Here’s a tribute to my personal favorite Commander-in-Chief, Ronald Reagan, whose 105th birthday would’ve been earlier this month ~ as well as to the Challenger Crew, whose crash took place just over three decades ago …
Kline, R. D. (Producer & Director). (2011). Ronald Reagan: An American journey [Motion picture]. Chatsworth, CA: Enduring Freedom Productions. {photo above}
A few weeks ago, I celebrated the †Corpus Christi (Most Precious Body and Blood)† at my family’s Church, where our *Deacon’s homily prompted this post in which I’ll paraphrase his proclamation.
Deacon Dan’s Communion Checklist
Fall in line and remain in reverence ~ this is not a social gathering where we’re here to see what everybody’s wearing
Look at the host ~ don’t look away, as we’re receiving this Sacrament
Stay for the rest of the Mass ~ it’s not time for us to leave just to beat traffic
While these may seem like simple steps, the Deacon pointed out how some don’t put them into practice yet must be in play out of RESPECT.
One more rule of thumb: we must have a clear conscience when we receive Holy Communion ~ so regular confession is key.
Like the Child †JESUS†, we can have childlike faith.
Santo Niño: I received this beautiful †Sto. Niño† from my ♥beloved♥ Nanay Betty for my 11th Birthday
That is what Father Joey pointed out during his homily at our Santo Niño Mass this past Sunday.
Father Joey blessed our †Santo Niños† at our ♥Sacred Heart♥ Mass on ☼Sunday☼, 1/18/2015
If we reflect on Presentation and Finding of †Jesus† at the Temple (the fourth and fifth Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary), then we can somehow imitate this kind of faith in †GOD†before anyone else.
Series of Santo Niños ¡juntos¡
Let us make ourselves more in the likeness of our Prince of ✌Peace✌.
That’s what my dad👨 advised me, in particular when I was devastated that his mother/my paternal grandmother, Mama Eufemia👵, my last surviving grandparent, was dying.
Hence, I heeded his suggestion and went to Church💒, not just for Mass🙏, but also Adoration💖.
My neighborhood Church at the time was Queen of Peace👑, which I visited this morning.
It’s not all about you☝️.
When my mom👩 told me this, I felt offended at first, but she’s absolutely right. As a matter of fact, when GOD spoke to me before the Blessed Sacrament today, He reminded me of my parents’ remarks: to live for the LORD, not for myself. Peace! ✌️
Ever since I started my ministry service at Church, I’ve prayed
Come, Holy Spirit…
And He has guided me through the readings and commentaries at Mass.
This past Pentecost, I especially felt the LORD lead me with strength, as I was moved by the Holy Spirit, during the prayers and hymns that I spoke and sang with our congregation as commentator and cantor.
However, I was told to back off from the mic a bit after. Despite that remark, I received positive reception from other parishioners, who were grateful to hear my clear voice. My dad’s friend and fellow veteran-turned barber, even said my voice was like a bird’s!
So, I’ll keep using my voice as a gift from GOD, to glorify His name. He is worthy of praise.
Happy Father’s Day, especially to the LORD GOD Almighty!
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 →
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Thirsty Thursday: Glorify GOD
In ♥ & Soul, Community, Relationships, Thirsty Thursday, Weekly Wonders, Yours Truly on 06/12/2014 at 13:00Ever since I started my ministry service at Church, I’ve prayed
And He has guided me through the readings and commentaries at Mass.
This past Pentecost, I especially felt the LORD lead me with strength, as I was moved by the Holy Spirit, during the prayers and hymns that I spoke and sang with our congregation as commentator and cantor.
However, I was told to back off from the mic a bit after. Despite that remark, I received positive reception from other parishioners, who were grateful to hear my clear voice. My dad’s friend and fellow veteran-turned barber, even said my voice was like a bird’s!
So, I’ll keep using my voice as a gift from GOD, to glorify His name. He is worthy of praise.