Category Archives: Hope

Advent (Hope): Difficulties

Posted on December 7, 2013 by Bob Patrick

Difficulties break some people.  They make others.  Is this a truth that you have observed? My own experience is that difficulties often feel like they are breaking me, but ultimately, if I am honest, they make me.  They make me … Continue reading →

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Advent: Legacy of Hope

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Christiana McQuain

“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in … Continue reading →

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Advent (Hope): Chanukah

Posted on December 5, 2013 by admin

There is a conversation that I have with my dad, like clockwork, when I take a new class. I begin, usually in tears, about my inability to do anything remotely useful with Latin. My dad responds, reminding me of the … Continue reading →

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Advent (Hope): On the Horizon

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Christiana McQuain

“For the great human family, it is necessary to renew always the common horizon toward which we are journeying.  The horizon of hope!  This is the horizon that makes a good journey.” ~ Pope Francis, Dec. 1, 2013  We have … Continue reading →

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Advent (Hope): In the Dark

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Bob Patrick

I can remember Lydia and me guiding our three children down into our 100 year old basement during tornado season in Birmingham, tornado sirens blaring.  Every time we got up at midnight or 3:00 AM and gathered our little ones … Continue reading →

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Advent (Hope): Human Longing

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Bob Patrick

Advent as a liturgical season that leads into Christmas did not begin to formulate among Christians until the 5th century CE.  Until then, there was no formal recognition or celebration of the birth of Jesus.  When it did formulate, it … Continue reading →

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Advent (Hope): Lending Promise

Posted on December 1, 2013 by Christiana McQuain

“Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey towards it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us…  It lends promise to the future and purpose to the past.  It turns discouragement to determination.” ~ SAMUEL SMILES, Self-Help   Christmas … Continue reading →

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