Author Archives: joyocala

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 →

Sometimes HIS presence is so simple . . . so pure . . So miraculous . . . We’ve been watching bluebirds . . . The brilliant blue and russet of the male, the less intensely colored female. Beaks filled … Continue reading →

“Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.”  Psalm 84:4 Have you ever felt like singing out for joy to the Lord at the end of a long and difficult trip? Or after completing a … Continue reading →

One episode of “Foyle’s War,” a British detective drama set during World War II, featured a band of children collecting paper, fat, scrap metal and everything else they could find for the war effort. Chief Detective Superintendent Foyle had everything … Continue reading →

Paulette and I lived in North Carolina for forty-two years before moving here and joining Joy. While there, we were members of a Moravian church. It is a small denomination, but it nevertheless has influenced other Protestants, including Luther and … Continue reading →

Originally Posted on March 14, 2018 I’ve always enjoyed choral music and felt that it and other types of music are important parts of worship. I especially enjoy the harmony that is present in choral music. I love the way … Continue reading →

I would jump out of bed and rush to the kitchen. “Oh daddy, there’s a spider in my cereal!  April Fools!” Such was the ingenuity of my juvenile pranks on April Fool’s Day. It was a day for silly pranks; … Continue reading →

As Passoverand Easter near us during Spring, I think back to when two of my step-grandchildren were in fourth and seventh grades. My step-daughter prepared the Seder meal and this time it was to be “kid-style.” That meant, the children … Continue reading →

Sometimes in my search for just the right words to pray to you, Lord My eyes close softly . . . My breaths become deeper . . . The noise of the world disappears . . . An unexpected tear … Continue reading →

A couple of years ago, we watched the blockbuster movie “The Ten Commandments” as part of a very rare confirmation class retreat at Joy. It was fun to relive the excitement that I had felt as a youngster watching this … Continue reading →