Author Archives: joyocala

In early July, we will have lived Florida for three years. As most of you have experienced, it is difficult to leave your old life and start a new adventure after living in one place for 35 years.  The physical … Continue reading →

A few weeks ago, in the quiet of our dens and living rooms, we celebrated Good Shepherd Sunday.  Always one of my favorites, the words spoken, and hymns sung offer enormous comfort in times of distress and reinforce security and … Continue reading →

It’s a shame few churches observe Ascension day even without Covid-19. I grew up going to Ascension services. Of course, the name of my church was Ascension Lutheran Church. But what does the Ascension of Jesus mean? It is in … Continue reading →

Lots of clichés and sayings are overworked; sometimes, however, they still have considerable impact.  Ask someone whose spouse has just said, “Can we talk?”  or “Are you wearing that?”  Often, they are used to try and lessen the impact of … Continue reading →

During these soul-testing days, or this “weirdness’, we consider the common good. We wear a mask, not for our own protection, but the well being of others. We do so, bearing in mind that this is the kingdom of God. … Continue reading →

For the past 365 day we’ve all been on a journey, riding planet earth around the sun.  Don’t know about you, but this year’s trek has been a bumpy one.  Has your plane hit turbulence?  Is your ship rolling roughly … Continue reading →

The government collects taxes now and even in Biblical times.  Aid, military support, schools, funding, there are a myriad of places for our taxes to go.  For many, it is a day they dread, paying what is owed (or for some actually … Continue reading →

These are hard times for many.  Many have died.  Many are sick.  Many are hungry.  Unemployed parents can’t afford to buy food.  Farmers produce food but getting it to the public a challenge.  It’s a big vicious circle.   I think … Continue reading →

Where does the time go?  This is a question that my husband asks me all the time.  “Into the past,” I reply.  Doesn’t it?  Time is a relative concept to my way of thinking.  But, what if I could turn … Continue reading →

Here’s a Bible Trivia question: “Who replaced Judas Iscariot among the Twelve?” Answer: “Matthias.” And that pretty much tells you all there is to know about Matthias except that he was said to be someone who had traveled around with … Continue reading →