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. ✌

Thirsty Thursday: GOD’s Will

*~* Happy New 2015 *~*

How does the †LORD† lead you in your life?

CHRISTmas Gift from María Elena: Gold †Cross† with Ruby Center from Assisi Jewels

Happy New 2015! ¡Prospero Año! Manigong Bagong Taon! 🎆🎇 Instead of toasting w/ 💧champagne💦 or 👄kissing💋 a person @ the stroke of 🌃midnight🌉 (like in the past, which didn’t last), @ 🏠home🏡 safe I stayed & 🙏prayed🌹 then had 💖Holy Hour⏰ when I 💤😴woke up😵😲 ~ for it’s GOD‘s will👏 that’ll lead👣 the way. Thanks to all who understand that I need time away @ peace✌️ to finish my PhD🎓 ~ unless it has to do w/Church💒 or work (🍎teaching🍏 * 📷photography👪 * 📇reporting📰) ~ so Dr. D, here I come, hear me roar🐯 & score🏀 #NY2015 🎋 #GODwilling ☝️ #PhD ✒️ #TeamDrD 📢 #DrD 📜 #DrDISPO 🏆 #DISPO 🌴 #DISPObustAFlow 🎤 #DISPOsAlwaysFly 👊 #YearOfFinishing 👟

Follow His path!!!

Speaking of Wills …

HBD to my buddy *Will* this weekend!

Thirsty Thursday: Wear The Word on Our Sleeve

On our first day of Religious Education, my Church Bestie, Evie, suggested that we wear Bible-inspired shirts.

Religious Tees for Church Classes

Since then, I’ve been sporting a different one ever week (with the exception of last night when I featured George Strait with his ♥LOVE♥ is Everything shirt in both my speech and our RE class ~ I pointed out his nervousness before his final concert to my Public Speaking students then played ♪I Saw GOD Today♫ at Church).

OLG in Mission, TX

3:33 ~ make a †prayer†!!!

Thirsty Thursday: Listen to the LORD

Burdens = BLESSINGS

How could that be? you may ask. It’s all about how you approach it. Everything happens for a reason, and what matters is how we handle it. Turn to GOD because He takes care of us!

Wipe away Worry with WORSHIP

At first, I anticipated this week of preparation as overwhelming: getting ready for Holy Week • practicing my readings ~ including narrating the long Gospel ~ for Palm Sunday Mass at Church this weekend • revising my PowerPoint as my proposal defense is the next step in my dissertation • training for my new job. Rather than referring to these priorities as problems, I must remain undaunted by praising the LORD at all times for leading me to this point and seeking the HOLY SPIRIT for guidance to persevere.

Fade away Fear for FAITH

No negativity or fear are allowed here ~ just a positive perspective with the following Ls:

LORD * LOVE * LIVE * LIFE * LEAD * LISTEN

Sometimes, silence is of the essence, so our Heavenly Shepherd deserves our time when we open our eyes, ears, minds, hearts and souls to Him, ready to receive His presence … and His message. Let’s build our relationship with the most important One of all: the LORD JESUS CHRIST, by communicating with Him through prayer. Our prayers aren’t simply to tell and ask Him about our wants and needs; they’re to seek and find out about His will and way for us.

Amend Anxiety, Anguish & Anger into ANSWERS that come only from GOD & be content even when not certain

More Reflections from Rediscovering Catholicism

Now I realize why I may not have turned on my music every time I drive, shower or study lately: I need #silence to #communicate w/ #GOD in order to #listen to Him #speak! ~ #sign from Chapter 13: #Daily #Prayer 🙏👂☝️

Chapter 14 about The #Mass provides me with a #greater #appreciation for all parts of the #Liturgy & the #Eucharist, including my #ministry & #service, my next one being this weekend for #PalmSunday #readings & #Gospel. 💒💖👏

Which do we live by: His #Word or the #world? I encourage you to check out these first two pages of Chapter 15: #TheBible & to make the #Bible your life’s practice for #happiness #comfort #strength! 📖🙏☝️✌️💪😍

Palm Sunday 2014 Readings

† Matthew 21:1-11
† Isaiah 50:4-7
† Philippians 2:6-11
† Matthew 26:14-27:66

Completely confide in CHRIST!!! 🙏☝️👏✌️💒

Draw the #LORD into your #heart & your #soul –> the #true #key to #happiness … Even in times of #uncertainty, #GOD will take #care of #everything! 🙏☝️✌️👏💖💒🔑😍

[from Our Lady of the Lake University‘s Providential Findings ~ Catholic school where I pursue my PhD]

Thirsty Thursday: The TRUTH

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!!!