Author Archives: joyocala

I have been thinking about things I am thankful for this past week. I have been blessed with a wonderful life so I have many things for which to be thankful. One of the seemingly simple things, but perhaps the … Continue reading →

       This morning, I received word that my Aunt Louise had died at 4:30 AM.  She was one of the best aunts in the whole world.   One of my mother’s older sisters, she would have turned 100 in June.  She … Continue reading →

I’m always open to a new way of seeing things. I was reading the notes Tomas Merton prepared for lectures to novice monks when I came across a reference to a sermon by Isaac of Stella (c. 1100-1170s), a Cistercian … Continue reading →

My Bible often becomes the repository of special items that have touched me.  This is one of them (author unknown): Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came … Continue reading →

Is there a three-year period of your life that you are especially proud of? To determine that answer as you reflect, I’m willing to bet it will have something to do with your occupation, your career. Maybe a place you … Continue reading →

If you grew up in a Lutheran tradition, you may recall a time when the “Third Sunday of Easter” was called “Misericordia Domini.”    To a young person, those words didn’t mean much, but they did have a nice ring to … Continue reading →

Max Lucado, awarding winning author, created a book entitled YOU ARE SPECIAL. This particular book is a children’s book but can certainly be a wonderful loving gift for anyone. “Eli, the woodcarver, helps Punchinello understand how special he is – no … Continue reading →

As a child growing up in rural South Dakota, I, like most of the neighborhood children, was a member of the Prairie Rangers, our local 4-H club. When I think back on these times, I have fond memories of my … Continue reading →

Yes!  We are all on the road to Emmaus every single day that we put our little feet on the floor and begin our journey.  Unlike the two disciples who encountered the risen Christ on this ancient road, we can … Continue reading →

A favorite Easter Canticle is “This is the Feast” with it’s text from Revelation sung to the Lord seated on the heavenly throne: “Blessing and honor and glory and might be to God and the Lamb forever.” I found a … Continue reading →