Author Archives: joyocala

Recently, I read the “Walk” series by Richard Paul Evans.  The story revolves around a man who experiences unfathomable loss within a very brief period:  his young wife dies, his business is stolen by his partner, his house and his … Continue reading →

Thomas Merton wrote in his journal: “I wonder if Jesus ever gets tired of waiting for me to grow up. I hope not.” Just what you need, a monk with a sense of humor. I am afraid I haven’t grown … Continue reading →

       When we watch young children playing we soon realize that they are totally accepting of all friendships regardless of skin color. As a Christian we should want all mature adults to view others the same way. As … Continue reading →

 Some parts of Scripture always stay with us. The Old Testament stories like the flood, Moses leading Israel to the Promised Land, David and Goliath, the walls of Jericho tumblin’ down. The Gospel accounts of the life of Jesus. The … Continue reading →

Yesterday we celebrated Mothers Day, a sentimental day.  There were warm and happy memories, but there was also longing for those no longer with us.  We were reminded of our own motherhood, some with gratitude, some with pain at what … Continue reading →

 October 17, 1963, we heard John Lennon’s and Paul McCartney’s song for the Beatles, I Wanna’ Hold Your Hand. Beatles’ songs are fun to sing along to and they also seem to be timeless. Folks can sometimes pinpoint where they were … Continue reading →

I enjoy how the Nightly News with David Muir always ends with a positive story.  I know I have mentioned in several of my blogs how the media tends to focus on doom and gloom.  I don’t always watch the … Continue reading →

May is a wonderful month to celebrate birthdays.  It is usually the real start of Springtime, at least in Vermont, so winter is moving out the back door.   I share my birthday with my sweet niece Maggie.  This year is … Continue reading →

The first job I had was as groundskeeper for Chicago’s Augustana Hospital. I used some of my earnings to buy a prized possession, a page from an Antiphonale Missarum, a book of Gregorian chant written by hand in 1423. It’s inscribed … Continue reading →

The Easter Season has ended. The snow birds are headed back to cooler climes. The church enters that time after Pentecost called ordinary time. Ho-hum. My Aunt Martha always had advice for the Sunday School at this time of year. … Continue reading →