Author Archives: joyocala

A long time favorite hymn for many of us is “Beautiful Savior,” text by Munster Gesangbuch 1677 with music a Silesian folk tune from the 19th century.  I remember this hymn sung lovingly by our little congregation back when I … Continue reading →

Philo of Alexandria, a Jewish contemporary of Jesus, wrote: “Music will charm away the unrhythmic by its rhythm, the disharmonic by its harmony, the out of tune and unmelodious by its melody and this bring concord out of discord.”  Concord … Continue reading →

Okay – I know the title’s got you curious. Is he talking about children? Some new social club for short people? Actually, it was the name Charles Schulz wanted for his new comic strip. But it sounded too close to … Continue reading →

It is a tale as old as time, a classic portrait that endures. Whether Cinderella is a girl or a boy, man or woman, the character is so relatable. The underdog who comes out on top. The last one chosen. … Continue reading →

A few weeks ago, I had some minor surgery on my outer ear.  I came home with one ear heavily bandaged and clearly protruding.  There was no discomfort, but even a fleeting glance in the mirror made me immediately aware … Continue reading →

        My backyard, in my early growing up years, was huge. We actually had the biggest back lot on our whole block.  All the neighborhood kids came to our yard to play.  I remember hide-n-go seek played often and sometimes at dusk, just … Continue reading →

We are constantly reminded of the hatred that exists in our world. Every time we watch a news cast or read a newspaper or even sometimes see people interact with each other, hatred is on display. The saying, “I hate … Continue reading →

For those of you who opened this today hoping to hear from your friend Terri, I’m sorry to disappoint you but Terri is “on the road” headed to her summer haven in Vermont.   Be safe Terri and enjoy a beautiful … Continue reading →

Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Julian of Norwich, Hadewijch of Brabant, Mechthild of Magdeburg, Marguerite Porete, Catherine of Genoa. Recognize those names? Probably not. Neither did I once. When I studied church history, no one mentioned their names. They … Continue reading →

These poignant lyrics by Marty Parks linger in my mind. The chorus goes like this:     “Somebody went to the throne of heaven, somebody lifted my name,    Bringing me into His holy presence, saying what I could not … Continue reading →