Author Archives: joyocala

I am certain I learned all about Pentecost when I was in confirmation  a “few” years ago and I do remember the reason and the basics. I have been celebrating it for years through words and songs,  but I didn’t … Continue reading →

When wondering out loud this morning about a topic for this week’s blog, my husband suggested the “squirrel on the rail.” Huh? Really? What was he talking about? Rich and I are sincere baseball fans. We love to watch games … Continue reading →

The British series “Call the Midwife” tells stories of a group of midwives–some Anglican nuns and some district nurses–working in a poor section of London in the 1950s and 60s. In one episode Nurse Noakes is in turmoil because her … Continue reading →

When I was a child, I loved to hear stories either told to me or read to me. My favorite story was “The Little Engine that Could”.  The little train engine had to climb a large hill that seemed to … Continue reading →

Thanks to my wife Debbie, I got into volunteering for the MDA telethon. As a little girl, she had proudly brought a contribution into the TV studio. As adult helpers, we did all kinds of odd jobs on Labor Day. … Continue reading →

This past weekend we enjoyed a family get-together.  We were celebrating several birthdays, an anniversary, and a high school graduation.   Now what to write on the cake for an event like that?  Well, I chose just plain “Happy . . … Continue reading →

        I have been rereading the story in the Bible about Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well.  It was one thing for the towns people to know “her business.”  Having had so many husbands was a fact in her life she … Continue reading →

There are several factors in our lives that motivate us. They are mixed and many depending on our needs and desires. We may be a person who is motivated by external incentives like candy and treats when we were young … Continue reading →

Here’s what Martin Luther had to say about music: “Music is a fair and lovely gift of God which has often wakened and moved me to the joy of preaching. St. Augustine was troubled in conscience whenever he caught himself … Continue reading →

Ascension Day comes 40 days after Easter Sunday celebrating the return of Christ to heaven. There is a mixture of emotions on this day. The disciples were left dumbfounded as they saw him disappear into the clouds.  Now what? Were … Continue reading →