I got my laptop last night and it’s working—even better than before! Yey! So excited to be back writing after a long month.

I actually haven’t slept yet and I’m just about to sleep. Still got a long day ahead because of design projects I need to rush. (Designs have been delayed for a couple of weeks since the computer crashed), but I’m so excited and happy. Better late than never, eh?

Anyway, I want to share what I was reading on Incourage earlier this morning. I came across Heather’s post which made me laugh and brightened up my day. Didn’t we all make funny blunders when we were younger? *wink*

I never got to call my prof “Hey, good-looking” by mistake, but I made a lot of hilarious, even crazier blunders back in high school (and I wish my high school bestfriends don’t get to read this and list them all down). But I do remember most of them (the crazy things I did) once in a while, and I just want to get swallowed by the ground everytime.

 

 

But the thing is, like what Heather was saying, is that we have grown and we’ve become mature today. I look back on who I was when I was 13 and 16 and 18 and I want to shrink and bury my head in my pillow. But these things—they’re all proof of God’s mercy and faithfulness—and His power to change. We’re a different person many years ago—and now, we’re becoming more and more like Him. That’s worth rejoicing and celebrating today.

And we, who with unveiled faces

all reflect the Lord's glory,

are being transformed into his likeness

with ever-increasing glory,

which comes from the Lord,

who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18

Have you also made funny mistakes back then? lol

 

Have a great day ahead!

P.S. You can now get updates of the blog right on your Facebook news feed! It’s really simple and easy. Just go to Periwinkle Confessions’ Facebook page and click like. It has actually been working since the FB like page on the sidebar got updated but didn’t get the chance to tell you right away. Anyway, I hope to see you guys on Facebook too! ;)

 

Much love!

Cathy

Photo credits:

Photo 1, 2, 3

This post from Kuya Kevin really cracked me up this morning.

Filipinos really do have gestures unique to our culture. Like raising both eyebrows to mean yes or to say “Hi” (the one Kuya Kevin wrote about) and the lip-pouting to show direction (which his reader commented about).

 

I laughed so hard imagining foreign guys who have learned Philippine culture so well pouting their lips to point direction.  Their friends and family might get a huge shock!

 

And yeah, Filipinos really do pout soooo often esp. when saying “doon” or “over there”. The lips really do follow the direction we`re pointing to.

 

I think it`s quite cute.  But so funny to think of guys unconsciously doing it in front of westerners. Hilarious!

 

Here are the links! Everything on the list this week is my favorite!

 

Filipino Gestures by Kuya Kevin

What Finding Yourself Really Means by Holly Gerth

How Ordinary You Holds Extra Value by Bonnie Gray

Dear Body by Laura Parker

Aaaahk! Sorry for the recent blog silence! This week`s been pretty much cool and busy. But I`ve got good news! My sister Ava won the contest and landed on the top 3 spot. She went home with a crown.

 

My youngest sister was very funny `cause she couldn`t accept Ava not being in the top spot. After all, Ava`s the only one who answered the question while the others failed. Viola was searching for justice and the night after the contest, she was joking of not being able to sleep. ;)

 

But anyhow, we saw God`s hand in that and I`m proud of my sis because I know she knows her worth and she wasn`t in there to compete at all. Viola was really so funny, `cause she was reminding her older sister even on stage of the reason why she was there. Viola was screaming “Glory” and no one, except the 3 of us girls, understood what it meant.

 

I laughed so much the entire night.

 

Anyway, it`s Friday and here are the linkies! Beautiful, beautiful reads!

 

Thank you for still being there in spite of the silence!

 

Bloom Where You`re Planted by Lisa

The Power of Forgiveness by Jennifer

Why Hard Questions Are Good For God-Sized Dreams by Bonnie

No Person He Won`t Touch (Next Door Savior Excerpt) by Max Lucado

Grace Windows: Hope and Healing for the Forsaken by Stacy

 

PS. Oh, dear! It`s already July here in the Philippines! I can`t believe time flies quickly! I`m halfway through my planner! I`ll let you into a little peak sometime this week! My journal and planner keeps a lot of stories about God`s goodness!

 

Goodbye June! Welcome July!

 

Photo Credits: Baby Green Tea

and FairyCastle on Tumblr.

I realized I`ve been staying indoors most of the time since June began. Aaay, it`s been raining really hard. Like today there`s a tropical depression and there`s another storm coming this week. And would you believe, last week, classes have been suspended on the 2nd day of school?

 

But I really love rainy days. I love staying indoors wearing my cutest pair of socks, drinking hot chocolate and chatting with my sisters. And today, I`m really enjoying and not missing summer days. ;)

 

 

Reading has been so fun, too… and I`ve been reading a lot when there`s nothing to do. And there are more things I`m enjoying now than just that.

 

 

1. Fixing rainy day snacks {milk, chocolate crackers, etc.}

2. Sleeping haha

 

 

3. Drawing and writing on my journal

4. Tidying up my room

5. Making hot steamy soups

 

6. Working { I`m a freelance designer and my office is at home so I can enjoy most of these things while I happily work with designs…}

 

Now, so much of my stories… Here are the links!

 

My Prodigal Daughter by Kara

Holy Tempering by Caryin Poling  {I love the chocolate illustration!}

Night-Light Fight by Morgan {My sisters and I can relate!}

Sinfulness Isn`t Unique To Other People by Anna

5 Refreshing Summer Recipes on Sushibelle 

{if it`s summer over at your place}

 

How about you?

What do you enjoy doing during rainy days?

 

Photo credits: {click photo}

Do you remember the Cold Soybean noodle soup I showed you almost a year ago here on the blog? I finally found the recipe tonight!

 

I asked Papa if we could buy soybeans anywhere here. I`ve never held soybeans with my hands ever before! I love taho and soymilk but never seen how a real soybean looks like. My Dad said soybeans can be bought in supermarkets! Yes! And though I kindda doubted and thought that maybe what he meant was sago {the black pearls in your pearl shakes}, I might as well trust him, right?

 

So here`s the recipe of kongguksu (Kong means beans in korean, Guksu means noodle soup {Yey! I`m learning my Korean, writing that down from memory. Aaah! Yabang! I`m too proud! }. I`m gonna try this as soon as I find those beans somewhere. You should try too!

 

Anyway, I`m running a little poll in here…right there on your right side.. the right sidebar. Please tick a little box if you have a little more time.

 

Thank you for dropping by!

If we would sum up how the week went for me, I must say that it’s really been a roller coaster ride for my faith. I would be lying and I  would be a hypocrite if I would say that my faith is always soaring like an eagle…although I wish I’m always strong like that and I’m never doubtful because God deserves my faith all the time and because without faith, it is impossible to please Him.

 

But like that man on Mark 9 who asked God to heal his unbelief  {quite weird but sometimes we’re like that, right?  Sometimes we’re even in the middle of belief and unbelief, believing that God can do miracles but doubting partly that He will do it for us}…we must bring our unbelief to God ask Him to heal it.

 

Jesus heals doubts every time. All we need to do is ask.

 

'”…But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

²³ “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

²⁴ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”                         Mark 9:21-24

 

There are so many things we don’t understand. Normally…because we are man and we are not God. But Jesus promises to give us the understanding we need if we would ask Him. And although the “understanding” doesn’t necessarily mean the answers to our questions, it could be a the most peaceful, heartwarming comfort we could get from Him, knowing that He loves us and wants nothing more than the best.

 

 

Let’s trust the Lord no matter the circumstance and believe that He’s always, always watching and standing right behind us caring for us.

 

And that our miracles are coming!

Goodnight!

 

Faith And Doubt by Dena Jackson

Right Now Matters and So Do You by Bonnie Gray

When Your Words Don’t Match Your Heart by Kristin Welch

5 Important Lessons To Avoid Burn-Out by Shyju

Ava and I love the ham-apple-cheese wraps recipe we got from Martha Stewart. Too bad, I didn`t take a photo last time we made it. I love and crave for it so much that sometimes, when we`ve got no ham or cheese for the wrap, I just slice an apple and dip it in a cheesy dip and it`s enough to make my day.

 

I`ve always, always been a fan of kid-friendly recipes over the net because they`re simple and fun and so easy to do. Here are a few of my favorite recipes you must also try to enjoy yourselves.

 

Happy Tuesday! {Links to the recipe are in pink letters.}

 

1. Apricot and Cheddar Chicken Melt

 

In this cute, yummy recipe, apricot jam/ preserves is spread on a baguette, and then topped with chicken, cheese and ham and brought to the broiler to make the cheese melt.

 

Kids and grown-ups would love this for snacks! Yum!

 

Ripe here!

 

 

Mini TurkeyBurger

    It`s hard to find thick burger patties in Philippine supermarkets. I also wonder why. But you can always make one anyway.

 

I love this recipe. If there`s no turkey, you can substitute chicken instead and whoala! You`ve got thick mini chicken burger patties to enjoy!

 

Lighter

Beef Tacos

How `bout lean ground sirloin and low-fat tortillas for your tacos?

 

This one`s a little “fiery” {uses chili paste} but can always be excluded if you wish.

 

Recipe here.

 

 

Thank you to my sister Ava for this link. Lovely, lovely song.

 

Good night, my dear friends!

 

May Jesus cradle you tonight as you sleep and listen to this song.

 

 

Love,

Cathy

 

Oops! I haven`t been posting my reading links for over a month now. And I`m wondering if the title above is still appropriate. “Weekly” when I`m actually doing it monthly or like twice in a month.

 

Anyway, here are the links! The week I was away, I tried my best not to engage so much on social media and even resisted the temptation to read blogs. I felt like I needed to quiet down my life for a while, away from the busy, noisy blogosphere and media networks.

 

And I`m finding that I`m not the only one needing a break from it all. Do you sometimes feel you need to step back from your computer for a while?  Aaah! I am comforted! (Pastor Jaeson Ma left today for a 40-day stay in a monastery, with no phones and internet) I felt that I needed silence in my life so I could listen to His voice much clearer and easier, without having to cut through all the noise around my head.

 

For one week, I got to enjoy working in the kitchen, chatting with my the family non-stop, and yes, peace of mind. I  really can`t imagine living without gadgets and internet and all. But for the first time in my life, I felt it`s actually great when you`re away from it all.

 

Here`s what I`ve been reading this week, and the week before my break. Enjoy!

 

40 Days In A Monastery: I`m Going To Become A Farmer, Jaeson Ma

Just Breathe by Annie Downs

Warm Toasted Marshmallow S'more Bars

I Fear A Cage by Alyssa Chua

If Your Heart`s Breaking Just A Bit by Ann Voskamp

Why We Are Afraid To Quit by Bonnie Gray

On Material Things by Jessica Turner

 

 

Photo Credits: cityofsmiles and

tumblrphotographyxox on Tumblr.

Hi, my dear friends! I`m taking a break from blogging for a while and I want to let you know so my absence wouldn`t leave you wondering where am I.

 

 

It has come to a point in my life where I have to get a way from my usual activities and set on a quiet journey of challenges, new adventures and hope. I`m starting a walk of faith that is, of course, filled with elements of uncertainty and blindness towards the next step, because how can it be faith if we are so sure? And as nervous as I am now is my heart`s desire to cling into my Lord`s hands and heart as I walk the next steps of life.

 

 

I won`t be gone for long. I hope just for a week or two. I`ll be back when I have the good news to share with you. I`m practicing my faith now, see? I hope you would stay around with me until I come back with more faith-filled stories, for more victories and triumph. And I also would want to ask for you to pray for me, your sister in the Lord, as I face these challenges head on.

 

But before I go on my little break

I want to share with you a few things. I couldn`t just leave without the links, right? haha

 

A new book written by a friend I met in Subic Bay several years ago is something I`m so excited about. Jia Min was a missionary from Doulos, and their ship was on shore for a moment and I happened to be right in Subic for a missions trip as well. I was so inspired with her life and testimony.

 

She was fresh from a prestigious college in Singapore when she took the less traveled road, obeying the Lord and leaving her comfort zone to join a missions group that traveled by sea, going around the world to spread the Good News, instead of pursuing a career and supporting her family.

 

 

Now, she`s got a book published—Out of the Harbor—her journal entries for 6 years on board the ship and I can`t wait to get a hold of the book myself.

 

Here`s my favorite part from the preview on her blog. Funny and entertaining but so teaches life`s sweetest lessons.

Port Said, Egypt: Plastic Bags and Tea Bags

 

If you`re in Singapore, you can find it in any major bookstores. If not, you can order it online here.

 

And of course, here`s a recipe you

might want to try. I can`t wait to try this one myself.

 

Amy Cotler`s Strawberry Yogurt Soup at Design Sponge.

Yummy!

 

 

 

 

So, I got to go now! I`ll see you soon!

Blessings!

 

PS. Please check out the archives when you miss me. And you can still contact me via the contact form on this site. I`ll respond as quick as I can.

I’m listing up Christian Wallpapers I actually use and love. I hope these, too, would inspire you as you open up your computer every day.

 

Please also don’t forget to leave some love and encourage those awesome, faithful artists who do these cool wallpapers and give them for free.

 

My favorite is INSPIKS where you can find the coolest Christian resources and wallpapers. Everything below was via Loswls’ links except for the last one.

 

Drop by again soon! I’ll also be posting links to other sites as soon as I can! Have a great day!

 

Take Time To Praise by Loswl

 

I Will Praise You by Loswl

 

Redeemer by kristen_w

 

by Alyssasezello :: aka pixel8design

 

Acoustic Melodies by R♪ch♡rd F. Mc♫eil™

 

Action Speaks by Inspiks

 

Fear Not by Alyssasezello :: aka pixel8design

 

Sweet Righteousness by Inspiks

 

Life by Inspiks

 

True Love by Joe Cavazos

 

Renew Your Mind by Bible Lock Screens

I really love sweet and happy blogs. Starting today, I`m gonna share a few of my favorites with you.

 

One of those on the top of my list is Hoperoad, written by Anna. She`s a 24-year-old mom who had been doing her blog since her college days and now she is a mommy to a two-year old and has another baby along the way!

 

What`s inspiring about about her blog is the honesty and genuine desire to please the Lord. Anna writes in a way that any young lady can easily relate. She`s young and she`s entering new stages in her life and learning a lot of things she never knew before…and  we all can easily relate to that, right?

 

I think Anna`s blog is so cool because reading through the transitions in her life, from a university student, to getting married, and having a baby, you can the Lord actively moving in her life and heart. And Anna has opened her eyes to see what God might be teaching to her every season of her life.

 

Anna`s honesty and dependence on the Lord with whatever comes along moves me and encourages me to trust the Lord more with my own daily life.

 

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR:

1. Anna`s reading links.

2. Anna`s love story.

3. Anna`s thoughts about motherhood and caring for her 2 year-old baby, Christian.

 

BTW, Since Anna`s pregnant with a new baby,  let`s all pray for her.

 

Jump over to Anna`s blog now!