Author Archives: joyocala

About joyocala

Blog posts by the saints of JOY Lutheran Church in Ocala. We are excited to do this ministry together and to share God's unconditional love with all who read these messages.

Thanksgiving

Originally posted on November 24, 2016 So this bunch of illegal aliens turns up in the neighborhood, and some of them have the nerve to rob you.* Next thing you know most of them are sick and they don’t have enough … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Intentional Spirituality

 I am aware that some of you reading this are not members of Joy Lutheran or even connected to us in any way except for WordPress. We all come at things from our unique personal perspective. This includes even how … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Bridge

In the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the Gatlinburg Skybridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.   It stretches 680 feet across a deep valley in a single span.  At its midpoint it is 150 feet in the air.   … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Whoopie! It’s Thanksgiving Again

It’s that time of year again.  Give thanks, share a big meal, feast with family and friends. Repeat in 364 more days. Quakers have an interesting perspective on Thanksgiving.  They do notrecognize holy days or as we call them “holidays.” They believe … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The First Thanksgiving

November 11 of this year was the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims landing in North America.  My friend shared this story with me and I have paraphrased it for my blog as I thought it   was perfect for this coming … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Faith and Feeling

I came across this sermon of Martin Luther. “I have often said before that feeling and faith are two different things. It is the nature of faith not to feel, to lay aside reason and close the eyes, to submit … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Giving Thanks

Originally posted on November 20, 2016 It was the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and our Sunday School teacher asked each of us to choose one thing for which we were thankful and share it with the class. I had to think … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Confessions of a Bad Waiter

  I mess up orders…I have a surly demeanor…I slam the plate on the table when I bring the food…okay, I’m not talking about that kind of waiter. Just having a little fun… I do not wait well. I might be … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

The Grasshopper

On a recent visit to the Harn Museum of Art in Gainesville, my attention was drawn to a display of tiny Chinese incense boxes.  The detail work on these was exquisite.  Above the display, a  poster showed a magnified image … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A Gold Watch

Many years ago, when men dominated the workforce, as their retirement years approached, they knew the “gold watch” and pat on the back were coming.  Retirement usually meant a farewell celebration, perhaps a bonus check and the gift of a gold … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment