Author Archives: joyocala

My Nana, born of German immigrants, made some yummy, memory-sticking foods. Her Pennsylvania Dutch chicken corn soup, stuffed cabbage, beef pot pie, and corn fritters were wonderful tummy fillers, I often try to replicate. Chicken Corn Soup, I have mastered. … Continue reading →

I tried titling this “ourself” – but the squiggly red underline told me that wasn’t a valid word. News flash to me: that word is meant to be plural, for we have many selves. It’s how I explain the Trinity … Continue reading →

Has life thrown any stones at you recently?  They may have been stones of criticism or setbacks.  Perhaps you faced obstacles or challenges that seemed insurmountable.  Sometimes it’s just a pebble, but other times it’s boulder size – right at … Continue reading →

Romans 8: 18-21 says, “That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less … Continue reading →

Noah stands out in the Bible as a powerful example of faith and obedience. He chose righteousness when nearly everyone around him had turned away from God. In the midst of the corrupt and violent world, God, because of Noah’s … Continue reading →

The spiritual concept of being born again is sometimes difficult to explain in prose. Here is a beautiful simple poem that tells me all about the process. Sometimes we must suspend the logic and surrender to the power of God … Continue reading →

I thought I knew a lot about prayer, but then I came across this in C. S. Lewis’s book, Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly about Prayer. “In fact, I tried to pray without words at all–not to verbalize the mental acts. Even … Continue reading →

I’ve been doing some genealogy research for a friend who has many Quakers among her ancestors.  I’m finding people who truly put their beliefs into action.  They strongly opposed slavery, and because of this they were instrumental in initiating and … Continue reading →

An advanced degree, it is called. Going beyond, almost all the way in academia. The Masters. When sportscaster on CBS Jim Nantz says those words, it sounds like paradise opened up. One of pro golf’s majors, played on the beautiful, … Continue reading →

Some days are dark with hatred, discrimination and violence.  We feel overwhelmed and helpless.  We watch as some speak out, some engage in non-violent protests, and some are actively calling their congressmen to express their opinions.   All are good things.   … Continue reading →