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Posts Tagged ‘Thirsty Thursday’

Thirsty Thursday: Year of Mercy

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 12/31/2015 at 07:30

Happy New Year’s Eve! 🎆

As the full Year of Mercy draws near, Pope Francis has called us to seek ways to render more kindness to others ~ which is pleasing to the LORD. ☝🏽️

I’ve been praying my daily Rosary and 3 o’clock Divine Mercy with this Pope Francis Rosary from Bishop Mike who blessed me with it on the ☼morning☼ of my dissertation defense and started reading this Rediscover book by Matthew Kelly from my Dad

During Advent, my school, Our Lady of the Lake, kicked off this venture by deeming the Season of Mercy. 🎄

GOD bless you this Merciful Year! Cheers! 🎇

Thirsty Thursday: Advent Affirmations

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 12/24/2015 at 08:00

Merry CHRISTmas Eve!

Advent Books

This Advent, I’ve been blessed with books gifted by my nearest and dearest:

Each of these readings have offered enlightening passages for me to lead the ☼day.

May GOD bless us everyone! 

Thirsty Thursday: Advent Atonement

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 12/17/2015 at 16:30

Since Advent and Lent are Penitential seasons, these are times for us to repent for our sins.

In my own Catholic faith, we must confess our sins regularly to a clergy member to cleanse our souls for communion.

No matter how holy I strive to be, I as a human have my share of shortcomings. With a conscience, I’ve constantly prayed

  • The Act of Contrition
  • series of the Hail Mary

Remorse for our mistakes won’t do us any good if we keep repeating them. Learning lessons from our wrong actions and doing right by GOD will lead us closer to Heaven …

R.I.P., Father Romanus ✌ 

Thirsty Thursday: Triple T

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 10/29/2015 at 08:00

T is for …

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How do you use your †ime, †reasure (i.e., tithing) and †alen† in serving GOD?

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We all have unique ways that GOD has called us to serve Him and His people.

I also can continue glorifying GOD as I finish and use my doctoral degree!

Father Bob‘s most recent ✌PTL✌ in his latest greeting to me stands for:

  • Precious
  • Treasure
  • Lady

¡Feliz Día de los Santos y Día de los Muertos!

Thirsty Thursday: Pro-Life Prays & Praise

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 10/15/2015 at 08:00

Happy Feast Day of St. Gerard, Protector and Patron Saint of Expectant Mothers!

Holy Father

After ♥Bishop Mike♥ sent me the beautiful †cross† blessed✌ by ♥Pope Francis♥ he mailed me this sweet photo of our pontiff!

For all of you mommies-to-be ~ including a few of my own ♥loves♥ (who we celebrated this past weekend) ~ who are adding to your families, this prayer’s for you and your little miracles in the womb that they’ll be born and baptized plus survive and thrive

St. Gerard Prayer

St. Gerard †Prayer† for Protection * Expectant Mothers | Courtesy Straight from the ♥Heart♥ from Vince for my blessed birthday

My prayers are for ALL moms ~ so here’s another to St. Joseph that I pray before my work and for unwed mothers

St. Joseph Prayer

St. Joseph †Prayer† for: GOD’s will * unwed mothers * peaceful✌ death | Courtesy Our Lady of San Juan del Valle

GOD bless all mamas and their babies-to-be!

RIP Abortion Victims

Throwback Thursday (2/22/2009): Pro-Life for my Profile, taken the last time I visited my motherland, the P.I. … Rest in ✌Peace, Unborn Babies whose Lives were terminated too soon

Thirsty Thursday: Perfect Plan

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 10/08/2015 at 08:00

Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the †LORD† your GOD, am with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9*

Bishop Mike ~ who reminded me to look at the †cross† for renewed hope, ♥love♥ and trust ~ sent me this beautiful †cross† that was blessed by Pope Francis during his *Stateside* visit!

Blessed Cross

Live by the †cross†: For more ☼floral☼ religious symbols from the clergy, please see the OLG medal from ♥Bishop Mike♥ & the ♥Pope Francis♥ coin

I received this generous gift from my spiritual mentor in great timing: the day before my latest conference call with my professor** to practice my dissertation defense ~ in which I advanced to my first committee defense (preliminary presentation to my professors on board)! This reminds me of how the Bishop has always come through for me ~ particularly when he gave me the Holy Spirit blessing and medal right before I took my comprehensive examinations for my Master’s degree almost a decade ago!

He will not let you down.

~ Bishop Mike

While we live in a world where ✌peace✌ is but a wish, our Heavenly Father has the BEST in store for us that is yet to come

♪♫CHRIST be our Light ~ ☼shine☼ in our ♥hearts, shine through the darkness♪♫

*♪♫Do not be afraid, I am with you … I ♥love♥ you, and you are mine♫♪

*Bible Reference = My Mantra during my **Run-through

  • Rainbow Studies, Inc. (2000). The Catholic Rainbow Study Bible: Good News Translation (2nd ed.). El Reno, OK: Rainbow Studies International.

Thirsty Thursday: CFG is for …

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Home Sweet Home, Public Interest, Relationships, Sports, Technology, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Yours Truly on 10/01/2015 at 15:00

R.I.P.✌ all of the fatalities in today’s Oregon community college massacre.

Those who were shot and killed are modern-day martyrs.

While we live in a nation where we have the freedom to express ourselves (First Amendment) ~ including through our religion, we unfortunately may encounter those who express their animosity against our beliefs.

C is for …

CHRISTCharacterConfidence

F is for …

FaithFootballField of Life

G is for …

GutsGraceGlory

In Jim Grassi‘s Guts Grace & Glory, connections are made between the football field and Christianity. Dr. Grassi, who has worked with pro football players in my beloved Bay Area, makes athletes’ testimonies and scripture readings relevant with the game and our overall moral conduct as a whole…

School Sources

Besides the textbook from which which I teach, I also refer to supplementary sources for my speech students! While I still separate religion from education in the public school system, I tie in certain codes of conduct practiced when relevant.

This leads me to pursuing my legacy, even at my age, because we never know whether we’ll still be here tomorrow ~ so

How will you be spiritually when you meet your maker?

Affirmations for Athletes and Non-Athletes Alike

  • Grassi, J. E. (2013). Guts grace and glory: A football devotional. New York, NY: Thomas Nelson.

Another Inspirational Reading from a fellow Christian

  • Tebow, T. R., & Whitaker, N. (2011). Through my eyes: A quarterback’s journey. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Thirsty Thursday: Spiritual DNA & Bootcamp

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 09/24/2015 at 08:00
Pope Francis

Our Holy Father has spread joy & hope all around the world leading up to his World Meeting of Families | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

¡Biénvenidos, Padre!

Girl Sings to the Pope

“Don’t walk alone, always be encouraged. Walk with courage. Courage gives you joy, and joy gives you hope. Always move with courage, and always move with hope. Ask GOD for these.” ~ Pope Francis tells young girl in Spanish (this translated message transcends to all of us) … Similarly, Bishop Mike advised me to always look at the †cross† to refresh my soul with new hope, ♥love♥ and trust. | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

As Pope Francis journeys on his well-anticipated trip to America (Philly to D.C. to NYC)

Pope to America

Pope Francis has addressed the *U.S. Congress* | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

our awareness has been raised on how we take care of our environment … and each other.

Pope Addresses the Valley

Pope Francis has connected with my previous home: el Valle | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

We also must consider how we take care of ourselves, in terms of our own †spiritual† health.

Boy Consults the Pope

Pope Francis lifted up this young man’s spirits for taking care of his family | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

Lately, I’ve reflected on my self-centered tendencies and been praying to be relieved of them in order to put my life in GOD’s hands. This hasn’t been easy. Fortunately, more messages have reminded me to get more †spiritually-fit.

Has this already been part of our genetic disposition* or is this something that we can learn**?

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Courtesy United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

*Spiri†ual DNA

M is for

Maryknoll‘s Father Finch uses a molecule metaphor about our spirituality already being part of our †souls, from the Holy Spirit to uncover GOD’s mysteries. By following these “spiritual† genetic instructions,” we serve and lead faithfully.

Pope Francis Prayer

en españolCourtesy United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

**Spiri†ual Bootcamp

First, we must make sure that we maintain our religious practices for the mind:

  • Go to Confession every month
  • Pray the Rosary everyday ~ offering our daily duty to be closer to the Holy Spirit
  • Scapular ~ “form me and shape me, Mother, in the form of Your Divine Son” (Marian way of life)

Furthermore, we must stay in good physical shape, so we have capable bodies:

  • Calisthenics are effective to take care of our temples ~ this activity is more ideal for our spirit than pop culture (e.g., watching TV, going online)
Providential Findings

Courtesy The Lake

Bearing in mind and heart all of the above advice plus last week’s scripture, I realize now more than ever that I’m no better than anyone else in the way that I treat others and ought to be treated; after all, as said every Ash Wednesday:

For you are dust, and to dust you shall return. ~ Genesis 3:19

 That being said, let’s follow the Pontiff‘s solid guidance to seek from GOD: courage –> joy –> hope ~ as I’ve studied this leadership practice for several years:

Encourage the ♥Heart♥

IMG_3976-crop

Courtesy Maryknoll

Spiritual Sources

  • ABC. (2015, Sept. 4). “Pope Francis and the People.” [TV special].
  • EWTN. (2014). Women of Grace “Marian Devotion: For Such a Time As This.”*
  • Finch, Fr. Raymond J. (2015, Sept. 20). Reflections from Maryknoll.** [Email].
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Inspired by Pope Francis | Courtesy Maryknoll

Thirsty Thursday: Religious Vocations

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Technology, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 09/17/2015 at 22:00

What is your calling in life?

We all have a purpose, and our greatest sense of purpose must come from a higher power.

In my case, as a †Catholic, I’ve sought †GOD’s will for me.

I’ve always considered two options:

  1. having a spouse in the Sacrament of ♥Marriage♥
  2. or ♥marrying♥ †GOD† in the religious life (I visited with a sister of the religious order from my †Catholic† university a few years ago)

However, I still can be a single lay person who ♥loves♥ and serves †GOD† with all of my ♥heart♥ and soul.

Consider The Nun’s Story, starring Audrey Hepburn and based on a book.

The Nun's Story

The Nun’s Story recently encored, so I had to watch it!

This film featured a woman’s challenges between upholding her vows and satisfying her own wants, such as

  • silent time vs. speaking up
The Nun's Story

Audrey Hepburn in the role of a lifetime

  • serving the Church vs. serving the community where she worked (Congo medical care)
The Nun's Story in Congo

Filmed on site in Congo in the 20th Century

We’re all human and have our moments. It’s just part of life here on Earth and a matter of maintaining what’s most important to us.

Throwback Thursday

Taking on different roles

Grad Faculty

My faculty colleagues and I watched our students graduate, including my ✌fellow✌ marathon runner to my left!

When I first taught at the college level

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†Fathers† on either side of this †Sister! The one to my right was my student my very first semester!

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The †Bishop† in this photo is the father of my student above and a ✌fellow✌ PhD candidate, and the †Father† in this photo is a ✌fellow✌ Pinoy!

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Pinoys ‘R Us … The ✌fellow✌ Pinays are mother and daughter, and the daughter was a soloist in our Tosca performance plus is a recording Christian artist now!

I also ♪sang♫ as a nun in the ♫opera!

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I ♪sang♪ ♫soprano♫ in my †Church† ♫choir, but as a †nun† in this ♪opera♪♫chorus, I ♪sang♪ ♫alto♫ with this ✌fellow✌ †Sister!

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The †priest† and †monk† are ✌fellow✌ Pinoys, and the ✌fellow✌ †Sister† is a ✌fellow✌ teacher (of language arts)!

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YES, men rock makeup too! We all must look presentable on stage when the ☼spotlight☼ is on us. #PutYourBESTfaceForward Mine is by M•A•C

My †Mass† Readings This ☼Weekend☼

  • Book of Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
  • Responsorial ♪Psalm♫ 54
  • Letter of St. James 3:16-4:3 ✌

Thirsty Thursday: Emmanuel is Enough

In ♥ & Soul, Community, Health, Higher Ed, Home Sweet Home, Pro-DiSPO, Public Interest, Relationships, Technology, Thirsty Thursday, Travel, Weekly Wonders, What's Hot, Workin' Woman, Yours Truly on 09/10/2015 at 08:00

The struggle is real.

Pope Francis

Pope Francis coin courtesy Catholic Relief Services … Our Holy Father has made a profound impact all over the world, including in the *USA* ~ in addressing the need to take care of the Earth & each other while remaining content.

Do you ever find yourself in conflict with your values and the demands of everyday life?

OLL

The Most Holy Rosary at Our Lady of Lourdes grotto this past ☼Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015 on EWTN (Eternal World Television Network)

Which is more important …

GOD is No. 1

In the name of the Father

Jesus

… & of the Son

  • our own desires?
Holy Spirit

… & of the Holy Spirit

Some of us may encounter the challenge of pleasing the LORD, the world and ourselves.

MORE ♥LOVE♥ for Our Eternal Savior = LESS Stress in the World as We Prepare for ☼Heaven☼

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From Straight from the ♥Heart♥: A †Prayer† Companion by Rev. Fr. Mario José C. Ladra (p. 34)

I’ve led this in ♪song♫ at †Church, and it truly has brought tears to my eyes …

In spite of our strife to look and feel good, our spiritual health holds precedence.

Annie Rosary

Soon-to-be Bday Grrrl Angel Annie prays the Rosary everyday with yours truly … The simple pleasures of life✌