Author Archives: joyocala

Ignatius was the Bishop of Antioch martyred in Rome some time around 108. Almost everyone of those statements has been disputed. Ignatius is intriguing because he left seven letters that he wrote as he was being taken to Rome for … Continue reading →

The words are familiar. The prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi.   St. Francis calls on us to be God’s instrument; the calling is noble but the task so difficult. How can we ever measure up? Perhaps it will … Continue reading →

I just finished weeding the garden and now, it is time to prepare dinner. What’s the first thing that I need to do? Yes, wash my hands. For most of us, this is an automatic response to having dirt on … Continue reading →

Yes, I’m thinking of the old hymn, “Rock of Ages, cleft for me.”  Perhaps it’s a strange metaphor to think of Jesus as a rock with a fissure.  But, that’s exactly how Augustus Toplady expressed it in 1776. “Rock of … Continue reading →

How many times do you see wishing wells? Or perhaps a fountain filled with coins, even at amusement parks, you will notice areas of water where folks have tossed in their coins. Of course, the beautiful Trevi Fountain in Rome … Continue reading →

I recently read this cute story and it reminded me once again how powerful prayer is. A grandfather was walking through his yard when he heard his granddaughter repeating the alphabet in a tone of voice that sounded like prayer. … Continue reading →

This story begs to be told. In the summer of 1976, I was 29 and running for the Vermont House of Representative from the town of Colchester. Jimmy Carter was 52 and running for President. We both won our elections.   … Continue reading →

“To dream the impossible dream.” So sings Don Quixote in the “Man of La Mancha.” It’s an inspiring song, but of course Don Quixote was nuts, crazy, stark-staring bonkers. He was an old man who though he was a knight … Continue reading →

When you see “lifetime guarantee” on a product, do you wonder whose lifetime- the consumer, the product, or the producer? The lifetime of any of these could be today, ten or twenty years from now. We have a lifetime guarantee … Continue reading →

I often describe my vocational calling of pastor as a “joyous burden”. I meant JOY!ous burden, Joy being the congregation I serve. It is not work or a job, but a privilege to be a servant/leader. When it comes to … Continue reading →