Author Archives: joyocala

This week, I offer an “excursus”. It is not a side-bar, or a parenthetical musing, or an addendum. It is a “supplement” to your “regularly-scheduled blog”. I wish to reflect on Stephen Ministry. In a way, it is a little … Continue reading →

Yesterday was special in our family. The gentleman of my household shares a birthday with our youngest granddaughter. She delightedly became a teenager! He, on the other end of the journey of life, rejoiced that he was still well and … Continue reading →

June – the month of brides and weddings! Ah marriage! I remember so well. I’m in love with a girl at 23. It’s bliss. We’ll be happy forever! Then reality hits! Everything that was once I, me or mine, now … Continue reading →

A word of wisdom from an ICU nurse; “Good things happen slowly.” A body healing. A loaf of yeasty bread rising, then fragrantly baking. Nine months for the birth of a baby. Winter turning to spring. A flower blooming. A … Continue reading →

I have always been fascinated by the growth process of plants – any kind of plant: house plants, vegetables, flowers, even weeds! Take a minute to think about this miraculous gift that the Creator has given us. You take a … Continue reading →

Winter begins today – at least it does in the Southern Hemisphere. That won’t matter for most of us (unless we’re packing for a trip to Buenos Aires), but it does us good to think about how much different life … Continue reading →

A few years ago the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics was giving out buttons saying “Mathematics Is a Verb.” The button struck a chord with me, since as a math teacher I’d seen too many students over the years … Continue reading →

Anyone who knows me, knows my family, knows that we enjoy going to the movies. We feel like we “need” to see every major, award-worthy film that comes out. We are not content to wait until it comes out on … Continue reading →

Today is my 100th blog. Not that that’s of any particular significance. Yet, to me it’s encouraging. One hundred times I sat down at this computer and stared at that blank screen. One hundred times I prayed that the Holy … Continue reading →

My granddaughter is eight. She regularly attends a Roman Catholic Church with her family. Along the way her Dad had told her that priests could not be married. He had explained to her (in 8 year old terms) that before … Continue reading →