Tag Archives: hope

#LENT: (a little) Holy Hilarity

Posted on March 5, 2020 by Virginia

“As soap is to the body, so laughter is to the soul.” Jewish Proverb During Lent we often focus on the solemn and somber. Ashes, fasting, and abstinence deepen our somberness (especially if low blood sugar is an issue, like … Continue reading →

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#LENT: Tears, Tears & Rainbows (of Healing Grace)

Posted on March 4, 2020 by Virginia

“Crying is all right in its own way while it lasts. But you have to stop sooner or later, and then you have to decide what to do.” C.S. Lewis Reading this quote a week or so ago made me … Continue reading →

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#LENT : Changes, Chances, Hope vs. Fear(s)

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Virginia

Sometimes when change is on the horizon, our hearts clam up with fears of all shapes and sizes. Our forward momentum grinds to a halt as we take a fear inventory instead of looking at things with the joy of … Continue reading →

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#LENT : A Prayer for Monday(s)

Posted on March 2, 2020 by Virginia

Monday is not always our favorite day of the week. Trudge, sludge, finding our way back into weekday grooves after the weekend. We may need a little extra Heavenly Help. Today here’s a prayer from one of my favorite spiritual … Continue reading →

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#LENT : A SONG FOR SUNDAY

Posted on March 1, 2020 by Virginia

The other night Virginia blasted her Andrea Bocelli playlist in the kitchen while making an Italian extravaganza pasta casserole (a major production, like lasagna.) Methinks Andrea’s incredible voice and music somehow made the food taste better. (At the very least, … Continue reading →

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#LENT: Scepters (vs. Practical Tools)

Posted on February 29, 2020 by Virginia

On this Lenten Saturday here’s a favorite quote from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the famous Cistercian who reformed the Benedictine monastic order in the Middle Ages. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux came from the highest nobility in his region of France. … Continue reading →

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A Friday Birthday in #LENT

Posted on February 28, 2020 by Virginia

Today is my brother Dwight’s birthday. Since he is my younger brother (by 18 months) his age shall not be disclosed. Let’s just say he is – a year older than last year! Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello (Charlottesville, VA) Two years … Continue reading →

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#Lent : Jesus The Teacher

Posted on February 27, 2020 by Virginia

Visiting Saint Catherine’s Monastery at the base of Mount Sinai in Egypt years ago, I encountered the icon of Jesus the Teacher, also called the Christ Pantocrater. One of the oldest icons in the world, the image on that ancient … Continue reading →

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#LENT – Ash Wednesday Spiritual Blues-busters

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Virginia

And so it begins, Lent is here. It’s time to put away our chocolates, turn off the TV, hide coffee beans, sweets, and whatever else we’ve decided to give up for Lent. My list is the same year after year: … Continue reading →

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Pancakes! Pancakes! Pancakes!

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Virginia

“There is hardship in everything except eating pancakes.” Charles Spurgeon Virginia’s blueberry buttermilk pancakes (yum!) Shrove Tuesday is here, and that means? Lent starts tomorrow.  Ashes, fasting, 40 days ‘til Easter… But today, also called “Fat Tuesday,” it is okay to … Continue reading →

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