Author Archives: joyocala

I hope you’re not in pain today, yet I know many of you are.  It may be a debilitating physical pain that makes your days long and discouraging.  It may be a mental or emotional pain that takes you from … Continue reading →

One of my professors in my master’s classes was describing an assignment we were to complete and said, “Just use the K.I.S.S. method.”  Ok, that was new to me at that time, years ago, but I quickly learned it meant – … Continue reading →

Have you ever thought what your purpose is here on Earth?  As I have gotten older, I think about this more often and I wonder if I am fulfilling the purpose(s) God sent me here to accomplish.  When I think … Continue reading →

Horton the Elephant is one of Dr. Seuss’ most lovable characters.  As his story unfolds, Horton hears the faintest of voices, as if some tiny person were calling for help.  Although he is ridiculed and thwarted at every turn, Horton … Continue reading →

The Germans have a word for it: Kummerspeck, commonly translated “grief bacon.” Not exactly. Kummer does mean grief, and Speck is the word for bacon, but a better translation might be “sorrow fat.” It’s what happens to you when you’re feeling sad and try to eat … Continue reading →

A few words of wisdom shared by our late friend four years ago. My daughter recently sent me some pictures of my grandsons at the zoo. I am amazed at the wonder and excitement they displayed when the saw something … Continue reading →

Traffic can bring out the best and worst of humanity. Courtesy clashes with impatience – sometimes literally. You see the sign indicating that one lane is closed ahead. How many cars do you let in? If you’re in the wrong … Continue reading →

Today’s a whole new day!   Since I woke up this morning, I have a whole new day ahead of me.  What plans does Jesus have for me today:  to be a friend, to encourage, to offer care in a broken … Continue reading →

I know I am not the only one to experience pain, loss, illness, worries, and knowing this usually has me rereading the Book of Job. It is so difficult to fathom the depth of Job’s losses.  Such a man of God, … Continue reading →

Relationships take work whether it’s a marriage, family relationships or friendships.  Even the best of friends, the closest siblings or the most loving couples disagree at times.  I think that is part of human nature and certainly independent thinking.  We … Continue reading →