Author: Mary Patterson

advent: a time of waiting and hope amid the holiday rush

The holiday season is in full swing! As we approach Advent, beginning Sunday, December 1st, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Advent marks the beginning of a sacred countdown to Christmas, a time when many of us eagerly anticipate the arrival of Christ. Yet, as meaningful and spiritually significant as this season is within the Christian liturgical calendar, it’s easy to overlook the true heart of Advent amidst the frenzy of the holiday rush. Between shopping, baking, and endless to-do lists, the quieter, more contemplative aspects of… Continue reading advent: a time of waiting and hope amid the holiday rush

welcome to good friday

In January of 2023, I sat anxiously in the doctor’s office waiting for news about the abnormal blood results I received earlier that week. “You have hereditary hemochromatosis,” the doctor said. “It’s no big deal. All you have to do is donate blood regularly to clear the excess iron from your body. It’s easy.” Her seemingly light words landed on my chest like bricks. As I tried to take them in, my head started to spin and I struggled to find my next inhale. I looked for words, but none… Continue reading welcome to good friday