Monthly Archives: August 2017

Posted on August 19, 2017 by joyocala

The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways   As I shook hands with Pastor Art after church on Sunday he said to me, “Would you consider being one of our blog-writers?”  I gasped in shock.  Not me!  I’m the one who … Continue reading →

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All Creatures Great and Small I wrote about the creatures bright and beautiful at the beginning of the summer. Then I got off track and forgot to continue with all creatures great and small. So, that is what I am going to write about this week. Sturgeons: Have you ever seen a sturgeon? They are huge! Not particularly good to eat because of the numbers of bones, but great sport fish. Well, one early Spring while we were having some renovations done on the lake cottage, I was shocked to see the water churning and churning right in front of the house. It was a “deep water” Spring; meaning that the lake was right up to the top of the retaining wall which is just two feet from the porch. The plumbers rushed to the wall and with awe in their voices proclaimed the glory of mating sturgeons. Sure enough, that churning was caused by several very large fish rolling and roiling in the waters in front of my house. The guys express their dismay at not having their fishing rods in the van. I was glad and told them not to come back and try to catch them. You see, there is a legend here is that our lake monster, Champ, could be one of those sturgeon which has grown to gigantic proportions. I wouldn’t want to take the chance that they might catch Champ and put an end to all the mystery that Champ evokes on Lake Champlain. Then there are ants: I am sure that all of you have had experiences with ants. Here at camp, they are the welcoming committee as we walk in the door. They come in all sizes: the giant ones who are eating the camp, the medium size ones who eat everything else and like water and the teeny, tiny ones who swarm all over the sugar and honey jars. Ever notice how they are the most caring of insects; rescuing their injured brethren at great cost to their own safety? I have tried to live with them but it is not possible. They bite and they don’t share the food. Once they start on something, it is gone from human consumption. So, we look for solutions. I used cucumbers peels very successfully for years. Made the kitchen smell good and didn’t do any environmental damages. Just look unsightly. But this year, we had to resort to more vigorous methods like buttons, sprays and sprinkles around the outside perimeter. Most of them have moved on to greener pastures. Not sure what that means for an ant. However, the teeny, tiny ones just love the native honey. I wash the bottle each time and still find them licking the residue. So, we trudge along together; learning to share the honey. As always happens to me when I take time to really look at this beautiful world that I am blessed to occupy, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and awe. Dear Lord, thank you, thank you, thank you! Can I say enough to sincerely relay how I feel about these gifts and challenges? Looking at the sturgeon and the ant, I see the creatures great and small and I know that the Lord God made them all. One way or another, the Lord God made them all. And I am truly grateful. Remember that the Lord God loves you unconditionally. Spend some time looking at the beautiful world in which you live. Read Psalm 8 New International Version (NIV) as an interesting meditation on this topic and our place in creation.

Posted on August 18, 2017 by joyocala
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The Discipline of Submission

Posted on August 17, 2017 by joyocala

Benedictine monks make three vows: obedience, stability, and conversion of life. I could manage the last two, but the first one – no way. I have trouble doing what I’m told, especially when I know I’m right – which, of … Continue reading →

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“Snapchats” with God

Posted on August 15, 2017 by joyocala

I seem to have Facebook pretty much figured out. It’s taken me what, nine years? But when it comes to Instagram and Snapchat, I leave that to the younger generations! Snapchat, as near as I can tell, is making funny … Continue reading →

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Our days are numbered . . . I’d like to share a couple stories with you today – stories of two dear friends who are walking through the valley of the shadow of death with beautiful grace. I met each of them in college. Both friendships grew and flourished in the nearly 60 years since. (I have changed only their names to protect their privacy.) Bea is suffering from leukemia. With the help of Hospice Care, she enjoys the comfort of her own home. She has lost most of her muscle strength; but she has no cognitive issues and maintains a wonderful outlook. With a life expectancy of less than six months, she and her husband see every day as a blessing. I see their strength, their faith, their acceptance, and their peace – and yes, I am in awe. Gail is the victim of Alzheimer’s disease. At this stage she is confined to a nursing home. She cannot walk or speak and swallowing is very difficult. She has outlived the life expectancy predicted by the medical staff. But Gail is cared for daily by a loving husband. She seems most content when they sit quietly side by side holding hands. Although aphasia prevents her from communicating, occasionally she is able to whisper a few words – a simple “I love you” to her dear husband. I watch their patience, their long-suffering, their faith in the goodness of God – and yes, once again I am in awe. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) These two beautiful people personify those words for me. I watch and I have much to learn. “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) The wisdom of God’s faithful love is yours for the asking. The Holy Spirit will come to you with gifts of patience, peace, long-suffering, love and goodness. Your heavenly Father listens to your prayers. He encourages you to ask, to seek His blessings. Remember your God loves you, He loves you unconditionally. Judy Read Matthew 7:7-12

Posted on August 14, 2017 by joyocala
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DISCIPLINE OF FASTING   When I mentioned fasting to a Bible-study group, one member protested, “I thought fasting went out with the Middle-Ages.” While fasting is common among some Christians, others regard it as an offense to their natural right to visit the Golden Arches anytime they want.   Fasting is a Biblical practice. Jesus assumes that people fast (Matthew 6:16). The Gospels report that he fasted for 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2). Fasting should be understood as a way of turning ourselves toward God. We set aside our normal consumption of food so that we pay attention to the one who gave us that food and the life it sustains. Fasting reminds us that we don’t “live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).   Most people can manage going without food for 24 hours without ill-effects, but it isn’t proper for everyone. There is nothing wrong with fasting by abstaining from certain foods like meat or sweets or delaying a meal.   As fasting turns us to God, it should also turn us towards others. The seventeenth-century poet Robert Herrick wrote this about fasting in his poem “To Keep a True Lent.”   No: ‘tis a fast to dole   Thy sheaf of wheat     And meat. With the hungry soul. It is to fast from strife  And old debate,     And hate; To circumcise thy life.   That’s a good reminder that fasting is part of a whole disciplined life that cares for the needs of others and refrains from stirring up animosity.   Read Joel 2:12-17 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.   Wayne

Posted on August 11, 2017 by joyocala
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Reporting Live, From the Road

Posted on August 8, 2017 by joyocala

Dateline, Atlanta…first-ever Rostered Ministers Gathering of the ELCA. All who are ordained in Word and Sacrament, PLUS all who are deacons (formerly known as AiMs), consecrated in Word and Service. Of course, it is a delight to my soul to see … Continue reading →

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This is your Captain speaking . . .

Posted on August 7, 2017 by joyocala

Words of wisdom sometimes come to us from unusual sources. On a recent flight, just as we were awaiting departure, the captain came into the cabin with a message for us. To paraphrase his words: “I’d like each of you … Continue reading →

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The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways

Posted on August 5, 2017 by joyocala

Please welcome the newest member of our blog writing team: As I shook hands with Pastor Art after church on Sunday he said to me, “Would you consider being one of our blog-writers?” I gasped in shock. Not me! I’m … Continue reading →

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Be Careful What You Pray For… 

Posted on August 4, 2017 by joyocala

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about my early morning complaint. For several years, I have participated in an early morning water aerobics class with some wonderful, inspiring women. However, every class morning, I wake and ask God why … Continue reading →

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