Do you love making…or just looking at mood boards? It`s funny to think that I always enjoy seeing beautiful mood board photographs, but I do get quite frustrated whenever I make my own.

 

Oh, the scarcity of beautiful textures, fabrics, and butterflies! If only I could become a full time designer so I can have the excuse to scrap around and make a studio in our little, simple house (My mom always hates my mess! hehe).

 

This beautiful mood board is from A Creative Mint, one of my fave design blogs. Eye candy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I should have done this a long time ago. Being my dad`s sidekick, I must`ve gotten my love for beautiful sermon illustrations from him, so I get to watch a lot of videos. And all the time, I get to come across really fascinating, heartbreaking, or inspiring videos. This time, I`m gonna share all of them with you.

 

So here are they.

 

Have you seen this American Idol episode? I have no time to watch the show actually, but I found this spreading on my friends` Facebook walls…and this is sooo touching! Makes me cry!

 

  Isn`t that what love is really all about?

 

And of course, for my media friends out there, you should see how Mars Hill made this cool preaching intro for church! {via Collide Blog}

 

LUKE'S GOSPEL 2011 INTRO from Andy Maier on Vimeo.

 

 

MAKING OF: LUKE'S GOSPEL 2011 INTRO from Andy Maier on Vimeo.

I was reading on Reader`s Digest and saw this contest for an upcoming movie, asking if you would have super power, what would it be. I was thinking of a good answer, something people would not have thought of. Sadly, I couldn`t think of anything other than being invisible so I could watch Suju in Manila on Feb for free. :p (Oh, dear! How can someone in his right mind afford such expensive tickets!) Or maybe I could teleport in a snap of a finger so that by the time you`re reading this, I`m already in Paris or Milan watching some cute Armani fashion show.

 

Seriously, I guess I don`t need those kinds of super powers action heroes have. And come to think of it, if I could fly on my way to school like Superman or crawl in buildings like Spiderman, wouldn`t I need some extra sunscreen to keep my skin from burning? Or if I could have what every girl could possibly dream of—flight, super speed, x-ray vision, and pretty dresses, like the Powerpuff girls—wouldn`t I have to live a less than normal life than the other girls in town? Oh how I love riding the bus on my way to school, eating in fastfood without crunching my fork, watching TV without x-ray vision… There are a lot of things to enjoy in life without super powers!

 

 

But I`ll answer the question anyway—with a sweety pie answer, of course, and with something I think would be needed these days.  If there`s a super power that I`d like to have, without sacrificing my status as normal human being, I`d like to have a laser beam, perhaps, that melts anger and frustration in people's hearts! ;) Oh how good the world will be if people would forget about their hatred forever! But I don`t know what costume would go well with that kind of super power. Scares me to think about it. I hope it doesn`t look like Sailor Moon or something. Aaah! Let`s forget about that!

 

But I guess, we don`t need that kind of super power. Jesus is just that. Doesn`t He melt anger and frustration in people`s hearts? If only people would let Him do it…

 

Anyway, speaking of super powers, I remember the first time my Dad asked me to read this verse in Luke and understood the weight of those words!

“…I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. ²⁰ However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:16-20

Jesus has given us an authority, almost similar to the super powers superheroes have! A better one, actually! Who has ever trampled on snakes and scorpions and defeated his enemy even before they have started the fight? Jesus has given us all the “super power” we need to overcome and to never become a slave of the enemy of our souls ever again! He has given us Himself!

 

But one the of the greatest things here is that in the end, Jesus doesn`t want us to take pride over all these “super powers” that we have access to. He wants us to rejoice of the life that we have in Him, that we had been saved and that we are going to heaven not because of what we have done or what we have, but because of what He has done. It`s only by His grace that we have been saved! And all these we have on earth are nothing compared to the greatest gift that we have Him. We have Jesus! It`s the best thing we could ever have in this life… and in eternity!

 

Have a great weekend, friends!

My Weekly Reading Link List

This had been a very hectic week for me. I had a lot of video editing projects lined up, a couple of speaking engagements and other commitments to fulfill, so I feel a little stressed and pressured to fit everything I`ve got to in do in such a short time.

 

Yesterday, I got a little spare time to spend for myself so I picked out a few articles to read. Some made me laugh, some were a little bit tough, others are just enough to inspire me to blog and never stop writing. So here are they. Hope you`ll have a great time reading them too.. ;)

 

1. Tuesday Tips for Writers: Why You Should Still Blog, OMF Lit Blog

2. 8 Writing Tips from CS Lewis, OMF Lit Blog

3. Excerpts from the book Captivating by Stasi Eldredge

4. The Meaning of Love by John Thomas, Boundless

5. How Soon is Too Soon? by Candice Walters, Boundless

6. Elisabeth Elliot Quotes

7. Lovestruck: Love Mo Siya, Sure Ka Ba?  (Lovestruck: You Love Him, Are You Sure?), Ronald Molmisa, OMF Literature. Read sample chapter here.

Okay, okay. I was just looking for good quotes online to inspire me for the day (it had been a really crazy day—with all the mistakes I made in decision making! I actually left the house with not enough money so I ended up in a little adventure) and  I found some cute stuff while looking at serious quotes, which you guys might love to read since it`s only three weeks to Valentines. haha ;) Any plans, by the way?

 

Before I go on listing it all up, let me first share with you that my youngest sister Viola is now in a relationship with a friend she met in youth missions trip three years ago. They had been together in missions for a year and had been friends since. She was 17 then and now she`s 21. They had fallen in love… I can`t remember since when. Seems like they`ve loved each other from the beginning.  After much praying and seeking counsel from their  leaders and parents, they`re officially “In a relationship”! You should see their Facebook statuses. Everyone`s left a sweet comment and it`s so, so funny. Ava and I are busy following after new comments and teasing Viola every time.

 

Since love is in the air, here`s the  quotes you`ve been waiting for.

 

Perhaps, after all, romance did not come into one’s life with pomp and blare, like a gay knight riding down; perhaps it crept to one’s side like an old friend through quiet ways; perhaps it revealed itself in seeming prose, until some sudden shaft of illumination flung athwart its pages betrayed the rhythm and the music; perhaps . . . perhaps . . . love unfolded naturally out of a beautiful friendship, as a golden-hearted rose slipping from its green sheath."                                                                                                                           — L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Avonlea) quoted in Boy Meets Girl (Joshua Harris)

Deep inside we know the truth: the lights of love and relationship don`t snap on like a floodlight at the flip of a magic switch. They twinkle on—one at a time—like stars, like the fireflies glowing from the unexpected corners of a still summer night. –Dee Lee Wilson

There is a time for risky love. There is a time for extravagant gestures. There is a time to pour out your affections on one you love. And when the time comes --seize it, don't miss it. -Max Lucado.

Biblically, waiting is not just something we have to do until we get what we want. Waiting is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be. -John Ortberg

Intimacy without commitment is defrauding. Intimacy without friendship is superficial. A relationship  based on solely physical attraction and romantic feelings will only last as long as the feelings last.” - Joshua Harris

 Love is not a possession but a growth. The heart is a lamp with just oil enough to burn for an hour, and if there be no oil to put in again its light will go out. God's grace is the oil that fills the lamp of love. --Henry Ward Beecher

When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now. –C.S. Lewis

When ours are interrupted, his are not. His plans are proceeding exactly as scheduled, moving us always (including those minutes or hours or years which seem most useless or wasted or unendurable) "toward the goal of true maturity" (Rom 12:2 JBP). -Elisabeth Elliot

Until the will and the affections are brought under the authority of Christ, we have not begun to understand, let alone to accept, His lordship. -Elisabeth Elliot

Real love is always fated. It has been arranged before time. It is the most meticulously prepared of coincidences. And fate, of course, is simply a secular term for the will of God, and coincidence for His grace. --Mike Mason, The Mystery of Marriage

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor touched…but are felt in the heart. –Helen Keller

Deepening intimacy without defining a level of commitment is dangerous. It`s like going mountain climbing with a partner who isn't sure she wants the responsibility of holding your rope.
When you've climbed two thousand feet up a mountain face, you don`t want to have a conversation about how she feels
"tied down" by your relationship. In the same way, many people experience deep hurt when they open themselves up emotionally
and physically only to be abandoned by someone who proclaims he's not ready for a serious commitment. -  Joshua Harris, I Kissed Dating Goodbye

Don`t you love warm tones when it comes to interior design? Classic! But at the same time, I think cozy should go along with a little bit of modern so you won`t fall asleep all the time. haha

 

I love this model unit Frenjick Quesada designed for Victoria tower. I love the lights and everything! ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View all photos here.

It`s 2011 and I thought of getting some changes! I decided customize my Twitter design a bit so that it goes along with Periwinkle Confessions.

 

So, what do you think?

 

But as much as I love tweeting these days, I realized the need to always check my heart even in the way and purpose of why I am using social media.

 

I`ve found some great reminders which struck me!

 

7 Deadly Sins Of Twitter http://bit.ly/hDPnBw

 

I`m afraid that this generation is becoming narcissistic, with children growing up knowing how to draw people`s attention to themselves. On Facebook, for example, the competition to get the most “likes”, to get more noticed is unspoken but is an obvious reality. And I`m afraid the younger generation, and even us, would get so absorbed with this, that we would get so familiar and not be able to point out what`s going on, how things are going wrong and not be able to set the limitations.

 

Sometimes I also find myself caught up in the hype and I really have to stop and go back to the foot of the cross and remind myself that Jesus is the only Hero, He is the Star; and drawing attention to myself instead of drawing people to Him is so, so pointless. It`s crazy!

 

Please  leave a comment about  what you think. Do you also find yourself a little consumed and self-absorbed not just with Twitter but will all other forms of Social Media like Facebook? Do you think social media can affect an entire generation?

 

God bless you, guys!

It`s almost the third week of January and I`m surprised with how many posts my fave blogs have come up with, while I have only written two!

 

This whole week`s full of busy-ness, organizing stuff and planning how to start the year. I feel so excited to think about the future. I believe so many great things are coming and I can`t wait for that.

 

Anyway, let me share with you a few things that have inspired me—fashion-wise. ;) I saw this very, very cute Japanese fashion magazine that my Aunt brought home and the designs are fabulous. No wonder why Japanese ladies are so into fashion. Who wouldn`t be creative with all these lovely stuff on the magazines!

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photos from With Magazine.

I was chatting with a friend last night on Facebook and we were talking about God`s grace. How we both needed  God`s grace and forgiveness badly.

 

As I grow older and time passes by, I look at myself and realize that I am really nothing if not for Christ. I knew that for a long time, but I guess I`m starting to learn and understand it in a much deeper level than before.

 

I have never become that perfect, good person. I, like Paul, can consider myself “chief sinner”. Nothing to boast about. I may be leading a group of young people, but that doesn`t mean I am holier than anyone. I look at myself and see who I really am before God—an imperfect, broken vessel—full of imperfections and weaknesses, only able to serve because of His grace.

 

But I thank  the Lord because He choses imperfect people. He calls broken people. He calls leaders who limp.

 

It comforts me to know that I don`t have to try to become perfect to gain His love, or lose His love when I fall and make mistakes. He loves me as I am and desires to change me into the image of His Son. And I wanna be like Him, to be changed from glory to glory until I look like Jesus.

 

Thank you, Lord for your patience and your grace..even if I am a stubborn child. Thank you for always pulling me up and strengthening me. I want to be like You…

I have to be honest. I really love white dresses (wedding dresses) and elegant photos! You should this collection from Ivy and Aster via {Hello Lucky}! The dresses are soooo pretty…and the botanical photo wall looks elegant and unique! Very good idea for wedding or garden party photo walls!

 

 

 

Overall, I like the dresses in Ivy and Aster only that most of the beautiful designs show a little too much skin. But  you can tailor it out, I guess.. to pull the whole dress a little higher in the neckline… haha

 

Again, fashion should always go hand in hand with modesty. You can always dress beautifully even if you don`t go overboard with showing too much skin.

 

Let`s find dresses that are stunning and yet not over the top.

 

Happy New Year!

This year, why not try to become more adventurous in your kitchen and try unconventional recipes that would surprise your friends, family, and guests.

 

From white chocolate soup, Greek cheesy grilled seafood, to Asian Pan Noodles and Narnia’s Turkish Delight, make this year a year to remember.

 

1. White Chocolate Soup by Trish Desein                  {via Design Sponge}

White cholocate soup with Passion fruit and coconut juice. Sounds yummy, isn`t it? Worth trying out, definitely!

 

                                                              Click here for the recipe.

 

2. Kare-Kare

Kare-Kare is a peanut-based stew from the Philippines made with vegetables, beef and beef tripe. If you don`t eat beef tripe, you can omit it. For vegetarians, you can omit the tripe and the beef, and it would taste just as good. The unique thing about Kare-kare is that it is not salted and it is served with fermented shrimp paste called bagoong (available in Philippine grocery stores) to season it.

                                                                Click here for the recipe.

 

3. Grilled Stuffed Squid with Feta Cheese

This grilled squid recipe is an original Greek recipe that uses oregano, garlic, and olive oil for marinade, and the squid is stuffed with feta cheese before being grilled until slightly crisp. Perfect for summer backyard gatherings and beach parties. But I can’t wait to try this one out right now!

                                                                    Click here for the recipe.

 

4. Narnia’s Turkish Delight

Ever wondered how the Turkish Delight featured in C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” tastes like?

 

The Turkish Delight shown in the movie is placed in a cup and looks like ice cream—if I remember it right. I’ve found a recipe that is supposed to go along with the real Turkish Delight (which is a candy) but would be very much similar to the one on the movie.

Click here for the recipe.

 

The real Turkish delight, which was invented in the 1700’s,is a candy made with sugar, icing, lemon juice, and rose water.

 

                *Click here for the recipe.

 

It’s all up to you to try the candy or the light and airy dessert that goes with it. Better try it together! Sure, both would be sweet-smelling and yummy because of rose water and cream.

 

5. Royal Palace TteokBokkI

Originally served to Korean Kings and Queens, this recipe will surely make you feel you’re like one of them!

Click here for the recipe.

 

 

6.Lemon Curd and Buttermilk Panna Cotta Cake   via {Design Sponge}

Looking for something Sleeping Beauty would probably eat?

This lovely cake is made with lemon curd, merigue stickes, lemon and almond sponge cake and buttermilk panna cotta that when assembled, looks lovely like this. Perfect for fairytale tea parties!

 

Click here for the recipe.

 

7. Wild Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna

Unlike the regular cheesy, meaty lasagna, this recipe is made of chanterelles, oyster, and shiitake mushrooms and lots of fresh spinach and romano cheese. Healthy option for lasagna lovers!

Click here for the recipe.

 

8. Roasted Fall Vegetable and Ricotta Pizza

 

This pizza recipe uses roasted fall vegetables. But even if it’s not fall, you can substitute the available vegetables during the season which make this flexible any time of the year.

 

Click here for the recipe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Lunar New Year Soup

This soup recipe is the one Koreans cook during their New Year celebration. It is made of beef, seaweed and rice cakes and topped with eggs.

                                                                 Click here for the recipe

10. Japanese Pan Noodles

Described as “satisfying and hearty, caramelized Japanese udon noodles in a sweet and spicy soy sauce.” in Noodle and Company’s Japanese Pan Noodles, this recipe remake will surely be a good starter for day. Delightful, healthy and very easy to do.

Click here for the recipe.

 

I hope you’d try making some of these sometime during the year!

Anyway, here’s another dessert recipe that you would surely love! Have a great year cooking!

 

Frozen Berry Pudding

This frozen berry pudding made with three kids of berries and cream is very easy to do and would surely delight your guests! All you’ve got to do is beat and freeze!

 

Can’t wait till summer arrives!

 

                    Click here for the recipe.