Author Archives: joyocala

        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 →

“Listening with an open heart is the ultimate spiritual act. It is the greatest gift you can give another person and ultimately to yourself. Closeness with others will rise and fall in direct proportion to our capacity to put our … Continue reading →

This is one of my favorite blogs. Since I am still getting settled in Vermont, I am a little behind. I decided to update this one. There is a comfort in the year-to-year uniformity of my lakeside visitors. In a … Continue reading →

I’m writing this in the public library on March 15, the fourth day after I had to leave my home because a tornado damaged my apartment building. I should be thankful that no one was injured and my losses were … Continue reading →

Okay – I know the title’s got you curious. Is he talking about children? Some new social club for short people? Actually, it was the name Charles Schulz wanted for his new comic strip. But it sounded too close to … Continue reading →

Weather, FL – the long season of hot and humid hath begun. It will continue until October, when we will be teased by a brief respite of cool and dry, then continued warm until January. This is the way. Baseball … Continue reading →

Are you facing a personal challenge today?   Is it overwhelming?  Perhaps it’s a health challenge, or a relationship challenge, a financial challenge, an emotional challenge. I could tell you that the Lord is with you.  True, of course.  But maybe … Continue reading →

        When I had my boys, the big realization of change was in front of my eyes.  Every single day, during the first year of their life, they changed.  A giggle, a smile, momma, dada, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, eating solid foods, … Continue reading →

Here is a message I got from Hope Healing Words which I receive daily in email form.  Maybe many of you do too.  This message spoke to me as this was certainly me in my past and something I’m still … Continue reading →

June 8th was the anniversary of my mother’s death. She left this world quietly and peacefully, just as she had lived her long faith-filled life. My mother once told me that she could not discuss theological concepts with me as … Continue reading →