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 this weekend, but also to give you hope and encouragement in the months ahead… “I fear that in every elected office, members will obtain an influence by noise, not sense. By meanness, not greatness. By ignorance, not learning. By contracted hearts, not large souls…”–John Adams A July 4th Meditation […]
christina.semmens
387 posts
This week’s Say Yes to Holiness podcast 1:1 Conversation is with Scott Weeman of Catholic in Recovery. Scott is the founder of Catholic in Recovery, a nonprofit organization that seeks to serve those suffering from addictions and unhealthy attachments (including alcoholism, drug addiction, pornography addiction, sex and relationship addiction, compulsive overeating and food addictions, gambling addiction, codependency and the impact on family, and general fear, control, and anxiety). Our conversation revolved around Scott’s personal story and how his journey became the launching point for the Catholic in Recovery movement that now accompanies thousands of people across the world. Listen to: […]
This week’s Say Yes to Holiness podcast 1:1 Conversation is with Kelly Guest, mother of nine, author of Saintly Moms: 25 Stories of Holiness. Our conversation was a fascinating and enjoyable one as we discussed Kelly’s journey from being a Dominican nun to becoming a mother of nine to eventually publishing her book, and how all of those experiences prepared her to live out the fullness of her vocation. Listen to: Episode #101–“Accept The Fact That It’s Going To Be Messy” Kelly was an ordinary American girl who was not certain what she wanted to do or what God was […]
It’s Advent. And the key to Advent is about preparing ourselves to be transformed by the coming of the Word Made Flesh, Emmanuel, at Christmas. But the challenge is whether we are allowing that transformation to happen. This is the focus of the 100th episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, in which Christina shares Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet that speaks to how well are we doing in allowing the Word to transform our lives so we can become who God created us to be and embrace the life He desires for us–lives of purpose, […]
This week’s Say Yes to Holiness 1 on 1 Conversation podcast episode is with Anthony D’Ambrosio, Co-founder of Catholic Creatives, Sherwood Fellows and OSV Innovation Talk speaker. A lack of vulnerability and the plague of arrogant self-interest destroys relationships. In ministry, like most things, honesty and openness lead to successful mission. Anthony’s OSV Innovation Talk, “Babel to Pentecost,” walks us through the rawness of Anthony’s life and encourages viewers to be “naked” to one another for purposes of healing and unity. My conversation with Anthony was deeply profound and rich with much to inspire and encourage each of us on […]
During this week of Thanksgiving, I thought it would be a good time to speak about how it’s possible for us to turn our deepest fears into our greatest blessings. I spoke about this on my most recent IG Live Show, but wanted to share about it here on my blog as well for those of you who either are not on Instagram or didn’t see the show. So, why am I speaking about fear? Because many of us are actually confronting fear right now—even if we don’t recognize it as such. What do I mean? Well, one area of […]
We are not designed to live a life of distraction. But the world wants you to believe that you are. The truth is far greater than you can even imagine because you are MEANT to think deeply and live a life of high design. You are MEANT to gain clarity through writing and talking and sharing your true self through deep conversations. You are DESIGNED to gain confidence and conviction through acting and doing. This is who you have been created to be. This is who you ARE. But we don’t live this way, so we? Instead we pick up […]
This week’s Say Yes to Holiness 1 on 1 Conversation podcast episode is with Sister Josephine Garrett, religious sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth community and OSV Innovation speaker. speaker. My conversation with Sr Josephine focused upon going even deeper into the topic of her OSV talk, entitled, Daily Bread Discernment. From bank executive to religious Sister, conversion can truly turn your life upside down, and Sister Josephine’s was no different! All conversion and change is rooted in discernment. Sr. Josephine shares a beautiful message about vocation and the need to accept the daily offering of our God for […]
It’s November and it’s time to be mindful of the faithful departed–those who are part of the Church Suffering. Our loved ones who have died are hopefully preparing for eternal happiness with God in Heaven, but they are not quite there yet! This is why they are in need of our prayer and sacrifice! In this latest episode of the Connections Between Faith and Life series, Christina speaks about the Church Suffering and how we can assist in helping bring about the salvation of our dearly departed loved ones. Watch here: What is the Church Suffering? In this episode, Christina […]
“…we are unwilling to trust God.” This is part of the wisdom shared by Fr Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure in his book, Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence. It is also the question around which this podcast revolves. In this Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina shares Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet that discusses the why and how we might resolve this issue of a lack of trust in God in our daily lives and be more trusting in our relationship with the God who loves us beyond measure. Listen to the episode here: Episode #97–Who Do You Trust? […]