elainedispo

Posts Tagged ‘Catholic’

Faith and Fortune Friday: New Year’s Edition ~ Mercy Jubilee

In Health, Higher Ed, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Soul Saturday, Thirsty Thursday, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman on 01/08/2016 at 15:45

My 2016 challenge for all of us:

Be merciful to everybody!

No matter how educated, experienced, affluent or advantaged we are, none of us are better than everyone else. We all are called to

Pope †Cross†

I had three †crosses† from three of our Popes on my dissertation defense (with Pope Francis‘ photo that contained my defense prayer): the Pope Francis Rosary from Bishop Mike * ruby gold †cross† from María Elena from Assisi Jewels during Pope Benedict‘s leadership * Rosary blessed by Saint Pope John Paul II and Father Bob from Bro Joe

Happy One Month Anniversary to my Name Change:

Dr. Dispo!

I defended my dissertation on an extra special day for the Church

Fortune Pride

Mami Aya pointed out that Papa Jun ~ now Grace‘s Lola & Lolo, as of exactly two weeks ago * #DISPObustAFlow ~ got this fam fortune shortly before my defense, hence excellent timing (on my †OLLU† afghan)!

Motivational Monday: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Motivational Monday, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 01/04/2016 at 18:30

Happy Feast Day of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton!

This educator was my favorite saint growing up. In my own childhood Catechism class, I first heard this ♪song♫ (Matthew 6:33) when we watched a video about her life…

With my own dreams of helping establish a Ca†holic school in my hometown, I look to St. Elizabeth for inspiration and seek her intercession.

Thirsty Thursday: Year of Mercy

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 12/31/2015 at 07:30

Happy New Year’s Eve! 🎆

As the full Year of Mercy draws near, Pope Francis has called us to seek ways to render more kindness to others ~ which is pleasing to the LORD. ☝🏽️

I’ve been praying my daily Rosary and 3 o’clock Divine Mercy with this Pope Francis Rosary from Bishop Mike who blessed me with it on the ☼morning☼ of my dissertation defense and started reading this Rediscover book by Matthew Kelly from my Dad

During Advent, my school, Our Lady of the Lake, kicked off this venture by deeming the Season of Mercy. 🎄

GOD bless you this Merciful Year! Cheers! 🎇

Beauty Tuesday: These Boots Were Made for … 

In Beauty Tuesday, Community, Higher Ed, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 12/29/2015 at 04:44

4:44 ~ make a New Year’s wish!!!

Thirsty Thursday: Triple T

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 10/29/2015 at 08:00

T is for …

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How do you use your †ime, †reasure (i.e., tithing) and †alen† in serving GOD?

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We all have unique ways that GOD has called us to serve Him and His people.

I also can continue glorifying GOD as I finish and use my doctoral degree!

Father Bob‘s most recent ✌PTL✌ in his latest greeting to me stands for:

  • Precious
  • Treasure
  • Lady

¡Feliz Día de los Santos y Día de los Muertos!

Spirit Sunday: World Missions

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Spirit Sunday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 10/18/2015 at 13:30

Mission is a passion for Jesus and at the same time a passion for people.

Pope Francis

Let’s follow Chris†‘s example by serving others ~ regardless of mistakes along the way (like my off-tune ♪singing♫ at Church yesterday) ~ as our fai†h will always prevail, our missions won’t fail!

#DISPObustAFlow✌

World Mission Sunday

Send me forth each day, O God,
to announce Your peace, love,
forgiveness and joy to all the earth. Like the Samaritan,
help me be a good neighbor.Like the Centurion,
help me confess my faith.Like the Beloved Disciple, help me to be a bold
and faithful witness to Your Resurrection.

All the world deserves to hear Your Good News.
Help me proclaim and live it today.

Amen.

~ Father Joseph R. Veneroso 
World Missions ☼Sunday☼ Reminder from Father Raymond J. Finch
Both Prayer and Reminder Courtesy Maryknoll Missions

Soul Saturday: Scripture Strategy

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Soul Saturday, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 10/17/2015 at 13:30

As I prepare for my service to our Church as commentator*** today, I continue to seek the Holy Spirit‘s guidance.

Lector and Singer Prayers

Lector✌ & Church ♫Singer♪ Prayers | ***Courtesy Straight from the ♥Heart♥ … A †Prayer† Companion (Rev. Fr. Ladra, Marío José, 2007)

Dr. Grassi, in Guts, Grace & Gloryapproaches scripture like a linebacker* ~ so I’ll do the same, per these positions:

  • Stance ~ “starts with the right foundation”
Home Is Where the Heart Is

Our heart home was built on stone, which serves as a solid foundation for unwavering ♥love & faith✌ full of flowers + stores festive traditions every season!

So then, anyone who hears these words of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain poured down, the rivers flooded over, and the wind blew hard against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock. But anyone who hears these words of mine and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain poured down, the rivers flooded over, the wind blew hard against that house, and it fell. And what a terrible fall that was!

Matthew 7:24-27

Book of Matthew

Book of Matthew, Chapter 7 | **Courtesy The Catholic Rainbow Study Bible: Good News Translation (2nd ed.) (Rainbow Studies, Inc., 2000)

  • Alignment ~ line up with the right people

Keep company with the wise and you will become wise. If you make friends with stupid people, you will be ruined.

Proverbs 13:20

QT w/EV

Cupcake Cheers: QT w/ Evie after I made a sweet treat run ~ looking forward to tonight’s dinner after we serve at Church for Vigil Mass

Do not be fooled. “Bad companions ruin good character.”

~ I Corinthians 15:33  

Christ’s message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts.

Colossians 3:16  

Tabernacle

The Tabernacle: The Blessed Sacrament

So Jesus said to those who believed him, “If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples; you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 8:31-32

Spiritual Sources

  • *Grassi, J. E. (2013). Guts grace and glory: A football devotional. New York, NY: Thomas Nelson. (p. 69)
  • **Rainbow Studies, Inc. (2000). The Catholic Rainbow Study Bible: Good News Translation (2nd ed.). El Reno, OK: Rainbow Studies International.
  • ***Rev. Fr. Ladra, Marío José. (2007). Straight from  the ♥Heart♥ … A †Prayer† Companion. (pp. 146-147).

Thirsty Thursday: Spiritual DNA & Bootcamp

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 09/24/2015 at 08:00
Pope Francis

Our Holy Father has spread joy & hope all around the world leading up to his World Meeting of Families | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

¡Biénvenidos, Padre!

Girl Sings to the Pope

“Don’t walk alone, always be encouraged. Walk with courage. Courage gives you joy, and joy gives you hope. Always move with courage, and always move with hope. Ask GOD for these.” ~ Pope Francis tells young girl in Spanish (this translated message transcends to all of us) … Similarly, Bishop Mike advised me to always look at the †cross† to refresh my soul with new hope, ♥love♥ and trust. | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

As Pope Francis journeys on his well-anticipated trip to America (Philly to D.C. to NYC)

Pope to America

Pope Francis has addressed the *U.S. Congress* | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

our awareness has been raised on how we take care of our environment … and each other.

Pope Addresses the Valley

Pope Francis has connected with my previous home: el Valle | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

We also must consider how we take care of ourselves, in terms of our own †spiritual† health.

Boy Consults the Pope

Pope Francis lifted up this young man’s spirits for taking care of his family | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

Lately, I’ve reflected on my self-centered tendencies and been praying to be relieved of them in order to put my life in GOD’s hands. This hasn’t been easy. Fortunately, more messages have reminded me to get more †spiritually-fit.

Has this already been part of our genetic disposition* or is this something that we can learn**?

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Courtesy United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

*Spiri†ual DNA

M is for

Maryknoll‘s Father Finch uses a molecule metaphor about our spirituality already being part of our †souls, from the Holy Spirit to uncover GOD’s mysteries. By following these “spiritual† genetic instructions,” we serve and lead faithfully.

Pope Francis Prayer

en españolCourtesy United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

**Spiri†ual Bootcamp

First, we must make sure that we maintain our religious practices for the mind:

  • Go to Confession every month
  • Pray the Rosary everyday ~ offering our daily duty to be closer to the Holy Spirit
  • Scapular ~ “form me and shape me, Mother, in the form of Your Divine Son” (Marian way of life)

Furthermore, we must stay in good physical shape, so we have capable bodies:

  • Calisthenics are effective to take care of our temples ~ this activity is more ideal for our spirit than pop culture (e.g., watching TV, going online)
Providential Findings

Courtesy The Lake

Bearing in mind and heart all of the above advice plus last week’s scripture, I realize now more than ever that I’m no better than anyone else in the way that I treat others and ought to be treated; after all, as said every Ash Wednesday:

For you are dust, and to dust you shall return. ~ Genesis 3:19

 That being said, let’s follow the Pontiff‘s solid guidance to seek from GOD: courage –> joy –> hope ~ as I’ve studied this leadership practice for several years:

Encourage the ♥Heart♥

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Courtesy Maryknoll

Spiritual Sources

  • ABC. (2015, Sept. 4). “Pope Francis and the People.” [TV special].
  • EWTN. (2014). Women of Grace “Marian Devotion: For Such a Time As This.”*
  • Finch, Fr. Raymond J. (2015, Sept. 20). Reflections from Maryknoll.** [Email].
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Inspired by Pope Francis | Courtesy Maryknoll

Sunday Fun Day: F These

In ♥ & Soul, Community, De-Stress Saturday, Feline Friday, Floral Friday, Foodie Friday, Foto Friday, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Soul Saturday, Sports, Sports Sunday, Sunday Fun Day, Technology, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 09/20/2015 at 03:30
Gringa

Close-up of mi Gringa: my white girl with green eyes

HBD, ♥Sweet Annie♥!

Stats Cat

Stats Cat is on the prowl with no growl…

Today is the Annie-versary  of my Stats Cat‘s birthdate!

Cat in the Box!

Cat in the Box! Cute things come in Target packages!

So, that’s F for Feline

Grad Cat

I can’t leave out Grad Cat! These Baby Blues are here to seduce! ♪I am Siamese, if you please♫

& F also is for:

Water Girl

Quick Cat Comedy / Feline Funnies: Since our bathroom has dual sinks, Big Asia likes to jump into the right one & “drink out of a fountain” ~ the other day, I turned on the left faucet & noticed her trying to sip from the right! {repping our *Dallas Cowboys* by sporting my TS dress from my fellow cat ♥lover’s collection + headband, earrings & paraband from my speech student‘s son + St. Benedict scapular jewelry from my blessed bestie}

* Food * Flowers (still in season) –> * Fall

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How sweet of Mami Aya to bring us Mocha Tres Leches for Annie‘s birthday!

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I never thought that 2 of my fave flaves could be combined … 1st: Choco-Flan. Now, Mocha Tres Leches! #SweetLife

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Annie leads the purrfect life because she’s easy to please …

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Content Angel Annie in her natural habitat: soaking in the ☼sunshine☼

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My tiny tea cup cat’s fave hot spots: the windows! Here she is at the window behind my piano peering out into our garden

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Part of our backyard view complete with lush green grass (most definitely the best-mani on the block, hands down)! We’re enjoying the summer ☼sun☼ while we can before autumn officially starts soon. After receiving more precipitation at the ½way point this year following our previous full year’s totals, I wonder how much we’ll get next season?

Yellow Hibiscus

Heavenly Hibiscus: My private elementary school student‘s science fair ~ that won honorable mention ~ flower that we started growing without ♪music♫ (his share with) last winter has blossomed during past ♣spring♣ showers & reached full bloom this ☼summer☼ at 1½’ tall by this fall!

+ F also is for: ☼ † ♥ ✌

* †Faith♥Family * Football

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Now that football season has kicked off, this sports spirituality book will do just the trick to keep my soul on a roll while I keep working on my own sports study (been investing 12-15h/day on it lately ~ ’til this weekend so I could focus on my Church readings)!

Cowboys Ann

#HBD ♪ #SweetAnnie ♫ #CATchOfTheDay #Birthday ♥ #GameDay #DallasCowboys #CowboysNation #DC4L #CowboysFan #CowboysFam #CowboysAnn #Birthday Grrrl #PURRfectMoment2PAWS#PURRfectMoment2PRAY#PURRfectMoment2PLAY #PurrfectSunday#PAWsitiveForeCAT #PAWsitiveCATitude #GameCountdown #Touchdown #BirthdayScore #BirthdayCat #JerseyCat #StatsCat #HolyCowcat #Catcow #Meow #CATholic #AnnieRosary#DISPObustAFlow

Go, *Dallas Cowboys* against your NFC East Rivals, those Philly Eagles today!

Catcow Meow

☼Sunday☼ Selfie: While my Holy Cowcat reps our *’BOYS* I rep the purrty Bday Grrrl with this Hello Kitty cupcake tee + cat earrings & cupcake helix (ear cartilage) ring in addition to this *Dallas Cowboys* headband

Thirsty Thursday: Religious Vocations

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Technology, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 09/17/2015 at 22:00

What is your calling in life?

We all have a purpose, and our greatest sense of purpose must come from a higher power.

In my case, as a †Catholic, I’ve sought †GOD’s will for me.

I’ve always considered two options:

  1. having a spouse in the Sacrament of ♥Marriage♥
  2. or ♥marrying♥ †GOD† in the religious life (I visited with a sister of the religious order from my †Catholic† university a few years ago)

However, I still can be a single lay person who ♥loves♥ and serves †GOD† with all of my ♥heart♥ and soul.

Consider The Nun’s Story, starring Audrey Hepburn and based on a book.

The Nun's Story

The Nun’s Story recently encored, so I had to watch it!

This film featured a woman’s challenges between upholding her vows and satisfying her own wants, such as

  • silent time vs. speaking up
The Nun's Story

Audrey Hepburn in the role of a lifetime

  • serving the Church vs. serving the community where she worked (Congo medical care)
The Nun's Story in Congo

Filmed on site in Congo in the 20th Century

We’re all human and have our moments. It’s just part of life here on Earth and a matter of maintaining what’s most important to us.

Throwback Thursday

Taking on different roles

Grad Faculty

My faculty colleagues and I watched our students graduate, including my ✌fellow✌ marathon runner to my left!

When I first taught at the college level

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†Fathers† on either side of this †Sister! The one to my right was my student my very first semester!

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The †Bishop† in this photo is the father of my student above and a ✌fellow✌ PhD candidate, and the †Father† in this photo is a ✌fellow✌ Pinoy!

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Pinoys ‘R Us … The ✌fellow✌ Pinays are mother and daughter, and the daughter was a soloist in our Tosca performance plus is a recording Christian artist now!

I also ♪sang♫ as a nun in the ♫opera!

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I ♪sang♪ ♫soprano♫ in my †Church† ♫choir, but as a †nun† in this ♪opera♪♫chorus, I ♪sang♪ ♫alto♫ with this ✌fellow✌ †Sister!

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The †priest† and †monk† are ✌fellow✌ Pinoys, and the ✌fellow✌ †Sister† is a ✌fellow✌ teacher (of language arts)!

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YES, men rock makeup too! We all must look presentable on stage when the ☼spotlight☼ is on us. #PutYourBESTfaceForward Mine is by M•A•C

My †Mass† Readings This ☼Weekend☼

  • Book of Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
  • Responsorial ♪Psalm♫ 54
  • Letter of St. James 3:16-4:3 ✌