So Are You With Me?

01/02/2016

We are together for day two of this adventure if you are reading this right now. That is exciting because I want you to follow along. More than that I hope you will also take action on your own. I would like you to take a few minutes each day to write. Maybe it would just be a simple recounting of your day, or you could write a poem, story, memory, anything you want really. Just be creative. You have so much to share with the world, which only you can communicate. You are so unique and we need your voice. It adds so much to our communities, please get busy.

Once upon a time I wrote an entry on this blog every day for a year and a half. I cannot promise I will do that again. If you look at the past entries here, you will see that I have taken quite a while off. I think I am going to do things a bit differently this time. I want to do the entries on my tablet or my computer instead of handwritten journal pages. This may change, but it is my current modus operandi. Look at that, I actually used Latin, ha ha.

I stayed up all night. I seem to do this quite often recently. I enjoy the peace and quiet of the hours when Mom is sleeping. I am also able to keep watch over her. I need time to myself, I steal it in the darkness. I seem more creative in the wee hours of the night. Sometimes I write what I consider very good statuses and poems on Facebook overnight. If you follow me here, you might like to friend me on there. Send me a message and I will answer your request.

I have managed to keep my weight to 135 pounds for over a year now, down from over 200 pounds on December 6, 2013. I believe having a Samsung Galaxy Gear and the MyFitnessPal app have helped a great deal. Walking miles each day has been instrumental too. Here is a picture to illustrate the difference in my appearance…

The second photo is me today. Not the best lighting for taking a good picture. I am not great at selfies. Cannot ever seem to get that right. I try, but it seems an impossibility for me.

I am going to add a gratitude list today. I hope you will join me in taking a few moments to note your blessings. It seems to help me stay more positive and you may find it works for you too.

I Am Grateful:

1) Christmas is over.
2) The new year has begun with all its open days to fill with accomplishments.
3) I am able to read and write because of an excellent public education overseen by some outstanding teachers.
4) I have begun working on Otherwise Entertained again.
5) Mom has finally started moving around a bit more after almost two months of mostly inactivity.
6) I have some wonderful tools to employ in creative activity.
7) My dog, Hope, who is nine and a half years old is doing well. She is a joy in my life.
8) I have been listening to more music lately.
9) The weather is cooling off after unseasonable warmth and I am able to wear long sleeves.
10) God is good all the time and in all ways.

Now I am going to ask you to do a few things. First, if you enjoyed reading this, please follow my blog and leave a comment if you have time. Secondly, get your own self busy and do something creative today. You have all the talent you need for it. I have faith in your ability and you should too. Share your ideas and creations with the world. The world needs everyone’s input. You will change lives, including your own.

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

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 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 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 128

Journal entry:

Recollection

I tried to collect
My thoughts, making sense of all
The clamor within
My restless soul, but my mind’s
Attention moved endlessly.

No respite found I
From the jostling images
Invading my brain,
No idea brought me relief
From such an intense struggle.

My wayward thoughts kept
Me in an incessant state
Of indecision
With no refuge from the storm
Raging wild within myself.

Even prayer did not
Bring me any lasting peace,
I was awash in
Feeling inadequacy
Of all my tireless effort.

I tried to collect
My thoughts, preparing to
Do something worthwhile,
But no successful pathway
Presented itself to me.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Thursday, May 16, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   Mom had a little while today that she was in less pain.
2.   We did not have to go to any doctors.
3.   My son, Alex, is a successful adult.
4.   I finished reading The Sanctuary by Ted Dekker last night.
5.   I was able to write a poem this evening.

This Thursday was not a demanding day and I got to relax some, which was nice. I hope your day was good. Take some time now and dedicate yourself to doing something creative. You can do great things if you set your mind to it. I am convinced each of us has much to contribute to the world through our creativity, and you are no exception.

As a prompt, write about a time you attempted to collect your thoughts. You may have been successful, or you may have failed. Share the details with us by leaving a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope you will visit often, but also encourage you to subscribe to Chronicles by email if you would like to receive future updates. Any thoughts, suggestions, or criticism you care to share is welcome, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 124

Happy Mother’s Day! Here is my journal entry:

The Mother’s Day Card I made my Mom in pages:

A short poem:

My Mom

She wipes
The tears away
And reminds me I have
Many reasons in life to smile,
She encourages me to do my best
When I feel I have not the strength
To continue in my
Pursuit of joy,
Such love.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, May 12, 2013

Our Mother’s Day Dinner:

I am grateful:

1.   I was able to make a nice card for Mom.
2.   I even got my writing pretty straight without guidelines.
3.   I heard from Alex, if only briefly.
4.   The meal turned out better than I expected.
5.   I took a refreshing nap.

My Mom, not today because her pain is so bad…

This Sunday was very special because I spent Mother’s Day with my Mom. I hope you made some beautiful memories today. I encourage you to busy yourself doing some creative work. It will enrich your day and give you something to share with others in your life.

As a prompt, write about your mother or a woman who had a significant impact on your life. Please leave a link to your work in the comments below should you use this prompt.

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope you enjoyed what you found here. Please come back often, and subscribe to Chronicles by email to receive future updates. I would love to know what you think, so if you care to share, leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

 

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 113

Journal entry:

I actually wrote the following poem on Monday and had already posted my blog, then I forgot to post it yesterday. So I hope you enjoy it.

Unsung Heroes

They’re the ones who stand
Backstage, out of the spotlight,
With quiet support
For every flamboyant act
Performed before the rapt crowd.

They’re the ones who say
Constant prayers for those who brave
Terrible dangers,
A hot line to God’s power
Is kept open by their pleas.

They’re the ones seldom
Wanting any credit for
The sacrifice they
Ever so willingly make
To keep everyone else safe.

They’re the ones who will
Never mention quitting in
The face of defeat,
They have hope and faith to keep
On fighting despite the odds.

They’re the ones who don’t
Voice their doubts in the hearing
Of others who might
Then lose heart, they continue
Believing to the finish.

They’re the ones who make
Other lives worth living with
Their dedication
To lifting up their fellows
Helping them their tasks complete.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, April 29, 2013

Today’s poem, which is actually a rap song, follows:

Nonsensical Rhythm

Ooo la la…
Di op, dippity, whop, do…
That’s how it goes
When I am trying
To think of a song
To make into a poem
To write for me and you.

Ooo la la…
Di op, dippity, whop, do…
I got the music
In me and want to
Get the music inside
Of you too, so I keep
Writing until I do.

Ooo la la…
Di op, dippity, whop, do…
It does not make a lot
Of sense, but it is not
Necessary that it does,
It just has to reach out
And grab ahold of you.

Ooo la la…
Di op, dippity, whop, do…
Get yourself up,
Jump, shout, and move,
Sing out the song
I’m sharing with you,
Making it a part of you.

Ooo la la…
Di op, dippity, whop, do…
That’s how it goes
When I am trying
To think of a song
To make into a poem
To write for me and you.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, May 1, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   It was only cloudy and did not rain.
2.   I was able to get the x-rays from Doctor Desai’s office.
3.   I was able to get an appointment with Doctor Patel’s office.
4.   Mom saw Doctor Bueno and he helped her some.
5.   Carrie Leigh cut the grass in our little yard.

I had a stressful Wednesday, but it turned out alright. I hope you had a blissfully happy day. Now do as I have done and let your creativity loose to make something that can enrich your life and those of your readers. I know that you can do wonderful things if you only make an effort.

As a prompt, write a rap that begins with some nonsensical words in rhythm. I had never done this before today, but I quite enjoyed it and suspect you will too. Should you use this prompt, leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I hope you found encouragement in it. Come back 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 with me, please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

 

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 96

I wrote a beginning, not a great one, but the idea holds some promise. Maybe I will come back to it sometime, but most probably not:

This poem was brought to you by the prompts at NaPoWriMo and Poetic Asides. Granted the super-hero is implied and it is not a regular sonnet, but I think it may work in a sideways sort of way. If you care to try your luck with the prompts, visit those sites…

Super-Woman

Your common hello
Does not thrill others like his
Deep throaty bellow,
They could most certainly miss
Your much more subtle approach
Making statements clear
Marking you as very dear
With no real encroach.

Political overtones
Drip from his lips like kisses
Lavished on babies
Which he imagines atones
For boos and hisses
From the violent maybes.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Sunday, April 14, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I have an imagination.
2.   We have freedom to think as we like.
3.   I have a wonderful Mom.
4.   My back was marginally better today.
5.   I stayed home and got some extra rest.

I have enjoyed a restful Sunday. I hope your day was also peaceful. If you can muster your inner resources now, I encourage you to work creatively. Use your wonderful imagination and make something delightful to share with the world. I have no doubt that you have the ability to do it, because if I can, so can anyone else.

As a prompt, write about a situation real or imagined of which you would not want your closest friend or family member to know of your involvement. Write a poem, story, or journal entry giving the details. 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 your experience was enjoyable. Please come back often, but you might also want to enter your email address in the space above and subscribe to Chronicles. Your comments are welcome and help me ascertain if I am doing this right, so please leave one.

Always,
Jo Ann

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 91

Journal entry:

Hope… my darling puppy dog…

This poem is in answer to the prompts at NaPoWriMo and Poetic Asides. I am not sure it is noir, but there is a bit of that spirit to it. I hope you will visit those two blogs for inspiration.

Joyous Pursuit

I stalk bargains in
Department stores as hunters
Do their lissome prey
Seeking out the very best
At prices some find unreal.

It is not in shops
Of ill repute, but classy
Places where the rich
Are most apt to frequent that
I search for cutthroat prices.

My purse will simply
Never allow me to pay
Full cost for my things
So I scramble down the aisles
Spying out the best values.

I get many things
Of great expense for little
More than was given
In days long past, or at least
Well before my own era.

I’m a skilled hunter
Pursuing loveliest game
With only my wits
To support me in forests
Of the strongest temptation.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Hope…

I am grateful:

1.   I was able to get up when the alarm went off.
2.   The groomer came earlier than expected.
3.   Even though Hope is difficult, Audrey grooms her.
4.   I asked Linda to look at my directions to Iron Horse Station and she made suggestions that helped me.
5.   Richard is an excellent lecturer.

My Tuesday was full of activity, and I am late finishing this once again, but I enjoyed the results of the day. I hope your day was pleasurable. Now take a few moments to engage your imagination and create something to share with others. You never know what effect your work may have until you send it out into the world. Be courageous and do your best.

As a prompt, write about a class you have participated in. Maybe you taught, maybe you were a child, whatever direction this leads, follow it and write. If you use this prompt, leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will find your way back often, but you might also want to enter your email 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 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

Creativity Project Year Two-Day 67

Journal entry:

It Is A Miracle

My mind is broken,
Yet I still think…
My heart is broken,
Yet I still feel…
My body is broken,
Yet I still stand…
My spirit is broken,
Yet I am healed…

By the power of Jesus
My life continues:
Sane within my insanity,
Loving despite my hurts,
Upright despite my infirmity,
Saved despite my many
And terrible wrongs,
By His grace and mercy.

I can still think
Because He clarifies my mind…
I can still feel
Because He works in my emotions…
I can still stand
Because He works in my weakness…
I can claim healing
Because I am forgiven by His blood…

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Saturday, March 16, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   I had Oreo cookies for breakfast with a glass of cold milk.
2.   I had my Droid with me and was able to call Mom to help her set the thermostat on air conditioning so she would not get too hot.
3.   My friend, Jana, and I met for lunch at Wendy’s.
4.   I had enough money for lunch and we had some uplifting conversation.
5.   I talked to my best friend, Reba, this evening and am seeing her tomorrow after church.

The weather today was gorgeous and I thoroughly enjoyed my Saturday. I hope your day was filled with blessings as well. If you have a few moments to spare, or can make the time, engage yourself in creative work. It will enrich your life and calm you mind. Make your work a prayer or meditation and let it flow from your heart. Your talent will bless the others who are influenced by your imagination.

As a prompt, write about some of the things you take for granted from an attitude of gratitude. You might be surprised at how much is good in your life. If you create a poem, story, or journal entry, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I almost did not write tonight, because I have so many other things I should be getting done. I had nothing about which to write. No inspiration graced me, but I managed to create something. I truly appreciate your taking the time to read my blog. I hope you will return often, but you might also want to enter your email address above so that you receive future updates from Chronicles. I hope something here has touched you. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share, please leave me a comment. I am in need of your opinions on whether this blog is effective.

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 6

Journal entry:

Victory From Defeat

Today
Held challenges
I was unable to
Meet, but I tried my very best
To keep the promises I gladly made
And was rewarded with blessings
I never expected
God remembered
My heart

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, January 14, 2013

I am grateful:

1.   My alarm woke me.
2.   I was kept safe through my driving today.
3.   I finally found the truck after losing it in the parking lot.
4.   Alicia and I had a pleasant visit.
5.   I have learned to ask questions when I think there might be opportunities in the answers.

My Monday was a mixture of difficulty and triumph. I hope yours was a great success. After all the ups and downs I have taken time to work creatively and I urge you to do the same. If you try, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you accomplish.

As a prompt, write about the silver lining in your day. I often find the greatest blessings come when I am immersed in stormy situations. Amidst trouble there is usually still something to make me smile, I bet it is the same for you. Write about it. It will help you appreciate your day. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I hope you found encouragement here. Please take time to leave a comment should you have something to share with me. You can subscribe to Chronicles to receive future updates.

Always,
Jo Ann