Today is the Feast of the Epiphany, the day on which we remember the story of the three Wise Men. These Magi, or wise Kings, came from the east in order to pay homage to the newborn King, Jesus, whose birth had been foretold to them by the rising of a great star in the night sky. In the midst of reading a beautiful reflection by Bishop Robert Barron, I realized that the Magi modeled 5 practices of the spiritual life, that if we do, too, we become wise like they were in regards to the spiritual life. Secret #1 […]
christina.semmens
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On the journey to grow closer to God and become more like Jesus, it can be difficult to understand how our prayer life, the sacraments and making progress in the spiritual life all fits together. For those who are searching to understand it theologically, you can find an explanation in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, but I learned long ago that while “head” knowledge is a vital part of our spiritual growth, that knowledge sometimes doesn’t translate into transforming the thoughts, words and actions in our daily life so we become more like Jesus. And what I was blessed […]
Yes, it is STILL the season of Christmas! I just finished and released my most recent Say Yes to Holiness podcast entitled, “Yes, Virginia, There Is A Christmas Season” where I shared Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet while reflecting about who, what and how the Christmas season can be truly special. Click here to listen on Audible, or you can find it on ITunes or Spotify. Enjoy, and see you on the Way tomorrow! Christina Semmens is a Roman Catholic author, blogger, speaker and mentor. She currently lives in Fort Payne, Alabama where she strives to live […]
So as most of us do, I was reflecting upon what New Year’s resolutions I should make. I went through the usual personal health and fitness goals and then listed my goals associated with my upcoming book launch later this year, creating another online course, and then having a Live Event (or two) later this year. But then it struck me. My whole reason for doing anything in my Say Yes ministry is in order to help others grow closer to God so they can embrace the life God created them for—a life of purpose, peace and abundance. So I […]
I was reading a brilliant reflection by Blessed Bishop Fulton Sheen about the scene in the Nativity story where Joseph and Mary are seeking shelter in Bethlehem just before Jesus’ birth. As I meditated upon Bishop Sheen’s words, three hidden meanings, or secrets, emerged regarding the phrase “There is no room in the inn.” And if you are anything like me, I am sure your knowledge of these secrets will be sure to bring you lasting peace, joy and happiness long past Christmas. Secret #1 The Inn represents the gathering of public opinion, a place for all the worldly attitudes […]
The latest Say Yes to Holiness podcast is now available for your listening pleasure: Let’s keep doing whatever it takes to grow in holiness so we can tell the Master of Death, “Not Today!”
Here is the latest Say Yes to Holiness podcast for your listening enjoyment…
Bishop Robert Barron posted a video for the first week of Advent that beautifully describes what we should be about in the spiritual life, particularly as we begin a new liturgical year in Advent. First Things First What struck me most though is that when Bishop Barron asks us to consider, “What is the highest mountain in your life?” his question is similar to the one I ask of myself, and others, which is “Are you truly putting first things first in your life?” I have written several articles about this concept of “first things first”, but simply, the idea […]
I was reading a recent blog post by the guys at Built to Lead recently, and the last paragraph really struck me: “Today, study some history; namely your own. Root out your cowardice, your avarice, and take a stand. Stop excusing yourself. Stop blaming the culture. Stop wondering if you’ll stand alone. Stop hoping somebody else will do it. Become one of the few who stand.” Are we ready to take our stand, especially for Christ? How well have we rooted out cowardice? Do we hesitate to share our thoughts or beliefs because we are concerned with might “offend” someone? […]
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