Karen Estep

Jan 13, 2025 | catholicmom.com | Karen Estep

Karen Estep explains how she chooses her word(s) of the year and what her words will be for 2025. This is a great practice to keep yourself motivated all year long.  Do you choose a word of the year? Four years ago, I hated the idea of a “Word of the Year.” I thought it was so “extra” for people to do this practice and I honestly could not keep myself motivated to stick with anything for more than a few days, let alone a whole year.

Dec 9, 2024 | catholicmom.com | Tomie dePaola |Karen Estep

Karen Estep reviews a new edition of the beloved children's book by Tomie dePaola from Magnificat/Ignatius Press.  The Lady of Guadalupeby Tomie dePaolaPublisher: Magnificat/Ignatius PressTomie dePaola is one of my favorite author/illustrators because he tells stories visually first and then he uses words. The Lady of Guadalupe is no different, and the visual storytelling in this book is top notch.

Dec 1, 2024 | catholicmom.com | Karen Estep

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel. Today's Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36We live in a scary world. Heartbreaking news is at our fingertips every day, hour, minute, sometimes down to the second. We now see so much in real time that we can be drowned with anxiousness. As moms, it can be exhausting to see all of this, want to fiercely protect our children, and bravely face the world.

Oct 14, 2024 | catholicmom.com | Karen Estep

After a career change, Karen Estep realized that trusting God to guide our next steps can be scary — but in the end, He helps make it OK. This year I made the decision to leave a well-paying job at a public school to a job at a Catholic high school, resulting in a significant pay cut for my family. However, six weeks into school I'm convinced it was probably the best decision I could have made for my life right now. I'm not a fan of changeChange is inevitable in life, and typically I hate it.

Jul 22, 2024 | catholicmom.com | Karen Estep

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel. Today's Gospel: John 20:1-2, 11-18I had an incredibly hard time choosing a Confirmation saint. In fact, I was not able to finalize a choice until the week before my Confirmation. The saint I ultimately chose is Mary Magdalene. She is lovingly known as the “Apostle to the Apostles.”In today’s Gospel we read about Mary Magdalene returning to the tomb the day after Jesus is placed inside and the stone rolled over the entrance.