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Caturday: Church Cats and Christmas

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  Sula in the creche In many churches around the world, cats have joined the congregation, so to speak. One can find cats in many churches; parishioners welcome strays, and often strays stay. At this time of year, cats often become quite involved with the ways in which the church is directed and in the activities of Advent and Christmas. Sula at Old Mission San Juan Bautista especially loved the creche and the Nativity scenes and would join into the scene. Sometimes, if she sat quite still, visitors did not even notice that she was there, but the parishioners knew there beloved cat there. Sula died two years ago. She left a lasting impression on the church for her 15 years of bringing love to the parishioners. Her books are still sold in the gift shop and remain popular. Her grave is a stop on the Mission tour. This year, if you have a cat at your church, include him or her in your gift-giving. Sardines? A toy? And take the time to let the sweet creature share its love. Sula, with ...
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Precerpt from Grandma's Ninja Training Diary: Stealth Strength: Training When Breath Betrays You

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  When your lungs sound like a kettle on the boil and every attempt at exertion ends in a coughing fit, the dojo goes quiet. But Grandma Ninja doesn’t quit—she adapts. This week, under attack from an upper respiratory infection sliding into bronchtiis, I traded my weights for wall presses, my cardio for controlled exhales. No gym. No sweat. Just breath-aware micro-movements and biomechanical cunning. Isometric holds : Pressing palms into the wall, thighs into a pillow. Muscles fire. Breath stays calm. Seated resistance : Bands looped around ankles and wrists. No huffing, no puffing—just quiet strength. Mental rehearsal : I picture myself lifting, balancing, walking with precision. The body listens. Lymph flow rituals : Legs elevated, ankles circling, fingers tapping. Circulation without chaos. I’ve learned that strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s the stillness between coughs, the decision to move gently, the refusal to vanish. I’m not sidelined. I’m training in steal...
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Publisher's Pride: Books on Bestseller Lists - Spiritually Homeless (Girrell)

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  Recently,   Spiritually Homeless  (Girrell), reached   #32 in Amazon hot new releases/faith deconstruction and #116 in faith deconstruction. Book description: Many have walked away from organized religion not out of apathy, but out of honesty. Still the spiritual hunger remains; the longing for community and a place called home persists.  Spiritually Homeless   offers a deeply compassionate and practical guide for those navigating spiritual life beyond church walls. Whether you left organized religion years ago or never belonged to some sect to begin with, this book will meet you right where you are. Through stories, reflection, and decades of experience in spiritual leadership and psychological insight,  Spiritually Homelesss   explores how we find belonging, create ritual, face the dark night, and rediscover awe—without needing to return to doctrines that no longer fit. keywords: spiritual hunger; spiritual seekers; leaving organized religion;...
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