Author Archives: joyocala

Do you have a favorite season? As soon as I make a choice, I remember some cozy characteristics about another season that makes me hesitate to make a firm decision. So, I am happy to enjoy all the seasons for … Continue reading →

As a youngster I was always saying things like, “I wish it was my birthday” or “I wish it was Christmas.” My mother would say, “Don’t wish your life away.” That made no sense to me. When you’re a kid, … Continue reading →

            I have liked covered bridges ever since I went to college in southern Indiana, where there are quite a few.  Parke County, Indiana has 31, the most of any county in the U.S.  My wife likes them also, and … Continue reading →

Along with a Christian faith, there is room for science. Newton was not a heretic, any more than Luther. Understanding the universe doesn’t negate belief in God. The launching of the James Webb telescope happened to be on what we … Continue reading →

One of my granddaughters is a busy bride-to-be.  So many things to plan and prepare, so much anticipation.  Quite recently she selected her wedding dress.  As “grammy” I was fortunate to receive several pictures of the dress and the exciting … Continue reading →

Just saw a meme on social media. You might have read it or something similar to it: “A YES from God, blesses you.  A NO from God, protects you. And WAITING FOR GOD Prepares you.” Well, watching an emotional movie today, triggered … Continue reading →

I recently spent time with a friend who is a “worrier”.  It is often difficult to be around her as our conversations usually revolve around what she is currently having anxiety about. I have frequently asked her why she is … Continue reading →

When my dear mother died in 2013, while cleaning out her desk, I found her personal prayer list. It was several pages, handwritten in neat Palmer method, on the type of notepad that you receive from a charitable institution when … Continue reading →

It’s ninety-something degrees today. The good news is it’s less than four months until Christmas.  The reason I’m mentioning Christmas is because of something I read by Henry Suso, a 14th century, German mystic. Suso had a vision that took … Continue reading →

David is credited with writing perhaps as many as eighty of the psalms in the Book of Psalms. He obviously had no knowledge of the singing brother and sister of a few recent decades ago, Richard and Karen Carpenter, known … Continue reading →