Jan 7, 2024

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Epiphany 2024 Observed

Epiphany 2024 Observed

Epiphany Observed – Sun. Jan. 7, 2024 I rather like the years when the Christmas season is extended a bit because of how the dates fall. This year, Epiphany was observed by the Catholic churches in our area today, Sunday, January 7, 2024, rather than on January 6th.  The image today is a photo I took today at my church, Sacred Heart Mission. For most of the Christmas season, the Wisemen were a bit off to the side of the manger. They slowly inched closer to the Holy Family. Today, they arrived!   I love this beautiful, old nativity set at my church. Every year I take photos of it. I always notice something new and different about the set. The pieces will be in slightly different positions from prior years…sometimes the Blessed Mother is to the right of Baby Jesus and other times she is on the left side (as in this year’s display).   This is rather like listening to all the Scripture readings throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons. These are the same and beloved stories we listen to and read every year. And yet every year we “hear” something different in them.  The message of faith, hope, love and joy are renewed! Beautiful Religious Artwork Artist Mark Missman has created many images of Jesus, the Holy Family and the Magi. I am sharing two of my favorites here.  The first is called, “Light of the World.” The second is titled, “Wisemen Still Seek Him.”   In “Light of the World,” there is the newborn Christ child, protected by his parents and adored by regular people: the shepherds, the servants, children. Off in the distance are the approaching Magi, with the beautiful star guiding their journey to bring gifts to Jesus.   In “Wisemen Still Seek Him,” the Magi surround baby Jesus and present him with each of their gifts. They are the first Gentiles to recognize the significance of Jesus.   I have seen these images many times. Each time I look at them I feel peace and hope and joy. What new messages have you received this Christmas season? Has your hope been renewed? Did you find joy in something that you overlooked before? What has been manifested to you on this Epiphany? Happy Epiphany! ~Karen #epiphanyobserved #epiphany Visit...

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Jan 6, 2024

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Epiphany 2024

Epiphany – Sat. Jan. 6, 2024  And suddenly the star they had seen rising went forward and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:9-11    Holy Light of the Manifestations Today, January 6 marks the Feast of the Epiphany. This year, many churches will observe this feast on Sunday, January 7. Growing up in an Italian and Irish family we celebrated all of the 12 days of Christmas and then looked forward to the Epiphany on January 6th. As grownups, my mom would continue this by getting together with me and some of the other family to celebrate Epiphany with breakfast or brunch.   On this Epiphany, as with the last two since Mom died in June 2021, I have thought of those past Epiphany celebrations quite often. I appreciate more than ever how my mother kept the Christmas décor up through the entire Christmas season, rather than rushing to take it all down on December 26th. It is one reason why I continue to share about the 12 Days of Christmas every year!   Several years before Mom died, one of my brothers put a small Yoda figurine in with the other pieces of her nativity. Mom kept it in there every year. On a memorable Epiphany in 2019, I made a fun little video of my sister, Mom and me all seeing “We Three Kings” as we moved her Yoda and the three Wise Men into her Nativity set to visit Baby Jesus.    In subsequent years, my brother would sneak Yoda into the Nativity and wait for our Mom to find it. She would pretend to be annoyed but secretly she loved this little silly newer tradition.    More on Epiphany  The Epiphany recalls the visit of the Magi, the three wise men, to the Christ Child in Bethlehem. It is also about the revelation of the Jesus Christ to everyone who is in darkness. This day is a reminder that anyone can choose to follow the light of Christ, to follow in his ways and share His...

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Jan 5, 2024

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Twelve Drummers Drumming

Twelve Drummers Drumming

Merry 12th Day of Christmas – Fri. Jan 5, 2024  Today’s meaning for the 12th Day of Christmas reminded me again of my days as a catechist for seventh and eighth graders preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation.   On the first day of class, I often did a study of the Apostles’ Creed with the students. Most times, the children did not realize it is basically summary of our Catholic faith in twelve points. Those were some fantastic...

Jan 4, 2024

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Eleven Pipers Piping

Eleven Pipers Piping

Merry 11th Day of Christmas – Thurs. Jan. 4, 2024  My mom and dad, when they chose to have each of my 5 siblings and me baptized as infants, promised to raise us in the Catholic faith. While my parents did not always agree with everything happening in the Church, I know they did their best to live their lives as a good faith example to their children. Of course, they were not perfect. None of us are...

Jan 3, 2024

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Ten Lords a-Leaping

Ten Lords a-Leaping

Merry 10th Day of Christmas – Wed. Jan. 3, 2024  See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. (1John 3:1)  This verse is from today’s first reading. On a good day it is easy to appreciate that I am a child of God. On a bad day, it is certainly more difficult – especially when dealing with frustrating situations or difficult people.  As a child of God, and follower...

Jan 2, 2024

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Nine Ladies Dancing

Nine Ladies Dancing

Merry 9th Day of Christmas   For many years, my mom gave me and my sisters a subscription to a magazine called Angels on Earth. It is a sweet little periodical that comes out 6 times a year and is filled with stories of everyday people and how their lives have been impacted by angels – either in the form of other people or some kind of angelic or spiritual presence.   I still subscribe to this magazine...

Jan 1, 2024

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Eight Maids a-Milking

Eight Maids a-Milking

  Merry 8th Day of Christmas – Mon. Jan. 1, 2024  Today the Solemnity of Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God is observed in the Catholic Church. This particular feast day is one which I always attended Mass with my mother. It was kind of our thing!   The Entrance hymn was Hail Mary, Gentle Woman. This was a personal favorite of my mother’s. We sang it together often through the years. I sang it to her in...

Dec 31, 2023

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Seven Swans a-Swimming

Seven Swans a-Swimming

Merry 7th Day of Christmas – Sun. Dec. 31, 2023 Time has moved swiftly this past week. Here we are on New Year’s Eve! Many of my friends have packed up their Christmas decorations already – some the day after Christmas! I am glad to continue to enjoy our Christmas tree, nativity and other décor of the season – especially the lights on these long, dark winter nights! Why Seven Swans a-swimming on the 7th Day of Christmas?...

Dec 30, 2023

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Six Geese a-Laying

Six Geese a-Laying

Merry Sixth Day of Christmas!  The beauty of God’s creation is amazing and yet I find I often take it for granted. Even in these short days of winter there is beauty to be found if one looks closely. Outside in the morning, I see squirrels at work stashing food for the season; birds hanging out under the awnings chirping their songs (and driving my cats nuts!), and the beautiful Christmas decorations reminding me yet again it is...

Dec 29, 2023

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Five Golden Rings

Five Golden Rings

Merry Fifth Day of Christmas! Why Five Golden rings on the Fifth Day of Christmas? Five Golden Rings are symbolic of the Pentateuch, the first five Books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. On the occasions when I hear the “12 Days of Christmas” song playing, as soon as it gets to the line of “five golden rings”, I can hear my dad’s voice ring out. That part of the song always reminds me...

Dec 28, 2023

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Four Calling Birds

Four Calling Birds

Merry Fourth Day of Christmas! Why 4 Calling Birds on the Fourth Day of Christmas? Four Calling Birds represent the four Gospels and Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Today is also the Feast of the Holy Innocents This feast day has always made me cringe as I think about how King Herod ordered all baby boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas who were aged two years or less killed. He was so fearful when he learned...

Dec 27, 2023

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Three French Hens

Three French Hens

Merry Third Day of Christmas! Morning coffee by the light of the Christmas tree is so lovely! The quiet of this time gives me an opportunity to reflect on this beautiful Season. Why Three French Hens on the third day of Christmas? The three hens represent the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. These were given from God and poured into our hearts. The three hens are also symbolic of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and...

Dec 26, 2023

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Two Turtle Doves

Two Turtle Doves

Merry Second Day of Christmas! Even as some are taking down the Christmas tree and other decorations, I will continue to celebrate the season! Why Two Turtle Doves on the second day of Christmas? The two turtle doves represent the two parts of the Bible: Old Testament and New Testament. Two more ideas for the second day of Christmas Sometimes the day after Christmas can feel like a let down. The preparation for The Big Day is done. ...

Dec 25, 2023

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A Partridge in a Pear Tree

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Merry First Day of Christmas! Since 2012, I have shared the meaning of each of the days from the beloved carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This remains one of my favorite carols. I love the symbolism in the carol….and I simply love the actual twelve days of Christmas. My mom always celebrated the 12 days and I enjoy carrying on that tradition. I have always held off decorating for Christmas until the first week of December. This...

Oct 5, 2018

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Friday Dance & Stretch

Friday Dance & Stretch

Today’s workout is 6 dance/walk videos followed by a short stretch. The walking part of workout is approximately 26 minutes of dance/walk videos followed by 5 minute post-workout stretch. This is the fifth in a series of 7 playlists that will include dance/walk and stretching/yoga videos. My Friday Playlist is approximately 31 minutes long: The dance/walk selections today are from REFITREV and Dance Faith Fitness.  The closing video is from FitnessBlender. You can find the playlist on my...

Oct 4, 2018

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Thursday Dance & Stretch

Thursday Dance & Stretch

Today’s workout is 7 walk videos followed by a thorough stretch. The walking part of workout is approximately 29 minutes of dance/walk videos followed by 16 minute post-workout stretch. This is the fourth in a series of 7 playlists that will include dance/walk and stretching/yoga videos. My Thursday Playlist is approximately 45 minutes long: The dance/walk selections today are from PraiseFit Ministries and REFITREV.  The closing video is from JessicaSmithTV. You can find the playlist on my YouTube...

Oct 3, 2018

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Wednesday Dance & Stretch

Wednesday Dance & Stretch

I am probably splitting up my workout today  so I’ve chosen 3 walk videos that can be done separately or all at one time. Today’s workout is approximately 43 minutes of dance/walk videos followed by an 8 minute  Kitchen Barre workout. This is the third in a series of 7 playlists that will include dance/walk and stretching/yoga videos. My Wednesday Playlist is approximately 52 minutes long: The dance/walk selections today are from Jessica Smith and Walking Online Workouts. ...

Oct 2, 2018

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Tuesday Dance & Stretch

Tuesday Dance & Stretch

Some of my work days are busier than others. I try to plan my workouts so that I can at least get a short workout in at the beginning of the day. Today’s workout is approximately 28 minutes of dance/walk videos followed by 10 minute flexibility workout. This is the second in a series of 7 playlists that will include dance/walk and stretching/yoga videos. My Tuesday Playlist is approximately 38 minutes long: Dance/walk selections are from REFITREV, Christian Zumba Dance...

Oct 1, 2018

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Monday Dance & Stretch

Monday Dance & Stretch

Today is Monday, October 1, 2018! New week means a new group of playlists for the week. This week I will focus on workout videos that combine dance steps with walking steps and then add in a few minutes of stretching or yoga to end the workout. This is the first in a series of 7 playlists that will include dance/walk and stretching/yoga videos. My Monday Playlist is approximately 39 minutes long: Dance/walk selections are from REFITREV, Christian...

Sep 30, 2018

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Sunday Step and Stretch

Sunday Step and Stretch

Sundays are a day to relax and restore! I usually do some kind of walk on Sunday but it may not be as long or as strenuous as other days. I also try to do some recovery yoga/stretching. This is the seventh in a series of 7 playlists that will include walking and stretching/yoga. My Sunday Playlist is approximately 51 minutes long: 20 Minute Walking Workout (from WalkingOnlineWorkouts.com) – 22:30 minutes Marching with Moves in Chicago (from Jenny...

Sep 29, 2018

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Saturday Step and Stretch

Saturday Step and Stretch

Saturdays can be busy but I always try to get in a good workout to kick off the weekend. This is the sixth in a series of 7 playlists that will include walking and stretching/yoga. My Saturday Playlist is approximately 49 minutes long: FITIN15 Cardio Party (from JessicaSmithTV.com) – 16:42 minutes Malibu March Across America (from Jenny Ford) – 12:37 minutes Restorative Flexibility and Stretch (from Jenny Ford) – 20:19 minutes You can find the playlist on my...

Sep 28, 2018

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Friday Step and Stretch

Friday Step and Stretch

Fridays always bring a sense of fun for me – the week is over and the weekend is coming! Today’s playlist starts off with a traditional walk video from Leslie Sansone, continues with some of my favorite songs from DanceFaithFitness and ends with a nice yoga session with Jessica Smith This is the fifth in a series of 7 playlists that will include walking and stretching/yoga. My Friday Playlist is approximately 48 minutes long: WAKE UP & Walk...

Sep 27, 2018

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Thursday Step and Stretch

Thursday Step and Stretch

Thursdays are a busy work day for me so this day’s playlist is a little shorter than those from earlier in the week. This is the fourth in a series of 7 playlists that will include walking and stretching/yoga. My Thursday Playlist is approximately 39 minutes long: 1 Mile Walk Fast “Wake and Walk” (from JessicaSmithTV.com) – 20:47 minutes 1 Mile Turkey Trot (from JessicaSmithTV.com) – 12:46 minutes 5 Minute Fix Total Body Stretch (from JessicaSmithTV.com) – 6:00...

Sep 26, 2018

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Wednesday Step and Stretch

Wednesday Step and Stretch

Yay! It’s Wednesday – Hump Day! Let’s start the day off right and get in some exercise before the day gets too busy. This is the third in a series of 7 playlists that will include walking and stretching/yoga. My Wednesday Playlist is approximately 31 minutes long: 1 Mile Fast Interval Walk (from JessicaSmithTV.com) – 14:56 minutes Short and Sweet Stretch (from JessicaSmithTV.com) – 16:57 minutes You can find the playlist on my YouTube Channel here: Karen’s Wednesday...

Sep 25, 2018

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Tuesday Step and Stretch

Tuesday Step and Stretch

Some days I do not feel like exercising, but having a plan makes it a bit easier for me to get those steps in! This is the second in a series of 7 playlists that will include walking and stretching/yoga. My Tuesday Playlist is approximately 46 minutes long: Autumn Walking Workout (from WalkingOnlineWorkouts.com) – 16:54 minutes All Mixed Up Walking Workout (from WalkingOnlineWorkouts.com) – 21:28 minutes 8 Minute Total Body Stretch (from JessicaSmithTV.com) – 7:48 minutes You can...

Sep 24, 2018

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Monday Step and Stretch

Monday Step and Stretch

I am a walker. I try to get in at least 2 miles a day. Many days I choose to do workout videos. YouTube has so many options to choose from that I have put together a few playlists with some of my favorites for each day of the week. This is the first in a series of 7 playlists that will include walking and stretching/yoga. My Monday Playlist is approximately 52 minutes long: Big Sky Walking Workout...

Sep 22, 2018

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Step into Autumn!

Step into Autumn!

And all at once summer collapsed into fall. ~Oscar Wilde The back-to-school sales are long over. Halloween candy, Thanksgiving decorations and Christmas ornaments have adorned store aisles for several weeks. Still, to me, summer is not officially over simply because the school buses are delivering neighborhood children to and from the schools. Summer end when fall truly arrives! Good-bye Summer! Hello, Fall! This evening, the Fall Equinox is at 8:48pm. I always look forward to this time of...

Apr 28, 2018

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Welcome, Zoey!

Welcome, Zoey!

Yes, we did it again! Welcome to the newest addition to our family, Zoey! She is about 6 months old and we are happy to welcome her into our family. We adopted Zoey from Cache Creek Rescue, the same shelter where we adopted Baxter in October,...