Author Archives: joyocala

What a strange Lenten Season this has turned out to be!  We are asked to stay away from each, in order to save each other, creating a very different Lent.  Let me explain. Lent has always been a solemn time … Continue reading →

As we hunker down fighting this virus, we might forget that we are almost into Holy Week. My mind turns to one of the great Passiontide hymns, “My Song is Love Unknown.”* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMart4wXsI0 There is a strange sweetness mixed with … Continue reading →

Do you remember the “Good Old Days,” the ones you fib about to your grandkids?  If you saw a picture of a computer in those days, you saw a special room with strong air conditioning and a platform floor (to … Continue reading →

“Lights on for safety.” “Make sure that safety (on the gun) is on.” Safety training in my Navy days, seemingly every week. “Let’s get back to making music.” Money-wise, it’s a safety net, or a “golden parachute.” We need to … Continue reading →

Coronavirus, pandemic, self-isolation, social distancing – a month ago these were unfamiliar terms.  Now they are a major part of our very existence.  These are difficult times for all of us.  We are anxious about the anticipated unknown.   Our level … Continue reading →

Elizabeth Barrett Browning gave us these words in one of her famous poems.  Love can bring out the poet in us, as that emotion stirs within. In Greek (the language of the New Testament), there are several words for love.  C. S. … Continue reading →

The past week had been 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 that I was not … Continue reading →

Keep in touch – easy to say – more difficult to do.  Even in the calmest of times, keeping in touch with friends and relatives takes purposeful action on both sides.  Right now, we are being asked not to touch.  … Continue reading →

The Bible contains a number of imprecatory or cursing psalms. The Lutheran lectionary carefully skips verses with curses in them. Here’s a sample of one in which the psalmist prays for God to curse his enemies. “Let their table be … Continue reading →

Like most churches, Joy Lutheran has stopped having public worship services during the Corona crisis.  Pastor Art, however, held a live online service that was accessible through Facebook.  Paulette has a Facebook account, and we were able be a part … Continue reading →