Author Archives: joyocala

I have always loved the story of Elijah seeking the Lord under the broom tree. Not because it is a particularly pleasant story, but because of the lesson: Listen to the small still voice – it is God speaking! I … Continue reading →

Today is the commemoration of Antony of Egypt (251-356). Egypt? Yep, Egypt was an important center of early Christianity. Even today there are around 18-20 million members of the Coptic Church in Egypt. Antony was born to a wealthy family. … Continue reading →

In Joy’s Discipleship Bible Study we often look to Eugene Peterson’s transliteration of the Bible, The Message, for a second reading of a passage. Since it is written in contemporary idiomatic American English, it usually adds to our understanding; sometimes … Continue reading →

Recently, a wonderful volunteer at our church performed his ongoing good deed of power-washing. This is a task that is simultaneously satisfying and exhausting. Us men, you know, we love our power tools! But running a pressure washer for a … Continue reading →

In our world of electric lighting, complete darkness is a rare thing. But, I remember walking through the house one stormy night when the power was out. Yes, that meant no lamps burning, no street lights and even no glow … Continue reading →

What do you think about? Where do your thoughts roam when you slow down and allow them to wander into your mind? Are your thoughts positive? Are they thoughts of encouragement, hope, or appreciation? Has worry crept in? Does gloom … Continue reading →

It was called a “Green Hornet.” A gleaming 24-inch two-wheeler with silver streamers shooting from the handlebars. Shiny chrome, fat black tires that smelled of rubber, green to match my eyes. I had been blind-folded for the presentation of my … Continue reading →

Word in Season’s editor, Pastor Rochelle Melander, suggests gratitude journaling to find God in the world. She mentions several benefits, physical as well as spiritual ones. The goal is to observe and record acts of kindness and love that we … Continue reading →

When I was teaching, I often showed students that they didn’t see things the way they are. “Look at the door,” I’d say, “and tell me the shape you actually see.” “A rectangle,” they’d answer. “No, you can’t be seeing … Continue reading →

Jesus instructed us to follow what we know as the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” I especially … Continue reading →