Author Archives: joyocala

Memes, social media avatars, snail-mail cards, gift baskets, email greetings.  So many varied ways to send wishes for a happy holiday season.  Ponder if you will, how Jesus was celebrated.  His parents wrapped Him in warm swaddling layers and tucked Him into a … Continue reading →

We all know and love the Christmas story. I’ve heard it and celebrated it my whole life.It is the MOST AWESOME STORY EVER. “And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him … Continue reading →

The seasons of Advent and Christmas have always been special times in my life. From childhood, family traditions have been seeded in my heart and practices. Each year, as my children grew older, I could see that these traditions were … Continue reading →

The seasons of Advent and Christmas have always been special times in my life. From childhood, family traditions have been seeded in my heart and practices. Each year, as my children grew older, I could see that these traditions were … Continue reading →

So here comes one you don’t expect from me, a rendition of a Basque Christmas carol by the rock singer Sting. The text is the story of the annunciation. The Angel Gabriel comes to tell Mary that she will be … Continue reading →

This past Sunday I featured an arrangement of a traditional Lent hymn during the 8:15 special music spot. You might be thinking “Are there not enough Advent hymns?  We are preparing for the arrival of Jesus and you’re already using music … Continue reading →

I think we’re done with it – for this year. I’ve never been good at it, don’t particularly enjoy it, but I’m getting better. A part of me thinks “why bother?” It seems such a waste of paper that just … Continue reading →

Fifty-nine years ago this week, Gemeni 6 and Gemeni 7 made their first controlled rendezvous in earth’s orbit.  Unbelievable!  A Charlie Brown Christmas debuted in CBS to mixed reviews.  Little did they know!   The Beatles released a new song “We … Continue reading →

Have you ever looked through a kaleidoscope? I had the opportunity to visit Jerome, Arizona.  While there I went into the Nellie Bly Kaleidoscope Shop. I have NEVER seen so many different kaleidoscopes.  Big, small, HUGE, and everything in between.  I have one … Continue reading →

While visiting our daughter and son-in-law over Thanksgiving, she shared a story of what she considered to be “a God thing” which gave her a much-needed wake-up call. Our son-in-law has shared with us on many occasions that our daughter … Continue reading →