Tag: Katie Rea
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Discovering Magic in the Everyday: Elevating Routine Activities to Moments of Wonder
“The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.” Ralph Waldo Emerson The Art of Paying Attention We were running late. My then three-year-old son was jumping and hopping around the driveway as I worked to wrangle the infant car seat with his sister in place. He started pulling at my…
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Redefining Progress: How Trying Something New Is a Step Forward, Regardless of the Outcome
“Progress” is often narrowly defined as the achievement of specific outcomes. Unfortunately, if we are only concerned about success, we miss much that progress has to teach us. With my spiritual director training, I try to keep myself open to new ideas, views, travels, experiences, prayers, etc. However, with these new experiences, I have also…
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Elevate Your Year: The Power of a Theme Word for 2024
“365 new days. 365 new chances.” Unknown Welcome to a fresh perspective on setting intentions for the year ahead. Discover the transformative potential of selecting a theme or focus word to guide and inspire your journey through 2024. Years ago, I attended a retreat and the instructor passed around a basket with slips of paper.…
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The Blessed Mother’s Journey: A Testament of Faith
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:38 My preoccupation with Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a constant fascination every time this year. My longtime readers know this, and I have included links below for my newer followers. This fascination is so prevalent my dad tells…
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Cultivating Joy: Practices for Deepening Your Advent Experience
“We need joy as we need air. We need love as we need water. We need each other as we need the earth we share.” Maya Angelou This is one of my favorite weeks of the Advent season. We light the rose-colored (pink) candle symbolizing joy for the coming of Christ. It is also known…
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The Power of Perseverance: Recognizing God’s Hand in the Long-Term Transformation of Our Lives
“A bend in the road is not the end of the road… unless you fail to make the turn.” Helen Keller Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor…
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The Path to Peace: Exploring Advent Week 2
Unraveling the Meaning of Peace Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV) As a person who struggles with anxiety, this verse used to be problematic for me. Whenever I…
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The Power of Walking: A Pathway to Health and Wellness
Walking: The Simple Exercise that Packs a Punch I have a never-ending check list of all the things I “ought to” and “should have” done. The holidays tend to amplify this list and add an approaching deadline. I had also been cooped up in the house for a few days straight due to a few…
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The Gift of Slowing Down: Nurturing Your Soul in Advent
“Let’s approach Christmas with an expectant hush, rather than a last-minute rush.” Anonymous Today is the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day which officially marks the start of the Advent season for many Christians. This is the time of the year when we quiet our hearts and prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. One of…
