Author Archives: joyocala

I am a somewhat OCD creature of habit. I have my quirks, my little routines. Still, there are times when I go “off script.” Last Wednesday was one of those times. Most of my pastoral visits happen in the afternoon, … Continue reading →

She sat at the curb in the early morning, perched on a small suitcase. Packed and ready to go, she waited. She was my daughter and she was only five. Her Grammy had invited her to visit for a few … Continue reading →

During Advent Season, we are given a chance to again be amazed at the specialness, the holiness of Mary. I have tried to imagine being greeted by an angel. She was so young. Surely she was frightened; taken aback, flabbergasted … Continue reading →

My Bible is showing some wear. . . The cover is fading. The spine is not quite so rigid. Some of the pages are dog-eared. But the words are still the same. The message is clear. God’s voice speaks just … Continue reading →

Originally posted on November 3, 2017  There’s an analogy I like to use to describe the twists and turns that my life takes. I see myself as a small leaf floating on a brook. The size of the brook doesn’t … Continue reading →

Today commemorates Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700-1760), renewer of the church and hymn writer. Count von Zinzerdorf, a member of the Austrian nobility, was raised in a pietist Lutheran family. He always had an interest in religious matters. In 1722 … Continue reading →

While Jim is vacationing we are pleased to post this blog from April 2018. I’ve always liked the Breton’s Fisherman’s Prayer, and there have been a number of times in my life when I’ve felt the need to pray it. … Continue reading →

Does it astonish you that we who live in the most affluent, most free country in the world, are also the most stressed? There are a multitude of reasons, of course. Job insecurity, crime, school shootings, lack of affordable health … Continue reading →

On warm summer evenings, we covered ourselves in bug repellant and walked. We followed the road that ran around the lake, just the two of us my aunt and me. We sang camp songs all the way; we sang loud … Continue reading →

I was not always a fan of Star Trek, but know this phrase as it became a cultural phrase of the time. There are many theories regarding our universe, the planets, other life forms, galaxies and infinity. To be honest, … Continue reading →