A Pause in Advent

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GOD answers questions FAST! Just a couple of hours ago I posted a question about Christmas decorating. The answers came through wonderful women of wisdom!
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Thank you to my sweet friend Floss for hosting "A Pause for Advent" because that was the reminder I needed. Floss, you helped me remember the "Reason for the Season", JESUS CHRIST.
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Super thanks to all the lovely ladies who posted your thoughts. I will certainly take your words of wisdom to heart. We will decorate our house with the Nativity display.
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God has truly blessed me with the gift of your friendship!
Yoli :)

Need Your Opinion!

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What do I do???? We relocate within 3-4 weeks. I feel bad that I haven't put up any Christmas decorations in our current house. I hate to put them up and just have to box them back up in a couple of weeks. I went online to look for inspiration and found this picture at Pottery Barn. I totally love it. The Christmas rustic scene is so me!
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I'm torn because I don't want to be a Scrooge Mommy by not decorating, even though my kids are teenagers. What should I do???? I guess I could down-size the decorations this year but it wouldn't be the same. I just love decorating, making cookies, and the smell of pine & cinnamon. This relocation is my Christmas dream come true!
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Need Your Opinion!
Yoli

The Gift of Nature

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I am so excited to participate in Spiritual Sundays. I like sharing time with wonderful women of faith. Sometimes we laugh and sometimes we cry, but we always give praise to God! Everyone is invited to participate, so come on over to Spiritual Sundays.

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Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. Genesis 1:11

My dad had a passion and God given talent for growing plants and trees. He would take the tiny seeds and carefully nurture them one by one. Around our property we had so many different types of plant ; oaks, palms, encinos, citrus, cactus, banana, grapes, avocados, peppers, and vegetation. My dad had the patience and vision to see them through.

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The trees and plants have all matured and my father has long been gone to Heaven. Looking back I can see how he also planted within me the love and vision to grow in faith. As he tended to his plants years ago, I now tend to my kids with my father's patience and hope of good things to come.

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This coming week, lets all do our part in being fruitful and helping others grow in faith. It starts with a smile, an act of kindness, a comforting prayer, or an invitation to salvation.

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God Bless You!

Yoli :)

True Spirit of Christianity

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I want to sincerely give my thanks and appreciation to my sister Jessica and her husband Jaime for hosting Thanksgiving at their house yesterday. The top picture is my grandmother and the next picture is my mom & grandmother.

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A few years ago Jessica & Jaime bought a beautiful older estate that has the main house, a cute cottage, and an apartment. Shortly after, my grandmother started to need more medical care and my father passed-away. Mom was left alone with her own huge house. But not to worry because God knew exactly the plan that was up ahead.

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Jessica heard the Lord's call and opened her home to my mom & grandmother. That was the most loving and unselfish thing that anyone has ever done for my mother. I am so humbled by Jessica's generosity compared to mine. Jessica and Jaime never ask for applause or recognition. They give when no-one is watching and they give everyday. They renovated the cottage and everyone is settled in. Mom just retired so she is enjoying time with 3 generations of beautiful ladies. Jessica is an amazing example of the true spirit of Christianity.

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Happy Holidays!

Yoli

Thankful Thursday ~ Happy Thanksgiving

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I sincerely wish all of you a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. Join us at Grace Alone during November. During December we will be sharing our thankful thoughts at Women Taking A Stand.

I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

During 2009, my blessings have been greater than I could have ever imagined. I shifted my thoughts from expectation to glorification. I made a conscious effort to turn my will and my life to God. The blessings started to become clear. I have been able to see the path clearly. I am in constant communication with God. I have been teaching my kids to see the signs of God. I tell them that when they talk to God and ask him for things, sometime the answer is Yes, No, or Wait. I have tried to be a faithful servant and the rewards are incredible.

Walk in faith my dear friends. Let the Lord steer your path. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for your friendship, your words of wisdom, and most of all the love of God that we share. Lets lift up in prayer all of those people who feel lonely, hungry, and lost. May the love of Christ nurish their bodies, fill their spirit, and heal hearts.

To my Father God: Thank you for my closer relationship with you. I sincerely appreciate the wonderful children you have given me; who are in good health, respectful Christians, and excellent students. I am so appreciative of the job I am blessed with and the sweet people I work with. My heart is filled with gratitude for my mother, who is still my inspiration and mentor. My sisters are my best friends and my brother is my role-mode. Thank you God for giving us your son Jesus Christ, who loves us and guides us closer to you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yoli :)

Paula Deen ~ Mystery Pecan Pie

Mystery Pecan Pie

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup sugar
1 8-ounce package cream cheese
1 egg
1 deep dish pie shell
1 1/4 cups chopped pecans
Topping:
3 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions
Blend together first five items and pour in bottom of unbaked pie shell, top with chopped pecans.

Topping:
Mix all ingredients and pour on top of pecans.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.

Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 45 min
Difficulty: Easy
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Happy Thanksgiving Week!!
Yoli :)

Mr. Rooster's Thanksgiving

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Sunday afternoon I took a stroll around our back property . That is when I saw Mr. Rooster strutting his stuff. During this Thanksgiving week, I bet Mr. Rooster is giving thanks that he isn't a turkey!

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A couple of weeks ago I saw this fabric and had to buy it. My kids think that I need an "intervention" when it comes to fabrics. They all look so pretty.

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Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week!

Yoli :)

Parenting 101

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I am so excited about Spiritual Sundays. I like the sharing of wisdom from such wonderful friends. Please join in!
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The scripture I chose this Sunday is about parenting, because I see my teen kids growing up so fast. I am trying to guide them through biblical teachings and by giving them space to grow. Parenting is something that takes a lot of attentiveness and prayer. The Bible is our Manual/Handbook for parenting. Eventhough I'm a single mom, I am so glad that I am not raising them alone because our sweet Jesus Christ is the man of our house!
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These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9
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We are so blessed that Father God is such a patient and loving parent. He is giving us the checklist on how to raise our own kids. God doesn't expect us figure this out by ourselves. He doesn't make different rules for different people. His expectations are exactly the same for everyone. The rules don't change. I consider the Ten Commandments as "Parenting 101", fundamental and foundational. God is also telling us to be in constant communication with our kids. How many times are we so rushed or exhausted to listen to our children? I know they are a full-time job and they require so much attention. But God is specific to say that we must communicate with them at all times. Also, as easily as we buy designer name brand clothing, let us be sure that we wear our faith for everyone to see. Brand your home, yourself, and your children with the Holy Trinity.
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Amen!
Yoli

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 :)

Scipture Sundays - The 7 Ups

I want to invite to attend Spiritual Sundays at http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/. Bring your prayer requests and Christian prayer warriors.


My sweet friend Dawn posted this list on her blog http://dawnandaggie.blogspot.com/. The list is simple yet powerful. Today I ask God for a special blessing for Dawn during her time of letting go; http://dawnandaggie.blogspot.com/2009/10/letting-go.html. Please drop by her blog and give her a shout-out of support.
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The 7 Ups!
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1. Wake Up !! - Decide to have a good day. "This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !! - The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7
3. Shut Up!! - Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!! ... for what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !! ... to the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !! … for something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !! .. . your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6
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God Bless You! ~ Yoli :)

Prayer for Fort Hood

My heart and prayers go to those at Fort Hood, their families and friends, and our nation. I pray that the healing of God come upon everyone. Sometimes we do not understand situations but we can always find safety in Jesus Christ. God Bless America.

Welcome to my new blog!!

Hello Dear Friends,
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Here I am, Yoli the "Apron Senorita". I changed my blog because my upcoming relocation has also affected the boutique business that I co-own with my sister Jessica. Last year Jessica invited me to join her successful jewelry business, so we started JOY Marie's Boutique an online boutique. With the long-distance miles we will soon be facing, we decided to branch out in different directions. I will always be appreciative to Jessica because she gave me a "stage" for me to showcase my sewing passion.
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As my job relocation to the beautiful Texas Hill-Country area gets closer, I am so excited about the move. I will be working full-time as a Terminal Operations Coordinator, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. I will also be continuing on with my apron designs. I call myself the APRON SENORITA, since I am Hispanic, and I do incorporate a lot of Latin flavor in my designs. I envision aprons for Cowgirl Senoritas, French Senoritas, Americana Senoritas. I stayed up late last night working on my new website http://www.apronsenorita.com/ and I setup this blog and I setup my Etsy Shop account. I have so much work to do, but ONE DAY AT A TIME. God is still the CEO of my business, so I'm in good hands.
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Please do add me to the list of blogs you follow. Your comments and prayers are priceless to me. As a single mom, I find so much comfort and support in your kind words.

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God Bless You!

Yoli :)

No Pain - No Gain

Jessica is my youngest sister. She is a wonderful wife, loving mother, successful business woman, and faithful Christian. This year were got even closer, from sisters to best friends. I am so blessed to have her in my life. She is wisdom and beauty. She introduced me to Proverbs 31 Ministries about a year ago. I subscribe to their daily devotional. God knows exactly what I need to hear. I am a work in progress, so "no pain, no gain.

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11/03/09 Proverbs 31 Daily Devotional: "It seems God continually brings me to the end of my endurance, both emotionally and physically, to reveal the truth about my heart. What's revealed in those moments of pressure is usually something that needs addressing, like selfishness, insecurity, jealousy or bitterness. Getting split apart isn't pleasant. In fact, it's often painful and embarrassing. Yet, it's required if I want to become a true follower of Christ." Full Text

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May the Love of Christ shine bright in your heart.

Yoli :)

Finding God's Purpose for Your Life

A fellow Christian blogger, Ginger invited me to participate in Spiritual Sundays, which is hosted at http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/. The blog is co-hosted by Charlotte and Ginger. This is my first participation, and I already feel blessed by the calling of women prayer warriors. Please visit their blog and join in.

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"God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start... God rewrote the text in my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes" - Psalms 18:20-24

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Oh how true the verse. I have been a Christian all of my life, but in November 2008 my life forever changed thanks to an ACTS Women's Retreat that my sister Angela invited me to attend. I was in "pieces" when I layed my life before the Lord. I was broken down and worn out. I was an exhausted single mother feeling lost and frustrated. I knew that God loved me but I felt so far away and alone. "Getting my act together" was not something I did overnight or something I have mastered. In fact, I still struggle with certain areas of my life; but I believe that God sees my effort and rewards my progress. I walked away from the retreat with a deeper faith and trust in God. I asked him to remove my defects of character and any obstacles in my way. I thank God because he has given me a fresh start. I am putting all my faith and trust in him, especially when it comes to my upcoming relocation. I still stress out about the moving details and I have to remind myself that God is in charge. Life is good and getting better. I look forward to God rewriting my life.

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My dear blogger Sisters in Christ, learn to go where God leads you and always stay on course. Remember to encourage each other through prayer and support. I place my petitions for prayers over my upcoming relocation, and offer my prayers for your heartfelt intentions.

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All Glory be to God.

Yoli