the blog
Reflections for the journey
Living the Life God Created You For in the Midst of a Pandemic
Have you been struggling to figure out how you are supposed to live the life God created you for in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic? Then check out the latest Say Yes to Holiness Podcast This podcast gives you Food for the Head, Heart, Hands and Feet to help you...
Are You Feeling Like A Failure Right Now?
We all have done things that we are ashamed of. I know I sure have. The things that when we look back, we go, "Man, I TOTALLY messed that up!" Or maybe it's just little stuff like getting impatient with someone who is driving too slowly and we flip them a not so kind...
What To Do For Divine Mercy Sunday?
Below is the text for an article posted by Father Chris Alar, MIC about what to do so you can receive all the graces available to ANYONE (Catholic AND non-Catholic) on Divine Mercy Sunday—THIS Sunday, April 19th. Please make sure to share this message of love and...
To Proclaim The Kergyma By Our Very Lives
In the current reality of the COVID-19 world, many of us are struggling with lots of questions. Like how do we live in a “shelter-in-place” world where we have to practice social distancing? Or how can I ensure that someone I love isn’t going to get sick if they have...
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
These are the words of Saint Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:55, but they were immortalized in an Easter homily by Saint John Chrysostom when he proclaimed: "O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown. Christ is...
The Great Gifts of Holy Saturday For Our COVID-19 Life
Confused? Disoriented? Questions? Was watching a video by Matthew Kelly in which he focused upon the reality of that first Holy Saturday—mainly, that there probably wasn’t anyone walking around going, “Hey, it’s going to be ok. Remember Jesus said that He would be...
The Stations of the Cross—Good Friday in Miniature
Happy Good Friday! Am sure many of you are probably asking, how can Good Friday be happy? Well, in the same way that we call it “good.” And that goodness is captured in the beautiful line from the Exsultet that will be sung (or proclaimed) at the Easter Vigil tomorrow...
Is Satan Stealing Your Joy? NOT TODAY!
It is Holy Thursday, and for the first time since I became Catholic more than three decades ago, I will not be able to be physically present at the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. This is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic mandates to "shelter in place" and our...
No Public Mass and COVID-19: How Can We Accompany Jesus During Holy Week?
Just finished recording a special Holy Week podcast edition for your listening pleasure entitled, No Public Mass and COVID-19: How Can We Accompany Jesus During Holy Week? I invite you to check it out and share with your friends and family! If the link above doesn’t...
Ten Ways To Prepare For Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday
Fr. Ed Broom shares 10 great ways that can help you get ready for the biggest week of the year. Enjoy! https://spiritualdirection.com/2020/04/06/ten-ways-to-prepare-for-easter-and-mercy-sunday Christina Semmens is a Roman Catholic author, blogger, speaker and mentor....
Who Do You Want To Be During Holy Week?
I saw this graphic posted on social media this morning, and it prompted a parallel thought—who do I want to be during Holy Week? Do I want to live this most blessed and grace-filled weeks of the year from a place of fear? Or from a place of learning? Or from a place...
“Growing In Faith During Difficult Times”
Hey, Everyone! Wanted to share a special podcast episode entitled, "Growing in Faith During Difficult Times" that aired on the Belle Curve podcast. I was privileged to be a guest on the show this last week, and I spent time together with the hosts, Rachel Blackmon...
Reality Check—This IS The New Normal
I read a really well done, informative and insightful article this morning from The Atlantic Monthly that walks through the various timelines in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is hard to read, not because it is written in a technical language, but because it...
News of Hope Regarding Dan Burke’s Health Status!
It is with joy that I share this update from Dan Burke’s wife, Stephanie, which indicates Dan is improving! Keep praying, and remember the power of prayer during this pandemic! Divino Nino, pray for us! From Stephanie: Dear Friends, I have hopeful news today. Dan’s...
Tips for Pursuing Holiness During the Coronavirus Pandemic and Beyond
Just posted my latest podcast, “Tips for Pursuing Holiness During the Coronavirus Pandemic and Beyond.” In this podcast episode, I share good for the head, heart, hands and feet to inspire and encourage you, as well as practical tips of what and how to continue to...
Update on Dan Burke
Let me echo Stephanie Burke’s heartfelt THANK YOU for your prayers for Dan. According to her update that I pasted below, Dan has not declined , but is stable. Let us continue to be united in prayer for Dan, Stephanie and the many others around the world who are...
Urgent Prayers Needed For Dan Burke
CALLING ALL PRAYER WARRIORS! URGENT PRAYERS NEEDED FOR DAN BURKE WHO IS CURRENTLY IN ICU ON A VENTILATOR FIGHTING COVID-19… For those of you who do not know who Dan Burke is, he is the founder of SpiritualDirection.com and author of numerous books on the spiritual...
Pursuing Holiness During the Coronavirus Pandemic and Beyond
Hey, Everyone! Just a quick shout out and THANK YOU for those of you who were able to join me this morning for my Facebook Live session, "Pursuing Holiness During the Coronavirus Pandemic and Beyond." (If you are a FB user, you can watch the FB Live video here) We had...
“Live In The Moment Or Go Crazy”
This blog post from Even the Sparrow blog and the accompanying YouTube video about Blessed Chiara is SO worth the 10 minutes to read and watch as you and your families celebrate the Sabbath today. And if you like any of this message because it gives you hope and...
Making Lemonade In The Midst Of A Pandemic
Here is some encouragement and inspiration from the latest Say Yes to Holiness podcast in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic... “Making Lemonade in the Midst of a Pandemic” Christina Semmens is a Roman Catholic author, blogger, speaker and mentor. She currently...