Author Archives: joyocala

This message was originally posted during Holy Week of 2016 by our friend Helen. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. These, or similar words, are Paul’s greetings in his letters to the … Continue reading →

For forty days we ponder. We ponder the suffering of our Lord Jesus. We ponder the love that led Him to the cross. We ponder His unconditional and unfathomable love for us. Now we begin Holy Week walking more slowly. … Continue reading →

From a Wikipedia source, “Etymology:   The word hosanna (L atin osanna, Greek ὡσαννά, hōsanná) is from Hebrew הושיעה־נא, הושיעה נא hôšîʿâ-nā.   It is related to Aramaic אושענא (ʾōshaʿnā) meaning “save, rescue, savior”.   In the Hebrew Bible it … Continue reading →

I cry very easily. I’ve learned to blink back the tears and control my quivering lips and take a deep breath but those that know me well can see the signs. It doesn’t take very much to get me started … Continue reading →

Handel’s Messiah, while often played at Christmas, is actually an Easter celebration. The Halleluiah Chorus was written to proclaim Christ’s resurrection from the dead. I like hearing this music all year long. It is a glorious reminder of the power … Continue reading →

Most Christians have seen a copy of Heinrich Hofmann’s painting “Christ in Gethsemane.” Much less know is Paul Gaugin’s “Christ on the Mount of Olives.” Although they were painted only a few years apart, Gauguin’s work is strikingly modern and … Continue reading →

Last Sunday Tambry’s prelude was an arrangement of “There Is a Balm in Gilead.” This old spiritual is one of my favorite hymns. The melody alone is beautiful, but its words are so gripping that even when it is played … Continue reading →

By now, I trust that you, our faithful blog readers, have heard of or may even have an “Alexa.”   “She” is this amazing entity that obeys your every voice command, including such menial tasks like adjusting the temperature of … Continue reading →

It was a cold winter day in 1968 when my hubby and I walked into the realtor’s office for the closing on our first home. We would sign our names to a document, committing ourselves to paying thousands of dollars … Continue reading →

When Peter wanted to walk on water, as his Lord had done, Jesus directed him to get out of the boat.  I often wonder, as much as I desire to follow Him and learn of Him and listen for His … Continue reading →