About Whitney Hetzel

Whitney Hetzel is a wife, mother of nine children, homeschooler, and catechist. Passionate about her Catholic faith and physical fitness, she trains for marathons and triathlons and blogs at 9kidfitness.com to help other women stay healthy and fit while juggling the demands and joys of domestic life.

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Arrow Prayers: A Powerful Way to Cry Out to God

Jul 25, 2018 by Whitney Hetzel

What is an "arrow prayer"?An arrow prayer is a quick, very short prayer (usually only a sentence long) which brings us into the presence of God and the saints, seeking holy aid in … Read more

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The Power of Sacred Music to Move the Soul

Jul 24, 2018 by Whitney Hetzel

As a runner, I recognize that music has an effect on my emotional state and even on my psyche. I often run alone and love the solitude, peace, and recollection gained when running … Read more

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How To Experience The Sacred Triduum With Children

Mar 23, 2018 by Whitney Hetzel

Holy Week is the most solemn and glorious week of the church year—even more so than Christmas. Beginning with Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered triumphantly into Jerusalem, and en … Read more

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Begin Lent With The Four Last Things

Feb 14, 2018 by Whitney Hetzel

"Remember man that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."These words, which derive from the Book of Genesis, were spoken in the liturgy on Ash Wednesday when ashes were plac … Read more

3 Ways We Can Become Spiritual Olympians

Feb 13, 2018 by Whitney Hetzel

Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do … Read more

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Tips for a Holier New Year: Day 6 – Make Time for God

Jan 11, 2018 by Whitney Hetzel

Bottom Line Upfront: Make Time for GodHalf an hour's meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed "— Saint Francis de SalesThe truth is th … Read more

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Tips for a Holier New Year: Day 5 – Expect Temptations

Jan 10, 2018 by Whitney Hetzel

Bottom Line Up Front: Expect TemptationSaint Francis de Sales implored his flock not to be surprised when faced with temptations. In his Sermon on the First Sunday of Lent he said … Read more

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Tips For a Holier New Year: Day 4 – Conversion is Continual

Jan 09, 2018 by Whitney Hetzel

Bottom Line Upfront: Conversion is continual As we contemplate resolutions in the New Year, it is natural to think of them as significant changes that occur all of a sudden. Once w … Read more

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Tips For a Holier New Year: Day 3 – Think About Your Character

Jan 08, 2018 by Whitney Hetzel

The Bottom Line Up front: Think about your character Character is not something we are born with. It is something we develop through our habits on a daily basis. … Read more

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Tips for A Holier New Year: Day 2 - Talk To God Every Day

Jan 05, 2018 by Whitney Hetzel

Bottom Line Up front: Talk to God Every DayI saw a quote recently that said, "Until we believe that prayer is a good use of our time, we will not make time for prayer". How true t … Read more

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Tips For a Holier New Year: Day 1 – The Bare Minimum

Jan 05, 2018 by Whitney Hetzel

January is the perfect time to contemplate how to live a holier life in the new year, and the following post is the first in a six- day blog series devoted to helping you make some … Read more

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Prayers for Your Children As They Begin A New School Year

Aug 16, 2017 by Whitney Hetzel

The end of August ushers in the beginning of the school year for many, and we are reminded to pray for our children and for their studies throughout the upcoming year. As a mother … Read more

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About Whitney Hetzel

Arrow Prayers: A Powerful Way to Cry Out to God

The Power of Sacred Music to Move the Soul

How To Experience The Sacred Triduum With Children

Begin Lent With The Four Last Things

3 Ways We Can Become Spiritual Olympians

Tips for a Holier New Year: Day 6 – Make Time for God

Tips for a Holier New Year: Day 5 – Expect Temptations

Tips For a Holier New Year: Day 4 – Conversion is Continual

Tips For a Holier New Year: Day 3 – Think About Your Character

Tips for A Holier New Year: Day 2 - Talk To God Every Day

Tips For a Holier New Year: Day 1 – The Bare Minimum

Prayers for Your Children As They Begin A New School Year