Author Archives: joyocala

Love is a verb. Forrest Gump (my hero) is not a smart man, but he knows what love is. By very self-definition, God is love. The scores of dictionary entries for “love” cannot decipher or describe this essence. “Love her” … Continue reading →

Today I want to share a hymn that is special to me. The words speak to me when I sing it. Truly God is calling each of us to follow.  He wants us to abandon the things that are holding … Continue reading →

        The expression, “Well, I am only human,” is certainly inaccurate. We are not just bodies, but a human who is also a spiritual being.  That is not two separate things, but rather a uniquely tied together entity. The Holy Spirit dwells … Continue reading →

I’m sure all of us have known people who are most always gloomy.  We have names for them like “Debbie Downers” for a female or “Danny Downers” for a male.  I have often referred to them as “Eeyores”, the forever … Continue reading →

Recently, my daughter-in-law Shawna posted a moving video on a social media outlet. It was a charming scene set in her backyard featuring a mother duck with her brood as they went for a morning swim.  The mother enters the … Continue reading →

Lack of clear communication was a frustrating problem after a tornado damaged my apartment building in March. The management’s preferred method of communication was sending emails–not very effective without electricity or internet connection. I constantly had to track down someone … Continue reading →

Spending a little time at the beach, I was awed by the sight and sound of the mighty ocean.  I’m always impressed by the constant rolling of the waves; a sight and sound that never ceases.  Now the water of … Continue reading →

I am an oddball, beset by quirks and eccentricities. I have unusual patterns of behavior and routine. Take for example my sermon preparation. For pastors and all preachers, we soon develop a system that works for us. Because of the … Continue reading →

Yesterday was a day to celebrate fathers – the fathers and grandfathers we had, the fathers we may be, and the fathers that our sons have become.  We’re grateful for their goodness, and we forgive them any shortcomings. The day … Continue reading →

        My grandfather’s middle name was Abia and my great-nephew’s middle name is also Abia (named for my grandfather).  According to research, Abia. as a boys’ name (can also be used as girls’ name) is of Hebrew origin, and the meaning of Abia is “God … Continue reading →