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

I Am Still Here, Are You?

Things have been interesting, but I am sure you know that within your own life. Tonight I wrote a journal entry and thought I would share it with you all.

As I said I have been writing poetry…

Another Blessed Day

The sun has risen...
It is just another day...
Another day that
I am alive and able
To give my own smile away.

There is happiness
To share with those encountered
Along life's bright way...
There is goodness in moments
That make up another day.

God travels with me
As I walk the paths given
Through another day...
I must share His love freely
With each one who comes my way.

Friends, family, and
Even strangers cross my path
All without knowing...
How much they really mean to
Me on this another day.

The sun has risen...
It is just another day...
Another day that
I am alive and able
To give my own smile away.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Friday, August 16, 2013

Today has been a reasonably good day. I hope yours was enjoyable. Now take a few moments to engage your mind in creative tasks. You are definitely able to achieve anything you desire if you put your heart into the task. No one can keep you from making things happen unless you allow them.

I am grateful:

1)   I was able to go out for a pleasant time last evening.
2)   When people want information they often rely on me.
3)   Writing is something that comes naturally to me.
4)   God gifted me with an abundance of creativity.
5)   Even though I am growing older, I still enjoy the simple pleasure of reading.

As a prompt, write about something that made this day a gift to you. Recognize the blessing granted you and write a poem, story, journal entry, or simple note that celebrates the uniqueness of this day. I have no doubt you can create something wonderful.

I am very grateful you took the time to read this blog entry. You might find you enjoy browsing the archives and might also want to subscribe to the blog by entering your email address in the space provided above.

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 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

365 Creativity Project-Day 359

Journal entry:

Farewells

Goodbye
Is not easy
To say to those you love
With all your heart and very soul,
But it has to be done from time to time.
When it is all said and done, you
Must say fervent prayers that
You will soon meet
Again

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, January 2, 2013

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I was able to go back to sleep after being awakened by a phone call at 6:00 this morning.
2.   Alex called this afternoon.
3.   Alex and Laura came out to the house and saw Mom.
4.   I called ahead so we were seated sooner at Outback.
5.   I was able to drive home safely.

I hope your Tuesday has been a good one. I rather enjoyed my day although saying goodbye to Alex was bittersweet. Now, while you are able, put your imagination to work and create something. I know you have the ability, you must only make an effort.

As a prompt, write about saying goodbye to someone or something you care about. I remember when I was a child I had a special way of saying goodbye to the lake at the end of Summer, you may recall something similar. Just write whatever is on your heart. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so thankful you took time out of your busy life to read my blog. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or criticism to share with me, please leave a comment. Should you wish to get daily updates, you may subscribe to Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 357

Journal entry:

2012

Fortunate days, fortunate ways,
Everything falls in place
In perfect timing, comfortable space.

Blessings rain down, erasing my frown
Bringing glowing smiles
To shorten the many miles.

Jesus travels with me, within me,
Making the journey worth traveling,
Keeping my life from unraveling.

Time passes, a year, rich in good cheer,
Hours made so beautiful
By miracles always very plentiful.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, December 31, 2012

Artwork:

I am grateful:

1.   Mom is with me to begin 2013.
2.   I was able to stay awake all day after staying up all night.
3.   I mailed my package this afternoon.
4.   I was able to get everything on my shopping list.
5.   Alex and Laura came to visit this afternoon.

I had a wonderful Monday. I hope yours was full of happiness as well. Before this year ends I encourage you to exercise your creativity. I know your imagination is filled with greatness, you must only uncover it. Unleash your creative dreams.

As a prompt, write about some of your accomplishments this year. Make it a review, and see how much positivity you can demonstrate. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Entering into the New Year, I hope you find energy to nurture your creativity. May inspiration richly bless each of your days. God be with every one of you.

Thank you so much for joining me here. I hope you enjoyed your visit. If so, you might want to subscribe to Chronicles. You will receive daily updates in your subscription. I value your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism, so please leave a comment.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 351

Journal entry:

Holiday Gifts

Christmas
Comes only once
Per year bringing with it
Loads of happiness and good cheer
To share with people everywhere and it
Calls us to remember the gift
God sent to us on Earth,
His only son,
Jesus

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   There were leftovers from yesterday’s feast to eat today.
2.   I was able to talk to my best friend, Reba.
3.   Mom was here with me.
4.   Christmas comes but once a year.
5.   God sent His only Son to free us.

I hope you have had a glorious Christmas Day. If you feel inclined, write down some of your thoughts or otherwise exercise your imagination. Maybe you would like to share a photo from your day, whatever pleases you.

As a prompt, write about something you are anticipating in the next year. You might want to use the form of a poem, a story, or a journal entry. Just get busy and write. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism are always welcome, so please leave a comment. If you would like, you can subscribe to Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 350

Journal entry:

Discarded

Respect
He does not have
For me anymore, but
I guess it is no wonder at
All, I only always tried to do my best
For him , giving him all I could.
Maybe he is now ashamed
To be a son
Of mine.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Monday, December 24, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I got some sleep last night.
2.   Hope calmed down after I put her Thunder Shirt on.
3.   We spent time with Jeremy, Christy, Jayden, and Linda.
4.   Jayden liked her present.
5.   Linda seemed to like her present.

I hope you have had a wonderful Monday, especially since it is Christmas Eve. Please take time to do something creative before you retire this evening. It will be a great gift to yourself and the universe.

As a prompt, write about a gift you have given. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I apologize for my down mood, usually I am not like this. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. If you wish you can follow Chronicles by entering your email address above. Please leave a comment, should you have something to share with me.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 344

Journal entry:

Falling Short

Sometimes it is hard
To make others happy as
You would really like
Because they have different
Measures of satisfaction.

You attempt to make
The best of situations,
But you only cause
Misunderstanding, trouble,
Not at all what you desire.

You cannot give up,
You cannot stop trying to
Bring some happiness
To those for whom you care so
Very much, loving them more.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Alex came to visit a while today.
2.   I was able to shoot with the pistol and rifle some.
3.   I did not run out of hot water in the shower.
4.   Hope settled down after we finished shooting.
5.   Alex and Laura are going to be with us for Christmas dinner.

I enjoyed my Tuesday a great deal. I hope you had a good day as well. I urge you to use your creativity and make something wonderful to share with the world. I know you have the ability, because I believe you are at least as talented as I am.

As a prompt, write about disappointment. This might be your own or that of another. Write a poem, story, or journal entry, whatever appeals to you most. If you use this prompt, leave a link to your work in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Should you wish to share your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism, please leave a comment. If you enjoyed your time here, please consider subscribing to Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 337

Journal entry:

In His Favor

Gracious
God Almighty
Who oversees every
Thing that happens to his people
Cares for each of us very tenderly,
Minding even the most minute
Possession for which we
Have concern, God
Loves us

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   Laura and Alex were willing to give me time to get ready.
2.   I remembered to take my camera.
3.   I made it across the rocks in the stream.
4.   We found my Droid after I had lost it.
5.   Mom decided to go to her Christmas Party.

I am so happy my day turned out well, it could have been a disaster. I hope your Tuesday was uneventful. Take time to engage your creativity. There is so much you have to share with the world. I know you can make something of value if you make an effort.

As a prompt, write about an unexpected blessing. Every day things happen that are miraculous, just pick something you have experienced and write. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

I am so grateful you took time to visit my blog. Please share your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism in the comments. If you enjoyed the work here, perhaps you would like to follow Chronicles.

Always,
Jo Ann

365 Creativity Project-Day 331

Journal entry:

Evidently

A design that is
Intelligent flows throughout
All of creation,
Beauty that transcends limits
Of imagination exists.

No random chance could
Have brought about such wondrous
Formations and life
Forms as are present in our
Widely diverse universe.

The great Creator
Turned His able hands to work
Making wonderful
Creatures and living things to
Delight himself and humans.

Still the Lord does not
Require anyone believe
In His omniscience
He simply leaves evidence
For each of us to discern.

Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Photographs:

I am grateful:

1.   I got a card from my friend, Ray.
2.   Alex came to visit today.
3.   Alex paid for the case and screen protector for my Droid.
4.   Alex’s old computer came on.
5.   I have written over 240 poems this year.

I had a great Wednesday, although I am still coughing quite a lot. I hope your day was rewarding. Make it better by using your creativity to make something fabulous to share with the world. I know you have the talent and ability to accomplish whatever you set your mind to doing.

As a prompt, write about some sort of design. You might have a different perspective to my own and might want to write in argument against my poem, or you might want to write about something else entirely. Just write. If you use this prompt, please leave a link to your work in the comments below.

If you are a regular reader I hope you know how much I appreciate your loyalty. If you are new, I hope you enjoyed your visit. I recommend you subscribe to Chronicles if you would like daily updates. Your comments help me improve, so please leave one.

Always,
Jo Ann