For the past few CHRISTmases, to follow in the example of the blessed birthday celebrant, JESUS, my family and I have contributed to those in need instead of each other. I’ve offered gifts to my Angel Tree children and am donating more to the Salvation Army today after my Holy Hour.
And if we really are poor ~ in health, spirit, or otherwise ~ let us seek the LORD for strength to overcome.
Volunteering our time⏰ and treasure to serving our Church💒 (mine is through ministry and teaching ~ photos below are of the Oblate Missions River Rocks that I brought back for my students)
Donating our treasure (i.e., money💸) through tithing💰
The Key to Happiness:
*STEWARDSHIP*
We can never give enough, so let’s start with gratitude and go on with a generous attitude!
Last but not least, we’ll explore the sign of:
*Evangelism*
The ☝️Ultimate👏 ✌️Evangelist🙏: Blessed Mother 🌹Mary: Fresh flowers💐 including from my Mom from my Dad‘s garden (2nd-to-right peach🍑 & center back pink🌷)
Source
Kelly, M. (2012). The four signs of a Dynamic Catholic: How engaging 1% of Catholics could change the world. Cincinnati, OH: Beacon.
Since a book rep visited my campus, I took full advantage by bringing my slew of books from which I studied in college and grad school or taught in undergrad courses.
Merry One Week Until CHRISTmas, Everybody! May GOD Bless Us Everyone!
In the spirit of this ADVENT Season, when we prepare for the birth of JESUS, who gave EVERYTHING, including His own life, let us remember the Reason for the Season. Let us spread HOLYday cheer by giving.
One way we can give is through generosity to strangers, our neighbors, our fellow man. To honor my sister — who I’m proud to share has graduated with her Master of Science degree in Nursing and now works as a Nurse Practitioner for Psychiatry/Mental Health — on her birthday and my parents on their anniversary, I donated to the Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan relief through the American Red Cross.
As we celebrate this Season of Giving, I try not to surrender to the commercialization of CHRISTmas. Since my family and I are grateful for what we already have and won’t exchange gifts this year, I shall share with those who are in need. I started with my Angel Tree child who I chose from church and will continue with my Christian Foundation for Children and Aging sponsored child.
Some of the things that I thank GOD for are His will, grace and guidance, His people ~ including my dear friend and spiritual mentor Bishop Mike who soon will retire, my family whose blood is thicker than water, my bestie Melody who has been with me through thick and thin, my Team Dr. D for my Ph.D. ~ His creatures who are my loves ~ especially my Double A-Team ~ and great opportunities, such as hearing His calling for me to proclaim His word at Mass. For my sis and her hubby, both Mr. & Mrs. Cooley graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington this past weekend, and I could not have been prouder of Joanne’s MSN (UTA’s College of Nursing had the most thorough Graduation Commencement that I’ve ever attended — I was extremely impressed that each of the graduates’ dissertation, thesis or honors research titles and/or jobs were called out, along with their names, as they walked across the stage) and her husband/my “bro” Ryan’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/Kinesiology, Summa Cum Laude (“with highest honors”).
As we wrap up 2013 ~ which I did deem as the Year to Follow Our Dreams ~ I pursue 2014 ~ which I call the Year of Courting ~ as the time to come closer to completing my doctoral degree at Our Lady of the Lake University. During my prayers about progressing through my dissertation, I listened to GOD’s message to me about making a difference in my research. Bearing in mind that my study is about coaching, I indeed hope that I somehow can change how coaches influence their players: not necessarily to just seek winning in their sports, but being champions as people.
I take A LOT of photos📷 because I want my memories to be captured on film when I can no longer remember… Or should I say “if” or “that’ll never happen”? Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s runs in my family, having struck my maternal grandfather👴 & both my grandmothers👵 + my great-aunt Alice who’s still alive. Now I’m pitching in my part to make a difference by walking👟 + rai$ing fund$💰 to research🔬 & shed light🔦 on this serious ailment that has taken precious moments away from so many! As I’m studying college coaches’ leadership for my doctoral🎓 dissertation📘 I was disappointed about Tennessee Lady Vols Head Basketball🏀 Coach Pat Summit’s dementia diagnosis, so even the greats of the game aren’t immune to this dire circumstance.
Our hearts💜 shouldn’t🚫break💔 if they forget because they remain in our hearts as we honor them!
~ Team TRE (Tina • Roxy • Elaine)
Team TRE of Abilene
Watching someone we love lose his/her memory can be very devastating. For Team TRE, we’ve all been personally affected by Alzheimer’s: Tina’s mother-in-law/Roxy’s grandmother + 3 out of 4 of Elaine’s late grandparents & surviving great-aunt. On Sept. 21, 2013, the TRE trio will take steps to end this epidemic once & for all with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Abilene.
Join Team TRE (Tina • Roxy • Elaine) for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer’s disease. Together, we can advance research to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s, and provide programs to improve the lives of millions of affected Americans. Unite in a movement to reclaim their future.
Let’s *SAVE MEMORIES* ~ those of our loved ones & those who we can spare from this disease.
***Info from Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®***
I’m walking to help reclaim the future for millions. By participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, I’m committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, care and support.
Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.
I need your support to do my part! Please make a donation to help the Alzheimer’s Association advance research into prevention, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer’s. For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide.
Thank you for joining our movement! The end of Alzheimer’s disease starts here.
Welcome/Mabuhay/¡Biénvenidos! I am a USAF brat who was born in Germany and grew up State-side while celebrating my Catholic and Filipino heritage. ☼Sunny☼ DISPOsition Elaine’s Eye Candy/DISPhotos ~ I love GOD & His creations, so I take photos @ any given opportunity. Elaine DISPOrts ~ I am passionate about sports, which is my research focus on my ... Continue reading →
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