Month: July 2025

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Daily Journey

Reflecting on Progress: A New Chapter in Teaching and Growth

As I reflect on yesterday, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment after finalizing a detailed and strategic slideshow presentation for my upcoming accounting class. It serves as a solid action plan for the school year ahead—designed to guide and support my students as they explore the world of accounting. I truly believe that if they’re willing to learn, this structure will help them succeed.

Recently, I completed my Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science. With this milestone behind me, I can now fully devote my energy to teaching and doing my job with purpose and precision. This school year will be a challenge, as I’m blending high school-level content with college-level material. But I’m committed to giving my students the best possible educational experience. By May 2026, my goal is to see real, measurable success among them.

To do this, I know I need to be fully immersed in their learning experience—participating alongside them whenever possible. Growth as a teacher means continually stepping outside of my comfort zone. I also hope that one day, this path will lead me toward an administrative role. Every challenge I face is an opportunity to prove that I can overcome perceived weaknesses and rise to new heights.

It’s also been encouraging to earn the trust of my peers—whether it’s helping make strategic decisions, like player placements on the offensive line, or being asked to teach a course I haven’t touched in over 15 years. That level of trust fuels my confidence and strengthens my resolve to keep pushing forward.

Today brings new adventures, new lessons, and new opportunities. The journey continues—and I’m ready.

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Daily Journey

Chasing the Pearl of Great Price: A Gospel Reflection

In today’s Gospel reflection, the kingdom of heaven is described as a pearl of great price. It made me stop and ask myself: Am I truly chasing that pearl? Am I even making the effort?

There are times when I feel spiritually strong—fully focused on that pearl, striving for the kingdom with clarity and purpose. But then life happens. Distractions arise, routines break, and I find myself becoming spiritually lukewarm. I begin to make excuses. “I’m too tired,” I tell myself. Or, “I’m upset—God and prayer can wait.” Sometimes I rationalize, “God knows how I feel. I’ll talk to Him tomorrow.”

But the truth is, I need daily motivation to pursue the Sacraments—those gifts from Jesus Christ that lead us closer to the kingdom. I was reminded of this again just last night during a conversation. The Sacraments are not optional side quests in the journey of faith—they are foundational tools that sustain and transform us.

If I truly value that pearl of great price, I must be willing to go deeper: to show up for faith-based events, to support my brothers in Christ who are on the same path, and to immerse myself in a church community—especially when it’s easier to put it all on the back burner.

Today, I choose to refocus with determination and clarity. I pray for the strength to stay the course and not let the subtle powers of evil, distraction, or discouragement derail me from the path. The pearl is worth it.

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Daily Journey

Starting Over: Returning to the Habits That Matter Most

Yes—I lost focus. After successfully maintaining a habit for over 160 days, I slipped. I stopped with my prayer life and my daily reflections, and I failed to build upon the foundation I had started. The momentum I once had began to fade. But today, I’m starting again.

In The 5 AM Club, Robin Sharma emphasizes the importance of a daily routine built around three powerful practices: exercise, meditation (or in my case, prayer), and journaling. Maybe he was right.

This morning, as I attempted to pray and listen to biblical reflections, I noticed how easily my mind wandered. I wasn’t fully present. I realized I’m still far from where I want to be spiritually and mentally. Yet I yearn to grow—to deepen my knowledge and strengthen my faith so that I can be ready to share it when called upon.

Today, I recommitted to the 20/20/20 formula Sharma describes. I began with 20 minutes of prayer and reflection in the chapel, followed by 20 minutes of light exercise and stretching. Now, I’m finishing with this journaling session. It’s Day 1 of this renewed journey, and I already feel a sense of clarity and purpose.

There’s something energizing about starting the day this way. It’s giving me a fresh jumpstart, and I’m hopeful about how I’ll finish the day and where this will take me over the next 60 days.

If you’ve ever lost your rhythm with a habit or felt disconnected from your goals, know this: it’s okay to start again. Today is proof that the journey is still unfolding.

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Daily Journey

What is Community?

I never paid much attention to the concept of community. Of course, I knew about school communities, church communities, neighborhood communities, and even information communities. But it wasn’t until recently that I truly understood what a community is—on a deeper, more personal level.

About a month and a half ago, my little nephew was diagnosed with brain cancer and had to undergo surgery to remove a tumor. He is now undergoing chemotherapy. In response, our family decided to organize a simple fundraiser—just something to help. The original plan was modest: a carline setup selling jambalaya plates.

But what unfolded was far more powerful than we imagined.

We needed a place to host the fundraiser, so I reached out to a pastor friend of mine. Not only was he supportive—he embraced the idea and suggested we turn it into a full-day event. On top of jambalaya, we added white beans to the menu (and let me tell you, they were delicious). My brother-in-law provided desserts to round out the meal: jambalaya, white beans, a roll, and dessert—all packaged and ready to go. Later in the evening, the event continued with a live band, drinks, an auction, and most importantly, fellowship with the church community.

That day, the word community came alive for me.

So, what is community? A community is a group of people who interact with one another and share common values, interests, or goals—often within a shared environment or context. At the heart of any community are a few key characteristics: shared identity or purpose, meaningful relationships, mutual support, and a sense of belonging.

For me, this experience brought relationships and mutual support into sharp focus.

Friends, family members, and even strangers came together—people I had never met—offering their time to cook, serve, and deliver meals to local businesses. As I stood on the serving line, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and kindness for my nephew. One moment that touched me deeply was seeing a coworker come through the line—someone with no direct connection to our family, someone who didn’t even know the fundraiser was for my nephew. Later, I found out that the mother of another coworker and friend had also come through the line.

These seemingly small moments revealed something profound: communities like this exist all around us—quietly, faithfully supporting one another. People looking out for their brothers and sisters in Christ. People showing up for someone in need, simply because it’s the right thing to do.

If more people could witness this kind of generosity—better yet, take part in it—imagine what a more compassionate world we could live in. Miracles wouldn’t be rare; they’d be part of our daily lives.

It was a powerful reminder for me: I need to do better. To love more. To serve more. To be present for others the way they were present for us.

The journey continues…

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Daily Journey

The Journey Continues: A New Habit Begins

A wise and humble person once told me, “God will work everything out, but you have to do your part too.” I’ll forever be grateful to her for those words. It wasn’t the first time I had heard that sentiment, but hearing it in person—spoken sincerely and directly—hit me differently. It stayed with me.

Inspired by the foundational habits outlined in The 5 AM Club, I’ve decided to take the next step: journaling. Call it blogging or whatever your heart desires—it’s a practice I’m committing to. And I must remind myself: it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit. Focus and consistency are key.

I want to bring the thoughts constantly running through my mind into the physical world. I want to stay centered and finish the important (and long-overdue) tasks without beating myself up along the way. These daily reflections aren’t just for accountability—they’re meant to motivate me to overcome struggle, push through adversity, and release fear, sadness, and the weight of so-called “defeat.”

For far too long, I’ve told myself, “Tomorrow is the day I’ll get things back on track—build a stronger prayer life, stay focused, and finally tackle what needs to be done.” But that “tomorrow” often turns into weeks, months, or even years. Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “I’ve heard this before—another person trying to turn their life around, sharing advice, or just rambling.” Fair enough. But the truth is, we’re all wired differently. We each carry our own perspective and purpose.

Writing has always been one of my most effective forms of communication. It’s time I lean into that God-given strength. If I give myself the chance, I truly believe I can move mountains. There’s so much I want to learn and apply in this life. Yet too often, when things get tough or fatigue sets in, I pull back. Not anymore.

This space—this habit—is my tool for focus, growth, and forward movement. It’s time to take out the mental and emotional clutter and start fresh.

These reflections may take many forms: a review of something I’m trying for better health, a new hobby I’ve picked up, a Scripture reflection, or simply how I’m feeling that day. Whatever shape they take, they’ll be rooted in honesty, intention, and progress.

So today, July 1, 2025, marks a new beginning. One breath at a time. One step at a time. One day at a time. I choose to live—fully, intentionally—and not let defeat have the final say.

The journey continues…