elainedispo

Archive for June, 2014|Monthly archive page

Feline Friday: Asia’s Garden

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 06/27/2014 at 21:46

Happy Birthday to my PAPA PED!

Here are fun photos of my big girl Asia in the backyard and her lil’ sis Annie from three weeks ago before I took off on work assignment. I’ll miss my Double A-Team again when I go on work assignment next month.

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4:44 ~ make a wish on my Good Luck Gatos!!!

Thirsty Thursday: Love GOD = Love People

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 06/26/2014 at 21:44

♥Love♥ †GOD†, ♥Love♥ People.

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This is the magnet that ☼Sunshine☼’s rear bumper used to sport when I first bought her. It also reminds me of John 4:16b, in which I’d sing with my children’s Church choir:

♫ †GOD† is ♥Love♥ ♪

Acts of love come from kindness, mercy and patience.

Compassion = with Passion

We can extend our love to others, who are in need. For instance, my Church’s visiting priest encouraged my Congregation to contribute to the Maryknoll cause, one of which my mother is a patron, and also of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, which is Bishop Mike’s religious order. Another way is to pour our hearts out to those who we meet, like I did on Monday…

On my way to work this morning, I found a woman down on the side of the road w/her dog. I pulled over to help her w/my First Aid kit. She told me several cars passed by before I stopped my truck, & a man also parked his to lift her up. This lady is lucky to have her loyal black lab who never left her side on her leash. Morals of the story: * if you see someone in need, render aid b/c it’s the humane thing to do for GOD’s people * keep a First Aid kit in handy * caring companions are always around @ the right time #GoodSamaritan #BePrepared #MansBestFriend #DontLeaveAFallenSoldierBehind

GOD lives through our fellow man, so we’re here on Earth to treat others as we would JESUS CHRIST, because we could be looking at His face in everyday encounters, and we, in turn, live in His image.

I’ve noticed this more and more lately in the positive people with whom I’ve surrounded myself: as my fellow lay minister, Evie, calls us

spiritual warriors

My Church buddy, Joe, also told me this:

If GOD wants it, it’ll happen.

We’re following His plan for the Catholic school, if it is in His will.

†GOD† Bless & Keep Y’all!!! 4:44 ~ live on a †prayer† ✌Peace✌!

Workout Wednesday: Water Works

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Sports, Travel, Weekly Wonders, Workout Wednesday, Yours Truly on 06/25/2014 at 09:00

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To the tune of Mariah Carey:
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♫You just got to…

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…Swim it off♪

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🏊Now that summer’s here, go where it’s wet and clear!
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Surf’s up!

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🏄Whether you’re wading in the pool or boogie-boarding on the beach, stroking along the crashing waves provides low-impact yet high endurance exercise.
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Plus, if you take it outdoors, you’ll get your Vitamin D fix from the ☼sunshine☼!
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Of if you have an indoor pool, like the one I had at my hotel on work assignment a couple of weeks ago, you still can swim laps or do water aerobics and pool pilates comfortably!

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And isn’t it delightful to hit the water with companions and workout buddies?

Cami&MeFine, fair-weather furry friends and fun water-lovers alike can bring great company, including bringing up your heart-rate with swimming races, like I did with my Pinoy boy last weekend!

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Wayback Wednesday: Grad School friends and I have a day at the lake!

Splash blast!

Manic Monday: Sunshine Anniversary

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Manic Monday, Pro-DiSPO, Relationships, Travel, Weekly Wonders, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 06/23/2014 at 17:55

Happy 4th ♥Anniversary♥ ☼Sunshine☼

Today marks four years since I purchased my truck. GOD and His Guardian Angels have protected Sunshine and me, whenever she’s parked and whenever I’ve been behind the wheel.

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The staff informed me that I’ve actually been the only person who’s requested a group photo!

Sunshine has survived natural disasters, including the recent hail storm in my hometown since I was on work assignment. During my vacation away from the Valley, the dealership actually housed her in the showroom to prevent damage parked outside when a hurricane hit, and I was told that thanks to her being on display, many customers purchased new accessories for their rides. When I picked her up, I dowsed her with holy water from Our Lady of San Juan del Valle. IMG_0759 IMG_0762 IMG_0768 My good friend and spiritual mentor, Bishop Mike, blessed it and gave me a Rosary that is still adorned to my rear view mirror to this day.

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Of course, I represent my Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks when I drive!

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Rolling TRUE BLUE through & through!

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ASU Grad School + Official TRUE BLUE Member

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Dallas Mavericks Power Decal

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Dallas Cowboys Side Mirror Covers

Not My Real Plate

PHD for Pretty HOT Driver & PhD Candidate!

 GOD bless us on the road!

Fitness Friday: Guy Day

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Weekly Wonders, Workin' Woman, Workout Wednesday, Yours Truly on 06/20/2014 at 22:00

Train like a chick & still stay slick!

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As one year approaches for my debut of Top 5 Workout Videos, here are 2 featured here, fused together:

Cassey Ho of Blogilates + Tony Horton of P90X = dynamic duo

And Sarah Fit brings on a unisex HIIT!

Enjoy exercise this weekend, so workouts make it complete!

Thirsty Thursday: Celebrate CHRIST

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 06/19/2014 at 19:00

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Enjoy these photos taken on the Church tour during my business trip last week!

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Thank GOD for another day.

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That’s what my parents’ Church’s visiting priest asked us to pray as we greet each day.

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Glory be…

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That’s what this priest asked us to pray at the end of our day.

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This past weekend, I attended the Most Holy Trinity Mass with my family, we celebrated:

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* The Father
* The Son
* The Holy Spirit

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Catholics believe in all three forms. Whether you believe in all three or at least one form of GOD, your life is fulfilled when you surround yourself with fellow believers.

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The more, the merrier!

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When we warmly welcome others into our Church, we bring ourselves closer to Heaven.

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DON’T force our beliefs down people’s throats. Teach by example.

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When I discussed GOD’s calling for me to open a Catholic school to another Ph.D. yesterday, that was one of his many pieces of advice.

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Yesterday, I enjoyed wholesome meals and the pleasant company of wonderful friends who support His plan to establish a school. We also remember to turn to Him, to praise Him during our joys, and to seek guidance during our sorrows.

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The LORD leads us to special someones along a path that He paves toward Heaven, so I’m grateful to GOD for showing His will and way today, everyday and always.

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And I’m not just mentioning people, but ALL of the LORD’s creations as well…

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Including creatures who are drawn to the Church…

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Like this Cat at St. Stephen’s!

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I call her/him Cat Stephens!

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GOD bless y’all!

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Thirsty Thursday: Glorify GOD

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Relationships, Thirsty Thursday, Weekly Wonders, Yours Truly on 06/12/2014 at 13:00

Ever since I started my ministry service at Church, I’ve prayed

Come, Holy Spirit…

And He has guided me through the readings and commentaries at Mass.

This past Pentecost, I especially felt the LORD lead me with strength, as I was moved by the Holy Spirit, during the prayers and hymns that I spoke and sang with our congregation as commentator and cantor.

However, I was told to back off from the mic a bit after. Despite that remark, I received positive reception from other parishioners, who were grateful to hear my clear voice. My dad’s friend and fellow veteran-turned barber, even said my voice was like a bird’s!

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So, I’ll keep using my voice as a gift from GOD, to glorify His name. He is worthy of praise.

Happy Father’s Day, especially to the LORD GOD Almighty!

Workout Wednesday: Summer School Spirit

In Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Sports, Travel, Weekly Wonders, Workin' Woman, Workout Wednesday, Yours Truly on 06/11/2014 at 08:00

Now that it’s graduation season, I’m dedicating this Dub-Dub (WW for Workout Wednesday) to our grads!

As someone who’s graduated from several schools and going on one more (for my doctoral degree), I’ve collected clothes from each of them, as well as schools where I’ve taught. When I travel, like for work this week, I tend to take a little something from these schools with me, namely, as workout gear!

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These are just a few tops and bottoms from schools where I’ve attended and/or worked that are appropriate for warm weather. Here are the ones where I’ve taken and/or taught classes:

* McMurry University (Bachelor’s) * Angelo State (Master’s) * Our Lady of the Lake (Ph.D.) * South Texas College (taught) * Texas A&M University – Kingsville (taught) * Texas State Technical College Harlingen (taught) * Cisco College (will teach)

As you can see, I’m all about representing my alma maters! What better way to kickoff the day during my hotel stay than to hit the gym (or these trip workouts)? Yay!

To the tune of Nirvana…

Smells like Team Spirit!

Beauty Tuesday: Travel Trends

In Beauty Tuesday, Health, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Travel, Weekly Wonders, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 06/10/2014 at 13:00

The top travel trend:

Pack light!

Some of us out there find that task to be difficult if we have many accessories and apparel that we want to coordinate. Yet if our essentials are light, we can add other options. Also, if they’re versatile, we can mix and match with statement pieces.

This week, I’m out of town for work. Even though this is a business trip, I wish to play after taking off for the day. I’m keeping my outfits casual, as I’ll take full advantage of my hotel amenities: hot tub in my room and indoor pool.

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* Bandeau Bikini Top with pastel chevron stripes by Victoria’s Secret

* Halter Bikini Top with black, white and gray camo by H&M

R&R‘s just what I need after hitting the road and the ground running as soon as I arrived to my post!

Splash happy!

Thirsty Thursday: Blessings in Disguise

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 06/05/2014 at 22:55

JESUS saved my life! He can save yours too! GOD is NOT dead!

Random: I happened to see this message shoe-polished on the rear windshield of a car driving in front of me the other day.

Why?

This is NOT the question that we should ask GOD. While we may not always understand His will, we must accept it and seek His guidance… Instead, we ask Him

How?

and trust that He will see us through times of triumph, as well as trials and tribulations.

Lately, I’ve caught myself almost not practicing what I’ve been preaching: the positive perspective. During those close-call slip-ups, I remind myself that

EVERYTHING happens for a reason.

Even if we don’t know, things are meant to go, according to the LORD’s plan.

 For instance, this morning, I took Asia to her appointment after my Adoration Hour. Her routine vaccines plus other necessary exams and procedures were pretty pricey. Rather than griping about the expense, I was grateful that she turned out fine.

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My World Traveler Cat: ASIA ~ who’s in PURRfect Health!

 Here’s another example: this week, I’ve felt more overwhelmed at work than usual because I’d cover extra shifts on the other side of town. I could look at it two different ways: dread driving more miles and working longer, or happily take this opportunity to help my team and earn more money. Earlier this afternoon, my boss asked me to travel to another city in our district, so I might as well look forward to another adventure and jump at this chance!

FYI: I’m not a fan of death… Or taxes.

Yet those are the two things that are for certain. Now that I have a job in health care, I’ve already faced it, as my least favorite part of my job, while my favorite part is to touch the lives of families who I photo; plus since Easter Vigil, I’ve known many friends who have lost loved ones. These times of loss call for coming together and being strengthened.

Loss = Turn to the CROSS!

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Tender Moment: Mama & me hand-in-hand

Three years ago, when I paid one last visit to my paternal grandmother’s death bed, the hospice manager told my aunt and me that it would be natural for us to question GOD. Both Auntie Mila and I told the manager, “No, we would never question GOD.” While we were aware already that Mama Eufemia was about to die, we deny that our LORD has ever left our side. And we praise Him for the precious moments that my grandma graced us with her presence.

Point being: let’s accept His will above our own. He will lead the way…

5:55 ~ make a †prayer†