Author Archives: joyocala

It was the summer of 1972. I had just completed 5th grade, my brother 3rd. In the spring, my Dad had pulled out the road atlas and a KOA campground directory. The four of us would be camping for the … Continue reading →

“Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief,Doctor, lawyer, Indian chief” I remembered this little ditty, which I have learned was printed by William Wells Newel in “Games and Songs of American Children” in 1883.  It was perhaps a silly response … Continue reading →

        I’m certain I have mentioned in my blog before that athleticism is a gene that skipped me. My mother was very athletic, ice skating, field hockey, archery, tennis, rifle shooting skills, and more.  My brother was all conference guard in football, … Continue reading →

How do people perceive us? When they think of us, do they immediately think, “That person is difficult. They are so negative and it is hard to  be around them”. I would hope that is not how others think of … Continue reading →

Yes, it’s true. There is a chill in the air here in Vermont. That can only mean one thing. It’s time to pack up my projects, throw my clothes into the suitcase and climb into the car for the trip … Continue reading →

In the old Augustana Synod, the Swedish branch of American Lutheranism, a death in the congregations was announced: “We are again reminded that here we have no abiding city. It has pleased the Lord in His infinite wisdom to call … Continue reading →

How’d you sleep last night?   Tossing and turning perhaps?   Watching that clock move ahead at an agonizingly slow pace?  Was it pain, discomfort, worry or just plain fretting?   If you were blessed with hours of peaceful quiet rest, perhaps you … Continue reading →

It is important to have a savings account. Call it a piggy bank, emergency “stash”, a “slush fund.” We do need to prepare for the “what ifs” in life, those unexpected expenses that come along. How about your Christian, spiritual, … Continue reading →

I came upon an interesting quote yesterday “Forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn’t know before you learned it.” Those words stopped me in my tracks.  Thinking back to my regrets in life, those “if only I had” moments, … Continue reading →

        Your insurance gets renewed.  Possibly your prescriptions are renewable. Do you subscribe to streaming channels that renew? Nature renews with each cycle of growth…but, are you renewable?  The answer is YES!         Every time we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord on Easter, … Continue reading →