Author Archives: joyocala

Like many of you, prayer is an important part of my life.  It gives me hope. peace and solace. I set aside a specific time each day for prayer, but I find myself praying at other times too, as things … Continue reading →

Here is a simple explanation of my ongoing conflict between my will and God’s will for me. I don’t think that any more needs to be said.  Do you feel a conflict with God’s will? Trust in the God who … Continue reading →

I used to go faithfully to meetings of a community association even though I often felt worse afterwards. Why? Because much of the meeting was spent listening to people gripe about various things. I suppose it’s human nature to complain … Continue reading →

Of all the apostles, the one we most associate with love is John; he called himself “The One Whom Jesus Loved,” and his writings focused on love. The Gospel of John mentions the word “love” more than the other three … Continue reading →

Volunteers at a farm animal rescue organization in Australia found a wandering sheep weighed down by more than seventy-five pounds of filthy, matted wool. Rescuers suspected the sheep had been forgotten and lost in the bush for at least five … Continue reading →

When I think of the word precious, the image of a newborn baby comes to mind.  I see grandparents and friends gathered around saying, isn’t she/he just precious.  Indeed, that’s a good description of this newly formed life.  If I … Continue reading →

        Naomi was an Israelite woman, whose story is told in the Old Testament.  She was married to Elimelech and had two sons, Mahlon and Chilion.  They lived in Bethlehem and at one-point experienced famine in their land.  Due to the famine, they moved … Continue reading →

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and … Continue reading →

This morning I started the day at the absurdly early hour of 6:18 AM. Why you ask? Given that I am not known for early morning starts, especially in the summer with few formal obligations.   Well, I had to get … Continue reading →

Today we commemorate John Chrysostom (347-407). He was a noted preacher in the early church. (His name means “golden mouth.”) He spent much of his early career in Antioch and in 397 became Bishop of Constantinople, one of the most … Continue reading →