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!
Do not be fooled. “Bad companions ruin good character.”
~ I Corinthians 15:33
Assignment ~ “study the playbook” (The Bible**) to “know the plays” {for the truth and our service as we proclaim GOD’s Word}
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.
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.
Driver’s Prayer: Dear LORD, Protect me today in all my travels along the road’s way. Give Your warning signs if danger is near so that I may stop until the path is clear. Be at my window and direct me through when objects appear from out of the blue. Defend this vehicle and everyone inside, keep me always focused, be my watchful guide. Carry me safely to my destined place and bless this journey with Your constant grace. Amen. ~ Stephanie Wilcox [from Maryknoll Missions]
Enjoy these photos taken on the Church tour during my business trip last week!
Thank GOD for another day.
That’s what my parents’ Church’s visiting priest asked us to pray as we greet each day.
Glory be…
That’s what this priest asked us to pray at the end of our day.
This past weekend, I attended the Most Holy Trinity Mass with my family, we celebrated:
* The Father
* The Son
* The Holy Spirit
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.
The more, the merrier!
When we warmly welcome others into our Church, we bring ourselves closer to Heaven.
DON’T force our beliefs down people’s throats. Teach by example.
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.
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.
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.
And I’m not just mentioning people, but ALL of the LORD’s creations as well…
Today is my beautiful mom’s birthday, so this is a tribute to her.
Birthday Gift to NANAY: Rose Crucifix for LOLA ROSA from my friend EVIE‘s store, Lovely Gift
You know that saying, If you want to know what a girl will look like when she’s twice her age, look at her mother (or something to that effect)? Well, my mother still looks radiant to this very day, and she’s exactly twice my age, so I’d like to think that when I reach her age, I’ll also look and feel as gorgeous as she does. She is healthy and active, vibrant and enjoying life…
Here are the lessons that my Nanay/Mommy Aya has taught me that I take at face value:
Eat breakfast everyday for energy
Wear makeup to look presentable
Always smile 🙂
Don’t cry for any guy because no man is worth your tears
Be brave
I admit that I haven’t always followed my mother’s advice, but as her mom, my maternal grandmother, Lola Rosing, told me:
Mothers know best.
And so far, they’ve always been right, even when I didn’t agree. Let’s love our mothers because they gave birth to us and guided us as we grew, and if they’re still around after we’re grown, they don’t stop… Because a mother’s job is never done.
When the going gets tough, we’ve heard the first tip and the second one as a cowboy song by country star Blake Shelton. So, how about you pray, both as a form of praise and as a form of guidance? Hey, it may even help you sleep at night.
Last weekend, our Deacon proclaimed the Gospel (Luke 24 ~ which I also read at our Anniversary mass) about the Walk to Emmaus, in which Father Bob emphasized the significance during his homily: the 11 Apostles ran in the dark during a time when there were no sources of light to see where they were going. If we believe in the midst of darkness, we can see the light of the Holy Spirit leading the way. That being said, my student pointed out the importance of the Holy Spirit:
Let us always keep The Lord in our hearts, for He will move us if we remain open to Him. We can reach peace as a result of giving our all to GOD, leaving everything in His hands. By accepting His will above our own, we can maintain faith that He will see us through.
Earlier this week, I experienced a most sorrowful circumstance, it was an example of how good He is despite that His plan may go beyond our understanding. It reminded me of the last time I saw my paternal grandmother alive three years ago this month. That was the most humbling time of my life because I realized how much compassion I felt for my helpless Mama Eufemia, who I gave a sponge bath in her death bed, that even in her dying days, she comforted me by hugging and rubbing my back when I cried on my last night with her.
Speaking of my love for my grandparents, I’m grateful to GOD for giving me all of mine and my parents to influence me. Here are Throwbacks for National Nurses and Teacher Appreciation Week. Through prayer, my grandparents and parents have done well in their lives, not just for themselves and our families ~ for GOD.
My LOLA ROSA the Teacher & my LOLO TICO the Nurse
My NANAY AYA the Graduate Nurse
GOD Bless You & Happy Mother’s Day, especially to MAMA MARY!!!
My ultimate goal: to be closer to GOD each & everyday!
Will y’all also join me on my journey and invite GOD into your heart, soul and every aspect of your lives?
Last weekend, I truly felt GOD speaking through me as His instrument as I proclaimed His Word at Mass: † Exodus 17:3-7
† Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
† Romans 5:1-2, 5-8
Then our Deacon read the Gospel from John 4:5-42, followed by our Priest’s Homily, during which he asked if we were thirsty. I was, both figuratively and literally, because the first reading introduced Moses’ followers as thirsty for water, and I too, was thirsty after speaking at the altar, and also because
I long to be closer to GOD, as I belong to Him.
When folks have asked me what I’m giving up for Lent or tell me what they’re giving up during this Lenten season, the past few years, I’d say that I don’t “give up” ~ but rather:
I give my time to enrich and strengthen my relationship with GOD.
After Easter, I don’t just resume my regular life; instead I lead a richer life because of GOD‘s strength and guidance, as well as His patience and mercy, which He instilled in me. This year, my companion through this time is a book provided by my Church, called Rediscover Catholicism: A Spiritual Guide to Living with Passion & Purpose by Matthew Kelly*.
One decade ago, upon my visit to my Motherland, the Philippines, my cousin’s wife gave me pasalubong (gift), which I read during Lent and still cherish to this day: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. If you’re seeking a sense of direction, I recommend both of these readings, as you go on your own walk with GOD.
Nothing matters more than He does because nothing is possible without Him.
*Reflections of Celebration …
#GOD led me to read this after I wrapped up the day on my #dissertation, & this very much has to do w/my #study as well as my #spirituality & #life: “The very #best #coaches will tell you that #teams that #win #championships are those that #focus on the #basics and #master them #together.” ~ Matthew Kelly
Chapter 1 on #Universal #Hunger reminds me of the song lyrics in #ThereIsALonging (in our #Hearts) because we #thirst for the #Truth = #GOD ❤
Chapter 2 on The #Prevailing #Philosophy prompts me to point out that we’re not here to serve ourselves & seek fast results, but rather to serve #GOD & seek His #purpose while remaining #patient & without questioning His will be done. #TrustInHim
Chapter 3 entitled Is #JESUS Still #Relevant? shows me that #InstantGratification won’t bring us closer to #Heaven, #GreatLOVE will. #LiveLikeJESUS! #Disciple = #Discipline
Chapter 4 on #Searching for #Identity inspires me to #maximize my #potential to #love & #serve #GOD & His #people ~ that is the #heart & #soul of my #person. ♥♥♥ #LoveGOD = #LovePeople ❤ ❤ ❤
Chapter 5 about what we #Celebrate brought to mind this song http://youtu.be/04y_KfO7GzI ~ so let’s #approach #life w/ the #LORD of #love taking the #lead on our #way according to His #will! #GOD = #GOoD 🙏👏✌️☝️💒💖
*… Leading into Authenticity
Chapter 6 called “What Is the #Authentic #Life?” does #guide me toward the #spiritual #secret: to be #holy in #everything that I do. For me, this is through #service to my #Church & #community + #work on my #dissertation & #career + #relationships w/ my #family & #friends ~ ALL to #lead w/ #great #LOVE for #GOD & His #creation! 💖👏🙏✌️☝️📖💒
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 →
The Elaine Dispo Journal 