Tag Archives: Travel

Snapshots & Whatnot: Branches of Light

Posted on December 21, 2018 by Virginia

In these final days of Advent, here’s something to help prepare our hearts for Christmas. SNAPSHOT: (Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA) & WHATNOT: “Let us become real branches, filled with fruit, on Jesus’ vine. Let us welcome Him into … Continue reading →

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GARDEN OF LIGHT(S)!!!

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Virginia

Beauty, awe, wonder, art, and (lots of) lights are a few things my brother and I experienced at the Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights. After such delight walking about the magical lights, today Virginia is sharing highlights so you can … Continue reading →

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Gaudete Sunday: JOY! jOY! JOY! jOY!

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Virginia

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

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YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS

Posted on December 15, 2018 by Virginia

On this Advent Saturday blogger Virginia wants to share a little Christmas cheer she encountered yesterday whilst reading a collection of holiday stories. Over the years (for obvious reasons) she has treasured this particular editorial written by veteran editor Francis … Continue reading →

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Advent: (14 December) Saint John of the Cross

Posted on December 14, 2018 by Virginia

“The endurance of darkness is the preparation for great light.” Saint John of the Cross Today we remember this great 16th century Spanish saint (1541-1591) well known for documenting his ‘Dark Night of the Soul.”  Misunderstood, mistreated, and maligned – Saint John of … Continue reading →

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MARY: WIRED WITH GRACE

Posted on December 12, 2018 by Virginia

Today (12 December) is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Way back in the 16th century, native peasant Juan Diego encountered a vision of Mary on a hill near his village in Mexico. Our Lady was dressed in native … Continue reading →

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Human Rights! Human Rights!

Posted on December 11, 2018 by Virginia

Yesterday (10 December) the world paused to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Back in 1948 a war weary world gathered to establish a globally defining document that “proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is … Continue reading →

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Advent Snow!!

Posted on December 9, 2018 by Virginia

The snow is piling up in Williamsburg, Virginia  (the state of) forcing Virginia (the person) to reshuffle her afternoon plans. Zooming out to an early church service this morning a few flakes fluttered, but I came home in pounding snow … Continue reading →

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Saint Nicholas & Gifts with a Purpose

Posted on December 6, 2018 by Virginia

In many countries December 6th is a special day where children receive gifts from Saint Nicholas, a 4th century bishop who is well remembered in Eastern and Western churches. Although not many exact details are known about his life, the … Continue reading →

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Snapshots & Whatnot: Advent Acts of Praise

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Virginia

Snapshot: cheerfully red birds @ the Vancouver Aquarium & WHATNOT: “Prayer is sitting in the silence until it silences us, choosing gratitude until we are grateful, praising God until we ourselves are an act of praise.”   Richard Rohr, OFM grace, … Continue reading →

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