Even as an adult, I still keep learning from my Dad, who always enlightens me everyday, through his example and his wisdom as a prayerfulsoon-to-befirst-time grandfather with whom I attended Church today. Cheers, Pops!
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.
Wouldn’t life be so much more peaceful, pleasant and positive if we lead our lives like Him?
I admit that I’ve watched and enjoyed the movie Think Like a Man and the recent episode of The Mindy Project entitled Think Like Peter, and on top of that have taken those approaches to value: accomplishment, success and pride. Now instead of being self-serving, I’ve realized that I have much less stress when I concern myself less with success and more with serving the LORD, following His will and His way.
So how about we live our lives for Him and be happier by being holy? Just consider the popular acronym: WWJD ~ not because it was trending, but because we’ll be closer to the LORD if we put this into practice.
Here are words that we can add to our vocabulary and actions that we can apply to our daily lives:
Faith • Hope • Love • Patience • Kind • Merciful • Righteousness • Just
Challenge: next time you feel like someone is crossing you, instead of reacting with retaliation, forgive. When JESUS was condemned to the cross, He forgave all who scrutinized Him.
Lately, I’ve appreciated and celebrated, rather than hated (I do my best not to hate anyway). The reason why I’ve found a greater appreciation for my blessings is because I celebrate GOD first and foremost. Thanks to Him, I’ve had the most positive experience in my new job, where my leaders and teammates have exerted positive energy, praise and encouragement that motivate me to embrace and enhance my photography and people skills even more. The other day, my GODdaughter’s mother/Prima Monalisa moved my heart by calling me selfless. Last night, my former student McAwesome Ruben thanked me for believing in him.
Most of all, I give glory to GOD for my gifts to serve Him, including my Adoration Hour this morning and every Thursday, as well as anytime I visit the Blessed Sacrament, in addition to my ministry as lector doing the readings and as commentator soon leading the Mass. On Monday, my church celebrated our 83rd anniversary, when I proclaimed the word of GOD:
* Revelation 21
* Hebrews 12
This weekend, I’m preparing to deliver from the following Bible books and verses:
* Acts of the Apostles 2:14, 22-33
* Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11 (11a)
* 1 Peter 1:17-21
May GOD bless and keep y’all!!!
3:33 ~ make a wish, actually a prayer to fulfill GOD’s wish!!!
How could that be? you may ask. It’s all about how you approach it. Everything happens for a reason, and what matters is how we handle it. Turn to GOD because He takes care of us!
Wipe away Worry with WORSHIP
At first, I anticipated this week of preparation as overwhelming: getting ready for Holy Week • practicing my readings ~ including narrating the long Gospel ~ for Palm Sunday Mass at Church this weekend • revising my PowerPoint as my proposal defense is the next step in my dissertation • training for my new job. Rather than referring to these priorities as problems, I must remain undaunted by praising the LORD at all times for leading me to this point and seeking the HOLY SPIRIT for guidance to persevere.
Fade away Fear for FAITH
No negativity or fear are allowed here ~ just a positive perspective with the following Ls:
LORD * LOVE * LIVE * LIFE * LEAD * LISTEN
Sometimes, silence is of the essence, so our Heavenly Shepherd deserves our time when we open our eyes, ears, minds, hearts and souls to Him, ready to receive His presence … andHis message. Let’s build our relationship with the most important One of all: the LORD JESUS CHRIST, by communicating with Him through prayer. Our prayers aren’t simply to tell and ask Him about our wants and needs; they’re to seek and find out about His will and way for us.
Amend Anxiety, Anguish & Anger into ANSWERS that come only from GOD & be content even when not certain
More Reflections from Rediscovering Catholicism
Now I realize why I may not have turned on my music every time I drive, shower or study lately: I need #silence to #communicate w/ #GOD in order to #listen to Him #speak! ~ #sign from Chapter 13: #Daily #Prayer 🙏👂☝️
Chapter 14 about The #Mass provides me with a #greater #appreciation for all parts of the #Liturgy & the #Eucharist, including my #ministry & #service, my next one being this weekend for #PalmSunday #readings & #Gospel. 💒💖👏
Which do we live by: His #Word or the #world? I encourage you to check out these first two pages of Chapter 15: #TheBible & to make the #Bible your life’s practice for #happiness #comfort #strength! 📖🙏☝️✌️💪😍
Palm Sunday 2014 Readings
† Matthew 21:1-11
† Isaiah 50:4-7
† Philippians 2:6-11
† Matthew 26:14-27:66
Completely confide in CHRIST!!! 🙏☝️👏✌️💒
Draw the #LORD into your #heart & your #soul –> the #true #key to #happiness … Even in times of #uncertainty, #GOD will take #care of #everything! 🙏☝️✌️👏💖💒🔑😍
[from Our Lady of the Lake University‘s Providential Findings ~ Catholic school where I pursue my PhD]
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 