Sports Spirit Sunday: Score Goal, New Roles, More Soul

Two-Day Game Warning: Almost the End of Regulation!

As I approach my Big Day (Public Dissertation Defense) to complete my Doctor of Philosophy, my journey toward this ultimate goal may be drawing to a close while my next one toward my career advancement will begin.

However, my Ph.D. pursuit has helped me grow, not just professionally, but also personally, and most of all: spiritually. Furthermore, this undertaking couldn’t have been accomplished single-handedly: GOD’s grace provided, JESUS’ example was all-sided, and the HOLY SPIRIT’s light guided, in addition to Team Dr. D, who had my back. I forever will be grateful to the †Heavenly HOLY TRINITY† and my positive supporters here on Earth, who’ve rooted me on all the way, leading up to this Tuesday, December 8 ~ save-the-date!

My next anticipated title this Advent: Tita Elaine.

We expect my future niece or nephew to arrive around CHRISTmas time ~ the very 1st grandchild of my parents, who recently celebrated their ♥wedding♥ anniversary.  Yes, my family is very blessed. Regardless of these joyous times, I pray that we’ll always turn to the LORD, as we lead our lives here while preparing our eternal home in Heaven.

Sending peace and goodwill to San Bernadino, CA, in the wake of this terrorist tragedy. ✌

Soul Saturday: Scripture Strategy

As I prepare for my service to our Church as commentator*** today, I continue to seek the Holy Spirit‘s guidance.

Lector✌ & Church ♫Singer♪ Prayers | ***Courtesy Straight from the ♥Heart♥ … A †Prayer† Companion (Rev. Fr. Ladra, Marío José, 2007)

Dr. Grassi, in Guts, Grace & Glory, approaches scripture like a linebacker* ~ so I’ll do the same, per these positions:

• Stance ~ “starts with the right foundation”

Our heart home was built on stone, which serves as a solid foundation for unwavering ♥love & faith✌ full of flowers + stores festive traditions every season!

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!

~ Matthew 7:24-27

Book of Matthew, Chapter 7 | **Courtesy The Catholic Rainbow Study Bible: Good News Translation (2nd ed.) (Rainbow Studies, Inc., 2000)

• Alignment ~ line up with the right people

Double✌ E-Team: Evangelista EVIE y Educator Elaine ~ mi corazón♥ ~ at her house blessing

Keep company with the wise and you will become wise. If you make friends with stupid people, you will be ruined.

~ Proverbs 13:20

Cupcake Cheers: QT w/ Evie after I made a sweet treat run ~ looking forward to tonight’s dinner after we serve at Church for Vigil Mass

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.

~ Colossians 3:16  

The Tabernacle: The Blessed Sacrament

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.
• ***Rev. Fr. Ladra, Marío José. (2007). Straight from  the ♥Heart♥ … A †Prayer† Companion. (pp. 146-147).

TGIF: Fall Perks & Quirks ~ Tacky Sweater Weather Edition

Don’t these *Holy Cow Cats* just warm your ♥heart? Both Belated Bday Girl Stats Cat & almost-decade-old Grad Cat do mine! Almost reaching our ultimate goal: PhD for Dr. D …

To stay in the spirit for this season, I decked out with a little bit of my autumn aesthetics ~ ringing in the old with the new!

My little splurge to bring me cheer this time of year: this rad-in-plaid deer because plaid is on-trend (this one somewhat resembles Burberry) + it’s deer season (not that I’m a hunter) & reindeer season‘s just around the corner ~ so I’ll adorn it with special ornaments! Just to add to my eccentricity, I named this bad boy DOC to keep me motivated as I keep trucking along (more in high-speed) toward my doctoral degree! Along with Doc are A&A‘s *Dallas Cowboys* TD toy for football season & my classic Halloween decor ~ including Badtz-Maru pillow ~ on this plaid spread that accompanies autumn yet also is appropriate for winter as we approach CHRIS†mas in red & green!

Here’s more info on my fall favorites to take yours truly through this sweater weather & before the snow hits our neck of the woods …

☼Sunset☼ Selfie: I’m double-cheesin’ (at least without a double-chin) and have a Kool-Aid smile (without the Kool-Aid) because I had a superb dentist visit & cleaning! Coffee stains: gone! {My 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Paper Floral Shirt Dress works in any season & I ♥adore♥ these Smithsonian Cherry Blossom earrings with Swarovski elements from Mami Aya as the perfect color for Breast Cancer Awareness Month + I’m dolling Dulce Candy‘s fall braid-framed bun}

13 Pre-Howl-o-ween Fave Fall Things

1. What’s the best fall memory you have? ~ football games, both when I was in h.s. & when I’d see my *Dallas Cowboys* live (everything’s BIGGER in TX)
2. What’s your favorite book you’re reading (or have read) this fall?~ Guts Grace & Glory (football devotionals) that I received during Lent & am reading through football season
3. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?~ both (winged liner above in Exhibit B)
4. Best fragrance for fall? ~ Bath & Body Works Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin (above in Exhibit A)
5. What is autumn weather like where you live? ~ we’re still as ☼sunny☼ as Indian summer but anticipate a cool-down soon
6. Most worn sweater? ~ my tribal cardigan by ♫Maroon 5‘s ♪Adam Levine♪
7. Must-have nail polish this fall? ~ Sally Hansen‘s Miracle Gel to top off color because it seriously lasts a long time (I’m just barely removing my color after 45 days)!
8. Football games or jumping in leaf piles? ~ BOTH! (see No. 1 for football & Exhibit B for leaf piles)
9. Skinny jeans or leggings? ~ either or, as long as I don’t have a muffin top in the denim or camel toe in the tights
10. What is something that nobody knows about you? ~ I don’t mind digging into Ramen even if there’s other food in the panty (especially as comfort food now that we’re entering a colder climate), which I actually ate for lunch this afternoon while watching Wong Fu‘s major cook-off!
11. Combat boots or Uggs? ~ bringing on my Docs, baby!
12. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype?~ ¡Claro que sí!
13. What song really gets you into the fall spirit? ~ oddly enough, ♫Taylor Swift‘s ♪Wildest Dreams♪ because it could describe any desire (i.e., “tall” could be a tall order of Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha), fulfilled or fantasized about

Thirsty Thursday: One with GOD

My Church celebrated our ☼milestone☼ anniversary of our ♥Adoration♥ †Chapel† last night!

During his homily, our Bishop told us of five ways to pray at the Blessed Sacrament:

1. Praise
2. Contrition
3. THANKSgiving
4. Petitions
5. Communion

The fifth type means to simply be with GOD. Our Bishop also reminded us that the Eucharist and Perpetual Adoration both our important, yet taking the Body and Blood of CHRIST is the top priority of our faith.

Reverence Reference

* Sis, Bishop M. (2015, July 1). Homily: Eucharistic Adoration Chapel Anniversary Mass. Holy Family Catholic Church.

Workout Wednesday: Prayer Pose

Maligayang Bati. Mami Aya! * HBD, Nurse Nanay! 

In spirit of the recent Church💒 Sacraments (including my students’ First Communion and Confirmation), how about we put prayer into practice in our workout routines? 

I propose the 🙏Prayer Pose: place palms together in front of your chest, with your elbows bent at 45*

Here are lower bod and midsection moves that you can do in Prayer Pose (as opposed yet similar to Tree🌳 Pose) while standing and maintaining your balance …
During each rep, say something that you’re grateful for👏 (THANKSgiving prayers) or say a full☝️ prayer during a set✌️
3 sets of 12-15 reps
🙏Squats (as opposed to Prisoner👮 Position with hands behind your head): alternate stances between sets ~ wide/plié • narrow • shoulder width ~ drop low [legs]
🙏Lunges (as opposed to Warrior⛺️ yoga🌅 poses): extend one leg in front of you with knee bent at 90* and stretch other leg straight behind you then drop it down
🙏Calf Raises: alternate toe-point directions between sets ~ facing each other • facing forward • facing outward ~ start on tippy toes than lower to balls of feet👣 (calves)
🙏Abductors: with both legs together and toes facing forward, raise one leg outward to hip level; repeat on the other side after each set [inner thighs]
🙏Extensions: with both legs together and toes facing forward, raise one leg forward to hip level; repeat on the other side after each set [quadriceps]
🙏Elevated Curls: with both legs together and toes facing forward, raise one leg backward while bending the knee at 90*; repeat on the other side after each set [hamstrings]
🙏Bun Press: with both legs together and toes facing forward, raise one leg straight backward; repeat on the other side after each set [glutes]
🙏Knee Raises: draw one knee at a time up toward your chest [legs and core]
🙏Trunk Twists: turn your torso to the left, then to the right for one rep [core]

More bonus🌠 moves while laying on a clean, flat surface …

🙏Pray-Ups (as opposed to Pistol🔫 Pose): on your back, with palms together in prayer pose and legs extended straight out, tuck tummy in while bringing arms and legs together [core]

🙏Laying Curls: on your belly, with palms together in prayer pose and knees bent, curl legs behind you [hams]

And another 1 …

🙏Pray Raise (as opposed to Pistol🔫 Pose): either standing or sitting, lift arms up in prayer [chest]

Thirsty Thursday: Pray Always Everyday

🌞Everyday, I greet👋 GOD☝️ as soon as I 😵awake😲 and right before I go to 😴sleep💤 plus any moment in between. As I welcome His presence by opening my window 🌅shades🌇 to bring in the 🌈sunlight☀️, I simply pray🙏

This is the day the LORD has made
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

I love to wake up to Sweet Annie from slumber and cat naps! 😻

Then throughout the day, I’ll pray before 💻working🎤, 🍕eating🍧 and 🚘traveling✈️. Prior to 🍱meals🍮, I have series of prayer💒 cards, yet I have a couple that are short and sweet…

I packed this picnic real quick for after my Holy Hour. 💝

• From my 👦nephew⚾️:

GOD is good, GOD is great.
Let us thank Him for this food. AMEN.

Add to the mix more fruit and goodies from my CHRIST Bro Joe! 🍎🍊🍌

• Also, another traditional one:

Bless us O LORD, for these thy gifts, which we are about to receive, from thy bounty, through CHRIST our LORD. AMEN.

Panoramic Park POV 🌳

• Following the 🍜feast🍰, I also pray:

We give thee thanks to the Almighty GOD, who lives and reigns forever, and to the souls of the faithful departed, Rest In Peace. AMEN.

Our Groundhog pal also approached us for apples! 🐒

Once I’m about to hit the 🌆sack🌄, my bedtime prayers include the 🌹Rosary💍 and these from my childhood:

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the LORD, my soul to keep…

• Guide me, JESUS, through the night, and wake me with the morning light. AMEN. 
• If I should die before I wake, I pray the LORD, my soul to take. AMEN.

Thank you for another blessed day, LORD!

3:33 ~ make a wish!!!

Thirsty Thursday: THANKSgiving Way

Happy ♣THANKSgiving♣, †The Prayer Way†

Let us come before His presence with THANKSgiving. ~ Psalm 95:2

T is for ♣THANKSgiving♣ and The †CROSS†

G is for: ¡Gracias! * Gratitude * Give THANKS * †GOD† * GOoD * Great * Gifts

“He’s Great with a Captial G.”

I’m adopting this above quote from the San Francisco 49ers’ head football coach Jeff Harbaugh, who actually was describing his player at a post-game press conference this past Sunday ~ yet it also applies to our LORD GOD Almighty!!!

* “†The Mighty One† has done great things for me, and †holy† is His name” ~ Luke 1:49

Here are the other ways to pray:

• ♥Adoration♥ 
• Contrition
• Supplication  

Sources

• Fr. Oscar J. Lukefahr, C. M. “From the Spiritual Director.” The Association of the Miraculous Medal, Vol. 47, No. 3: Fall Bulletin (2014).*
• Jesus Our Life Activity Book, Faith and Life Series, 3rd ed. (Book 2). Chapter 9, Lesson 2, (p. 34)**; “Kinds of Prayer,” Chapter 15, Lesson 3 (p. 59)***. Ignatius Press, San Francisco. Catholics United for the Faith, Steubenville, Ohio. (2014).

Below are my daily devotions of THANKSgiving, descending from today …

Day 27: I’m THANKful for having a home & being surrounded by love + the freedom to express myself, especially through ADORATION & THANKSgiving! At the Adoration Chapel, during my Holy Hour, a woman who went in was homeless & away from her family. This reminds me to remain humble + reach out & help others in need ~ NOT to take my blessings for granted like I did when I was spoiled. #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #ThankGOD #GraciasADios #GODbless 👏🙏💖💒☝️✌️

Day 27: I’m THANKful for my spiritual gifts of faith, hope & love for our LORD & His creations + my material gifts of a roof over our heads, clothing on our backs & food on our tables! As we enter the Advent season, let’s prepare for the celebration of CHRISTmas: Baby JESUS’ birth! May GOD bless you all!!! ♡ ♡ ♡ from my fam to yours #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #Advent #JESUS #CHRISTmas 👏🙏💖💒☝️✌️🎅🎄🏡🏠👗🍛

Day 26: I’m THANKful for my fine, fella Filipinas w/whom I grew up & who still make a profound impact on my life to this day! These fly Pinays all are now Nanays, so I hope that their kids have close friendships like we did! Appreciate you all Ates, especially * my BFF Melody Givan * my kumares/comadres/GODchildren’s mamas Monalisa Wishuknew & Jenny Coleman * my beautiful Beast Mode soul survivor Theresa Del Baggio * my Sisonian Sis from another Ms. & Mr. Delilah! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #LYLAS #LoveYaLikeASista #SFAM #SisterFromAnotherMister 👏💖👭

Day 25: I’m also THANKful for being female (not to be sexist) ~ as it always has its perks in more ways than 1 😉 Happy Ladies’ Tuesday (all about that 10% discount) ~ complete w/this rose to top it off! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #Ladies #Rose #SmellTheRoses #YellowRose #YellowRoseOfTexas 👏🚘🚙🌹💐

Day 25: I’m THANKful for my parents, who taught me how to be giving all my life, including the HOLYday season! Growing up, my mom Estrella Dispo showed by her example to sponsor an Angel Tree child, & my *PAPA JUN* had me give my teachers CHRISTmas gifts! They’re still generous, having instilled in me the appreciation of my blessings + joy, love & art of giving to my neighbors & strangers. #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #Blessings #SpreadTheWealth #PayItForward 👏☝️✌️🙏👉👈🎁💝💖💐

Day 24: I’m THANKful for my sister, Joanne Dispo, who has her ☼Birthday☼ today! She is one of the coolest + one of the most accomplished, generous & beautiful women who I know! Happy Bday, Sis! ♥Love♥ you & may †GOD† keep blessing you! We both have great taste, including these limited edition collaboration collections! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #HBD #Sis #2greatMindsThinkAlike #PrabalGurang #PhillipLim

Day 23: I’m THANKful for my *DALLAS COWBOYS* who I’ve visited almost every season since their last @ their Texas Stadium stomping grounds & now their AT&T arena in Arlington + root on from afar during their road games! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #DallasCowboys #AmericasTeam #TrueBlue #SundayNightFootball #Countdown2TurkeyDayGame #FamilyTradition #FaithFamilyFootball #HowBoutEmBOYS 👏🏈🌠🏉🐎

Day 22: I’m THANKful for DISPOsers, as in people (& their pets) who appreciate my passion for my profession as their photographer & seek my portraits for special events! Today, I photoed my doctor friend’s beautiful family ~ festive for the HOLYdays ~ complete w/3 generations, gorgeous new addition + well-groomed & behaved K9s! Added bonus: fine wine on site & generous gifted bottle to go ~ nice to save when I become Dr. Dispo! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #DISPO #DISposers #DISPOsFotos #DISPObyDemand #DISPOsAlwaysFly #DISPObustAFlow #Way2goDISPO #PortraitPhotography #FamilyPhotography #CameraHappy #SnapHappy #HappySnapping #Toscana #WinePairsWellWithWork #DrDISPO #DrD #TeamDrD #PhD 👏📷👪👶🎅🎄💍👰💒💖🐶🐾🍷

Day 21: I’m THANKful for my *DALLAS MAVERICKS* & Kyle Scott for taking yours truly to see them live against the LAkers tonight! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #DallasMavericks #LAkers #LINsanity #Dirk #GoMAVS #MAVSmadness #PlatinumLevel #SuiteSeats #SweetSeats #DISPOhoopScoops #Countdown2TIPOFF 👏🏀🏆🌠👊

Day 20: I’m THANKful for today’s beautiful Birthday Girl Ivette M. Bruno, who’s a sweet servant to GOD & our Parish, my sister in Christ & the mother of my Church Bestie the also beautiful & sweet Ms. Evie! They’re like family to me ~ Maggie’s a wonderful cook, hostess, beautician + kindhearted & definitely 1 of the BEST go-getters who I know! Here are 3 generations (not in order of appearance): Maggie’s mother-in-law/Suegra * Maggie * her mother “Grandma Hope” * Evie who crowned our Queen Mother after Sacred Heart’s Corpus Christi Procession on Mothers Day ¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Maggie! ♡ ♡ ♡ ¡Díos te bendigas! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #HBD #PTL #MarvelousMAGGIE #EasygoingEVIE #CorpusChristi #Coronation #QueenMother #MamaMary 👏☝️✌️🙏💒💖💝👑👸

Day 19: I’m THANKful for my voice in a country where we’re free to express ourselves, both as a singer & a speaker! As a singer: Church Choir & Opera + Karaoke (also sang solos @ both of my paternal grandparents’ funerals) … As a speaker: Speech Competitions & Speech Teacher + Church Reader #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #voice #LetFreedomRing #FirstAmendment #speak #sing #choir #solo #opera #Karaoke #teach #speech #speecher #teacher #GTD #GreatTeacherDISPO #ExpressiveELAINE #ExcitedELAINE #EnergeticELAINE 👏🇺🇸🎤💒💃

Day 19: I’m THANKful for my voice, both as a singer & a speaker! As a singer, I started participating in our Church Children’s Choir in grade school, followed by solos in our Church Celebration Choir during college, then performed in the South Texas Lyric Opera Chorus (as well as the Responsorial Psalms @ both of my paternal grandparents’ funerals) … + I admit that I kick ace in Karaoke! As a speaker, I started competing in speech tournaments in middle school … Now I teach speech @ the college level, judge UIL contests & best of all: serve my Church as a reader! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #voice #speak #sing #choir #solo #opera #Karaoke #teach #speech #speecher #teacher #GTD #GreatTeacherDISPO 👏🎤💒💃🎓

Day 18: I’m THANKful for my PAPA PED, who left this Earth 6 years ago today + all of my grandparents, who I believe are w/the Angels in Heaven as faithful lovers of GOD. My paternal grandfather was hardworking, just like my dad, PAPA JUN is! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #PapaPED #PapaJUN #LikeFatherLikeSon #LikeDadLikeDaughter #Psalm23 👏👴👵👼💖

Day 17: I’m THANKful for GOD, who is my #1!!! Bishop Mike (my spiritual mentor & good friend) put it best when he wrote me in last week’s letter: “You could not work for a better boss.” All the days of my life, I LOVE & serve the LORD w/my whole heart & soul ♡ ♡ ♡ #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #ThankGOD #GODbless #GODisMyNo1 #GODisMyBAE #WhosTheBOSS #TheGreatMANupstairs #PTL #PraiseTheLORD #PeopleThatLOVE #GODisLOVE #GOD 👏☝️🙏✌️💖

I’m also THANKful for this Snow Day b/c I have a break from both jobs for once & can focus on my own studies today + be w/my babes A&A #PhD #DrD #TeamDrD #SnowDay home w/ #DoubleAteam #CozyComfy #WarmAsToast ❄️✌️🎓😻😸

Day 16: I’m THANKful for ASIA, who I call my Grad Cat b/c she’s been w/me through both my graduate degrees: my 1st (Master’s @ Angelo State University) & my terminal (Ph.D. @ Our Lady Lake University) + lived w/me in Cali, the Valley & back in her stomping grounds of Abilene! Cheers, for here’s a photo montage of the 1st 8 years of her 9 lives as she thrives & strives! ♡ ♡ ♡ #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #ASIAtheExplorer #ASIAfelinaCatalina #DoubleAteam #RescueCAT #CATastic #PURRfection #PURRtyKitty #PrettyKitty #LoyalCAT #RoyalCAT #QueenCAT #GradCAT #WhereItsAt #DISPObustAFlow #DISPOsAlwaysFly 👏🙏😻😸🐯🐆🎓🏡👑📷

Day 15: I’m THANKful for my Sweet ANNIE, w/whom I celebrate our 5-year ANNIEversary today as I pray for her face wound to go away, so she’ll keep her moneymaker & happily wag her squirrel tail shaker! ♡ ♡ ♡ #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #ANNIEversary #SweetANNIE #LilOrphanANNIE #RescueCat #TeaCupCat #ToyCat #PURRfection #PrettyKitty #sANNIEclaws #ANNIEs1stSnow #DISPObustAFlow #DISPOsAlwaysFly #throwback 👏🙏😻😸🐱🐈🎅🎄❄️⛄️🍎🍊🍌🍐🍍

Day 14: I’m THANKful for HOLYday music, so I’m jamming to my jingles on my iTunes + putting my CHRISTmas CDs on rotation in my truck’s 6-CD changer, including Jenny & William Coleman’s Brian McKnight & Temptations #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #CHRISTmasCarols #HOLYdayTunes #JingleJams #music #PutCHRISTbackInCHRISTmas #CHRISTmasSpirit

Day 13: I’m THANKful for my hair, which I donated to Locks of Love right before I started my Ph.D. & will again after I finish my Ph.D. I appreciate those who showed care for my hair, from cut to color, curl to cornrows & up-dos … I’ve been asked if I have a wig or a weave, but NO extensions here ~ Elaine’s mane’s the real deal! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #hair #cornrows #GoMAVS 👏💁🏀

Day 12: I’m THANKful for good food, most recently military meals for Veterans Day & today’s Sweet Life Cupcakes for my RE student’s birthday! I use food for fuel, & I see picture perfect grub, I go cam happy on that mug! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #Food #Foodie #ChowDown #GrubOn #EatToLive #SnapHappy #EnegeticELAINE #ExcitedELAINE #DISPObustAFlow #DISPOsAlwaysFly #TisTheSeasonForPumpkinPie #GhirardelliCaramelPumpkinCheesecake = #OffTheChain 👏🇺🇸🎂🍓🍌🍧🍝🎃🍰🍯💒📷

Day 11: I’m THANKful for my family, friends, family of friends, professors, colleagues, students, neighbors & strangers who serve the great *US of A* through sacrifice for our & others’ freedom, especially my fam bam: Retired Air Force Dad & Retired Navy Uncle Antero Tavernero + cousin A1C Jeryl Dispo & the Cooley Bros: my Bro-in-Law Ryan in USMC & Lil’ Bro Eric Cooley in USAF! Please salute & thank your Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard & our nation’s military heroes this Veterans Day & everyday! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #VeteransDay #Veterans #Military #MilitaryHeroes #Salute #WhatItDoSALUTE #USAF #USMC #USNavy #USArmy #USCG #AirForce #MarineCorps #Navy #Army #MerchantMarines #CoastGuard #UnitedStatesAirForce #UnitedStatesMarineCorps #SemperFi #AimHigh #CrossIntoTheBlue #MilitaryBrats 👏🇺🇸✈️⚓️👷

Day 10: I’m THANKful for my Sister-in-Law, Janet Zapata, today’s beautiful Bday Girl! As one of the toughest chicks I know, she’s always had my back & is my best friend in the Valley ^_^ ¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Cuñada, y mucho amor a ti, Suegra y tus hijitos/mis sobrinitos! ♡ ♡ ♡ #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #HBD #VALLEporVida #Familia 🎈🎁🎊🎉🎆🎇🎂🍰💖👟💐🌴

Day 9: I’m THANKful for my GODchildren: Reyanna Blanchard & William Jamal Coleman! Rey-Rey, now 15, is a creative animal lover techie, & Jamal, now 13, is a sweet, swift track star ~ I’m the always proud Ninang ♡ ♡ ♡ Of course, I extend my gratitude to their moms, my kumares/comadres Monalisa Wishuknew & Jenny Coleman, for baptizing their 1st-born w/yours truly ❤ #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #GODchildren #GODdaughter #GODson #GODmother #Ninang #ProudNinang #NinangELAINE #Kumare #Comadre #Familia #Family 👏🙏💖💒👶🎨🐶😻👣👟🌠🏆👫

Day 8: I’m THANKful for My Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy), for which I’m ABD (All But Dissertation) ~ all I have left toward my degree is 1 hour credit for my defense after I finish my research on college coaches’ leadership! For 4 years almost every semester, my professors, classmates & I met @ least every other Saturday. We learned so much from each other & put our studies into practice! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #PhD #DrD #TeamDrD 👏🎓👊

Day 7: I’m THANKful for legs that were made for walking & running … 1 full (26.2mi) marathon & many more fun races later! I always get compliments on my calves & thighs, which are partially credited to genetics & my series of squats! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #Legs #26point2mileClub #FunRun #race #SolidCalves #RockHardQuads #1KSquats #ShesGotLegsSheKnowsHowToUseThem 👏👣👟🏁💪

Day 6: I’m THANKful for happily serving my beautiful Catholic Church ~ which began by singing in the Music Ministry growing up then through college & when I started teaching in the Valley! Now I faithfully have my holy hour @ the Adoration Chapel (my Thursday commitment), serve as reader (Lector & Cantor/Commentator) @ Mass, teach Religious Education, + photograph! As I keep following GOD’s will, He may lead me to establishing the Catholic school in Abilene! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #Church #CatholicChurch #choir #Adoration #ministry #Catechism #photography #PTL #PraiseTheLORD #PeopleThatLOVE #ExcitedELAINE #MakeGODSmile 👏💒🎤💖📖🍎📷🎓🙏✌️☝️

Day 5: I’m THANKful for my photography career here, especially in joyous occasions when we cheer! Of course, photographing always has been my passion, & started out as a journalist when I published my professional photos to accompany my news/feature stories. Now I capture more intimate moments when mom’s welcome their newborns into the world (that has led me further into W TX into Midland & Lubbock) + other special events! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #NewbornPhotography #BabyPhotos #SnapHappy #DISPOsFotos #DISPObustAFlow #DISPOsAlwaysFly 👏📷📰👶👪💒🎓⚾️🏀🏈🌳

Day 4: I’m THANKful for my right to vote! Please exercise yours today (unless you already did early ~ like yours truly)! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #VOTE #ExerciseYourRight #WeHaveAVoice #StateOfficials #Propositions 👏🇺🇸✅

Day 3: I’m THANKful for my opportunities to educate, for which I appreciate & have more to anticipate, for which I celebrate! Each & every one of my students, both past & present, matter to me. Whether I’m in the classroom or instructing online, teaching @ Church or tutoring individually, I do everything in my power to ensure that it’s my students I empower! #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #Teach #Inspire #Learn #Education #KnowledgeIsPower #TheMoreYouKnow #GTD #GreatTeacherDISPO #DISPObustAFlow #DISPOsAlwaysFly 👏🍎🍏📚✏️💒🎓👊

Day 2: I’m THANKful for our dearly beloved faithful departed whose souls now rest in eternal peace w/GOD & the angels. My culture pays tribute to them by visiting their resting places &/or leaving them food & drink! We honor them all our days… I’m also THANKful for the extra hour of shuteye from Daylight Savings Time + waking up to purring Annie snuggled comfy cozy against me ^_^
#GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #AllSouls #AllSoulsDay #DiaDeLosMuertos #DayOfTheDead #DaylightSavingsTime #FallBack #SweetANNIE #LilOrphanANNIE 👏✌️☝️🙏💖💒👼🌞🌈🍁🍂⏰😲😵😴💤💭😻🐱🐈

Day 1: I’m THANKful for the Saints who intercede for us from Heaven when we pray to them. As my Church bestie Evie says, they’re our attorneys who defend us when we face GOD the judge! Who are the patron saints who guide you? #GivingTHANKS #THANKSgiving #AllSaints #AllSaintsDay #StJP2 #StJohnPaul2 #StFrancisOfAssisi #StElizabethAnnSeton #StHelen #StRose #StJude #StBenedict 👏✌️☝️🙏💖💒👼🌞🌈🌴🌹🐏🎓

11:11 ~ rather than a wish, let’s give THANKS!!!

Manic Monday: Snow Day

CHEERS ~ Here’s to This Time of Year When the HOLYdays Are Near …

Let’s hear it for Sweater Weather!

Therefore, break out those Ugly Tacky Sweaters.

On this Snow Day,

Make sure that you have time to play!

And of course, afterwards, be as cozy as ♪♫cats sleepin’ warm as toast♪♫.

11:11 ~ make a wish with the Snow Fairy!

Thirsty Thursday: The Prayer Way

To ♪The Player Way♫ chorus rhythm of rapper pastor Ma$e …

Everything that I do be all about the ☼LORD†
I’ve been lifting up †prayer† instead of being bored
Getting lifted by my ♥heart♥ and ☼soul☼
I give the world GOD, who has the main role
In my life
So I maintain thrive and strife
In the ☼morning☼, noon, and night, at all times everyday
†The Prayer Way, the Prayer Way†

~ †The Prayer Way†, by Elaine Dispo (Bust a Flow)

I went the extra mile to freestyle from another song to remind us about the importance of leading a prayerful life.

Crucifixion Statue from María Elena and Rosary blessed by Pope JP2 from Church Bro Joe

Recently, Bishop Mike sent me a newsletter* with valuable information, including the ACTS acronym that stands for these prayer divisions that appeared on the first page and also in my own Religious Education teachings of loving GOD** and prayer***:

*How to Pray

• ♥Adoration♥ ~ **loving GOD
• †Contrition† 
• ♣Thanksgiving♣ ~ **thanking GOD
• ☼Supplication☼ ~ ***petition (**asking GOD for things we need) and ***intercession (**praying for other people)

We’ll review each prayer division individually in the next Thirsty Thursday segments. Meanwhile,

Keep ☼shining☼ * Keep smiling * Keep †praying† * Keep following GOD’s perfect plan!!!

Sources

• Fr. Oscar J. Lukefahr, C. M. “From the Spiritual Director.” The Association of the Miraculous Medal, Vol. 47, No. 3: Fall Bulletin (2014).*
• Jesus Our Life Activity Book, Faith and Life Series, 3rd ed. (Book 2). Chapter 9, Lesson 2, (p. 34)**; “Kinds of Prayer,” Chapter 15, Lesson 3 (p. 59)***. Ignatius Press, San Francisco. Catholics United for the Faith, Steubenville, Ohio. (2014).
• Lyrics inspired from: Ma$e. “The Player Way.” Retrieved from MetroLyrics.

3:33 ~ make a †prayer†

Thirsty Thursday: Livin’ on a Prayer

♪We got to †pray† just to make it ☼today☼.♫

Bon Jovi sings, and MC Hammer raps The TRUTH! And I, for one, indeed live every single day by this: no day is complete without prayer.

Way to get through the day, all day everyday: PRAY!

This Thirsty Thursday quench unravels the H and 5 W questions of prayer.

How

Growing up, many of us were taught certain ways to pray, such as:

• kneeling and bowing down while folding our hands
• genuflecting and doing the Sign-of-the-Cross for those of us who are Catholic

Throwback Thursday: My First Communion

However, we may not always engage in formal rituals when we pray, depending on our activities during the day.

Why

Some may pray for their wants and needs, but the essence of prayer is

to be closer to †GOD† and listen to His plan.

Therefore, we pray for His will and His way to guide us to His calling. Also

we praise and glorify Him; hence give Him THANKS.

When

The times of day when we pray don’t have to be limited. We can be in constant communication with the LORD. Here are a few of mine:

• when I wake up for His morning glory
• as I get ready for the day
• before every meal
• before every trip
• before every shift
• before every test
• before every workout
• when I go to sleep to guide me through the night

Where

Anywhere on GOD’s green Earth is the perfect place to pray. Church is an obvious spot where we worship together. This morning, I have my Adoration hour at the Chapel, and one of my prayers at the Blessed Sacrament actually mentions that while we pray there, we also must pray where prayer is scarce.

What

While there are prescribed prayers, the fact that we’re living and breathing GOD’s Word is most important. There’s so much scripture for us to incorporate in our prayer, so it is a manner of really letting those verses from the Bible soak in. If we absorb these passages instead of simply going with the motions by just saying those words, then we’ll capture what prayer is all about:

letting †GOD† into our ♥heart♥.

Throwback Thursday: My Confirmation

Who

To whom do we pray? To GOD, of course, or the higher power in whom you believe. Those of us who are Catholic also may have special prayers for the patron saints, who led their lives serving the LORD and set examples to strive for holiness.

5:55 ~ make a †prayer†!!!