Author Archives: joyocala

Last week, we spent a few days in Maine visiting friends and family. On Thursday night, my sister-in-law Anne prepared and served a delicious Maine dinner with her signature crab cakes and other seafood delights. We had a very pleasant … Continue reading →

I learned this song in Sunday School. There were Twelve Disciples Jesus called to help him.Simon Peter, Andrew, James, his brother John,Phillip, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alpheus,Thaddeus, Simon, Judas, and Bartholomew.     We always got louder when we … Continue reading →

            I’ve just read the short, interesting, book A Brief History of Sunday by the Church historian Justo L. Gonzalez.  His two-volume set The Story of Christianity, is a readable and informative history of the Church, and the Sunday book … Continue reading →

The yellow buses are on the road.  The kids are up early and waiting on the corner.  Stores have sold notebooks, pens, and bookbags.  Teachers have readied classrooms with new bulletin boards.  The days are still hot and humid, but … Continue reading →

There is an insurance company that has as its jingle, “Like a good neighbor, S…. F… is there.”  Mr. Rogers had an opening song he sang on his show, “…it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a … Continue reading →

I recently returned from spending some time away visiting family.  I had the pleasure of attending church services with a member from each side of my family. In each situation, I very much enjoyed the message given during the sermon. … Continue reading →

I came across the following quote while reading Pat Conroy’s novel “Beach Music.”             “On the seashore, Lucy found the text of all creation imprinted daily on the sands of Isle of Orion. By walking the beach each morning, Lucy had … Continue reading →

I have a book called “City Scapes.” It’s a collection of photos of Chicago alleys. Alleys! Those are the nasty roadways that run behind buildings so they can haul away the trash. An alley is where you walk a dog … Continue reading →

“And my God my will supply every need of yours in according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) Think about that for a moment. We have a God who promises to supply us with everything we … Continue reading →

The space program has always fascinated me. Every time I have gone to the Kennedy Space Center has been a thrill. The adventures of astronauts are me living vicariously. I still dream of being the first Lutheran pastor to orbit … Continue reading →