Happy Feast Day of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton!
This educator was my favorite saint growing up. In my own childhood Catechism class, I first heard this ♪song♫ (Matthew 6:33) when we watched a video about her life…
With my own dreams of helping establish a Ca†holic school in my hometown, I look to St. Elizabeth for inspiration and seek her intercession.
But what’s the purpose?
Rather than focusing our energies on 🌎worldly🌏 wants, we have a greater power💥 that transcends our own lives! 
At Mass💒 (in memory of my friends’ family’s loved 👼🏽one on his one-year anniverary) last weekend, the priest who delivered the homily🎤 pointed out two types of hunger:
Lately, I’ve sought GOD’s guidance on how to glorify Him as I pursue my own personal and professional goals to draw me closer to Heaven ~ not necessarily bring me the ☝🏽️success that I initially desired💝 on this 🌍Earth.
Rosary Mysteries (4th decades) to meditate on this week:
First 3 photos taken at the University during recent fun run
Praying for Peace ✌
Sacred Heart of JESUS (my tapestry)
Thirteen years since the traumatic, tragic terrorist attack that struck our entire nation, we still have wars around the world.
Created in GOD’s Image (Tita Mel’s cross-stitching)
At the Adoration Chapel this morning, I prayed for the souls of the victims on that fateful day in 2001 and the recent ISIS incidents.
As a deer longs for flowing streams… ~ Psalm 42 (family painting)
GOD bless the public servants and military service men and women whose selfless sacrifice for our country have helped us endure freedom.
I am with you always. ~ Matthew 28:20 (Natalia‘s collection)
We may never be able to bring back those lives who were lost, but we have come together more closely as a united front since then.
Throwback Thursday: AR-N after September 11, 2001
GOD Bless the U*S*A!!! 2:22 ~ make a wish!!!
CHEERS to Thirsty Thursday Here’s my recipe for this wine that simply stands the test of time and is prime for the holy grail as the top drink to hail from the high Heavens!
JESUS Juice (not the beverage that MJ supposedly served his Never Neverland Ranch visitors):
* unlimited shots of light from the best spirit ever: the Holy Spirit because the best shot is lit-up
* splashes of kindness, mercy patience, forgiveness and understanding
* doses of compassion and suffering, as you toast humbly to others
* overflowing cup of hope, faith and more parts LOVE
* garnish with the gifts with which GOD has given us to bless the world
This is best served…
* shaken, not stirred ~ because during the process, my faith remains never wavered
* warmed, not chilled ~ because the LORD for whom this drink is named embraces those who drink His blood
If you wish to add other flavor to the mix, my favorites include:
* Matthew 6:33
* Philippians 4:13
* John 3:16
DON’T worry about drunkenness or stumbling and staggering because these ingredients are intended to strengthen and sober you up for the LORD, JESUS CHRIST, to lead you to His way, even in times of darkness. Turn to Him during your troubles, instead of to the bottle of temptation.
#PTL (according to Father Bush of my Parish) means:
* Praise the Lord
* Pray through LENT
~*~ AMEN ~*~
More Discoveries from Rediscovering Catholicism
Chapter 7, entitled “The #Path Is Well #Trodden, clarifies that #Catholics don’t #worship the #saints; we #follow in their #example of #holy #humans & #imitate the #likeness of #GOD … First #discipline through this #practice –> #genius! 🙏📖💒💖
Interesting timing: I read 3 different pieces that referred to a #blind man today:
1. #John9 (#Jesus #heals) in today’s #Gospel at #Mass
2. Chapter 8 called “Even a #BlindMan Knows …” (about our #Church’s #heroes) in #RediscoverCatholicism
3. “Savoring the #Sweetness of #Life” (loss of sight but not of might)
in #ChickenSoupForTheSoul #ThinkPositive
I see this to mean that I received a #sign from #GOD: even without #sight, follow the #HolySpirit’s #light! There is #beauty in #everything. ⏰🙏📖💒👓➕🔆💐
Chapter 9, “What Sets Them Apart,” reinforces that the keys to being #extraordinary are to have a singleness of #purpose & to #habits that will #achieve that #goal. Being #central to #holiness means to #trust in #GOD + to render #tender #love to Him & His #creations. #Light the #candle & take a #humble #walk w/the #LORD! Now I know that I’m doing #right & #just things when I #choose Him & #activities that support my #goals over meaningless things that deter me away! 🙏🔆👣☝️
Chapter 10, “Their #Attraction and #Influence,” refers to #true #friends as those who #challenge • #inspire • #encourage • #LiveLifeToTheFullest make us want to be #better ~ which are among the #leadership #measures of the #ExemplaryLeadership #practices from the #LeadershipPractices #Inventory that I’m using for my #doctoral #dissertation (#ChallengeTheProcess • #InspireASharedVision #EncourageTheHeart • #ModelTheWay • #EnableOthersToAct) ~ so a #friend indeed can #lead if we #strive for #greatness from their #example • #energy • #invigoration! #LeadMeLord! 🙏👏👆
Chapter 11, “Who Will Be Next?” conveys to me that #martyrs didn’t just #die for they #faith, they did #live for what they did #believe in. We’re not born as #saints, but we can #strive for #holiness so the #Church can #thrive. #Leaders are most #influential • #inspirational • #persuasive through #storytelling, so let’s be #champions of #change by sharing w/ future #generations about our #history’s #heroes to #empower us as #GOD’s #people w/ a #purpose according to His #plan. 👆✌️👊👏🙏💖💒
What do #MichaelJordan & #TigerWoods have in common w/ #Catholicism & #Christianity? These #athletes addressed their #weaknesses to #transform their into #strengths, which we can do for our #faith! I practiced this today by identifying what I can improve on at work: angled shots in my #photography)! ~ from Chapter 12, called #Confession 🙏📖💒🏀⛳️🏆📷👶💪
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! 💖👏🙏✌️☝️📖💒
1:11 ~ make a wish … Or actually, say a prayer!!!
The Elaine Dispo Journal 