Author Archives: joyocala

I dIdn’t know what else to title this, but it’s as good as any. A journey that is just past the one-third done mark. Lent. The season of giving up, abstaining, self-sacrifice. Other than sweets or coffee, I’m not privy … Continue reading →

On this day our Jewish friends celebrate the festival of Purim.  I don’t know about you, but I was totally unaware of the significance of this commemoration.  Yet, it’s all there in the Book of Esther.  Perhaps we could take … Continue reading →

        Let’s see…. what could you name as a beast of burden? Hm? A pack animal that can carry heavy loads, a donkey, perhaps a camel, elephant, mule, or ox…. but, is there some ONE you might consider a “bearer” of … Continue reading →

How cool is it that the same God who created mountains and oceans thought the world needed one of you too? This is a quote I recently saw and it prompted me to think about people I have come in … Continue reading →

Meet Bishop Curry, a man who has crammed a lot of living into a relatively short amount of time. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, he still lives there with his wife and 3 daughters. He was … Continue reading →

You may have noticed that Sundays during Lent are said to be Sundays in Lent rather than of Lent. I wouldn’t make too much of the distinction, but you discover that the only way to count forty days between Ash … Continue reading →

I came across this compilation of paraphrased Bible verses all strung together to form an intimate love letter to you from God. My Child . . .  You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Psalm 139:1) I know when you … Continue reading →

 I should probably write about what I know best, which is music. When my inspiration runs dry, it’s where I go. We all have opinions, preferences of music. Worship and music can become a battleground in a congregation unless care … Continue reading →

Our walk through Lent is a forty day journey.  Our lives have been filled with journeys:  ups and downs, moving ahead and setbacks, short treks, or long hauls.  Perhaps you’ve journeyed through sickness, through the death of loved ones, through … Continue reading →

        Several stories in the Bible are about reunions, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, and the Prodigal Son, come to mind.         My grandmother was one of six girls. During my young years, there were four elderly sisters remaining and … Continue reading →