Author Archives: joyocala

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of attending the movie Respect based on the life of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.  I have always loved her music and admired her talent.  Her voice control and interpretation of the songs … Continue reading →

I was babysitting for my 2 ½ year old granddaughter when the planes hit the twin towers. We had just returned to Vermont from a lovely weekend wedding in Rhode Island. Mollie’s parents had flown to Ireland for the destination … Continue reading →

I wrote last week about spiritual dryness and about it’s most severe form, the Dark Night of the Soul when God seems to have vanished. Even Christians with the greatest spiritual depth can experience this. Here’s why the Dark Night … Continue reading →

Most of us have probably been accused, at one time or another, of joining in an endeavor but not giving it our best effort! The common expression for this is “dialing it in!” I’d like to share with you a … Continue reading →

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Do we believe because we know the truth, or does our truth search for the faith to hold fast to it? The journey from atheism to belief is fascinating, sometimes even miraculous. … Continue reading →

Were your ancestors mill workers?  Mine were.  The late 1800’s was the height of the Industrial Revolution and our ancestors worked an average of 12 hours a day, seven days a week.  That was just to eke out a basic … Continue reading →

What do you know about Joshua? If you remember, Moses led the Israelites to the Promised Land, but did not take them INTO the land, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He was a scout, a leader, someone … Continue reading →

These four simple words “Being in the Now” can be a simple statement of fact or a guide for how to live and be present in “the present”. Physically, we are living in “the here and now”, but we often … Continue reading →

I have a fence in Vermont that I like to decorate with flowers.  When I arrived this June, the local supermarket had some sad looking impatiens plants for sale for $1.00/plant. The plants were barely alive, scrawny, shriveled, dried out, and unloved. I bought 5 of them.  I knew that with a little … Continue reading →

Sometimes a preacher find themselves gone dry. They have no fresh, inspiring ideas. That usually passes, but sometimes it is a reflection of a deeper spiritual crisis.  I know. I’ve been there. You plumb the spiritual well, but come up … Continue reading →