Author Archives: joyocala

Here I go with my acronyms and memory devices! The title is a good motto for relating to people. It works in management settings, personal settings, coaching, and group dynamics. The order is definitely intentional. As servants of the Master, … Continue reading →

Now that the holiday rush is over, I’ll look through my basket of Christmas cards, enjoy them, and savor their newsy notes and comments.  Maybe sending cards is old-fashioned, but to me sharing greetings is still a warm sign of … Continue reading →

        John Arthur wrote a hymn text I am familiar with, my congregation singing this at times prior to communion during the offering collection. Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord, And fill to the brim our cup of blessing. Gather a harvest from the … Continue reading →

We live in a world where we are constantly being barraged by noise and messages. From radio broadcasts, news channels, music in elevators, stores and most business, to the rings of our phones and the constant chatter around us in … Continue reading →

The beloved Epiphany hymn” We Three Kings” was written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr. in 1857, while he was serving as the first music teacher at the newly founded General Theological Seminary in New York.   He wrote the hymn for … Continue reading →

What do you have planned for the new year?  Maybe you’re like me this year and lack any sort of plans. Look, I had things planned for 2020, and we got a pandemic that shut everything down for two years. … Continue reading →

This morning I’m thinking about a dear friend who passed away recently.  It was a friendship that grew over many years time.   It started with a simple conversation, but as the years went on we shared our lives together.  When … Continue reading →

What an odd question! A spiritual friendship sounds like it would be the ideal. Two people making a connection on a deep, “Jesus” level. But hear me out. It is the type of relationship that can potentially end up being … Continue reading →

The text of this hymn reflects life in early Christian Ireland.  In an era of clan warfare across Ireland, this was originally a prayer for protection using symbols of battle shields and swords to invoke the power of God.  The … Continue reading →

Will I ever graduate from high school?  Eeeks, egads, 6 more years of this! Or perhaps, you remember waiting for the birth of a child, or for a serviceman to finish his/her tour and finally be home with the family.  Sometimes our … Continue reading →