Author Archives: joyocala

Nikos Kazantzkis (author of Zorba the Greek) recounted a conversation with an elderly monk, Fr. Makarios. He asked, “Do you still wrestle with the devil, Father Makarios?” The old priest sighed and replied, “Not any more, my child. I have grown … Continue reading →

One year for my birthday, my sister gave me the book Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, which was the motivation for the Broadway musical by the same name.  Although it was heavy reading (three pounds in paperback). I was impressed by what … Continue reading →

     Please forgive me if this might be, if not a verbatim repeat, the semblance of one. Twenty-one years ago, my wife Debbie was visited by an angel. It was in recovery from her second brain surgery to alleviate … Continue reading →

I remember dreaming of retirement, that time when life would be free of the clock.  It sounded idyllic.  Ah, but numbers have followed me into these “golden years,” in fact I’m drowning in them. With eyes barely open in the … Continue reading →

” The eternal God is your refuge,and underneath are the everlasting arms.He will drive out your enemies before you,saying, ‘Destroy them!’” Deuteronomy 33:27         Prior to a 7-hour surgery (10 years ago), I had mentally prepared myself by visualizing, by memorizing a Christian Rock song … Continue reading →

Sometimes we tell other people, “I have faith in you”.  This usually means we think they are capable of accomplishing something that they might be reluctant to try.  At times it is a compliment, other times a bribe and sometimes … Continue reading →

While searching for a blog theme this week, I came across this beautiful hymn by my cousin Tom Kendzia. I do not need to add anything to the petitions and pleas contained in the lyrics. This hymn will lift your … Continue reading →

Woody Allen once said: “Eighty percent of success is showing up.”  There’s some truth in that. One of the problems employers encounter is the difficulty in getting new hires to actually show up for work. Surprisingly, Woody’s comment could be … Continue reading →

I love to read, and for recreation I like to read mysteries.  One of my favorite authors is Jane Haddam.  In her book Cheating at Solitaire the victim as well as several of the suspects are celebrities of the Kim Kardashian variety.  … Continue reading →

Soft drinks, soda pop, “coke” – what about the original, Coca-Cola? Strong enough to eliminate battery corrosion. It used to contain cocaine. Early ads claimed that it could cure headaches and chase away depression. Nowadays when someone says, “I’d like … Continue reading →