Author Archives: joyocala

Do you talk to yourself? It doesn’t have to be out loud, but our thoughts do jump around in our mind. It would be wonderful if all thoughts or self-conversations were always uplifting and positive. Alas, we are human.  We sin. … Continue reading →

I recently returned from a trip to Vermont. During this visit, we went on an outing to Mt.Washington which is in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the tallest point inthe northeast. We took a cog train to the … Continue reading →

A long time ago when I was a senior in high school, I went on a spiritual retreat with my classmates. It was a two-night sojourn at the Immaculata Retreat House which was located in Willimantic Connecticut for over 60 … Continue reading →

I might have done better as a pastor if I ever could have figured out how a person becomes a Christian. Yes, I know about Baptism. I am grateful that the Holy Spirit works in Baptism to make us part … Continue reading →

During my freshman year of college I took a baby programming course, and I remember (which is amazing, since it was the fall of 1961) the first assignment very well. The professor asked us to write detailed instructions for tying … Continue reading →

It’s an ongoing story, actually. God’s story, with a chapter that is played out every morning in Swenson Hall, where church work blends with a recovery meeting. Many of you reading this are members, so you know the particulars. You … Continue reading →

Jeremiah lived in very difficult times.  God continually spoke to him, words of warning for the evil, injustice and idolatry around him in Judah.  Jermiah had to stand alone against the crowd, for he spoke “uncomfortable truths” to the people … Continue reading →

When the sky has a few random grey clouds, yet the sun is shining, I just love it when the rays pour through the clouds.  Immediately, I picture it as heaven and my loved ones shining through to let me know … Continue reading →

I just came in the house from doing a little gardening. After a cool drink and a little rest, I started thinking about my garden a bit more. One of the things I like about living in Florida is I … Continue reading →

 Recently, I was blessed with a couple of encounters with these tiny, fast moving, fascinating creations. Well, it was one encounter with a hummingbird and one with a hummingbird moth which I thought was a real hummingbird until I did … Continue reading →