It was Saturday, It was Real

IMG_20180311_182740.jpg

2018.03.10 However, Whenever, Whatever Journal Page 1

 

This is the first of four entries written yesterday. I think I am going to begin posting the actual pages instead of transcribing them. It gives a better window into my process and requires me to work harder because there is no spelling or grammar checker when I use handwriting.

Honest work made true
By careful hands, gifted mind,
No pretense involved.

2018.03.10 However, Whenever, Whatever Journal Page 40002

In my job, I handle enough errors that I came to this conclusion. Even though that is only a few hours a month, it leaves the impression I do not wish to see more. I am available for copy editing at a price, but torture, no. I get migraines because I so want to fix things.

2018.03.10 However, Whenever, Whatever Journal Page 40003

This surprised me. I did not know this was what I would write. It became more profound than I intended and brought things to my attention I was unaware I believed. I discover myself as I write, and sometimes, I have no idea who I am. This is the reason writing is such crucial exploratory work.

2018.03.10 However, Whenever, Whatever Journal Page 40004

If you like the journal pages, please let me know. If not, express that as well. I am so thankful for those of you who take time to read my meanderings. When I know you have found merit in what I do, it makes me feel maybe there is a chance that my creations could find a home in the world of book publishing.

As a prompt, if there was something in what I discussed that you would like to explore in relation to yourself, go ahead. Or simply write something. Live on the page, it is kind of like speaking aloud.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. You are much appreciated. If you wish; follow the site, if not, make this your destination in the future. God be with you in all your ways and days. Blessings upon you.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan

Journals and Entries

IMG_20180309_232949.jpg

The top journal is Gratitude; the black one is However, Whenever, Whatever; the bottom one is my Brain Dump Notebook which I finished Friday, March 9, 2018.

I think some of you realize I have been struggling a lot lately. It goes and comes. I have an antidote I sometimes use, a Gratitude List. I started a new journal expressly for that purpose. Two entries in, plus journal entries in However, Whenever, Whatever; and reading over the Brain Dump Notebook I just completed, and I am ditching most of the despair. I have made a lot of progress since losing Mom. I see it on these pages.

I highly recommend making Gratitude Lists at least once a week. This counting of blessings grounds us in our lives, which we can so quickly lose touch with in many ways.

Journals are also significant psychological tools, helping work through problems and find creative solutions to our challenges. Writing every day is not necessary, though the more frequently the device is used, the more effective it becomes.

2018.03.09 Gratitude Journal2018.03.10 Gratitude Journal

You can guess the prompt, get out one of those journals which I know you have and dedicate it to Gratitude. Make it daily or weekly, but make it a habit. It will help you deal with the life you live. It will encourage to take nothing for granted, it will help you realize the struggles of others. Most of all, it will challenge you to be your best self.

Life is a gift, we should be thankful for it and all the many possessions that make it richer. Our friends, families, and pets are treasures beyond value.

Forgive me for being away, I have been in crisis mode. Had to go over a year of writing to realize I have survived.

Center

It all falls apart,
But even so, it all still
Comes back together;
Troubles happen all over
It is tough out on the street.

Ask George Washington,
Or maybe Mister Franklin,
Both will tell you, right,
There are seldom problems new;
People contain disturbance.

Peace does continue
Within the sheltering walls
Where love maintains sway
In hearts unafraid to be
Generous, caring, and kind.

Humans have courage,
Will to express such feelings
As cause gentleness
Sharing the core of being;
An unconditional love.

When it all seems lost,
Hope appears nearly vanquished,
Never despair, quit;
The storm cannot ever hold,
Love rushes back like lightning.

DSC_0032

I have written a great deal more than this latest poem today. I seem to be in a productive place. I am enjoying the flow of words and ideas.

I am grateful:

  1. There are inspiring books upon which to feast.
  2.  I remembered the pie.
  3.  I emptied a cabinet that contained Mom’s medicines.
  4.  Reba called, even though it was late.
  5.  I have choices for a replacement notebook when this one I have is full.
  6.  I have become somewhat fond of Classical Music.
  7.  I paid the bills without running entirely out of money.

As a prompt, create something with a downtempo theme which then you raise to inspirational heights. Do not allow the doldrums to overcome. You are blessed, share your plenty through your art.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. I hope you will follow the site by clicking the button, or come back when opportunity allows. Comments are always welcome, as are questions. God Bless and Keep You, Every Day, Everyway, Always and Forever.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan

Observation on Dismissal

DSC_0463

I have noticed some belittle offerings of thoughts and prayers. I wonder, ponder, do they know what the words mean?

When persons of faith offer thoughts and prayers, they are saying, “I will set aside time and space within my mind to focus positive, healing, caring thoughts on you and your situation.” This sets a beneficial vibration or process in motion. Then there are the prayers; when God’s people pray, angel armies are called into action, demons are removed from their strongholds and prevented from causing destruction. Suddenly, disasters are averted, diseases are miraculously healed or rendered less debilitating, comfort is given, lives are saved. The pain of grief is lessened, storms are dispelled, collisions are avoided, funds are appropriated, souls are redeemed. Long-standing misunderstandings are set right, lost objects are found, bullets miss their mark allowing continuance of life, shots are propelled to the proper target protecting lives. Nourishing food appears for the hungry, homes are found for the needy, strangers become friends, good advice is given, jobs are located, people renew their hope, love, purpose, and so much more.

Welcome thoughts and prayers and do not scorn them. When heads are bowed, and people get on their knees, be prepared, soon and very soon, God will show up.

 

I am a person of prayer, if you should ever wish to share a need, I would be honored to include you in my prayers. Gratitude is a form of worship and prayer. I include it often in my days that I never forget how abundantly blessed is my life.

I am grateful:

  1.   I got the remake of my contact, and it is much better.
  2.   Even though my order was wrong for lunch, it was good. I did not wish to send it back and waste the food. I hope next time the kitchen gets it right.
  3.   I had an opportunity to thank some officers for their service as policemen.
  4.   I postponed work on the house this weekend.
  5.   I have been writing a lot, and even though some of my postings are going unread, I know my skills improve with practice.
  6.   The weather has been warmer.
  7.    Focus@Will.
  8.   I am about finished with one of the books I have been reading.
  9.   I did a little editing of an article for my boss.
  10.   Life is a challenge, but without the struggle, the rewards would be less sweet.

I said a quick prayer
As I drove along my way,
I do not believe
Those words went unheard, astray,
Jesus moves in mighty ways.

As a prompt, consider your attitude toward thoughts and prayers. Create something that presents your view and invites discussion. Also, pick a few things you are thankful for and detail those.

Thank you so much for visiting Haphazard Creative. I hope you will follow the site, or come back soon. There is much to explore among the pieces contained here and on my website Chronicles. I always welcome comment and discussion so feel free to have your say.

While going through your day try to smile and share positivity with others, you encounter. You might just save someone’s life. A kind word, a considerate action, it adds up to make another person feel esteemed. God Bless and Keep You, Everyway, Every day, Forever and Always.

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan

No rejects here

DSC_0181

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – Psalm 139:14

We may not be what others call beautiful or handsome. We may not have an immense intellect or shining talent. We may not excel in physical endeavors. Yet, each of us is a miracle created intentionally and given purpose by God. He knows us by name and treasures us as most beloved children.

There is meaning to each of our lives because even our flaws were fashioned by the Lord. Some of those teach us strength, and some educate others in tenderness.

Whoever we become, it is because God endowed us with the creative resources, gifts, talents, abilities, and ambition to reach a measure of success. We are not randomly placed on Earth. The Good Shepard leads us, guiding us from places of shadow into spaces filled with light.

When we feel we have lost our way or the world has turned coldly against us, we must call to mind the facts that we are cherished and loved by Him to whom all things belong. He set life in motion, how much more will He protect us from destruction and dissipation.

We strive for the best because the Best made us. Jesus enables us to be more than we imagine and fills us with dreams that convey us to heights of greatness, which without Him we would never achieve.

 

Sit down here near me
The table we will fill with
Creative delights
Then we will see this world more
Clearly, imagining joy
Divinely given without
Applying any restraints.

Sometimes, I am disappointed with myself when I craft something I believe to be essential and no one attributes any worth to it, like the entry I posted yesterday. However, it is not mine to decide what someone else enjoys or finds edifying. I must only do the work. I am given what I am, and that is enough because I am not junk. I am a person of meaning, not of myself, but because God says so.

I am grateful:

  1.   God created me in His image, breathing life and creativity into me, such that I may please Him.
  2.   I am going to get my replacement contact today.
  3.   I am up early.
  4.   Continual reading educates me.
  5.   I have resources for becoming a better writer with processes that improve my ability to convey meaning.
  6.   No matter what my status in the world, God loves me.
  7.   There is nowhere I can go, nothing I can do, which will separate me from the Lord.

As a prompt, create something that gives insight into your view of your meaning.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. I hope you will follow or find your way back. God Bless and Keep You!

© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan