My Infinity War Part 1

I’m running, all of a sudden, they turned off the lights, and I’m running in complete darkness. That’s kind of difficult because how do you watch your step when you don’t even know what you’re stepping on? I can’t do no right. Story of my life.

Thanos has all the infinity stones, the world is over. We’re doomed. Even the Advengers could not save us, but yet there wasn’t even an ending. We have to wait for Part 2? We have to wait! Story of my life.

I’m crawling to this finish line, waiting for change. I see a door wide open so I shoot my shot. I make a move for the first time in 12 years. I pray, and I act on my prayer. If it’s accordance to God’s will then that’s how the story is going to be told. This test becomes the testimony after all, I’ve been praying about it for over a year.

This is my cross, I have to carry it everyday, but I’ve been carrying it for about 7 years maybe longer. I’ve embraced it. No response. Now virtues have to be acquired. Patience, humility, and so forth. More super powers. Ok, been in this situation plenty of times, and God was there with me every step of the way. Stronger than yesterday at Heroes. I hear that voice again, “Am I not here who am your mother?”

We don’t know what the future holds, but we know who holds it. Faith is the greatest thing and everything else doesn’t matter. We live in a fallen world and I’m running through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, free of fear. Faith over fear in the name of Jesús, María y José (JMJ). I fearlessly trust in His will. Build anyway, be young and crazy anyway, love anyway, be yourself anyway. A better you, learn from mistakes, always improve. Name someone that has all the answers and has all their life together? I’ll wait...

We all need God, we need our Savior everyday of our lives, time heals all wounds, and we become better and stronger because of the hardships. A year from now I’m gonna look back at this race and I’m going to miss it because these are the exact moments, through the suffering, that put a smile on God’s face.

I’ll never deny any person or kid that asks for help. I’ll always help when I can if I can. Anyone who is crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. Crazy enough to coach 5 sports, crazy enough to teach multiple subjects, have multiple majors, be in multiple ministries, have multiple jobs, do multiple workouts, and to run multiple miles. That’s me! All things through Christ. Crazy enough through Christ, and with Christ. In the words of Forrest Gump, I just felt like running. 

“Oh Lord, let me be the one to set them free. I will give them every part of me. Put my heart where everyone can see. They can call me whatever they want, call me crazy.”

Run Baby Run

I’m running this race...

People are throwing rocks, others are begging, others are yelling and making noise. I pass by some very familiar faces, but they’re quiet, they’ve remain silent until I start picking up speed, then I hear them again. When I get a taste of cheers and pick up a few fans, the rocks, the beggars, the noise makers, and silencers all begin another attempt to slow me down.

I fell and sprained my knee. I forget that I’m clumsy. I stopped, but still keep going fast, still keep fighting the bear.  Everyday is a new adventure. The knee is feeling a whole lot better, so now they’re in trouble. Lent season will begin, and I will go and hide into the dessert or by the sea, so I’m not really hiding, they know where I’ll be. I’m here! I call them out. They hit me with their best shot and I hit back. Hate is not greater than love, hate cannot conquer, love conquers all my friends! I move forward. They desperately want to be seen and heard, I look the other way. I continue the path. They made fun of me, but yet I continue the path. They doubt me, and I still continue the path. 

Another shooting, more illnesses, more messages from unknown numbers, the world is a becoming a horror movie. Meanwhile, I sit in my mess after a cold shower and drink some tea. The Lord lives in me! It’s been Him all along. I’m just an instrument. When I get called to a deeper and more profound love, I’ll still be His instrument. When I’m running through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, He is there, and along with all the angels and saints, it’s been all Him. He gives me the strength and the endurance during the race, so that by His grace I may earn the prize, not gold. Meanwhile another tragedy, people are getting hurt, and dying inside. I’m leaving town again, I’m never home on the weekends. These are the worst of times, these are the best of times.

It’s time to lace them up again..The path must continue. Only this time, I’m stronger. Something tells me, that they’ll test my new strength. It’s gonna be ugly before it gets lovely. I’m headed down a new road. It’s hideous. I must go. That’s the road less travelled, that’s where I’m being directed. I have allies. More and more are coming. Wait, I didn’t expect this. I’m used to fighting on my own. This is like the Advengers. This is squad goals. Young bloodz willing to fight with me and for me? I didn’t expect this. I’m going to wake up from this dream soon. Maybe that’s when I’ll stop my run. When I do, I’ll smell the pancakes, and the coffee.

In a Secret In a Quiet Place

“Virtuous/Intentional Friendships: it’s not on purpose it’s for a purpose, it’s because you recognize something in that person. You say, ‘yes,’ you look at someone else and you say, ‘that’s it, that’s the race I wanna run, that’s the fight that I want to be a part of, that’s the kind of person that I want to become.’ Would I rather be a faithful Catholic? Or just be known as one who’s the faithful Catholic? Would I rather be the good friend? Or do I wanna be known as the one who’s the good friend?

That stuff doesn’t happen in public, it happens in private, it happens in those moments when no one sees.

Belong to Jesus and that belonging to Him, doesn’t belong in a stage, it’s made in secret. Virtuous friendship doesn’t happen under a spotlight, it happens in secret, it’s hidden. It’s a lot like love, when you shine a light on it, it kinda goes away, but if you live it, it’s unstoppable. Who are you running with? Who are you racing with? Who are you fighting with? In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” -Fr. Mike Schmitz SLS18 Conference in Chicago, Illinois

Sounds like a paradox from setting the world on fire 🔥 because if you set it on fire, people see the flames. Flames are visible and sometimes loud, but setting it on fire like a SAINT can be visible and loud just to be done in secret.

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” -Saint Mother Teresa

Privately, one can throw a stone so ripples can spread across any body of water and it doesn’t need a spotlight or be broadcast on live TV, and essentially that’s setting the world on fire.” Nobody needs to know how you did it or when you did it. You just did, and it might have been loud and proud in the name of our Lord. Only those affected were the ones who heard loud and clear. Our treasure is will be stored in our hearts, better yet in Heaven. 

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 6:1

How simple is it to just do God’s will, without announcing it to the world. There’s no pressure, there’s a sense of peace that resides within you because deep down in your heart and in your soul you have become a living breathing invitation to believe in bigger and better things than just oneself. 

Squat heavy...Run fast...Live full...Train hard...Love strong...Adventure often...Hustle always. Dream big...Compete daily...Make life count. @competeeveryday

ALL IN SECRET, then go back home and rest in a quite place because a clean conscience makes one fine pillow, but get your rest because tomorrow you have to live full again and spread the good news with your life in a secret...in a quite place. ❤️ This secret and quiet place that I speak of is not so much a secret at all, it’s your home, your school, your church, your backyard, the grocery store, even on social media where everyone has access yet not everyone visits, so it’s probably in a public place. Your ministry may not be quiet 🤫 because even when Jesus was performing miracles word started going around. To do God’s will in a secret and quiet place is to be humble, recognizing that we are sinners striving in our short lifetime to be saints. BE-A-SainT mode! Affect enternity! We are reaching for the highest goal, so that we might receive the prize in the Kingdom.

The Panic After the Storm

The storm has hit. We’re running, looking for shelter at the same time gathering supplies and preparing for the worst. Loving our neighbors, except mine, they’re weird, and America, Land of the Free, and don’t forget Mexico. Someone took a knee during the national anthem as a protest, and people are furious. The president denied visitations to the White House because of rebelling citizens and now there’s division in our own country. Segregation continues, this new revolution is taking a stand. Who’s to blame? The president? Canada? Juan? Who knows? That doesn’t hide the fact that we are still in a crisis! There was a tragic earthquake in Mexico and people are now getting worried. The world was supposed to end yesterday. It didn’t. People are still living for the weekend. They’re doing it wrong. We have to thank God every day, not just on Fridays. The quest continues, the Stang Gang is still going strong. Hope that you fall in love and it hurts so bad, the only way you can know, you give it all you have.  Recieved another text with lies, something tells me that I'll probably get a few more later. The Prophesy is being fulfilled. People are given one chance at life, one moment, to seize everything they ever wanted: they’re given the remedy, but still reach for the poison; they want to build a kingdom, but still seek attention from the village; they want an A but put in C effort; they talk a big game, but their words don’t match their actions. Don’t believe their lies; they pray for tortillas, then God gives them flour, baking powder, lard, salt, water, and a comal, then they get frustrated and leave the kitchen. Desperate times call for desperate measures, so don’t get distracted by people who have other hidden agendas. Their motive to team up with you may be for selfish reasons. See the signs: their actions will speak and look at the fruit they’re producing. Sometimes life doesn’t give you second chances, just a bunch of lemons, and what could have been moments, we’re screwed. We are in a crisis. Time is precious. People are selling fake products, and fake love, straight up, to your face, so don’t buy any of it. Buy natural fat burners, take your vitamins, have a meal plan, and stick with it. Results will come if you are committed. Commitment is the key, but it’s another issue. We still fear failure. We fear rejection. We fear clowns. WTFreak? Our greatest fear should be that we are powerful beyond measure. We are all meant to be special, talented, and sassy, for lack of better word. What would you do if you knew, you could not fail? I know what I would do. I’ll be pursuing it in a couple of months. Shh! I’m not allowed to say anything yet. Back to this crisis. How are we going to get the income to rebuild everything? Will there actually be a gas shortage or just a bunch of long lines again? When is the next solar eclipse so I can buy special glasses this time? Will the president get impeached soon? Will my Lakers make the Playoffs? Where's my Spanish 2 textbooks? Will I finally get a text back? Some things just remain unknown. We are in a crisis! ¡Estamos en una crisis cabrones!

Holy Spirit Power

I get stunned. I get stuck. Like I freeze. I'm not capable of carrying out the task at hand. On the volleyball court at the park Friday nights, basketball court at the YMCA or elsewhere, or any race course at the start line. Then I get this spark, like this Holy Spirit power takes over in the midst and I perform. In the classroom, on the field, etc. People are astonished, and that's what I feed off of. I live for those moments. Trying to impress the people we don't like, as if it matters. Trying to be a perfectionist and be the best as if that validates you as a person. I don't have to be the best. I just have to be me and people will love me for who I am, not for what I can or can't do. However, I still have moments where I feel incompetent, not good enough. Then, I meet kids like Kari, and Ryleigh and Peyton, and Erik and Andrew, and Andres and Miranda, and Luke and Maeson and they think I'm amazing. They think I'm to die for. And I want to do anything and everything in my power to provide for them. To give them a piece of myself that they can benefit from. No credit needed, if we win a championship I don’t want credit it was all them, I just want to discretely plant a seed that will allow them to grow and blossom as individuals. In fact, the Holy Spirit gets the credit. My strength comes from above. They may never know who believed in them and gave them that key that was once given to me. A better me, creates a better you. If I get this spark, you get this spark. If my seed grows, your seed grows. If I'm happy, you're happy. We have to take the necessary steps to become a better version of ourselves. The people in our influence circle benefits. Everyone wins! Love wins!!!

Ordinary people become extraordinary without even planning on it. Be ordinary, keep it real, one hunnid, be simple not complicated. It's not a math equation it's more of simply just being. Be noble, be true, say the truth, take your vitamins, and say your prayers! It's not complicated, it's easy as breathing, with a fire in our soul. Simplicity is a beautiful thing. Just simply be simple.

Less drama, more love and growing. A better me is blossoming and the people I'm surrounded with are also blossoming. It's like magic, as a kid, I believed in magic, but now I know it's Holy Spirit Power. I get this feeling inside my bones...I got sunshine in my pocket. Nope, it's a rosary, holding Mother Mary's hand. Queen of Peace...Gentle woman, peaceful dove, teach us wisdom, teach us love. People of good will, the righteous ones, have figured this out. In the end, peace makes one fine pillow. First comes doubt then comes peace! Oh sweet peace, how natural it feels to not be a nervous wreck and simply just be vocal, and not be timid but simply just keep my head high, and fix the tie on my shirt.

Oh sweet peace, I need you so, to carry this task at hand. OH MY LORD, YOU RESTORE MY SOUL AND YOU GIVE ME REST. And tomorrow I will do it all over again:
1. I get stunned, I get stuck, Like I freeze...😭
2. Mamba Mode...💪
3. Peace! ✌️

Holy Spirit Power! Powered by LOVE. Faith, hope and love, but the greatest of them all is love.

Majoring in Archeology

We have faith and work to complete in front of us. We don’t need an increase of faith or a new job. The grass is not greener on the other side. God calls us to use the faith that we already have and to perform the tasks that we were already given. Eureka! I figured it out, the job that we all have is to be archeologists, (arqueólogos) because we are to discover and study every single person we meet. Read their behaviors, their reasons, motivations, languages of love, fears, goals, likes, needs, wants. Listen to them. Let them speak. These are souls that are meant to cross our paths, maybe for an hour, a day, or even a year. Some may be for a lifetime. The length of time is not for us to figure out, but to make the time allotted resourceful in learning about someone.  After an encounter with an individual or individuals we should know more about them than they know about us. The ones are that meant to stay, the ones that find you appealing, will go out of their way as archeologists to get to know you more. That’s not the problem, we all want our story heard, but to hear the story of another and to write about it, and share it, and be a fan of someone besides ourselves is absolute love. Even if we don’t get the same love in return, love anyway. After all, it’s not about us. The world does not revolve around us. We are here to advance the Kingdom of God. Now I must excavate the ruins of West Texas and discover the unknown and their functions. Time to put on my Dora the Explorer funky @ss looking hat and go explore some people. “Vámonos” –Frankie J

Don’t stalk. Learn, observe, take notes, and ask questions, if they’re receptive and inviting welcome yourself in, in a natural comfortable way. Don’t be awkward. Don’t force yourself to learn about someone because some people don’t want to be discovered just yet. You will eventually, if you were meant to share together. It’s about building relationships, friendships for better understanding. Quit trying to search for love interests because love is not something you find, it finds you. It's ok to be friends with the opposite sex, it's a requirement. Ultimately, if you want to be a good spouse someday, a degree in archeology must be attained. In the mean time, you is an explorer mother freaker not Rico Suave.

Insert Romance Poem here:

Now, go and discover the undiscoverable, search in the ends of the world and do not leave any stone unturned.  Watch out for rattle snakes! They may have a different agenda, if you know what I mean. Appreciate them, watch them in their natural habitat, and admire their beauty because they were also created by God. We don't battle against flesh and blood, it's not the snake we should worry about, it's the evil one, the Father of Lies. Don’t worry too much though, know that Our Lady has already crushed its head.

Explore children of God! I hope I get to find you all, in a crowd of a million, in a million years, in a million places. I hope I learn a million things about you and love you a million times because that's what our Lord has commanded us. To love one another as He has loved us. To do that, we must be archeologists in this world.

Another Chapter Arises

I don’t know how I came out of the previous chapter alive…Somebody must have said a prayer for me, but I may never find out who. I’m beaten up, barely breathing, but I stand tall. All I could do is look up and say thank you. Thank you for the challenge. Even though, I’m sore, scarred, broken, and confused, I feel a whole lot stronger coming out of this difficulty. It was a trial that I had to go through in preparation for the next round.

 

There’s something big coming ahead. I must get refocused for the upcoming task: The journey of 1,000 miles. Another one? I just did 1,000. I’m not complaining, I would do it over 1,000 times again.

 

I’ve failed, but I know that failure leads to victory. For every champion there’s a few loses racked up, that added fuel to the fire. The pain of failure is necessary to appreciate the joy of success. You have to have some sense of urgency in your actions, in waking up, in loving others, and in everything you do because they take you a step closer to glory.

 

“Serial winners will create a chip to put on their shoulder – winning results in more motivation to win again.” –LaVar Johnson.

With newly found hope, I rise. With a new purpose, I run. This is not the end, because in the end mercy and love wins. I keep going. I going back to my roots to rediscover what I once found in the childlike state. As I enter the playgrounds and dig up the sand, I will find the lost treasure with the map that I will need for a better tomorrow.

 

“We’re never going to be effective witnesses of God’s mercy and truth unless we have had a profound encounter with it ourselves.” –Dr. Edward Sri

 

 

Partner in Crime Needed

In this life, you’re offered different chances, careers, jobs, education, and even relationship opportunities. We are filled with a myriad of options that may be quite overwhelming for some. So what do you do at that point? You snap the freak out of it, and make a decision. I accepted the challenge because in the end you only regret the chances you didn’t take. Sometimes we make a “wrong” choice, a “bad” decision, and we suffer the consequences of that selection. So what do you do? You grow the freak up and learn from it, let it form you in humility and faith and move on. Life’s too short people, quit feeling bad and dwelling over decisions, when there’s a championship to be won. The Finals are near and only those who have been tested and gone through hardships will be strong enough to persevere through the end. A true knight and shining armor carries battle wounds. We can’t try to live life perfectly, free of mistakes. I mean life is great when you do. When you’re single, you don’t have to respond to anyone, you’re stress free, and you enjoy spending time and money on building yourself. You are the biggest project that you’ll ever work on as you grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Some accomplish this at the age of 20, some at 30 and others not until 40 or 50. It varies from person to person. God has a special plan for every single one of us. Plans to prosper, a promising future and hope. We are not alone though at some point we need community and perhaps a companion. Keep in mind, the ultimate goal is Heaven. The championship is Heaven, so every decision should get us close to reaching that goal. We're sinners striving to become saints. It's a lifelong journey to return home to God.

Truth is, life is meant to be shared. We can sit there and hide in our little bubble or we can openly invite somebody in to join us in this spiritual journey to accomplish the ultimate goal: love and maybe happiness without jeopardizing our ticket to Heaven. That’s why it’s a spiritual journey. That’s why it’s important to be on the same page in Faith. Those who know me know that I’m too competitive. I’m too obsessed about winning, and if you link that together in the spiritual aspect, I’m going to want to choose a partner in crime to get down to business. You know what? I would bet on myself to get the job done. To get my future spouse to Heaven, if God blesses me with kids, them too, and finally myself. That’s our goal. We’re at war. I’m not perfect, but I’d bet on myself to win. To take the last second shot. To properly prepare myself and family to battle for themselves. Anybody can compete on the field and on the court, but can they compete in this spiritual warfare? Can they be a Man of God, practice virtue, be so much in love with God that they will have to really think twice before they sin against Him, and when we fall short because we will, we must really feel guilty and run straight to the confessional. Yes, I said run! When it comes to running, I’d bet on myself. When it comes to receiving the sacrament of reconciliation, I’ve been there plenty of times. A man of God is a Eucharistic man, a man of prayer, a man of love and compassion for others because a man has to bring souls to Christ. A man is Jesus like, and anyone who meets this man should be able to see Jesus through him, and by the power of God have a conversion saying, “If Jesus was a lot like you, I can’t wait to meet Him.” I know I struggle with pride and I can be selfish, but I’m learning to be selfless. You know what? I’d bet on myself to acquire this. Wait? I’m supposed to be humble. Check out this paradox: I’m pretty good at being humble. Hahaha! You know what? Bet on it! I’m not trying to boast intentionally, but I dare you to put money on it. I don’t want to take anything away from this virtue, but God calls us to be fearless, not to be mediocre, and to protect our loves ones. He even trusted an ordinary man like St. Joseph to be the protector of Jesus and Mary who were the only ones conceived without original sin. He trusted him, not a sinless man, and He trusts us to carry on the task that’s within His will. It’s time to bet on ourselves and win, giving all the glory to God. St. Joseph, most chaste spouse, pray for us. Mother Mary pray for us, and in Jesus name I play. This is not a game. This is more than a game. In Jesus name I will win. I know that I'm in the right direction of where God is leading me. I’ll be right back I have work to do, people to love, and a city to build.

San Jacinto 2016

It all started on the day before the first day of school. I was prepping for the big day, when they called me from the office. They told me that I had to teach another course, 7^th Grade regular math in addition to 2 remedial math courses and 2 Spanish 3 Pre AP classes. This new addition was going to be at the expense of one Spanish 3 class unless I recruited 50 students to take the exam and pass. They almost made it impossible, I failed to get required number and was left with only one Spanish 3 course instead of 2, a 7^th grade math class, 2 Math 180 courses, an ISS period, 8^th grade athletics, and 7^th grade athletics. I talked to the Foreign Language director at MISD, but there was nothing she could do for me. I had no choice but to accept for the good of the kids. After all, everything that I’ve done for the past decade was for the San Jacinto kids. Everything! They told me that I couldn’t coach cross country this year since I was already a football coach in the fall. The high school coach did not let that happened. I was able to coach and fit practice in my daily schedule early in the morning before football. Our meets were every Saturday, a weekend day that we sacrificed, but we competed. We were hands down the best in the city, and we showed it during the meets. Placing number 2 or 3 every time for both boys and girls divisions. Football season was a struggle but we were able to win a few on Monday nights for 8^th grade and on Tuesday nights for 7^th grade. Basketball season kicked off and I had the honor to coach the 8^th grade basketball A Team. The struggle came from dealing with 2 injured players and one player forced to move because his transfer was revoked. The team competed anyway every Monday or Thursday night. In track season, we were City Champions. We coached one of the greatest track teams out there. My long distance runners were, no doubt in my mind, the hardest workers. Soccer began and they told me that I couldn’t coach it even though the boys were going to have 2 teams since I have already done 4 sports. I told them that I would coach this 5^th sport for free. I did! We had to play the number 1 seed in the tournament since we finish last in the regular season, but took them to overtime and fell short on penalty kicks. It was a great way to end the season despite our shortcomings, we put up a fight and gave the other team a good scare.

Overall, I know my students did great on the STAAR, and we continue to learn and grow. I wouldn’t want to teach or coach anyone else or anywhere else. I wouldn’t trade them for the world. Even the knuckle heads. Everything I did this year: the sacrifices; growth spiritually; and pilgrimages was for them. To bring something back, to share the graces with them. I wanted to give them something more than just knowledge and treats, and field trips. I wanted to give them more important things. I wanted to give them everything I had even if I didn’t have much. I wanted to be there for them. I just wanted them to be happy, and learn obedience, be hard workers, and good Christians. I wanted to model that for them. I wanted to share the good news to them. That love was our mission. To never quit trying, never quit getting better. To clean up their attitude because that just led to self-destruction. To want to be the best. Having the pride and desire to be number one in the district even though the odds were against them. Having that underdog attitude to endure and conquer. I wanted them to have it all, even if it meant them hating me. Even if I had to step down and not take credit for anything, or appreciated, or loved. As long as they were the benefactors, as long as it was for their good, and as long as they were happy. With God in their life, they could end up on top of the world. They will be able to overcome all the struggles in the world. They will one day handle relationships better than me, be smarter, more athletic, and receive more graces from God. It was not about me this year. Even if I had to be the bad guy, it was not about me. It was about their well-being. It was about our Lord and Savior. Of course their young minds do not understand that right now, but one day they will. When that day comes, I don’t want them to remember me or thank me, I want them to thank God for loving them, for having mercy, and for granting them all the blessings in the world. That’s my ultimate wish for these kids. That God fulfill the desires of their hearts and that they receive not just some blessings, but ALL the blessings in the world.  There are some things money can’t buy, for everything else there is sacrificing everything. Everything that I’ve done for the past decade was for the San Jacinto kids. Everything! I would teach as many courses as possible. I will coach every sport possible and work as many hours possible, even if it seems impossible. Even if I fail. I will leave no stone unturned. I would do it over and over again for them! I love every single one of them. Yes, I said every single one of them. #SJ4Life

#ThankYouKobe

20 years have gone by. I’ve learned so many things from this living legend named Kobe Bean Bryant a.k.a. the Black Mamba. His work ethic is unreal and unmatched by any person. How can a person perfect his craft with that kind of intensity every single day? You have to have an obsessive trait about you and that never giving up attitude to become better. Kobe called it Mamba Mentality back in 2013 when he suffered his first of three season ending injuries that would eventually lead to his retirement. His workaholic attribute was his gift and his curse because it broke down his body to the point where he could no longer dominate the game with that same killer instinct every night. However, still managed to play with the elites and show them why he’s been the best without being a 100%. His heart and mind were in it, but his body was saying no. Hence, he played his last game on Wednesday, April 13, 2016. What a dramatic finish. I knew he was going to aim for 50 points, but he finished with 60. It was a season high for any current NBA basketball player, a record for the oldest to ever score that many, and a record for the most ever scored by a single player on their last game. He gave you that extra mile. I’ve never been disappointed by this athlete because he always gave it all he had. That’s what he will be remembered by, especially in his final game, that he left everything out on that basketball court. In a world full of imposters, deceivers, and indolent people, Kobe always brought his best and that’s what I admired the most. I hope I can do the same, bring my best and offer it. We have to be that person. A living breathing reminder to believe in better things. We have to have that superhero mindset, at the expense of being perceived as the villain. As long as God is in the center of our actions, He will allow us be a part of his will to bring joy to others. We have to be that hope. We have to be that example.

With Kobe’s retirement, he begins a new chapter in his life, but personally my chapter continues, my season approaches its finale and I move into the off season to perfect my craft, to grow, but most importantly to serve others. I will continue to follow Kobe Bryant in all of his future endeavors, buy and wear his shoes and other products. I will still look for him for continued motivation. He has always been like a brother to me. My love for Kobe will never change because of what he has done for me personally. Like he closed in his retirement letter, “My love for this city, this team and for each of you will never fade. Thank you for this incredible journey.”

Dear Kobe, #ThankYouKobe for 20 great years, growing up with you as a teenager, a high school basketball player, an undergraduate student, a junior high teacher and coach, a graduate student, and an athlete I learned so much from you. You have been the greatest of all time. Not because:

You have won 5 championships

2 Finals MVP awards

2 scoring titles

2 gold medals

18 time NBA All Star

4 All Star MVPs

Led all players in All Star votes

Regular season MVP

3^rd in the all-time scoring list

20 years loyal to the same team

Sold more merchandise and tickets

Had more fans on the road chanting your name and “MVP”

Slam dunk champion

Multiple game winning baskets

Scored 81 points in a single game

Scored at least 40 against every team in every arena, etc. etc. etc…

Beyond what you have accomplished on the court I will never forget what you have done outside the basketball court. What I valued most was that unlike others, not only have you been a champion, but you have saved your marriage and loved your family; as a person of faith, you have acknowledge and credited all to God and to your Catholic faith; without a college education you have studied multiple languages, acquired knowledge in business from university level work, and build a passion for story writing. That’s what makes you the best that you were able to perform anywhere and excel especially when and where it mattered most. That’s why I know you will do a great job in this next chapter in your life. God has a special plan for you because He knows the impact you have on people. God bless you Kobe! “Mamba OUT” but I know that a different animal but the same beast is “IN”.

 

Easter 2016

Happy Easter! Today is the day that we celebrate the reason for our Christianity. It was a great lent season. Somewhat exhausting, but beautiful because of what God put in front of us. Track season, Pope Pilgrimage, Spring Break, retreats, workouts for summer ready, fellowship during fish-fry Fridays, more time for family, beautiful storms followed by amazing weather, new movie releases this time of year including Christian movies, etc. What a beautiful time to grow, evangelize, be alive, and celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. Lent provides challenges, but through those you can grow and get closer to God, and that’s what it is all about. I know I’ve made mistakes and struggled, but we all do, but what a great reminder and opportunity to seek our Savior. Things that I collected online:

“We don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another. We are all citizens of heaven on a trip abroad. Christ is your passport home. Don’t lose Him. A meaningful life is not being rich, being popular, being highly educated or being perfect…it is about being real, being humble, being strong and being able to share ourselves and touch the lives of others.”

I don't know why I’ve been thinking a lot about my mother lately…She just keeps appearing in my thoughts and dreams. I just miss her because she was the first, and only woman at this point, to ever truly love me. She showed me what love was about, so I experienced it firsthand every single day for a couple of years, and that was enough…Jesus showed us what love was about when He died on the cross and that love story continues 2,000 years later. God sent us a mother to nurture us and to intimately experience unconditional love just to get a taste of how much God loves us. Nothing compares to God’s love, and at the same time, nothing compares to a mother’s love, and a son’s love for his mother. That’s God sent. In the movie Batman vs Superman, the two superheroes battled, but what united them was the love they both had for their own mothers. A son’s love for their mother is very powerful. I believe it because I lived it. I thank God every day for giving me a mother like her. She was tough as nails, she was very versatile, the jack of all traits, and was very loving to all people. To think about the many lessons she left behind. I figured out why I love to work out and be strong, why I love challenges, why I received multiple degrees, why I’m close to God, and love others. It’s because through all my actions, it reminds me of her. I’m a small reflection of her. It’s because of her, that I love God. He constantly sends me reminders of her, He even allows her to visit me in my sleep. Just like our Blessed Mother Mary points us to her son, my mother has done a good job pointing me to God. I sit here today, forever grateful. As I open myself up to God’s will, not mine, I pray that he grants me mercy and peace because only He can give us the love that nobody else can give. That’s why I try to be joyful, be positive, and have gratitude even as a single man. When you have God in your heart, you have everything you need. May God fulfill us all with everything we need and may His love reign forever. Amen.

Season of Opened Doors!

Everything that I'm doing this year is unbelievable. I'm in the best shape of my life, but not just physically. I've grown spiritually, I've socialized more, and I'm spending more time with friends and family. I'm being more giving and considerate to others. I have a great relationship with all my coworkers. Not that all of the above wasn't existent already, it's just at a higher level than ever before. It's amazing! God is working through me. I've heard it this week, "The Lord is perfecting everything that concerns me." I'm plowing the field and the rain keeps coming. It's important to remain positive, stay in a state of grace, and maintain not a good but a great prayer life. That means to forgive our trespasses. I know that everything is easier said than done, and with that comes pain and suffering. I'd rather suffer if it means that the ones I love are blessed. I love pain. Pain makes me stronger. The world will knock you down, sometimes flat on your face, and all I could say is thank you and bring it. "Greater is He who is within me." It's easy to quit, but I've said it once and I'll continue to say it, the best things is life, the most beautiful things, the riches things in life, are challenging. "I'd give in for what's around me, if it wasn't for the spirit that's within me." God has a special way of piecing everything together. It's unbelievable that he brought me this far. It's everything that I had imagined plus way more. Let it always be His will and not mine. "Just my luck, things will work out." They always do. Like my mother always said, "Dios es muy grande." My God is bigger than life, He created it. Bigger than death, He conquered it. Fear is false evidence appearing real. "I am created in God's image, my thoughts transform me." I am made for this. I can do this. Living as if everything is a miracle. I believe. I trust in The Lord. This is the Season of Opened Doors!

The Learning Process

I learn a lot during road trips. Most recently, I've learned the following:

1. I learned that some people are real with you and some are not. They eventually reveal themselves as if they were transparent. It's not your fault or theirs. Some people are meant to cross paths, but not necessarily stay. They push themselves away, and that's a good thing.

2. I learned that some things never change. If you appreciate the bad times, then you can appreciate the good times. By separating yourself from the negative bad people or things, then you allow the positive good people or things to find you. If you're not happy when you're poor, then you won't be happy when you're rich. Some people are just miserable and they need help, but we can't always help them no matter how much they cry to us. They have to figure it out and help themselves. 

3. I learned that some women are simply beautiful. There are many singles especially in big cities. That these beautiful single women actually like single guys regardless of social status, income, class education or race. People will love you for you, the real you, with all your greatness and flaws.

4. I learned to make great decisions. Quality versus quantity. Long term investments are great. Make memories. Communicate, communicate, communicate, because that's the professional way. Water over soda. 

5. I learned that some people will not like how you are and there's nothing you can change about that. Forgive and forget them. See 1 and 2. If they are committed to misunderstanding you, then it's a waste of time to explain to them your intentions. Keep doing you, the better version of you. Be so busy loving the people that love you that you won't have time for those that don't. 

6. I learned that old friends that stayed loyal and never disrespected you are lifelong buddies. Stay in touch and share time with those one in a million types of people. They know you, they accept you, so keep them. 

7. I learned that Los Angeles, CA is the best city in the world. The environment, entertainment, food, people, culture, location etc. does not compare with any other. It's not even close. To live and die in L.A.

8. I learned that God has a purpose for my life. Everything will happen in His time and that I'm in Midland, TX to fulfill a temporary duty for Him. 10 years of service may be my last straw. Kobe retires and I'm gone just for fun. It was all fun! 

9. I will always be there for my siblings, and vice versa. We may not agree with one another, but we understand and love each other. A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. They all have done this. Maybe one day I will do the same, but our love will never end. We are the same blood. Our hearts have the same beautiful beat that our mother's had, we've all heard it before we came into this life.

10. I learned that I'm Dominguez with a pinch of Nunez so don't fwm. "Soy Dominguez, pero no me chingues." Sorry I won't apologize for being me or should I say like her (María De Jesus Domínguez). I'm not perfect, but why not strive for perfection. My Church is not a place where saints gather, it's a place where sinners are seeking their Savior. 

11. Lastly, I learned that I'm God's boy. He spoils me. I'm blessed because He loves me, I belong to Him because I've been baptized in His name. He blesses the righteous. Everyday I do His work. All of my accomplishments are because of Him. He gets all the glory. He uses me to bless others. Not perfect, but His grace is greater than any flaw. People may hate me for my imperfections, but people also love me for them. God did not put us in this world to be average. We are all meant to shine in His light. God is love. 

The Promise Land

“I've been to the mountain top…I've seen the Promise Land.” –MLK

What do you do when you have reached the top?

Enjoy the view, then climb down so that you can climb up another one. 

How do I know if I'm climbing up or down?

Your hunger will answer that question.

Becoming You

Be fearless of rejection.

Be fearless of failure.

Be fearless of who does this kid think he is?

Art is risk!



Doing what others are too scared to do.

Love your body, but glorify God with your body.

Life isn't about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself.

The pressure is off of you! Because it's not about you! It's about Jesus.







Great message...Understanding other's perspectives, especially from a young mind's point of view. That makes sense for kids, that's how I teach them. That's what I figured out for myself being a minor and raised in California, and it WORKS for me. If only the rest of the world, including Texas understood that also, then we will move forward and not backwards. One thing we all can agree: be the hardest worker in the room and have faith.

Become You! Nobody else is good at being you, except you. You are especial. I love you. I really do.

Different animal, same beast! All glory to God!