Motivational Monday: Mis Padres

Pope Francis offers his take* on how home influences our faith [my commentary in brackets]:

“Faith opens a ‘window’ to the presence and working of the Spirit. It shows us that, like happiness, holiness is always tied to little gestures.

‘Whoever gives you a cup of water in my name will not go unrewarded,’ Jesus says (Mark 9:41).

“These little gestures are those we learn at home, in the family; they get lost amid all the other things we do, yet they do make each day different. They are the quiet things done by mothers and grandmothers, by fathers and grandfathers, by children, by brothers and sisters. They are little signs of tenderness, affection, and compassion.

• “Like the warm supper we look forward to at night [my mom‘s homecooking], the early meal awaiting someone who gets up early to go to work [my dad‘s coffee].

“Homely gestures.

• “Like a blessing before we go to bed [blessing my honorary GODdaughter Maggie at bedtime, as her family does], or a hug after we return from a hard day’s work.

“Love is shown by little things, by attention to small daily signs that make us feel at home. Faith grows when it is lived and shaped by love. That is why our families, our homes, are true domestic churches. They are the right place for faith to become life and life to grow in faith.”

*Pope Francis in the U.S.: Words of Mercy and Hope (2015), Daughters of St. Paul, pp. 22-23 ~ as said at the Closing Mass of the Eighth World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, Sunday, September 27, 2015.

^– I actually used this passage as my pre-brunch prayer of grace with my parents today! –^

Bearing in mind these homely gestures, let’s also consider our cultures and upbringings…

Have you ever wondered why your parents act the way they do then realize that you’re turning out more like them as you grow up?

Wong Fu was right on point:

Have you eaten yet? = Priceless ♥love♥

Speaking of family …

Happy 17th Birthday to Rey-Rey, my beloved GODdaughter Reyanna mañana!

Thirsty Thursday: H is for …

Happy * Healthy * High Hopes * Heavenly –>†Holy† Humble ♥Heart♥ <– Healing * Hurt * Horror

No matter how far I go, I always aim to stay close to GOD.

I give my ☼life☼ to †GOD† whole♥heart♥edly

As I glorify Him through everything that I do, I believe that I’ll reap the rewards promised in Heaven.

I ♥LOVE♥ †GOD† with all of my ♥heart♥ & my ☼soul☼ ✌

Regardless of my joys and sorrows, peaks and valleys, the LORD resides by my side, and I seek Him for eternal hope.

Thank YOU, Holy One, for leading me to Your will and Your way. ✌

{My Grad Photos taken by fellow military brat Filipino Cat Ritualo at theMcNay Museum}

Happy Birthday to my ♥Mama Eufemia♥ (Sept. 3, 1926-June 9, 2011) ~ ♫You Are My ☼Sunshine☼♪

Birthday Blessing from Bishop Mike: Our Lady of Guadalupe medal from OLG shrine en México

This Week’s Pontiff Televised Specials:

I’m beyond blessed to have my  dear, sweet friend the Bishop remember my birthday & pray at OLG for me!

• Liturgy of the Word with Pope Francis on EWTN 

Courtesy Catholic Relief Services

• Pope Francis and the People on ABC‘s 20/20

Foodie Friday: Small & Sweet Fortunes

Big things come in small packages.

Mini Frappuccino in the *Starbucks$ Coffee House! S’mores, please!

Life is like a box of chocolates … You never know what you’re gonna get.

~ Forrest Gump (played by Tom Hanks as the title character)

Celebrate everyday!

Live in the ☼moment☼

In any ♣season♣

Cherish yourself ~ YOU’re a treasure! 👑

Life’s sweeter with ♥loved ones♥ …

… ♪music♫ …

… & literature …

… + chocolate!

Keep the party going!

And most of all: spread those good vibes!

  

Sharing = Caring!

for my Bestie + yours truly & my family!

Baby Fever Friday: Flashback Friday Edition: Baby Family Album

Within the past less-than-48 hours⏰ alone, I’ve received wonderful news from different friends 🌍far🌎 🌏away:

• On Wednesday, my SFAM 📱texted📲 me her baby 💝shower☔️ photos
• Last night, my 🏈🏀⚾️sports⚽️🎾⛳️ 📺journalist📰 bud emailed me a picture of his newborn
• Today, I received one of my nearest and dearest’s pregnancy announcement!

This prompts me to share a select few of my own special baby👶🏻 📷pics, with timing in between recent Mother’s Day💐 and upcoming 👔Father’s Day!

My Baby Album📖 (from my 😷birth🏥 to my 🙏🏽baptism💒 to my 👧🏽sister’s birth [we think] : ✌🏽️

 

                    

Workout Wednesday: Blogilates Cheer All Year!

Since I took sabbatical from full-time teaching for my Ph.D., I sculpted my physique through the POP Pilates Craze …

I started my Blogilates lifestyle out with the 🎬YouTube🎥 videos and DVD💽 plus app, then 💸shopped💳 the original oGorgeous store🎽, plus now have the 📒book📕 ~ fresh off the presses!

 

So there’s always a reason for the season to stay in shape whatever the weather! 🌾🌅🍂❄️

Here’s Cassey Ho‘s Total Bod Spring Routine: