Hispanic Artist

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I think all of us, in our own way are "Artists". It doesn't require formal training or a fancy degree to be an artist. It is about taking your God given talent, passion, and uniqueness; and creating "LIFE". For me, it is about making the time to see God in people eyes. It is about looking within to what moves me to exist. So next time you cook a meal or smile at someone in town; you are creating "goodness". Do all things with a Christ heart. Call upon the Lord to bless your gifts. Try new things or pull out those dreams you have tucked far away. You are the masterpiece of the Creator.

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One of the things I will do this weekend is to design unique aprons for market days at "Dias Festivos" (Festive Days). For 24 years, the Junior League of McAllen has traditionally opened the holiday season with its Dias Festivos Marketplace in order to raise funds for the children of the community.

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I will be working with this beautiful fabric. The inspiration for my designs is the artistic work of Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) a famous Mexican painter. Frida painted using vibrant colors in a style that was influenced by indigenous cultures of Mexico and European. I don't dare to put myself in the artist category as Frida, but I do honor her artistic spirit.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Yoli :)

Thankful Thursday

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Giving thanks on a regular basis keeps your heart healthy and strengthens your spirit. Join in at Thankful Thursday and share your list of blessings.

I want to share that this week I am so thankful for my spiritual growth. God has taken me on an incredible adventure that started with my attending a Women's ACTS Retreat a year ago. I received messages from God telling me to have COURAGE. I had no idea why, but I obediently walked in faith. I am thankful that God clipped away the unfruitful things in my life. I'm thankful that I notice God's beauty in people, places, and things. I am most thankful for getting to meet wonderful women of wisdom through blog events like this.
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God's Blessings to You,
Yoli :)

This is my Valley

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I have not relocated yet and I already miss my Rio Grande Valley. I have about 5 more weeks before we move, so I will be sure to enjoy the beauty.

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As I have mentioned before, I live in deep south Texas in the Rio Grande Valley. To the east is South Padre Island at the Gulf of Mexico. To the west are the rolling hills of Starr County. To the south is the Rio Grande River. The area stretches about 115 miles from east to west, and I have traveled those roads all of my life.

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You can take the girl out of the Valley but you can't take the "Valley" out of the girl. I will be back for visits with family & friends.

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Yoli :)

Blue Monday

Join along with Blue Monday at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/.
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My son Vincent is in 11th grade also attends college full-time. After high school graduation he wants to go to Notre Dame to finish his college degree. Vinny downloaded this icy blue picture of Notre Dame. I attended college as a single parent while working full-time, and it was exhausting. I wish for better circumstances for Vinny. I pray for God's will over Vinny's college dreams. ~ Yoli :)

My prayer for you...

I have been anxiously waiting for Spiritual Sundays to come again. I am enjoying meeting fellow Christian sisters as we gather in prayer, faith, and friendship. This week I want to share a beautiful prayer card with you.

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I am sending my prayers out to all of those in need. My life has been so blessed lately by all of the prayers we are receiving concerning our upcoming relocation. God is so wonderful because He has heard your prayers and is blessing us through the process. I have witnessed the power of prayer in my life. It is my turn to give back in love, prayer, and support to each one of you. With all of my heart and soul, I lift you up in prayer; through my works, my thoughts, and my words. Open your heart, open your eyes, open your arms; receive God's peace, love, and hope!

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With Love, Yoli

A Woman's Heart

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I posted the picture because I believe in the statement. I have been a single parent over 4 years and I am not in a rush to find someone. I want to spend devoted time with my 2 teen kids before they leave to college. I'm blessed with so much love from God, my kids, family and friends. I have all faith that God has something special in store for me, in His due time.
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Happy Saturday!
Yoli :)

Mirror, Mirror... On the Wall

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I was looking for a bible study to get me ready for the upcoming Advent. I wanted something self-paced and one that I could do during my quiet hours.
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God sent me to Empowering Christian Women where Karla Meachem was so sweet to post a free download of the e-book. I just started the 10 week course on the 10 Commandments. I like it so far because it is easy to follow, good verse references, and it has pages for me to write my meditations.
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My fellow Christian sisters, always remember that you are the blessed daughters of the King of Heaven. You are beautiful, special, and strong. You are loved by Jesus Christ and powered by the Holy Spirit.

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Yoli :)

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for:
1. My heavenly father
2. My 2 kids
3. My serenity
4. My job
5. My family
6. My blog friends
7. ....so much more!

Relocation ~ Our Dog Snowball

This is our pet "Snowball". He is a mix breed of Lab & Husky, and is 3 years old. He is a big part of our family. Snowball is a testament of God's mercy. Six months ago Snow Ball got very ill and the veterinarian said that Snowball would probably not survive. We prayed for his recovery and our faith brought him through. Snowball is back to his normal self, fun loving and playful.

This is where it gets tough again. I don't know if we will be able to take Snowball with us when we move. He might have to stay behind with some of our friends. It all depends on the housing we find. We are praying again that we find a house with a fenced yard. Snowball is such a special part of our family and we love him a lot.

Christmas Stocking Sewing Project

Oh so adorable!! I have to say so myself. Last night I finished sewing these little darlings. I put a cross on the stocking because we do need to remember the "reason for the season". I took my time to make them because wanted a professional and upscale look. I lined the inside in a soft red fabric, serged the seams, and added sparkly accents. I posted them for sale on my website and will be posting them on Etsy. Tonight I'm going to make stockings in a light beige burlap. Oh how fun!! ~ Yoli :)

Apron with Love

Every apron I make is an extension of me. I truly put my heart into each one. When a customer places an order it is an opportunity for me to bless them, as they are blessing me. I try to send a little extra love-gift with each order. Excellent customer service starts with loving what you do, being honest with customers, and respecting their wishes. This little apron set is going to a lovely lady in North Dakota, and I really hope that she likes it.

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Do everything with a Christ heart, always giving more than is expected. Live to glorify the Lord with all of your works and talents. Show God's love through simple acts of kindness.

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Love your day! ~ Yoli :)

BBQ Manners

The kids and I went to Rudy's BBQ for supper Sunday night. As we sat down to prepare our table Gina asked Vinny for a napkin. Vinny threw the napkin her direction, instead of politely handing it to the Princess. Gina was totally insulted by his lack of table etiquette. Vinny simply told her, "Manners are not required at a table where you eat on sheets of paper". He had a good point. None the less, manners are always required. During the meal Vinny was watching the football game on the many televisions in the restaurant. Gina thought it was just too rude because she is used to "family talk" during our meals at home. Apparently she wanted more interaction from her 16 year old brother. The polite bickering continued.

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All I did was eat and take pictures. The kids thought I was crazy. They worried that other people might think we're tourists. I just sat there and enjoyed another day with my teen kids. Oh the joys of parenthood. Thank God for patience and humor. Gotta love them kids.

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Yoli :)