Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
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...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
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...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
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...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
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?...
Posted by Karen Zappavigna Hoogland | 0 Comments
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...