the blog
Reflections for the journey
Following Wonder into an Encounter with God
Eric Clayton’s Where Wonder Leads invites us to step into the enchanting worlds of fairy tales and myths, transforming them into spiritual journeys. Through 35 guided meditations, he encourages us to awaken our religious imagination and notice the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Rediscovering the Friends God Has Given Each of Us for the Journey
On the Memorial of the Guardian Angels, I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce you to a phenomenal book, Father Henri-Marie Boudon’s Devotion to the Holy Angels. His book is guaranteed to help deepen your knowledge...
Celebrating Padre Pio and Soon To Be Blessed Fulton Sheen with the Universal Church in St Louis
I currently am in St Louis and spent the day at the Fulton Sheen: America’s Saint Conference hosted by the Fulton Sheen Movement. Phenomenal day of coming to know more about the life and work of Venerable Fulton Sheen in the company of many fervent disciples of the...
An Invitation to Encounter Christ with Blessed Archbishop Fulton Sheen as Your Guide
Discover the transformative power of Blessed Fulton Sheen’s teachings in Allan Smith’s *The Soul of a Disciple*. This creative guide invites you to slow down, immerse yourself in the present moment, and become ready for spiritual change. With a simple retreat format that integrates Sheen’s wisdom, Scripture, prayer, and practical practices, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of their faith.
A Beautiful Reminder That There Is No Single Way to Follow Jesus
Happy Feast of Saint Augustine! Augustine is one of the most well known of the early Church Fathers, and his writings, especially the Confessions and The City of God have impacted millions of people throughout the last fifteen centuries. I share this because Saint...
A Gift for Anyone Who Has Ever Wanted to Understand St. Thomas Aquinas on the Feast of Saint Dominic
Today is the Feast of Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominicans. Saint Dominic was a contemporary of Saint Francis of Assisi, and between the two, they revolutionized the practice of Christian discipleship within the Catholic...
A Protestant Speaks with a Catholic—ActsSocial Podcast
Several months ago, I interviewed one of the founders of ActsSocial—a faith-first Christian social platform built for believers to connect, create, and grow in community around Christ with invasive ads, toxic trends, or an algorithm built to keep you anxious....
A Day to Remember at Arlington
COL (Ret) E. Paul Semmens was laid to rest with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Paul’s legacy continues to inspire those around him, and his family and friends will cherish the memories they made together.
Day 7–On the Trail of Lewis & Clark—Axe Throwing, Kalama, More Thoughts to Ponder
Exploring the spiritual realm through indigenous wisdom and Christian tradition, we can discover the interconnectedness of nature, humanity, and the divine.
Day 6–On the Trail of Lewis & Clark—Crazies, The Dalles, & Google
Today was a long day, so going to only do some pictures with a few comments and then will look to share a few more thoughts tomorrow… I shared yesterday that we were scheduled to go kayaking today. Weather forecast was not looking good—temps were projected to be in...
Days 4 & 5–On the Trail of Lewis & Clark—Pendleton, Tamastslikt, the Oregon Trail and More Dams
Our adventure from Richland to Pendleton was a whirlwind of history, culture, and excitement. From the bustling streets of the underground city to the thrilling spectacle of the Pendleton Round-Up and the immersive exhibits at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, this trip was a memorable journey through the heart of Oregon’s past and present.
Days 4 & 5–On the Trail of Lewis & Clark—Pendleton, Tamastslikt, the Oregon Trail and More Dams
Our adventure from Richland to Pendleton was a whirlwind of history, culture, and excitement. From the bustling streets of the underground city to the thrilling spectacle of the Pendleton Round-Up and the immersive exhibits at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, this trip was a memorable journey through the heart of Oregon’s past and present.
Day 3–On the Trail of Lewis and Clark—The Nimiipuu, All Aboard, and Dams
This morning, we had the opportunity to learn about the Nimiipuu, otherwise known as the Nez Perce. The indigenous presenters shared stories of The People in the Lewis-Clark Valley, and about their initial encounter with the Corps of Discovery. In particular, we...
Day 2–On the Trail of Lewis & Clark—Hell’s Canyon
Discover the awe-inspiring Hells Canyon, a natural marvel that captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes and rich history. From the ancient petroglyphs at Buffalo Eddy to the majestic wildlife that calls this place home, Hells Canyon is a testament to the enduring spirit of its indigenous inhabitants and the power of nature.
Day 1–Traveling to Travel on the Trail of Lewis and Clark
Join us as we embark on a river cruise that traces the historic route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This exciting journey will take us through stunning landscapes, offering a unique perspective on America’s founding and a chance to connect with our heritage.
Check Out the Newly Revised Website!
Hey, Everyone! Just wanted to post onto my blog on the newly revised, reorganized, repurposed and revamped christinasemmens.com website--thanks to the hard work of Sophia Lebano and her team! Thought it was especially important to do a revised website in the wake of...
Delays and Waiting
Greetings! Has been a few weeks as I have failed to post anything about my travels to both Ireland and Scotland during the last 17 days as it was go, go, go. However, since I am now sitting delayed on the tarmac in Philadelphia waiting to fly to Atlanta and then drive...
Off to Ireland & Scotland!
The journey begins! Will be posting here in the days ahead as I am traveling to Ireland and Scotland. If you have prayer intentions for me to offer during my trip, please send them my way via christinasemmens@gmail.com Talk soon!
The Three Hearts: A July 4th Path to National Reconciliation
I wrote a post on July 4th three years ago that still has great application for our current political landscape today, so wanted to share it with you again with a few updates. I pray that you find this to be a help to enter more deeply into your holiday celebrations...
Episode #170–“Embracing Easter Joy and Hope In The Midst Of Worldly Sadness and Despair”
https://anchor.fm/s/f4b30ac/podcast/rss Summary In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina shares Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to help you strive to enter ever more deeply into the joy and hope of this Easter season, even in the midst of...