Author Archives: joyocala

I am writing this at the Florida Theatre Conference Festival where I’m acting in one of my own skits in the Dramature section. That’s a polite way of saying performances by old fogies. Probably 99.5% of the participants at the … Continue reading →

At a height of 29,000 feet (5.5 miles), Mt. Everest is the highest point on earth. I was a ten year old boy in 1953, but I still have memories of the exciting news that New Zealander Edmund Hillary and … Continue reading →

You know the drill or remember it if you ever had a desk job. The boxes. How were yours arranged? One for filing, one for “pending” one for outgoing and one for incoming? In my Navy career, there were three … Continue reading →

I have a tomato plant in my garden. I wanted to relive the joy of picking and eating my own fresh tomato. Now, my gardening skills are limited. But I’m on a mission with this plant! Water daily – check. … Continue reading →

Awaiting the arrival of our second child, I was sketching the baby announcement I wanted to make and was praying for a Bible verse. I had “given” my first son a Bible verse before his arrival that I knew in … Continue reading →

We were sooooo excited and a little bit nervous. My kindergarten class had practiced and practiced and now was our first time to sing in front of a church full of people. “Remember the words. Sing together. Don’t forget to … Continue reading →

Have you ever had your life changed in the blink of an eye? In a twinkling of a moment? I have. Twice. Once 49 years ago, in Montreal, on a sunny afternoon during a rugby game. Again on a sunny … Continue reading →

I don’t know why I am haunted by the last Sunday of Easter. Maybe it’s the imagery of the disciples and the women gathered together after Jesus has ascended to heaven wondering, “He’s gone. Now what happens?” The Biblical texts … Continue reading →

Scaredy Cat It was a beautiful, fall day in North Carolina, and we were on our screened-in porch visiting with our neighbors. Halloween was approaching, and they had brought us two yard decorations. They were made of quarter-inch plywood and … Continue reading →

“For the Lord your God goes with you.” (Deuteronomy 20:4, Mark 16:7) “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49) … Continue reading →