Author Archives: joyocala

Let’s be up front about this. Many of you will no doubt think me a little strange. But yes, I do enjoy a stroll through a quiet cemetery. I always have. There’s a sense of peacefulness and tranquility, a time … Continue reading →

From Porgy and Bess, Gershwin shared, “Summertime and the living is easy…” Well, those of us in Florida, know that sometimes the oppressive heat of summer is NOT easy. If instead we focus on the warmth coming from within us, … Continue reading →

“Just then a woman came from behind Him and touched the fringe of His robe and she said to herself, “If only I touch His cloak, I will be healed.” Matthew 9:20-21 She didn’t have to shout . . . … Continue reading →

What persistent little bugs ants are! I wrote about my battle with ants last summer. Each year, we (the ants and I) stake out a claim for the right to use the cottage kitchen without interference. I am never sure … Continue reading →

The name Nathan Söderblom is relatively unknown today, but 100 years ago he was a well-regarded Lutheran church leader. Söderblom (1866-1931) was ordained a priest in the Church of Sweden in 1893. After teaching for a number of years, he … Continue reading →

In Matthew 5:48 Jesus says (NIV), “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” This is a verse I have often thought about, trying to work out its exact meaning, because I have trouble believing that any human can … Continue reading →

Originally posted on August 26, 2017 Tossing and turning, unable to sleep, I sat down at my computer in the early morning darkness and impatiently powered it up. Ugh! It seems like it’s taking forever. Finally it hums and chugs … Continue reading →

It was 1885, when a sixteen year old girl from Kammin, West Prussia boarded a ship for America. The oldest child in her family, she traveled alone. With precious few belongings stowed in her bag, she found her way to … Continue reading →

I grew up in a house with Grandma. She was an Italian immigrant from the Sicily region. It was pounded into us that family and family ties were very important. We were taught to always defend family, to overlook some … Continue reading →

Originally posted on May 21, 2017 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 … Continue reading →