Author Archives: joyocala

In a sense these devotions that I write are like tiny sermons for me, except I don’t get in nearly as much trouble with them as I did with sermons. Someone came to me one Sunday and complained that I … 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 you could … Continue reading →

The horrible tragedy of an assassination attempt on a former President running again. Unlike the last one over forty years ago meant to impress a famous actress, this one is a wrenching reminder of what has become way too commonplace. … Continue reading →

A few weeks ago, my son visited with his daughter.  It was so good to spend time with them.  One of our favorite activities was pouring through boxes of “treasures.”  We found old photos, school reports, newspaper articles, toys, and … Continue reading →

In my teen years, I took 5 years of French, just hoping to become an U.N. interpreter, but that was the thought of a 17-year-old. Then, life took a different direction and I found myself working at 19 years old … Continue reading →

Our church just finished a week of vacation bible school yesterday. We had a group of delightful young people with whom we shared God’s unconditional love for us.  The theme of the week was “Operation Restoration” which focused on how … Continue reading →

The story of Lazarus and the rich man is such a vivid lesson in how I should treat my fellow travelers in this life. I have always felt sad for the rich man with his fine clothes and hearty meals … Continue reading →

Today is the commemoration of Benedict of Nursia (480-547).  He was a monk who lived in central Italy. People recognized a special holiness in him. He established a number monasteries including the great Monte Cassino. He wrote a rule for … 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 →

Henri Nouwen talks about the mystery of small acts of faith. It really is the case that we are in the ongoing process of doing the little things that make a difference. I am classically notorious for talking myself out … Continue reading →