Author Archives: joyocala

I’ve always enjoyed choral music and felt that it and other types of music are important parts of worship. I especially enjoy the harmony that is present in choral music. I love the way the parts blend together to form … Continue reading →

Maybe prayer is like being in the water. Early in life we may learn to float, to keep our head above water. Then comes learning to swim. Still staying above the surface for the most part. Then daring to go … Continue reading →

This weekend is a time of memories–a memorial for those who have gone before us.  We honor those who served our country in the military to preserve our freedoms.  We honor our ancestral family for their commitment to preserving our … Continue reading →

As we all know, Memorial Day is Monday. In part, this means summer is about to make its official arrival. Most importantly it is a time to honor those who have gone before us. Memorial Day originally started after the … Continue reading →

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;  His faithfulness continues through all generations.”  Psalm 100  We place a sentence in each blog reminding us that God loves us unconditionally. This is not a notion that we use … Continue reading →

I was thinking about collective nouns, for example a pride of lions or a murder of crows or a parliament of owls or a crocodile of choirboys. What’s the collective noun for church members? A congregation or a flock or … Continue reading →

Many years ago when I was substitute teaching I had a class if kindergartners sitting on the rug in front me.  I proceeded to introduce myself.  “Good morning, my name is Mrs. Christianson.”  One little girl’s hand shot up and … Continue reading →

How’s THAT for a convoluted title?! Do not be afraid; I will not tread into contentious waters on this one! But a brief historical reflection might be in order. Until 1803, civil authority determined credal and confessional statements for the … Continue reading →

At least, that’s the way I learned it in school.  Apparently, that’s not really the case here in Florida.  My roses were glorious in early April, but soon summer’s heat will take its toll.  And those “showers” will arrive in … Continue reading →