Author Archives: joyocala

Tomorrow is our anniversary. It was 55 years ago on a cold, snowy evening that we “tied the knot” and began this journey together. So many memories – good, bad, and crazy. As December 25th fast approaches I am reminded … Continue reading →

 It is on my phone calendar “to do” list. Not that it will take the whole day, but I am aware of a shortened deadline to get our Joy Lutheran Church “Tidings” newsletter out. With our church office being closed … Continue reading →

Where do we meet God?  It may be when we’re on our knees in prayer, but not always.  Sometimes God’s voice comes to us in the most unexpected places. Think about the shepherds in Bethlehem.  They were hired hands, wandering … Continue reading →

Ration cards were used during WWII, to ration food items and gas, so the war effort could be funded and needed supplies made available for the military.  The common folk struggled to feed their families and homemakers became creative at preparing … Continue reading →

Editor’s note: Today’s blog on the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is from Terri. The blog posted yesterday of the same name was written by Patty. And yes, their remembrances of years past are different. My apologies for the … Continue reading →

In 1963 Dean Martin made the Christmas song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” a hit.  The song of course touched on almost all of the wonders of the holiday season like jingle belling, holiday greetings, happy meetings, … Continue reading →

Tonight begins the Jewish festival of Hanukkah (Dedication) which celebrates the eight-day rededication of the temple of Jerusalem in 165 B.C. after its desecration by the Selucid king Antiochus IV. The Talmud reports there was only enough oil for the … Continue reading →

Originally Posted on December 6, 2017 One of my favorite scriptures, Joel 2:28-32, is often read during this Advent season, for it foretells the coming of the Messiah. That is enough reason to like it, but I also like it … Continue reading →

  The season of Advent sirs up so much in us. Some of the feelings and emotions are happy and welcome, while others are full of guilt and grief, not as welcome. It is a blend of our spiritual longings. Much … Continue reading →

We’re preparing ourselves to welcome the birth of our Savior at Christmas.  Like me, you may remember Sunday School pageants that told the story, yes we’ve pictured it many times. Perhaps you remember playing a role, as Mary or a … Continue reading →