Periwinkle Confessions

Review: My MetroDeal Refund Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 01:20:00 +0000

Last week, I bought a Metro Deal voucher for a Loreal Extenso treatment for only P899. Usually, Extenso treatments cost P3,500 and I thought that it was a very good deal. I checked the merchant’s location and branch photos and it seemed nice so I purchased the voucher.

June 16, Saturday

That same day, I realized I cannot go ahead to take the treatment because of my recent allergy flare. I checked my voucher and realized that it was non-refundable. I panicked because there was no notice about this at the product page or even at check-out. But I checked the terms and conditions on the site and read that they can cancel your voucher 5 days after purchase, provided that you haven’t—of course—used it. All you have to do is send them email.

So I communicated through email, but since it was Saturday, my message will be answered the following Monday. I decided to give them a call since according to their website, their hotline is open on weekends until 9pm. The girl who took the call was polite and assured me that I’ll be receiving a word by Monday or Tuesday.

June 20, Wednesday

I was on an out of town trip until the following Tuesday and I noticed that the voucher was gone from the list of my purchased deals so I had to call them to confirm. The guy who took the call was nice and explained that they cancelled the voucher and confirmed that the concern has been escalated to their special team. I wish I was informed about this but it was nice that I can call anytime to ask and because the staff are easy to talk to. I read about people being so stressed with their Metro Deal concerns and that Metro Deal are not answering their questions but I haven’t experienced that so far.

June 21, Thursday

I received an email from their special team asking if I’m okay to amend with Metro Deal credits. Since I don’t have anything I wish to purchase at the moment, I decided to ask for a reversal of payment to my credit card which they promptly did.

June 22, Friday
I checked my credit card account and I was refunded.

Overall, I had a really nice experience refunding my voucher from MetroDeal. Their customer service representatives are polite and accommodating. And my experience was totally different from the 2015-2016 reviews I've read from the internet. :)

Just thought of sharing about this to ease some concerns. :)

Thanksie!

Cathy

Greater

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 02:45:00 +0000

"Not to us, not to us, but to give glory to Your name."

I find comfort whenever I repeat these words in my head over and over. My sister who’s a worship leader would always say that she has only done her task well when people are led into God’s presence in worship and they do not notice how well (or not!) she sang. I always find comfort in hearing that~in being reminded that it’s really not and never about me, how I look or how I perform.

In my heart I know I’m made for something greater. But greater doesn’t look like how the world expects it to be. Greater wouldn’t make me famous or take me into the limelight. It wouldn’t bring praises from people or make me gain approval of men. Greater is not what we expect it to be because greater is not about me.

Greater is me fading so that Jesus can shine bright. Sometimes it means loving and not being loved back, giving but not getting anything in return, serving and not being served. Sometimes greater is sleepless nights and muddy roads, empty wallets and empty stomachs. Greater is not position or affluence. Greater is following God no matter where He leads--for His glory and not ours. Greater is God working through us and we giving Him the glory and not taking it for ourselves. Greater is less of me so that there can be more of Him.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” -John 3:30

May I always find comfort in fading into your sidelines, Jesus.

Writing Is Coming Back Home

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 08:03:00 +0000

It's Sunday afternoon and I'm home alone today. After a while, I realized I'm not used to being home alone anymore.

Things have changed so much over the past months. Since I got married, a lot of things have changed including schedules and habits. I guess it takes a while to get used to major changes in your life and I'm now I'm getting well-adjusted! :)

I'm happy and things have been going on really well. It's beautiful to get married because you get to do things with someone you love and it's beautiful to be used by God together and become a blessing to others. Work has been wonderful as well and I'm loving how I'm making an impact with the work that I do for the Lord and for His people. But there is one thing that I really miss.

I miss the times I was able to write frequently. Back then when work wasn't hectic as now and I have a lot of time to think about life and contemplate. :) Now, it's definitely a luxury to be able to sit down quietly in front of a computer to write on the blog and read books for myself. I guess, I've put off writing for a long, long time now and I'm focusing more on the day to day tasks and responsibilities at work that I was leaving a part of me--of who I am.

Are there also things in your life that you have put off? Things which God has designed you for and called you to do? And in putting it off you feel like you are betraying whom God has called you to be?

Well, today, I'm writing again and I feel like coming home and back. I hope that you too will take those little steps again toward your dreams and who God called you to be!

Happy Sunday!

Saturdays and Sundays and My Husband's Wrinkled Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 08:59:00 +0000

Saturday mornings look different now. Sunday mornings too.

Two months ago, before I got married, Saturdays meant sleeping in and Sundays were "me", family and ministry time. Everything was so easy. I wake up late. Breakfast is ready (Mom and my sister are the best cooks) and I go to church. :D I used to be the last one in the family to get ready and my Mom would wake me up several times to find me sleeping again, 30 minutes before church starts. But things have definitely changed! So many things can happen in a couple of months, right?

These days, Saturday mornings are all about washing piles of dishes, cooking meals and cleaning the bathroom. Sundays mean ironing my husband's pastor clothes (I had no idea it was sooooo hard!) and designing his powerpoint--things that need hard work but which I really like doing for him.

This morning was one of those crazy, challenging days. I woke up a bit late and the husband had breakfast ready. The sleepy, dizzy me thought that I just have enough time to do his Sunday outfit. I got everything ready --a steam iron, our little ironing board, and another travel steamer (whichever works!) only to find more than an hour later that none of those things work. And I cried in frustration because after several ironing sessions with my expert, pastor's wife Mom, I still don't know how to iron a man's long sleeved shirt.

But these days when I feel like a failure are also the days I also feel most loved.

Many people say that a husband's shirt is a reflection of his wife. People use it as a gauge of how good or not a wife is. I never realized people can be so harsh. :))

But this morning, I found out that a husband's shirt is a reflection of his heart. Wrinkled shirts do not make bad of a wife who's failing but trying hard, but makes good of a husband who loves her wife and appreciates the littlest efforts she makes though she stumbles and makes mistakes.

And I'm grateful because God gave me a husband who sees the well-ironed parts instead of the wrinkles on his shirt, who let's me try, make mistakes and learn from them, who tells me it doesn't have to be perfect and wears to church the far-from-perfect ironed shirt.

If this is what love looks like then my eyes are glued.

Thank You, Jesus.
Thank You for my husband.
And thank You for how crazy beautiful and colorful my new Saturday and Sundays now look like.

Photography © Viola Canaceli (South Korea, 2017)

A Long Break

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 30 May 2017 10:57:00 +0000

I just came back from a long break. Last week was challenging and frustrating. I had a serious throat infection and I had to stay in the hospital for several days.

There are times when you're okay and you wake up one morning and things feel like they're spiraling down. I never expected a hospital stay less than two months into my newlywed life, but maybe then again, God is teaching me things, showing me who He is in this season of my life.

No matter the circumstance, He is God and He takes good care of His children.

I'm feeling better now and on my way to recovery. My heart is recovering as well. :) And I find comfort in holding on to the truth that the Lord is my shepherd. It's the last thing I'd ever want to forget.

Psalm 23

1-3 God, my shepherd!

I don’t need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word,

you let me catch my breath

and send me in the right direction.

4 Even when the way goes through

Death Valley,

I’m not afraid

when you walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd’s crook

makes me feel secure.

5 You serve me a six-course dinner

right in front of my enemies.

You revive my drooping head;

my cup brims with blessing.

6 Your beauty and love chase after me

every day of my life.

I’m back home in the house of God

for the rest of my life.

The One Thing You'll Never Do

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 03:57:00 +0000

Sometimes I forget how much You love me. But when everything is stripped away, I find that it's always been you...who's always been there. You never leave me.heart emoticon

How could I have taken You for granted? How could I have let other things to captivate my heart? When You've been standing there all along. Holding my hand. Reaching out for my heart. Because You know that it's only You who can hold my heart in your hand and never break it. You know I'm safe only there, where you are.

Still A Beautiful Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 17:11:00 +0000

Whenever I find it hard to write, I always visit one blog. That blog with words that makes me remember me, that reminds me of me. The words I cannot say, the words I want to say…

Tonight is that kind of night when I don’t know what to say, when my heart cannot speak but only feels and needs someone to say the words for me. And I went back to read Adam’s blog. And found this.

When did the sky turn black?

When will the light come back?

This fight of my life is so hard, so hard, so hard

But I’m gonna survive

Oh, oh these are beautiful times

These days I feel like I’m not who I should be. I feel very different from “me”. So many things have happened this year and I feel like I’m being transformed into a different person. My recent illness, bigger responsibilities, life-changing decisions I have to make… They’re so hard it makes my head ache. J And I don’t know how or if I’d pass the test. And the season is painful. No pruning is ever easy, I guess. And this is the most painful pruning I’ve ever been yet. The challenges are way beyond what I thought I could endure. The test of character is way beyond what I thought I could ever handle. And I don’t know if I’d be better or the other way around.

Getting To Know Hope Again

But then I know there is hope. I know it now, not in a fancy kind of way, but in it’s pure form—raw and unadorned, when it’s the most impossible yet the only thing you can hold on to. Just like when the disciples' ship was storm-tossed in the dark of night. Like the third time Peter denied Jesus and probably forgot what forgiveness felt like. Like the time Jesus died on the cross and his followers didn’t know who to run to or what the future holds. I don’t know what the future holds. I don’t know even know if I’m making the right decisions for today. I don’t know how to get through, but I know there is hope.

I Hope In Him

I hope in the Lord because He is Hope. Even when the skies are not clear. Even when the darkness of the night stays longer than it should. Even when I can’t see Him or I don’t know how or if He will come through for me. I trust Him because of who He is. The God who saved me before, will save me now. And He will not change.

And I don’t have to ever be afraid of anything. Because of Him and His promise to save, the struggle is still a beautiful thing.

Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”

But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory,
the One who lifts my head high.

I call out to the Lord, and he answers me
from his holy mountain.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again,
because the Lord sustains me.

I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.

Psalms 3:2-6

Beginning Again, One Post at a Time

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 03:39:00 +0000

It’s been so long since I last updated the blog. It felt so much like forever. The truth is, as much as I’ve been struggling with time, I’ve also been struggling with what to write. For the long time I’ve been away, I guess, I’ve not been used to writing vulnerable anymore. And it hurts my heart. There’s this little ache that would not go away whenever I think of writing. Whenever I think of the blog I want to go to again, but I keep on running away.

For many years, this blog has been a place where I’ve shared my heart. With truth and without reservations. I hope it will be like that again. I’ve been reading a lot of your emails, messages and comments asking how I’m doing, when I’d write for the blog again.

I hope today is the beginning of Periwinkle Confessions again. :)

The past few months, the Lord has been doing a lot of really great things in my life. Actually, it feels weird but He’s bringing back a lot of things about the past that I’ve not dealt with heads on before. Things that mattered to me, experiences that have hurt me, chapters in my life I have not put closure on. And it feels good (even though most of the time it gets so confusing) that the Lord wants to take care of wounds I had been having all along but which I am not aware, or which I have tried to ignore and forget.

I hope you’d also share this season with me with much prayers. Thank you for being so encouraging!

My bloggy friends and you, my dear readers have been a blessing to my heart. I’m so grateful that I have you in this beautiful and exciting walk with Christ.

Much love and see you around!

Xoxo

Cathy

Do not despise these small beginnings,

for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.

~Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)

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Just Popping In To Say...

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 05:22:00 +0000

I'm feeling sick today. It's the third day of Christmas vacation, and so far it's been fun. Except that I have flu today and I have no choice but to stay in bed...and stay away from my cutie little cousins who came over to visit.

Anyway, I have to go now. Just popping in to greet you Merry Christmas! Hope you enjoy the holidays and spend more time with Jesus!

I'm thinking about moving the blog to a different platform, and changing the layout and all. Sometimes I think it's time for a change already. :)

Hope to see you again really, really soon!

Much love,
Cathy

When You’re Asking “Where Are The Gentlemen?”

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 12:46:00 +0000

I thought today is just an ordinary work day. I grabbed myself coffee from McDonald’s and took the shuttle like how I usually do everyday. I sat on the middle part of the van, the long seat behind the driver and what I didn’t know was that in a few minutes, I would be in for one crazy ride.

If you take the shuttle, you’d know for sure that sometimes it gets so tight “masikip” in there. Today’s ride was exactly like that. But what makes it so different was the only guy who was sitting next to me. He refused to give way and instead kept on pushing his shoulder over mine so that he would keep sitting comfortably, leaning on the back of his seat. I tried to straighten my shoulders to find a comfortable position, and so that the girl seating beside me wouldn’t get squeezed into the door. But he wouldn’t budge. He kept on pushing. He was so heavy and I couldn’t breathe! I tried to resist but until I got off, I could only shake my head in disbelief. Because every time I resisted, he kept on pushing stronger, forgetting completely that I am girl. And that he is a gentleman.

I know I could've just moved forward and let him sit there comfortably while I hold on to the edge of my seat. I did that on my first shuttle ride this morning, just before this one—because we were all girls and I was sitting next to an old lady. But this time, I was next to a big guy. And I am a lady. And deep in my heart, I know it was just not right. It’s just not right.

Where is Chivalry?

Sometimes, it breaks my heart to think that we’re losing the “gentleman” in our men. Sometimes I wish we could ask, but then we cannot demand our guys to become gentlemen. We can only inspire and teach. But to have a real gentleman spirit requires a change of heart~for gentlemanliness requires service and sacrifice. To give the elderly lady a seat. To notice that a girl needs to help in opening the door. To offer a hand to someone, to give way, to serve. To become a gentleman means you would need to put others’ comfort above your own, to put selfish ways aside for the benefit of another. And I guess that’s what manhood is all about. Sacrifice, service and love defines a real man.

“Among God’s people we understand that a man is to protect a women; to protect a women’s honor; to protect a woman’s heart; to protect a woman’s reputation; sometimes even to protect a woman’s health, her safety. Guys, that’s our job, God gave it to us. Woe unto the man who fails in that responsibility.” ~Dr. Albert Mohler

At times like the incident this morning, or like this afternoon on the train when the guy in front of me pretended to fall asleep because he doesn't want to offer his seat, I wonder if chivalry is already dead..or if not, where are the gentlemen? But I praise God because when I thought that chivalry does not exist anymore, He reminds me that I am wrong.

So wrong.

When A Knight Comes Riding on a Horse

I remember one night I was riding the train alone. A UST varsity player got up and offered me a seat, much to the surprise and wide-eyes of his friends. And then there was this kind construction worker who looked so tired but gave up his seat so the ladies in the train could take his place. And the yuppie on the shuttle who moved and sat on the edge of his seat so the girl next to him could sit comfortably. I also remember my officemates who are kind enough to open doors, carry heavy things and fall in line to buy our tickets and make sure we get home safe.

It’s so beautiful to find that there still exists what we hope for: Men who are kind and helpful. Men who chooses to serve. Men who stands to fulfill their role as a true gentleman. It's so heartwarming to find that there are still men who cares about a woman’s comfort and values her heart. Men who have the character and heart of Jesus.

And so I guess today, I would pray that our culture would encourage this gentleman attitude in our men and teach them to our young boys. I pray that girls would not forget to be grateful and supportive of those who still chooses to offer these little sacrifices and help. I hope that one day, our nation would be changed as men takes on the challenge and the responsibility of a godly man--willing to love and sacrifice even if it would sometimes mean denying themselves and being inconvenienced to serve others. I pray that we would all perform our part as men and women of God in this generation.

Let me end with this beautiful words from Cole Ryan. I hope every man would read this and find in their hearts to desire to become real gentlemen.

“Being a ‘gentleman’ goes way beyond holding the door for a girl and letting her go first all the time. It’s about truly serving her. I think when it comes to the way we should treat women, it’s a good idea to look to the way Jesus treated women.

He laid his life down for His bride. He sacrificed His life for her, He lowered Himself for her. We must love women sacrificially in the same way that Jesus loved His bride sacrificially.

Being a gentleman is about more than just being caring and thoughtful, it’s about possessing sacrificial and selfless Christ-like characteristics. I don’t even know if it’s possible to be a gentleman without knowing and possessing the character of Jesus.”

Amnesia Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 18:32:00 +0000

It’s not easy to forgive. Every girl who has been hurt knows that.

I remember a time I got hurt by a friend I had trusted so much. I didn't know it would hurt that bad when a friend leaves just like that, with no explanation at all. I wondered how a friend could just stop being your friend after everything. It was unbelievable--like a movie, only that it was happening in real life. And it's much more painful than I've ever imagined. I felt betrayed like arrows were speared at my heart when I was not looking, right at my most vulnerable moment. I felt bad why I've ever opened and given my heart to people. I wanted to forgive but it’s just hard!

I've tried everything. Remembered the good things. Recalled the fond memories. I imagined what would it be like when I meet the person again someday. Would I be able to smile and say “Hello! It’s so nice to see you”? I knew to forgive was the right thing to do. So I practiced—to smile, wave my hand and greet with my usual happy tone. But it was just hard! Because deep in my heart I was really hurt and I couldn’t pretend I'm okay. And I found myself rehearsing lines from a famous movie instead.

“Who are you? I'm sorry if I can't remember you...”

As crazy as it seems, I was so angry, unforgiving and hurt that I wanted to pretend I have amnesia the next time I meet the person who offended me. I just didn't know when and how I could forgive.

But God, He's so different, so forgiving! No matter how many times we've hurt Him in the past, He doesn't rehearse movie lines pretending He has forgotten us. Instead He forgives us. He pardons our sin and hurls our iniquities to the depths of the sea. He does not stay angry forever but shows us His compassion and unfailing love.

And when I look at His love for me and how much He has forgiven me, something in my heart begins to change. Suddenly, I want to be like Him and my grudges seem so small and childish. I ask myself how can I not forgive after God has forgiven everything inexcusable in me. Suddenly, I don`t want to be amnesia girl anymore.

When we allow God`s love and forgiveness to wipe away our sins and overflow in our hearts, everything begins to change. His love wipes the bitterness away. And when we see ourselves as God`s forgiven children, we begin to understand what it means when He asks us to extend the same grace and love He has showered us extravagantly with. We`ve been forgiven and He wants us to extend the blessing. And when we do, the bitterness melts away and what remains is love, freedom, peace and the strength to forgive another day.

Who is a God like you,

who pardons sin and forgives the transgression

of the remnant of his inheritance?

You do not stay angry forever

but delight to show mercy.

You will again have compassion on us;

you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities

into the depths of the sea.

~Micah 7:18-19

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1, 2 & 3

Strength Will Rise

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 13:35:00 +0000

I feel so tired today. I just got home from work and I can’t even force myself to do the things I need to do. Yes, I don’t even have the strength to walk to my room or to go to the bath. ^^

Tomorrow…is another day. Another work day. But even though I’m almost dead tired tonight, tomorrow is filled with hope~beautiful hope.

Sometimes I wonder and just can’t help but be amazed where all the strength comes from to travel for more than four hours a day, to and from work. Almost everyday, I come home really, really tired but it’s amazing how I’m able to wake up early every single morning. It’s amazing how God gives the strength and energy I need to enjoy the purpose and dreams He has prepared and set for my life.

On my own, I’m tired and really out of strength.

But in Him…everyday…

there is strength.

And it never runs out.^^

Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Good Morning Tuesday!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 00:58:00 +0000

It's Tuesday and I'm already in the office. Glad that I arrived 15 minutes earlier than call time. Travel has been stressful for me the past few days. It's back-to-school season in the Philippines and so traffic is heavier and I need to wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual.

I haven't told you yet that I'm working for a Christian broadcasting network in the Philippines now. Work is just awesome and I love it here! The people are friendly~like family. And I just love the opportunity to serve and love the Lord doing what I'm doing! :)

One thing I appreciate most working in CBN is that we do devotions every morning before work. On Mondays there's chapel time and it just refreshes my heart. I look forward to these times the most. And it's just amazing how productive I become when I start the day right, spending time with the One I love the most, the One I serve and work for. When you make Him the delight and the center of your day, when you put Him first and make meeting with Him your top priority, it's just amazing (and no wonder) that everything feels so beautiful. Everything is beautiful because He is beautiful.

How are you spending your morning today? ^^

That a beautiful thing, God, to give thanks,

to sing an anthem to you, the High God!

To announce your love each daybreak,

sing your faithful presence all through the night,

Accompanied by dulcimer and harp,

the full-bodied music of strings.

Psalms 92:1-3

Falling more and more in love with Him ♥ ,
Cathy

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His Mercies Are New Every Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:53:00 +0000

I get so unpredictable at times. I guess, everyone of us has that side of himself that gets so annoying sometimes. It's funny that the more I become conscious about it, the more I begin to fail, the more I do the things I really don't want to. It's annoying. Really.

Annoying even to me. ^^

Sometimes we end a day in a pretty bad note, in a bad mood or with many mistakes. But it's comforting to know that God offers us a new day~a new morning to start again.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
~Lamentations 3:22-23

Each day, God offers us to the chance to become a new person, different from who we are yesterday and a step closer to the image of His Son, Jesus!

So when I am annoyed at myself or when you are annoyed with yourself, know that today, God offers us a fresh start. A new beginning. A chance to start over and become the best person He has meant for us to become.

His mercies are new every morning. :)

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Of Crayons, Tantrums, and Trusting God

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 04:59:00 +0000

Tonight, my uncle who is a doctor in Kuwait came over to surprise us with a visit. Everyone was so excited because we haven’t seen him in years. When he sent a message that he’s coming this afternoon, cousins immediately came to our house to welcome Tito. We ate a lot of donuts and chocolate while catching up! ^^

After dinner, we drove to Pasig to my Aunt’s (My Tito and my Mom’s sister) house. We had ice cream and talked till midnight. It was fun and these family moments are just so lovely!

But there was one striking moment for me tonight.
We were readying to go back home when my 4-year old cousin Rhianne started to get anxious. She couldn’t find her new, beloved crayons. She was looking for them everywhere~inside her bag and on the table where she was previously drawing. But the crayons could be found nowhere. We were all starting to get out of the house and she started to panic. So we tried our best to console her.

“It might have been left at the van”, her Mom said.
“It’s just around”.
“Maybe it’s just inside your bag, sandwiched between your clothes.”
“We will find it later.”
“Sure, we will!”

But none of those words comforted her. She just wouldn’t believe us. She didn’t want to find it later. She wanted to find out where it is right now.

“It’s not there!”, she cried. She was repeating it over and over while her Mom strapped her sandals.

Watching Rhianne Crying Tonight
Reminded me how sometimes, I, too get so anxious about many things that are uncertain in my life. Sometimes, I , too, get so fearful when I don’t know what God’s has in store for me in the future. When dreams fade. When opportunities are nowhere to be seen. When I don’t understand His plans. When I have no idea where He’s leading and what He’s doing in my life. Many times, I get really, really frustrated. Sometimes I even wonder if He has forgotten me.

But seeing my cousin tonight crying over her lost crayons, I understood that like how we desired Rhianne to trust us (the adults around her), God desires everyone of us to trust that He is our Father and He will never ever let us down.

Many times we find it so hard to understand God’s ways. We get so afraid when we don’t get answers, when we can’t understand our circumstances. We cry when we can’t find the things we hope to find.

For a 4 year-old girl, losing her crayons is like losing a big dream, losing a job or failing a class in college. It’s like having a heartbreak, or closing a business you’ve worked hard for for years. And it feels so terrible and fearful. But for her Mom and for the adults around her, they know so much better. They’re keep calm and not afraid because they know they can find the crayons later somewhere. Or if not, they will replace it with new ones for her.

God reminded me tonight that He has always been and is taking care of me today.

There are times God asks me to wait. And there are times my 25 year-old mind couldn’t understand His “Author of Time” wisdom… and so He invites me to trust His heart and His love. One day, He will make everything fall into place. One day, at the right time I will understand everything and it would all make sense. I just need to trust Him. To trust the One who reassures me that it's okay. He's there. He's in charge. And I have nothing to fear.

Looking at my cousin tonight, I smile and laugh at myself. How could I sometimes not see God’s hand holding me in uncertain times? If He asks me to wait, I should wait. I trust Him, the powerful and mighty God the who loves and takes care of me.

Will you also trust Him today?

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!

~Proverbs 3:5-7

P.S. Rhianne’s Mom found her crayons in her bag when she finally fell asleep. It got in the bottom, beneath her clothes.^^ Told yah! It's okaaaay!

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1,000 Gifts: 2012 In Pictures (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:28:00 +0000

It`s been a while since I last blogged. So many good things have happened the past year. The Lord has been so faithful and even that is an understatement! He`s been so good and loving and I feel very grateful. From my injury that`s healed now, to opportunities He gave, He`s always been there guiding and teaching, blessing and purifying my heart. And even through tough times, He was there to comfort and strengthen and save when I couldn`t go on any longer.

I guess last year, God spoke to my heart through experiences… My motives were revealed, heart issues were made to come out and it`s so comforting now looking back because I knew the the Lord is more concerned about my heart more than I’ve ever imagined. And He wants to change me into the person He wants me to be, looking more and more like His Son Jesus.:)

So I`ll take this opportunity to share with you some of the things I’m so thankful for last year which I wasn`t able to share. :) Hope you`re also doing good. Really missed you, guys!

Last year, I got the opportunity to serve at the Korean Cultural Center. Helped out with their print designs, taught in culture classes, and went out to culture caravans in public schools around the city. It was so fun and I learned a lot of things. It’s always nice to learn about new culture and meet a lot of new friends.

I wrote on my application paper that I hope I’d love the Philippines more as I explore and learn more about Korean culture. And it really did happen. During my stay in KCC, as I watched and enjoyed Korean culture and watch Koreans love their culture, I loved and appreciated my heritage more. I felt proud about my own people and prayed that someday, I would also be able to contribute something for the Philippines.

Youth Ministry last year has been so much fun! When we started the year, our college students were just new in church and now almost all of them are serving in different ministries. It’s amazing how the Lord is working in the lives and I pray they’d love and seek Jesus more!

The picture is above was taken during one of the extreme youth challenges. Last year, we jogged during weekends, did challenges during the summer and enjoyed Bible studies on regular weekends.

I also got to meet new friends—my bosses who’ve been so kind to me, students at the center who were very,very friendly, and many more I’ve met in church, in ministry, and through friends. So nice to meet a lot of people who are loving, caring and so fun to be with! And it’s another opportunity to shine His light and share His love!

This was the day I went home with a cast. Broke a bone on my foot! I look bloated! LOL My friends came to sleep over that same night and we talked about waiting on the Lord and shared what we were praying for in a guy!^^ Really sweet night!

Mochi also came to our lives last year! He’s so big now! We didn’t know he was a Rottweiler and we were treating him like a toy dog because he was so tiny!

He`s so smart and a really caring dog! I remember the first day I went out with my cast. I came home really tired because moving around with the cast was just hard. I even fell on the restaurant! And when we came home, Mochi gave me slippers! He wasn’t trained to do it, and I’m so touched ‘cause I didn’t know He cared and that he`s smart enough to care!

The Lord showered so much love when I wasn’t able to walk and had to move around in a wheelchair. My friends would drop by our house and volunteer to pick me up and take me to the mall and park. Felt so loved and taken cared of! This was taken during a holiday. My friends, instead of taking a rest day, picked me up to treat me out! (Took a picture `cause baby dino was bigger than me that time! LOL)

I call Panda my “Baby Dog!” She’s my favorite out of our four dogs we have because she sleeps on my foot.

My friends know that I’m not so fond of pets before until Mochi came (the 3rd dog). And when Panda came a month later, I totally lost my fear of dogs! She’s so lovely and sweet.

But Panda died yesterday. The past two weeks, I almost ran out of tears because of her. My sisters and I were praying and asking the Lord if there are pets in heaven. I wish Panda would be there. T_T

This was taken in December. My family went to Baguio to spend Christmas. It’s my first time to travel since the injury and since the cast had just been removed. I was walking pretty slow and my sisters had to assist me. But so happy! Jesus healed me! :)

This is just part of the many good things God has done and brought to my life last year. There were many challenges (I’ll share some of them soon!) but the Lord is our Rewarder. He knows how our hearts are doing and He always comes to the rescue, to comfort, to care, to love, to teach. God is just so faithful! I have so many stories to tell really! I don’t know where to start! LOL

I know He’s done and blessed you with so many things as well. I’d also be glad to hear!

Link up your blog below and let’s share the blessings!

I`ll see you again soon!

And those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan,

Joshua set up at Gilgal.And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’

For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”

~Joshua 4:20-24

Book Review: 10 Commandments For Choosing God’s Best

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:42:00 +0000

Several months ago, I received a complementary copy of 10 Commandments to Choosing God’s Best from CSM. I loved the book so much and finished in one sitting!

I know this is one our girly issues these days: “How to know if He’s God’s will?”, “How to choose which is God’s will?” or “Is he the right one for me?” This has been the topic of most of my conversations with girl friends recently. And I know even the younger teenage girls love to talk about this topic. We girls just want to know and we want to follow God’s heart, aware that without the proper guidance and wisdom, we get confused!

So this book really refreshed my heart. What I love most about this book is that it was written in Philippine context and in a tone which makes you feel like having coffee with and listening to an older sister who’s giving you Biblical but very practical love advice. A little different from the common relationship books we get to read.

I love the parts about what character to look for in a man to marry (and what to watch out for in a guy we’re dating), what to do while you wait for God’s will, and of course, believing that God has His best plan prepared for you. I guess it’s that one thing that strengthens and encourages us to keep waiting on the Lord—when we trust that He has our best interest in my mind.

I’m sure every Filipino girl would love and gain much wisdom reading this book. It’s a good read for every girl who desires to follow God’s heart and honor Him through our relationship choices. Only thing is I find it a little short and ‘bitin’. I want to learn more from godly women who have gone ahead of me. ^^

Overall, I was blessed reading the book an would recommend it to all the young ladies out there who asks the same questions as mine~who wants to choose God’s best and not settle for something less. It’s like my Mom’s, Dad’s, Pastors’, friends’ and families’ advice put in one book!

Never Regretting Anything

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 09:27:00 +0000

Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you

to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth

before you grow old and say,

“Life is not pleasant anymore.”

~Ecclesiastes 12:1

I look back in the past five years of my life and I don't regret every single day I've served the Lord in exchange for my dreams. :) People may laugh at me and call me crazy because I don't live the same way the world does. But I'd give my life away again and again~if only for Him who loves me and takes care of me.

I may have not achieved so much in the world, but I have been closer to His heart. I have lived His purpose for life. No medal, certificate, diploma, fancy clothes or car could match that.

I have given little, lost some, but gained so much more.

I have served Him and so I have lived my life. <3

Photo Source

Aging Gracefully: Yes, I Think About It @ 25

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:52:00 +0000

I was reading this post by Kristen about aging gracefully and although we’re 15 years apart, I felt that I can really relate to “aging”. LOL

I know it sounds funny but I do think I’m growing old. When I celebrated my birthday this year, I felt like I was little far from my teenage years and college days already. Old. Maybe because when I was 19, I thought 25 was old so now I think about these things.

But slowly, I begin realize that beauty grows in age. The more we get older, the more beautiful we could get. Because time enables you to grow in grace and character. It feels so good to look back on my younger days and find that I’m somehow far from who I was back then. And God has changed me so much. Taught me so much. Brought me to places I’ve never even dared to imagine.

I sometimes fear growing older. Because I’m afraid to be defined by numbers. Because even thought I’m 25, I’m still a child at heart. Only a little wiser. I’m also afraid to grow wrinkles. I’m afraid to look old. But then again, the more years we live, like how my sister Ava always say it, the more we see God’s faithfulness in our lives. The more wrinkles and white hair we have, the more we see His hand moving and His purpose unfolding.

Yes, I want to remain young for a long time (no wrinkles, no age spots). but I also want to grow~deep within. And growing that way matters to my heart more than keeping younger looking skin but without character.

And so I don’t mind being 25 or to be called old if you want to call me that. Because the more years I live, the more I could celebrate His goodness and witness His grace.

…I have upheld since you were conceived,

and have carried since your birth.

Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you.

I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

Isaiah 46:5

A Little Word For the Day: The Beauty in Giving Up

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 20:04:00 +0000

It’s 2PM and tried to go upstairs for the first time in more than a month. Everyone in the house is sleeping and I don’t know what came to my mind but I just wanted to go upstairs. LOL I was so excited and I knew I could do it. So alone, I took my crutches and made my way up. It took me 4 steps to realize I can’t do it. I wasn’t able to go any further. Haha And I realized fighting spirit alone isn’t enough. You need strong legs! I thought if I’d be brave and if I’d believe I can, I can do it. But I was wrong. And so I realized one valuable lesson today. :D

It’s so natural for me to keep pushing even when things are hard.

I don’t like giving up.

I remember my goal back in college was to “always try to beat myself”. to push beyond what I know I could do. I always thought it’s all in the mind. But God is teaching me otherwise. And today, I am reminded of it once again. Going up the stairs, I have to decide in my heart to give up. Because I need real strength. I need strong feet that would carry my weight. I may be fighting and determined in my heart and mind, but if my foot is injured, it just wouldn’t work.

Sometimes, it’s in giving up that we become stronger. When we admit our weakness, that’s when real strength comes. Because then, it is God who becomes strong in us. It is when His power shines though. It’s in rest and surrender that are battles are won and our fears are gone.

And so tonight, I know the Lord is teaching me the important lesson of “giving up”. I will give up trying to go upstairs until my cast is removed (esp. when everyone is asleep. My Mom will get angry if she finds out. Yay). It’s only when I accept my weakness and rest the way He wants me to that my injuries would be healed so one day, my bones will be stronger and I’ll be able to walk again.

Let’s keep trusting!

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,

so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

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What Not To Say To Someone Who’s Sick

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:57:00 +0000

It’s been 7 weeks since I got a fracture on my foot!^^ I still have to wait for another 5 weeks for my follow-up check-up with my orthopedic doctor to see how my bone is healing, but things have been pretty nice and sweet. I feel so blessed that I’ve been showered with love and care. My family and friends are so awesome! They love pushing my wheelchair for me, and helping me move around. I feel sooo very loved!

But the past week, I was starting to feel a little bored and a little annoyed with the cast I’m wearing. I really hope to feel better soon. :D Many times I wonder what’s God purpose~why I had been injured and why I had to stop and take a break for a while.

A week after I got injured, my friend Raymond came to visit me and we were talking about these “little afflictions” we have. He’s been sick with allergies and I, with this fracture of mine. We both agreed that maybe God is teaching us how to empathize with those who are sick, with people who are going through the same things we go through. And truthfully, the experience is hard.

I’m smiling and happy all the time but I know that is the work of the Lord in my heart. ^^‘Cause in reality, I’m a bit having a hard time. It’s hard to have a fracture in the foot and not be able to walk normally. To not be able to do simple things you need to do-like going to the washroom or getting a plate from the kitchen—without assistance. It’s hard when you want to watch your sisters perform and the venue is not wheelchair-friendly so you have to hop on one foot and you fall on the floor. And it helps to hear words of encouragement and love from people around you, even from friends who come over to visit.

And so this post is inspired by the little pain I have in my heart. LOL Kidding! Today, I’m gonna share with you things we should never tell a sick friend or family member. ^^ I hope this will remind us to care, be sensitive, empathize and put ourselves in other people’s situation if ever we encounter a sick person in the future.

1. Sometimes it’s only psychological.

The first week I wore the cast was one of the hardest in my life. When the swelling in my foot subsided, the cast got loose and my foot slid downwards. A day later, I couldn’t sleep because of pain. The cast moved and was not in proper position and my leg was twitching inside. Then my fingers started to feel burning and my feet got numb. I tried to calm down for 2 days thinking I was just not used to the cast, but later on felt like I’m never gonna be able to walk again if I won’t see my doctor.

And it hurts to hear some people say that my pain was only psychological. They didn’t know I was in so much pain! I wanted to kick my cast off and just throw it away that night! Haha

And so please never say this to a person in pain. It’s like saying his pain is not valid, that it shouldn’t hurt and he shouldn’t either. Listen to them and acknowledge that it hurts and you’re there for them. :D

2. Ah, your injury is so little! Thought it was worse. No big deal.

This statement really hurts because it makes the sick person feel that what he is going through is nothing. That he’s just overreacting and it’s not enough to make him feel bad. If you say this, it would make the sick person feel that the physical and emotional stuff he has to deal with is invalid.

I’ve been wearing my cast for 7 weeks now. For the first 2 weeks, I was not allowed to let my foot touch the floor. Even today, I am not allowed to step or put pressure on it. And because of that, many things in my life have to change. And emotionally, I’ve been trying to encourage myself to find God’s purpose so I won’t feel depressed. Imagine if someone tells me this is “no big deal”.

3. The doctors just want to earn money. They want you to keep coming back.
This is really offensive. I was wondering “Do they really think I shouldn’t be wearing this cast?”, like they think I’m believing I’m sick but I’m not really sick.” Instead, encourage their heart and make them laugh. People need that when they’ve been sick for a while.

4. Maybe God’s Punishing You. Seriously, this sounds a lot more like condemnation. And even if you don’t mean it, this will hurt! I know stories of well-meaning friends asking if their sick friend have sinned. Yup, like the story of Job. So instead, let’s just pray for our sick friend that he may find God’s purpose in his situation.

Called To Empathize

I believe God calls us to encourage and comfort one another. And the best way to do that is to put yourself in other’s people shoes.

To feel the pain of another. To understand and be there when times are times are tough. To be sensitive when other people are hurting and be the hand that wipes away their tears.

And even I, in this season, need to be understanding, caring and forgiving. I know this is what God wants me to do as well. I may need the caring and understanding at this point, but I should be able to give that as well to those who need them, right? All is well! ♥♥♥

What encouragement would you want to hear if you are in their situation?

How much do you want to be understood?

How patient and caring do you want people to get?

Now do that for your sick friend or family member!

Encourage. Care. Understand.

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth,

but only such a word as is good for edification

according to the need of the moment,

that it may give grace to those who hear.

~Proverbs 10:11

Blessings! Keep encouraging!

Photo Source: Click Photo

In Brokenness You Shine

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 08:03:00 +0000

Hey friends! It’s Monday! How did your weekend go? I really had so much fun yesterday, even though I’m still wearing a cast (which I will still be wearing until November).

In my previous post, I’ve mentioned that last month, I slipped on our laundry floor and ended up getting a fracture on my foot. I know! It’s funny and I should have been careful! LOL But sometimes accidents do happen even if you try your best to avoid it. Mine happened so fast (like 2 seconds) and I didn’t imagine I’d break a bone! But God has a reason for everything, right?

What makes me laugh today is that I never realized that this funny thing would change my life for a couple of months. I really didn’t prepare for this. I mean, I never thought I’d ever break a bone in my entire life. I was even smiling and making jokes in the doctor’s office while I was being treated, until he said “You’re gonna wear this cast for a month.” I’m like “Okay! 1 month…” And then I stopped because his words finally sank in.

“One month…?”

5 long weeks I wouldn’t be able to to walk and do the things I normally do. How about church? Work? Volunteer stints? How will I even eat out? My world suddenly stopped for a while~that moment, sitting at doctor’s office.

And now more than a month has passed, and I have to extend wearing my cast for another 7 weeks. It’s hard, but I’m grateful. ‘Cause Jesus is teaching me so many things. It is in my brokenness (and literally, in this moment that I have a broken bone! LOL) that He shines the brightest.

195. Friends who constantly visits me and brings me treats the past month.
196. My super patient parents and my sisters (esp. Ava) who nurses me, helping me move around!
197. My super nice and funny doctor!
198. My super awesome youth group who’s been so supportive.
199. For lessons you teach me, Lord!
200. Time to rest!
201. For all the love showered by friends, family and churchmates.

If there’s one thing that makes me heart so full today, it is all the love and concern being poured out. I feel so well taken cared of!

And we know that in all things

God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.

~Romans 8:28

Photo Credits: Click photo

Why I’ve Been Away

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 20:05:00 +0000

I was reading Bonnie’s blog today and I realized many things. The truth is, all these months I’ve been away, all these months the blog has been empty and quiet, I was thinking of you, my friends~and it felt so painful in the heart every time I think that I am not able to write and come back for a long time.

Not because I don’t have time, because I do.
But because I was afraid to.

I was really afraid to.

There were many times I tried. Sitting in my computer for hours. Starting drafts and never being able to finish. Because I knew I had to tell you the truth before I can ever write again. I’ve always kept this in my heart. The brokeness and all the pain I went through last year, afraid that it we be so raw and I’d be so vulnerable because the pain was so deep. The wounds in my heart were so deep that I had to go into hiding, even from the blog where I can fully share my heart and deepest thoughts.

Betrayed and Forgotten

There were many times I cried and stayed up all night. Many times I felt I shouldn’t have loved and gave my heart to people. For a while, I was asking myself “Why?” Why did I ever loved, cared, invested, dreamed, hoped for… I was so heartbroken and hurt; so betrayed and let down. And I wanted to, but didn’t know how to make my heart vulnerable again.

I was so afraid to tell the truth and let people see my brokeness.

Everyday I felt imprisoned with fear whenever I think about writing and how I’m running away. I didn’t realize that as I run from the blog, I am also running from myself~from being truthful with my hurt and accepting that I’ve been wounded, betrayed and let down.

Let Me See

I’ve always carried myself so strong. Like no matter how troubled the times were, I tried to be cool and tell myself that it doesn’t get to me. I’ve always tried to encourage myself. Cheer up my spirit. But these time, it just wouldn’t work. I have to come out as fearful and broken as I am…into God’s heart, and let Him see. Let Him heal. Let Him love me.

And after being honest with Him, I knew I also have to be honest with you, sharing my story…

Not An Easy Road

It had not been an easy road. I’ve never felt so betrayed in my lifetime. I’ve experienced so many things years before but that season was the most heart-wrenching.

But I have to tell you. I really have to tell you that this time had also been the most joyful, fruitful and exciting season of all. Not because I’m cheering myself up. I’m not just trying to see the good things. But it was really that: the most joyful, fruitful and exciting season of all. Because God gave beautiful things after the heavy storm. Undeserved. Unexpected. Twice than I’ve imagined. No, I didn’t even imagined it! He just blessed! So much that I’ve ever expected!

And so I’m writing to you today, after much tears…telling a testimony of His grace. That because of Jesus I am able to forgive and let go and take my turn in giving chances and forgiveness. And to live my life better than ever because He taught me to forgive and because He is restoring things, not as they were before, but into an even more beautiful masterpiece. And it feels really, really good in the heart!

And it felt as good as ever to be like this, real and honest with you. You guys had been so kind and gracious to me, encouraging me with your messages here and even on Facebook and Twitter while I’d been away. I was touched and felt so loved! Thank you so much! Thank you for being there and accepting me unconditionally.

And to Bonnie: Thank you, my dear sister! Your honesty and vulnerability have always encouraged me to be vulnerable and truthful and to come to Jesus just as I am. I need not to pretend to be anybody. Because He loves me. Exactly just as me.

“I will not leave you as orphans;

I will come to you.”

John 14:8

Birthday Recap and More Updates!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 18:59:00 +0000

I can’t believe it’s October! Time flies really fast! I’ve been away for a really, really long time. I really miss you guys and writing on the blog.
I should update and we guys need to do a lot of catching up, right?

I'm really so sorry for not putting much time to blog. So many beautiful things have happened, so many beautiful lessons I’ve learned which I’ve failed to share with you. I hope we can still go through all them all together—the stories, the miracles, the blessings, and even the victories when times were challenging. And I hope to hear from you guys as well. I haven’t heard from many of you, my bloggy friends! How have you been doing? ^^

Anyway, today… I’ve been at home for over a month now. Got a fracture on my right foot after I slipped on slippery floor. And I’ll be wearing my cast until the 3rd week of November! I’ve worn it for 5 weeks already. The next seven weeks will be quick and better than ever!

I have so much stories to tell you about, but let’s begin with my birthday last month, 3 days before I figured the accident.

“Because God prepares

beautiful things

to comfort and bring us joy

long before we realize

that we need them.”

September 2, 2012

So it was my birthday, and I was happy and excited but deep in my heart, I wished my birthday didn’t fall on a Sunday because I’m usually dead tired by Sunday evening. LOL Sunday is my most enjoying but busiest day my week but I knew that I won’t have time to fit a celebration into my schedule that day.

So that morning went on, as happy as my usual Sunday mornings. But God was brewing up something even more exciting and heart-warming than I ever expected.

I went to the convenience store downstairs to have some church hand-outs photocopied, and the guard who was my friend showed me a huge bag saying “Your friends left this and asked me to hide this…” I looked at the bag from afar and saw a huge charcoal portrait. I laughed because the forehead of the girl was showing and I recognized that it looked like my profile picture in Facebook.

It was so funny to accidentally learn about the surprise, but I felt so bad for my youth group (The guard had no idea it was me, so it wasn’t his fault)! I went upstairs pretending I didn’t know anything.

And I thought I knew it all. Right after the service ended, I was in the Kids Room and they called me out. I knew it’s gonna be surprise but I ended up getting even more surprised!

Everyone was singing and my pictures were all over! They prepared so much! There were photo cupcake toppers and caricatures and the letters! Everyone in the youth group wrote a letter and I was so happy and teary-eyed! It was one of my best birthdays ever!

Siopao and cake toppers!

They researched well and even got my baby pictures!

And later on I saw they took photos of themselves hiding in the staircase in church! It was soooo funny and I was so I slept with a smile on my face for days!

I wish I took many photos that day ( I forgot to take a photo of the huge charcoal portrait I saw in the convenience store. I’ll upload later!) but I knew I just had to enjoy the moment. It was one of those day you feel extremely blessed and so loved! I still remember every single detail. My Mom even cried seeing what was happening and bought ice cream for everybody.

I went home with a really, really grateful heart for all the love I feel I don’t deserve at all. I feel so undeserving of all the love and affection they showered. I love them so much!

And this is one of the things that God used to comfort me and paint a smile on my face on the next few days that followed. 3 days after my birthday, I slipped on the slippery laundry floor and had to brought to ER.

“God prepares beautiful things

to comfort and bring us joy

long before we realize

that we need them.”

To be continued…

Goodbye, Princess Complex

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 09:45:00 +0000

The last time a wrote a lengthy post ( I know it’s been a while! ), we talked about our house being open for missionaries and guests from abroad. And it’s been so fun the whole year! Pastors and their families coming over is something my family is always looking forward to. Being a Pastor's kid gives you this kind of privilege to cherish. ;)

But of course, good things also come with a special kind of challenge. And I believe these challenges are specially custom-made for each of us. I, particularly, know that God wants me to change something in my attitude. I know he wants to kill every hint of *princess complex* in me.

Like today, the guest that we’re housing in my room for two months now needs to extend for another 6 months (people usually stay for a week at most). I would be lying if I would tell you "Ah, that's nothing". Because secretly, I wanted to cry (Crybaby over such little thing, eh? LOL) For two months, all of my things are in the hallway, and sometimes I sleep in the sofa. And it gets really hard at times. Sacrifice is really hard.

But sacrifice is not sacrifice if it wouldn’t require you to give a part that would hurt you if you do. And I guess this is something Jesus wants me to learn. I’ve never been good in this. I sacrifice for ministry or work, sometimes extravagantly, but there are I things I save for myself, things I have put boundaries around and call my own. And I’m having a hard time giving them up~like that room. And to love, I know I must learn not to have a "hold" on these things and be willing to give them up if necessary.

In heaven I know the Lord prepares good rooms. I may lose my room here in on earth but I know in heaven I will have a good place to stay in. So I choose to look at things eternal. ^^

Sometimes I feel ashamed that I also feel this “hurt” when it’s only just a room. Some people even give their own lives. But we all learn in a different pace do we? ;)

Before, Jesus taught me to give apples from my tree. Now, He’s teaching me to give my branches. And sometimes even though that hurts, I know that when the test is done, I will come out with a better attitude and polished heart.

And I’ll finally learn what sacrifice is all about.

How many giving trees have there been in my life? How many released part of themselves so I might grow, so I might accomplish my goals, find wholeness and satisfaction and reach beyond the tiny, limited playground of my childhood? So, so many…

Now I, like the tree, have grown up. Now it`s my turn to give and some of that hurts. Apples, branches, sometimes the trunk.

– Growing Strong In The Seasons of Life

Anyway, when Jesus was born, he didn't have a room, did he? :D