Author Archives: joyocala

Zephaniah was an Israelite and prophet of God during the 600 BC era, during the reign of Josiah, King of Judah. The book in the Bible Zephaniah is credited with writing, is short but powerful. Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord, your God, is … Continue reading →

When my brothers and I were growing up, we were involved in lots of activities. These included things like 4-H, church, school and summer sports and camps. We were busy. This kept our parents hopping, transporting us and then attending … Continue reading →

My family has had a special relationship with cardinals for over twenty years. Ever since the day of my father’s funeral when my mother and I observed a male cardinal at a window frantically trying to get into the chapel … Continue reading →

Today remembers James, an apostle of Jesus and the brother of John, both sons of Zebedee. The two brothers, along with Peter formed an inner circle around Jesus in that they were several times privy to certain events, like the … Continue reading →

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 →

That’s the number of humans throughout history who have believed in God. How can that be, when there is so much pain and struggle? How can that be, if God is perfectly good? Faith. Leo Tolstoy was just one of … Continue reading →

On this July summer morning I’m going to take a guess that the temperature is very warm.  As the day progresses you may be sweltering in the heat.  If not today, then on many of the days in July. Perhaps … Continue reading →

How much fun was it counting the days from 9 years old until your 10th birthday when you would be “double digits!” Then, the waiting until “13” when you would officially be a teenager. Excitement built up to 18 and 21, … Continue reading →

Last week, at vacation bible school we learned about God mending the world and one of the areas on which we focused was how God and Jesus healed Their people. I decided to share this important lesson from our bible … Continue reading →

I know that we generally make an excuse for lots of rain, saying “Well, we do need it.” Yes, that is very true, we cannot live without water.    However, I admit to being very grateful for God’s promise to Noah … Continue reading →