Author Archives: joyocala

I was lying awake one night thinking, “What would it be like to read the story of Jesus for the first time? What if I read the Gospel of Mark having no knowledge of Jesus? How would that affect me?” … Continue reading →

Have you ever been powerless? We have. During hurricane Irma we were without power for four days. Paulette’s sister and her husband live in Summerfield, and we had them come up and stay with us during the storm until their … Continue reading →

This is the ongoing tape I hear in my head as I am driving or walking alone. I run through all the regrets; the “coulda-shouldas”. I always seem to be making deposits into the bank of bad habits. Not thinking … Continue reading →

(If you spend as much time at your computer as I do, you may sympathize. To those of you who stay away from the world of computers, my apologies. You may want to skip this one.) User names and passwords … Continue reading →

I am by no meansa Biblical scholar but must admit to finding some of the Biblical figures ultra-intriguing. Did you grow up in Sunday School, going to church as a family? (that was my experience) Did you find Christianity during … Continue reading →

I do not know the source of this sweet prayer aid. I do know that it is always with me and has served me well at random moments. . . a handshake with my Lord. Thumb –  This is your … Continue reading →

I grew up surrounded by saints. They were powerful examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the name of God. I never confused them with God or put them in place of God, but I loved reading about them. … Continue reading →

It’s the 1960s, late winter, around 7:30 in the evening. I’m walking with my Grandma Kofink. She is wearing her navy blue coat and a black hat. We are going to church. Grandma didn’t go to church very often, certainly … Continue reading →

These days most technology is complex and changes quickly, but technological change also comes at a lower level. Do you remember baling wire? I do. Bales of hay used to be held together with wire. The resulting bales were heavy … Continue reading →

Most of us know someone who is depressed. Hopefully we have progressed beyond such unhelpful sayings as “snap out of it”, “count your blessings”, “get involved” or “you don’t realize how good you have it”. They need presence, even if … Continue reading →