Author Archives: joyocala

This road-weary traveler pulled off the interstate into a visitor’s rest stop. I uncoiled my achy legs and limped down the concrete pathway. My eyes stopped on a sight I hadn’t seen in quite a while -Hopscotch! I smiled and … Continue reading →

The other morning, while enjoying the serenity of the quiet lake, I noticed some commotion to my right by the point.  We have a gaggle of Canadian Geese living at the lake this summer.  I am not sure why they … Continue reading →

Jesus commanded, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39.) The words “as yourself” trouble me. I have preached about the importance of loving yourself. If you don’t love yourself, how can you love anyone else? But Jesus also … Continue reading →

There is a misconception, or myth, that Columbus made his voyage to prove that the world was round. This is far from the truth, for the ancient Greeks already knew that the world was round, and Eratosthenes computed the circumference … Continue reading →

Teachers are at their most successful, when they actively empathize with their students.  It’s about understanding where they come from, especially in our public school system.  We will fail the next generation if we, as middle-aged or senior citizens, do … Continue reading →

It was my granddaughter’s prom night. Her dad texted pictures – beautiful young women in gorgeous long dresses, escorted by handsome young men in tuxes. It’s said that “A picture is worth a thousand words.” The prom pictures were proof … Continue reading →

Most of us have probably been accused, at one time or another, of joining in an endeavor but not giving it our best effort! The common expression for this is “dialing it in!” I’d like to share with you a … Continue reading →

In 1 Chronicles 16:8, “Give Praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” This is David’s message, speaking in the Bible. It’s also Martin Luther, speaking in Germany. This is my grandparents, … Continue reading →

I have been thinking about children.  Lately, children have been prominent in the headlines and in our prayers.  On a personal level, July keeps my memories of children  “green” as it is the month in which both of my children … Continue reading →

My father called it the “dot painting.” The proper name in English is “A Sunday Afternoon in the Island of La Grande Jattee” by Georges Seurat. Both names tell you something about the painting. Dad was intrigued because close up … Continue reading →