Tag Archives: lifestyle

Gaudete Sunday: Rejoice! Rejoice!

On Gaudete Sunday of Advent we are called to ‘Rejoice!’ as we continue waiting for Christmas. All during the holidays we sing carols about joy, we look for joy, we try to be joyful. Sometimes we confuse joy with merrymaking … Continue reading

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#ADVENT – Dark Nights (of the Soul)

Today we remember Saint John of the Cross (1541-1591), a Spanish saint known for documenting his “Dark Night of the Soul.” Misunderstood, mistreated, and maligned – John of the Cross came to know the dark intimately while imprisoned for his … Continue reading

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#ADVENT – Love and Cheer

On this 13th day of Advent Virginia is contemplating love and cheer… “Christmas will always be, as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.” Dr. Seuss (from “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”) We must do our … Continue reading

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#ADVENT – Roses & Persevering Faith

Today (12 December) is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (click here for more details in last year’s post.) When a cantankerous bishop asked peasant Juan Diego for a sign, Our Lady of Guadalupe provided out-of-season roses in December. … Continue reading

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#ADVENT – Patience, Patience, Patience!

On this 11th day of Advent, Virginia is contemplating patience as a discipline (not an easy thing for impatient redheads…) “Patience is a hard discipline. It is not just waiting until something happens over which we have no control: the … Continue reading

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#ADVENT – Revolutions of Love

On this 10th day of Advent that is also Human Rights Day, Virginia is contemplating revolutions of love… “This is the choice before us: either try to revolutionize the world and break under it, or revolutionize ourselves and remake the … Continue reading

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#ADVENT – An Irrational Season of Blooming Love

On this 7th day of Advent, Virginia is contemplating blooming love (the impossible, irrational kind…) “To the impossible: Yes! Enter and penetrate O Spirit. Come and bless This hour: the star is late. Only the absurdity of love Can break … Continue reading

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#Advent – Gifting (St. Nicholas-style)

On this 6th day of Advent (and St. Nicholas Day in many parts of the globe) Virginia is contemplating gifts and giftedness… “The Giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic His giving, by grace, … Continue reading

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#ADVENT – Traveling with God

On this 4th day of Advent, Virginia is contemplating traveling with God: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil; for You are with me.” (Psalm 23:3) “It is God to Whom and with Whom … Continue reading

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#ADVENT – Beacons of Hope

On this 3rd day of Advent, Virginia is contemplating hope… “When we live in the love of God, we feed the lamps of our hearts and God’s spirit comes to dwell within us. Then we truly become places of refuge … Continue reading

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