Author Archives: joyocala

Today commemorates John XXIII as Bishop of Rome in the ELCA church calendar. It seems odd to some that Lutherans would remember a post-reformation pope, but John was special. He was born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli on November 25, 1881, in … 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 say. Somebody … Continue reading →

 NO, I am not referencing that movie which I have never seen. I guess I’ve just always perceived it as a “chick-flick”. Do you ever wish you had more common sense? Every. Day. Of. My. Life. (I don’t know how … Continue reading →

This morning we wake to Memorial Day, the federal holiday on which we as Americans remember all those who have died while serving in our country’s armed forces.  Our observance goes back to 1868 when the nation decorated the graves … Continue reading →

Fred Rogers, an author, producer, host and Presbyterian minister, created a preschool television show viewed by so many.  My boys, as toddlers, LOVED watching Mr. Rogers and his neighborhood of characters.  The song he sang, “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” … Continue reading →

The following is a post I received from a Facebook friend this week and I thought it held such a wonderful message, I wanted to share it.  It was written by Joanna Sanders who is a Villanova graduate and also … Continue reading →

This is a solemn holiday weekend.  A sharp contrast between the beginning of a fun-filled season of sun, food and enjoyment and the remembrance of those brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of our country; often … Continue reading →

The books of the New Testament were written approximately between the years 50 and 130. What few people know is that other Christian books were also written during this period. We have at least a dozen writings from this period. … Continue reading →

Have you ever had one of those days where nothing seems to go right or all the news you get is bad?  I had one of those day the other day.  It got so when the phone rang, my first … 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 →