Lately, I’ve been in conference calls with doctoral graduates for tips on getting on the grind and finishing our respective terminal degrees. Here are some of the paraphrased pieces of profound advice that they imparted to this candidate, yours truly, as I push through my dissertation:
It takes ♥love♥ and commitment because it is a labor of ♥love♥.
Treat your dissertation as your job by putting in your hours and ♥love♥ what you do.
*Also, my aforementioned colleague — with whom I used to teach in South Texas who always has been a brilliant mastermind and now has his book on the way (about the border, around the corner) — who is a fellow, active Catholic, who pointed out that we all have our †cross† to bear, established this group for St. Joseph the Worker …
… to whom he would pray everyday before writing his dissertation.
Dr. Toya
Treat your dissertation as your final project: the last assignment that you need to graduate.
To elaborate, the Institutional Review Board at Our Lady of the Lake University has given me the green light to conduct my doctoral dissertation research. This was my next step up since my committee blessed my Concept Proposal. Now I feel this sense of accomplishment and relief since investing countless hours, that the fruits of my labor are blooming, just like flowers are blossoming from the Spring showers. Of course, I still have more to do from here, yet reaching this point reminds me that I am getting closer to my goal, and that my investment of time and energy to my study is well worth it.
My ultimate goal actually is getting closer to GOD, by following His will and His way. Reaching my PhD can open up my capacity to serve GOD’s people, and in turn, to serve Him first and foremost. Reading Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly has opened up my heart to fulfilling my true purpose. Reflections on my own relationship with the LORD has helped me soak in a positive perspective on all of my other practices in my daily life, because I can center them around Him.
The same applies to my new job as a professional photographer. During my orientation and training process, I have been learning new photography and sales techniques. On one day off from my work site, I’m still studying on my own to know my job and our products. The teacher nature in me has quizzed myself by writing practice exams to do test runs and ensure my knowledge. Addressing issues that call for improvement head-on will build up my progress, and approaching everything positively will lead me to keep preceding on the right path, as my boss showed us this morning!
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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