Author Archives: joyocala

There’s a comfort in having someone to walk with me.   It might be a quiet trail in the woods; someone to walk with me eases the loneliness.   It could be a tough patch of life’s trials; it’s overwhelming alone but … Continue reading →

I happened to overhear a mover arriving with a load of furniture for a new neighbor moving in to our development. He mentioned that apparently this section of the neighborhood was so new, his GPS could not find their home.  He … Continue reading →

I’m sure many of you have read this excerpt before, but every time I read it, it gives me hope.  I am overwhelmed with these brilliant answers from ones so young. Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia, otherwise known as “Dr. … Continue reading →

Growing up, I was always a little envious of the Irish girls in my class.  When St. Patrick’s Day came around, their moms would let them put some green food coloring in their hair as part of the celebration of … Continue reading →

Flour. Eggs. Milk. With just those three ingredients my mother could make dumplings for goulash, noodles for soup, or palascinta–flat pancakes something like crepes. It mystified me that they were essentially the same thing, yet came out so different. I’d … Continue reading →

Not so long ago I experienced a week was a bit jarring for me as I worried and obsessed about news I had received.  In my mind I convinced myself I was letting the Lord handle it and remind me … Continue reading →

God’s Word is a precious jewel. Our great heritage, as a Martin Luther hymn goes. I fear, however, that sometimes Christians use it as a weapon, a tool in an argument. At its’ worst use, it becomes a dividing line … Continue reading →

It seems like nighttime is when my brain whirls:  unsolved problems, health concerns, worries about my family.  I try to turn them over to God, but that little whirlwind in the mind swirls on.  Now thinking about these concerns is … Continue reading →

Just left the dentist’s office, not my most favorite place to visit, but it was minor and quick; however, it still included, “open wide.” Psalm 89 is attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite and begins: “Your love, God, is my song, and I’ll sing … Continue reading →

Our lives are so full of blessings, we often take them for granted.  I know I am guilty of that. I have been given so much I think I EXPECT my life to be happy and “blessed”.  I want a … Continue reading →