Tag Archives: Advent

Advent 1: Interruption and Disappointment

Posted on November 30, 2018 by

What if we found new words for our Advent candle-lighting wreaths this year? Instead of the traditional Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, what words would you choose to mark each week in this season of waiting? Two words jump out at … Continue reading →

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God Desires Us

Posted on July 27, 2018 by

Today I am on the last day of my eight-day retreat. So I offer you this post from 2015  which illustrates the loving God I am retreating with.  “You can’t catch the Macdonald bus here,” a man says to me at … Continue reading →

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Advent II: Peace

Posted on December 12, 2017 by

Why couldn’t I just settle down and be present? Have I not been spending enough time in silence? Am I suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder? Is this more evidence that I have ADHD? I looked around the sanctuary artfully decorated … Continue reading →

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Satisfying the Desires of All

Posted on December 18, 2015 by

“Insights are a dime a dozen,” Father Richard explained to the small gathering of spiritual directors last Sunday afternoon. “It doesn’t matter so much what an experience in prayer means; what matters is that we stay with God in it.” Relief washed … Continue reading →

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Where I Am

Posted on December 11, 2015 by

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” sings Andy Williams over the store’s loud speakers. I can’t get out of the mall fast enough. On my walk home, I remember that it’s the second week of Advent, and we still haven’t put up our … Continue reading →

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This Annunciation

Posted on December 4, 2015 by

This Annunciation I was the angel chosen to greet the one with God in her womb light illuminated her face her hands her words light warm with wonder hushed  held my soul yet no Fra Angelico will ever paint this annunciation … Continue reading →

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God Desires Us

Posted on November 27, 2015 by

“You can’t catch the Macdonald bus here,” a man says to me at the VCC-Clark Skytrain Station in Vancouver. “You need to go up to Clark.” I hurry up Sixth Avenue. It’s early Saturday morning and I need to get to … Continue reading →

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A Wondrous Thought

Posted on December 5, 2014 by

After the angel Gabriel’s visit, Mary woke to a new reality. The pondering of her heart emerged on her lips as she washed the dishes and passed by the beggars on her way to fetch more water. “My soul glorifies the Lord,” … Continue reading →

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Waiting

Posted on November 28, 2014 by

What if the one you are waiting for never comes? It was only choir practice on a Thursday night at the little United Church a mile away. My friend Edith and I were thirteen years old and proud to be the … Continue reading →

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Getting (Sort of) Ready to Celebrate Christ’s Birth

Posted on November 29, 2013 by

In two days Advent begins and with it comes that stress-inducing question: Are you ready for Christmas? Those words produce a flurry of images—shopping, decorating, baking, Christmas cards, and list making—that sends chills of expectations through my soul. I’m overwhelmed … Continue reading →

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