.   I did some editorial work that I hope proves acceptable.

Mine was a working Saturday, but I hope you had time to relax. If you have not already created something to share with the world, I encourage you to do it now. There is no time like the present to exercise your imagination. You can brighten and/or enlighten someone’s life with your creativity.

As a prompt, write a poem, story, or journal entry of encouragement to yourself and others. Preferably write it in the second person, but if you rather use the first person that is fine as well. Just write and come back to edit later. 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 found your sojourn here enjoyable. Please come back frequently, and if you would like updates by email, subscribe to Chronicles. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 40

Journal entry:

If you need a bit of inspiration, join The Sunday Whirl as I have… The words in italics came from the wordle there.

Ardor Uncovered

So many naked
Faces lack hiding places
Under candlelight,
The root insecurities
Are almost openly held.

A shadow scurries
Over the eyes, the doorway
To the inmost soul,
Secrets, imaginary,
Cannot be kept forever.

Freedom gives love birth
Within the hearts of people
Come out of darkness
Before illuminating
Flame burning fierce, clear, and bright.

Romance kindles fire
No one can ever stifle
Among lovers who
Explore their own boundaries
Together in harmony.

Blessings rearrange
Lives into more orderly
Patterns than can be
Predicted by those who do
Not trust in open ardor.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, February 17, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   Alarm clocks work.
2.   Mom was able to go to church with me this morning.
3.   We studied the return of Jesus in Sunday School and Worship Service.
4.   We went home for lunch.
5.   I took a nap this afternoon.

It was a glorious Sunday, I hope you enjoyed your day. Now take a few minutes and put your creativity to work making something wonderful to share with the world. You have the talent, just use it.

As a prompt, make a list of twenty-five things you are grateful for in this moment. Pick one of them and elaborate on it. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I am sorry I am getting this done so late, I was watching WWE Elimination Chamber with my Mom. I hope you will visit again. If you would like, leave me a comment. You can subscribe to Chronicles by simply entering your email address above, allowing you to have future updates delivered to your inbox.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 26

Journal entry:

I returned to The Sunday Whirl for a prompt today. The words in italics were given on that site. If you need a bit of inspiration visit the wordle there.

No Excuses

Can I go straight to
The sweet spot again or is
There something I wish
To prove in interest of
Enlightenment without fuss?

I figure enough
Miserable time has passed
Almost everyone
Agrees I cannot go bust
With happier suggestions.

I have great ideas
Of what can be achieved by
Each of us tapping
Into creativity
Residing within our souls.

We are all without
Limit if we only have
A little more faith
In God’s ample provision
Of universal freedom.

Our heads and hearts are
Filled with imagination
That urges us to
Begin working toward our
Own lofty aspirations.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, February 3, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I got up at 6:00 this morning.
2.   I did my journal entry before going to church.
3.   There were interesting discussions in Sunday School.
4.   When I went by the mall it was not very crowded.
5.   Jeremy came by and worked with the truck awhile.

I am quite tired this Sunday evening, but it is a good feeling given by a full day. I hope you relaxed and enjoyed your day. I took the time to create, and so should you. No moment you spend using your imagination is wasted. The world awaits your work, so get busy.

As a prompt, use the phrase, “No Excuses,” in a poem, story, journal entry, or note. I am sure you can create something if you accept no excuses. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me, please leave a comment. I encourage you to subscribe to Chronicles so you get daily updates.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 19

Journal entry:

Freely Given

In this
World nothing is
Really free, all things come
With strings attached and some of those
Can be quite overwhelming to ourselves,
But full salvation given by
Christ comes to us by grace
A free gift to
Accept

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, January 27, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I was able to get up after only four hours of sleep.
2.   I went to Sunday School and Worship Service at my church.
3.   I am learning a lot through our Bible study.
4.   The children sang in the worship service and it was very moving.
5.   I am up to date on all my devotional and Bible reading.

I have had a wonderful Sunday. I found the time spent discussing the full divinity and full humanity of Jesus very enlightening. I hope you have had an enjoyable day. Before you retire this evening exercise your creativity and make something wonderful to share with the world.

As a prompt, write about your concept of something free. You might want to write a poem, story, or journal entry. Even a note that might lead to further writing later would be good. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Should you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me, leave a comment. Maybe you liked what you found here, please take some time to check out the archives. If you would like future updates you can subscribe to Chronicles by email.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 12

Journal entry:

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

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.

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 237

Journal entry:

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:

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.

A backdrop where the youth meet…

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