It`s only a few days away till the new year begins and I`m sure you`re pretty much excited for what`s ahead. Anyway, here`s another list of pretty things for you to enjoy —maybe my last list for the year!

 

It`s been six months since I started out this blog and I`m very thankful for all of you, my readers, for staying and supporting. Praying that God will bless your 2011 with much blessings, happiness, and love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Baking Party from Amy Atlas.

2. Cupcake Wrapper Garland tutorial still from Amy Atlas.

I have a bad cold tonight and I can`t find a way to sleep so I went online and stumbled upon a Korean fashion site and suddenly remembered my language lessons which I have been putting off for half a year now.

 

 

Earlier this year, I`ve decided to learn a third language to have fun and also to learn something new and challenging. I chose to study Korean because of the many resources available all over the web. And because Asian languages just fascinate me!

 

Since it`s already close to the end of the year and 2011 is coming, let me share with you my new year`s resolution which I am praying that God will bless and help me with.

 

1. Keep up with my language lessons and not give up! Goal: Speak Korean fluently by the end of the year!

 

2. Make more creative and inspiring posts on my blog. Praying that God will help me to write well and excel in blogging.

 

3. Be a good daughter, love my parents, and do my responsibilities at home very well.

 

4. Start the business Ava, Viola and had been thinking about. I`m planning to work on it as soon as January and am so excited! Will tell you about it soon!

 

5. Train the  kids in my youth group to replace me with multimedia work. Looking forward to passing the baton soon!

 

6. Never miss an opportunity that comes along and have courage to try new things.

 

7. Aim high but keep my feet on the ground and my heart close to Jesus. Develop my gifts and find opportunities to share them with others.

 

8. Manage my time wisely. {I just bought a new planner and I hope that one helps!}

 

9. Tithe faithfully.

 

10. Always be in the spirit of prayer.

 

11. Save!!!

 

12. Eat healthy and always choose the healthy options. Take care of myself.

 

13. Thinking before acting!

 

14. Dream God’s dream for me and let go of my dreams for myself.

 

15. Live selflessly and to love other people above myself.

 

 

I know this is not easy but God can always help us if we ask him, right?

 

How about you? What’s in your list? Let’s pray God will help us break through our habits and push us to do what’s on our list even if we’re midway through 2011.

 

God bless you all!

I`m sorry for not being around in a like a couple weeks. I went for a holiday break and I must say that it`s really been a good one although it`s one that`s unconventional and which I didn`t expect.

 

Anyway, here`s what I`ve been up to during my Christmas break.

 

1. Shopped for Christmas Decorations. I didn`t realize there are A LOT of good stuff in the Philippine market! Our was going around Our Home with my sister and we couldn`t get enough of all those crystal decors you find in western interior design mags (which was way too expensive, by the way, so we just stared at them!). Had a great time trying to fit with a budget. I love the challenge! Makes you think more creatively and resourcefully.

 

2. Attended Simbang Gabi (Early Morning Christmas Services). Our church made a Christian version of the Filipino tradition and held it for 5 days but I only got attend four because on the 4th day, I had flu and I couldn`t get up from bed at 4am!

 

 

3. Did a little Christmas shopping. My Mom and Dad gave me a treat and I bought a pair of wedges and the 2011 Diary I`ve been wanting to have for Christmas!

 

4. Christmas Dinner in Nanay Tess` house. Her family isn`t with her for Christmas so my fam decided to spend the Christmas Eve dinner in her house. It was a bit weird not to prepare dinner in our own house but it was so great knowing that we made her happy last night.

 

This year`s celebration was not like the traditional Christmas my family had been doing for years, but sure is one of the most meaning because we lived the day to make other people smile. Just like the same night Jesus came to the world putting others above himself—thinking about us.

 

So how`s your Christmas? What`s your story? How did you see Jesus in your holiday celebrations? I would love to hear from you!

 

One thing I realized while shopping today: Shopping during the holiday  season can stir up discontentment in the heart. Seeing all these pretty things, all these bags, and perfume, and clothes all lined up at the mall`s entrance… They entice you, don`t they?  I sure made a second look—and a third!--over scents that I really love—even though I still have a couple of really good perfumes back home. My sister Ava made more than three looks, and perhaps stayed over the counter to stare at it for a while! haha When you see something good, it’s so hard to keep your eyes off them!

 

Images from { www.79ideas.org }

 

After much staring, we didn`t buy it; but decided to come back later when we have brought everything we need.

 

I look at the people doing Christmas shopping today. I saw a man holding up a wreath, maybe trying to picture in his mind how it would look in his home. I saw a father and daughter buying a lot of shoes and clothes for themselves. And I overheard another man, telling his child that they don`t have enough money to buy everything he asks for.

 

Everyone has his own wants. Everyone wants to buy something to satisfy Himself. We want to reward ourselves because it`s Christmas!

 

While lining up to pay for what Ava and I brought, I suddenly thought about Mary and Joseph. During the first Christmas, maybe they`re not the richest people. Not the couple who could afford a holiday hotel room. Not the couple who could afford a hospital room for Mary as she gives birth.

 

But even though they look poor in the eyes of the entire world, I believe they are the richest human beings ever. They held Jesus in their hands that night. They have something bigger than anything in the world, even more precious and costly than the entire world itself! On that very first Christmas, they held God`s greatest gift. God`s beloved Son, Jesus.

 

So whatever gift or riches I don`t have for Christmas, THEY DON`T MATTER. What matters is what God has blessed me with. I am a blessed girl, by the way! `Cause I have the greatest gift right here, in my heart. I have Jesus!

 

That makes me the richest and happiest girl this Christmas! Makes you, too!

 

Merry Christmas!

 

109. Contentment!

110. Beautiful decors we brought today.

111. My cute sister, Ava, whom I love to shop and dine with. We share the same likes in many things.

112. Friends we met again today—Mon, Kuya Olan, Kiera, Laarni, Tita Glo and Doc Ellen.

113. McDonald`s Crispy chicken sandwich which is my fave—and which I had Ava try for the first time.

114. Awesome Roasted Chicken dinner last time from Pastor Lita.

115. Christmas lights! I love them

116. My beautiful Savior. Thank you, Lord for coming to earth.

117. Friendships I share with the people in church. They`re like family.

118. Snowflakes template I found on the web. You wouldn`t believe how lovely they look. I`ll post a picture soon!

 

Just to inspire you, here are kitchen photos from Crate and Barell.

 

I was just wondering what if you grab this look and Christmas is over. Well, maybe you can use the greens and reds alternately. Anyway, the colors look modern so they would look good even when standing alone.

 

I found a lot of good stuff on Crate and Barell. Great place to shop.

Have fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All images from {Crate and Barrel} via {79ideas}

Sometimes, we face huge giants along the way. Giants that we are so afraid to face. Giants we would want to run away from by any means.

 

But most of the time, we don`t run away from them. We don`t want to look like a coward. We go to battle. The commander calls our name. We stand up from the bleachers. Move forward to the battlefield. And then fear creeps in. We swallow hard. With trembling knees, we turn towards our commander  to ask “And now what?What am I gonna do next. What am I doing here?!!!”

 

Many times I have felt the same way. I wouldn`t have made the phone call if my sister didn`t insist. Wouldn`t have gone to work for a design project if my Mom didn`t push me. The truth is, I really wanted to fight and win the battle. I even go to the battle field (Yeah, even with much pushing needed). Once there, I would not back off. But the problem comes when I would have to fight the giant head on. Giants are too big for me. Too scary. Too strong. There`s no way I could win even if I give all the strength I`ve got.

 

But the thing is, the real problem is with my perspective, with our perspective. Giants may look huge and sturdy from our vantage point. But from God`s? They`re nothing but little microscopic organisms that can`t even be seen with the naked eye. He could strike them out in any moment, right in front of our eyes.

 

Ok. So if He`s so much bigger and powerful, why does He allow giants in the first place?

 

God allows giants to come our way so we could bring glory to His name. And so we would know that the God we serve is a God who protects, saves, loves, and stands for us.

 

In Bruce Wilkinson`s The Dream Giver, he listed verses which has the same recurring themes. Take notice of what`s common in all these:

 

“Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out.”¹

“That you may know that there is none like me in all the earth.”²

“That my Name will be declared in all the earth.”³

“That you may tell in the hearing of your son`s son the mighty things I have done in Egypt…that you may know that I am the Lord.”⁴

“That all the peoples of the Lord may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty.”⁵

 

God uses our giants to display His glory.

He uses our giants in life to show us that He will never leave us alone.

He will always pull us through.

He will never desert us.

He will never leave us broken and beaten.

 

But He will rescue us.

He will fight for us.

He will raise a standard.

His glory will be raised.

His Name will be praised.

 

So don`t be afraid of your giants.

Get up. Go to the battle field and reach for your stone.

 

¹ Exodus 6:7  

² Exodus 9:14

³ Exodus 9:16

⁴ Exodus 10:2

⁵ Joshua 4:24

Don’t you love a cute, fresh and sweet kitchen? I found one on The Yvestown Blog and I’m sure you’ll get inspired to tidy everything up back home. ;)

 

And yes, what our Moms always tell us is true. It doesn’t matter if our houses are small or big. What matters if they are tidy and clean—and well-kept.

 

Just look at this!

 

 

 

All photos from {The Yvestown Blog} via {Making It Lovely}

 

 

Here’s Part 2 of the Christmas Décor Ideas Series. Happy CHRISTmas!

 

 

Stop in the hurry of Christmas and listen for the angels’ song

Stand in the quiet and hear His voice

 

With your heart, hold on to Jesus

For the hope He brought is living on

And the song that warmed the winter night

Still changes lives

 

 

Joy to the world! The Lord is come

Joy to the world! Let your heart prepare Him room

We receive our King

Let heaven and nature sing!

 

1. Tulip centerpiece from Country Living. This looks really, really lovely!

2. Starry, pink Christmas balls used as fillers for a fruit tower.

3. Hot Pink Christmas Table setting. Noticed the silver berries? Silver, Crystal and Pink always look good together, don’t they?

4. Modern Christmas mantle from House To Home.

5. White Mini Christmas Tree also from Country Living.

6. I find this candle design from Martha Stewart very creative. The frost on the glass containers look sweet and .classy. Something I would want to decorate my home right now! ;)

7. Christmas Tree ornament idea from Country Living.

8. Tropical Christmas. I like how fresh flowers is used here. Also from Country Living.

*Lyrics from the song “Joy” by Avalon.

 

More photos coming up.

See you in the next post. Thanks for dropping by.

Happy Holidays!

I love the holidays because it is when the prettiest things come around—lovely decors, good food, huge gifts. And of course, the prettiest gift came on the first Christmas: A Beautiful Savior.

 

Here are a few of the lovely things that comes around during Christmas: Decorating Ideas I found in design websites and I hope this helps as you look for inspiration to decorate your own homes and spaces.

 

Just don`t forget that all the preparation and the celebration is all about the One who was born for us on that night. We don`t know the exact day God gave Jesus to us, but we`re celebrating His birthday on the 25th anyway—because we want to remember that day when His love was made perfect in us.

 

Pink, White and Light

 

1. Elegant Flower Ornament. I really love unique ornaments like this. Classic!

2. Cedar Chandelier. I`m making something like this for Simbang Gabi.

3. I really love these clear Christmas balls. Modern and elegant!

4. Christmas Tree Motiff: White, Pink, Silver and Clear. Sooo girly!

5. Fireworks-inspired twinkler that would brighten up any room. This will definitely look great in a Kid’s room. We`ve got a pink cabinet like that in the photo and adding this twinkler will definitely make the kids love it even more.

6. Japanese-inspired Parasol lamps. Even if there`s no snow in the PI!

7. Butterfly Wreath.

Part 2 coming up!

Merry Christmas!

It has been a long day. You wouldn`t believe how sleepy I am now but still trying to keep my eyes open. I`m waiting for my sister `cause she`s gonna prepare for a short talk in church tomorrow about Jesus and Santa and I`ve found a lovely video which she might find helpful and extremely cute—which you might also like to see.

 

So here it is.

 

 

I hope you have a good time tonight, if you`re having dinner or you just got home from a night out with friends or family or if you`re busy preparing your Christmas stuff.

 

Let`s always remember that Jesus is the heart of Christmas and we`re celebrating because of His awesomeness and coolness, because of His amazing love and grace.

 

W HY JESUS IS BETTER THAN SANTA CLAUS.

Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh.
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa ...
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl,what's your name?".
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and
He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.
JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO.
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry" ...
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys.
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but...
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree,
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas, Jesus is the reason for the season.

We`re planning to decorate this weekend or in the next coming week, but still don`t have an idea how to do it! The past years, we adorned our huge palm tree in the garden with rain-like lights and it was fabulous. Thanks to my Uncle for the idea.

 

I was looking up on Martha Stewart`s website tonight  and I found this lovely things you can do with Christmas lights. If only we`ve got a big yard, I would do all of these in there!

 

Note: Remember to make sure you`ve got quality lights to avoid fires.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

                                                         Light Tree for walls

 

                                                                     Snowflakes

 

                                                                     Barn Lights

 

                                                                 Shooting Stars

                                                        Don`t you love this?!!

                                                                   Candy Cane

 

 

All photos are from the Martha Stewart website.

Instructions are also found there.

One awesome month had just passed and I thank the Lord for many sweet things He has showered and threw along my way.

 

Last night, I was reading Max Lucado`s “Travelling Light” and I was struck when he asked if we would still be happy if our dreams and plans wouldn`t happen. I thought about it for a while and realized that all along I believed I wouldn`t be happy if my dreams won`t come true. I`m a prisoner of “WANT”. I didn`t realize that the God I have is greater than all of the things I don`t have in life.

 

“I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have… I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty.”       (Phil. 4:11-12)

 

We must learn to be content and know that having Jesus is enough. We all have many beautiful things in life that I should be thankful for.

 

My sisters Ava and Viola. Lovely girls. Staying in church for a month, we had plenty of time to bond with each other and we had a great time. #97 

 

Earlier this year, I was desperately wishing for a break and to be able to travel and unwind. I got to travel a lot now when my Dad is out of town for speaking engagements. #98  

 

Awesome young people at Saturday Acoustic Nights. I couldn`t help but be amazed with what God is doing in their lives. #99

 

 

 

Credits: Shabby Princess