Author Archives: joyocala

We’ve had a tough life imposed on us recently. Sometimes, however, life becomes hard by choice as when people decide to serve the Lord. Today we remember the tough life of Japanese Christian Toyohiko Kagawa (1888-1960). Kagawa was the son … Continue reading →

When you read the title “Common Sense,” it probably brought to mind the saying, “Common sense is not very common.”  The saying is talking about good judgement not being as common as we would like, and that is certainly true.  … Continue reading →

The other morning, I had a mindset to get out of bed before dawn so I could see one of those rare celestial events. Right before sunrise, visible to the naked eye, we were supposed to be able to view … Continue reading →

To be a bit frivolous this morning, I’m thinking of an old children’s song about “This is the way we wash our clothes, wash our clothes, wash our clothes. This is the way we wash our clothes, so early Monday … Continue reading →

Many years ago, in a former church choir, we sang an anthem entitled Every Morning is Easter Morning, on the Sunday after Easter. The tune is very upbeat and the words convey a message that can live in your heart and … Continue reading →

In a recent blog, I referenced a song that had special meaning in my life and here I am again sharing song lyrics to communicate my message, but it fits perfectly with what I have currently witnessed in light of … Continue reading →

Practice what I preach.  Heard that one before?  I am sure that you have.  There is a common theme that runs through my blogs about the unconditional love, the goodness of our God and the necessity of trusting in God … Continue reading →

It’s a famous picture by Norman Rockwell: “Going to Church on Easter Morning.” There is dad, hunkered down with the Sunday paper while mom and the three children go off to  Easter Services. I never thought that the man staying … Continue reading →

This has been an unusual Holy Week for Christians.  Instead of special services, anticipating and then celebrating the resurrection, we are sheltering in place and worshipping together over the internet.  This year, as I thought about the Last Supper, I … Continue reading →

Would anyone like to take a crack at re-writing the next line, the take-off of a familiar hymn? “Marching as to war” doesn’t quite work for me, even though there is truth to the notion that we are at war … Continue reading →