Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Thankful Thursday

When I was young I dreamed of the fairytale story the prince and princess. I thought my prince-charming would come one day and sweep me away on his white horse. I would be wearing a beautiful gown and gorgeous slippers. The perfect story was just a dream.
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Many years later I found myself in the real world; having to work, divorced, raising kids, and trying to find my purpose in life. For a long time I was upset that the fairytale didn't come true and that the world was not perfect. I wondered why life seemed so good for other people and I had struggled so much. I was disappointed and frustrated.
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Then one day I went to a Women's Christian retreat and my life changed. I looked at myself with eyes of truth. I saw that my struggles as a single mom were actually helping me build courage and confidence. I looked at my kids and I no longer felt guilty for being a single parent because I knew that I was giving them a Christian home filled with love, discipline, and security. I realized that while I was busy feeling sorry for myself, I had also been busy building a career and finishing college. My life was not empty, in fact it was full and complete. I found out that I wasn't raising my kids alone because I had my mother and sisters to encourage me. I found out that I wasn't lonely because God was putting friends and projects in my life to keep me company. The best part was that for the very first time I realized that I had something to give back to other people. I had a "testimony" of God's love, patience, and never-ending gifts. I'm no longer expecting life to perfect or to be a fairytale. Today I am happy and blessed.
Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars... James 1:17

Get creative when setting a table, use cans as flower containers.
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Chicken corn-wraps, fresh fruit, salad...healthy eating.
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Taco Salad ~ Healthy eating serve with low fat chips and lite dressing.
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Watermelon Margaritas ~ Drink Responsibly!
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You gotta love those Texas Women!
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My vintage apron in grey paisley and pink roses.
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Join in at these Thursday Blog Parties!

21 comments:

  1. What an encouraging testimony! Your tablescape is precious. Thank you for sharing your charming design...and your heart. Cherry Kay

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  2. Hello Yoli, thanks for the following I am following you too. I like that idea of using cans with labels for a flower vase it's very colorful. You are very creative. And your food...now that makes me hungry ^_^. Happy Thursday!

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  3. I love how vibrant and colorful your table looks with the cans as vases! Very creative :) Your taco salad and watermelon drinks look just as welcoming!!!!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Rachel

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  4. Using the cans for the flowers was such a great idea! I just love your arrangement. Thank you.

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  5. Great idea for vases! Everything looks great and delicious. Thanks for sharing with us today!

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  6. The idea of using cans is a good one. Simple but very attractive, in my humble opinion. Your taco salad looks yum, too.

    Elisabeth

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  7. I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I will be linked to this post on Sunday (going out of town, trying to get ahead!) from the new Home & Garden channel at Craft Gossip. :) My hope is to share many of the fabulous projects I see everyday with the vast CG audience. I hope you will not only stop by and subscribe to CG, but will tell your friends about the new category! Hope you see some traffic from it!

    Your feature will appear in the main Craft Gossip RSS feed, on the main home page. While it's not live yet (scheduled for Sunday) and can be found directly here
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/canned-flower-centerpiece/

    If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here!
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/

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  8. Thanks for sharing the apron. And the cans and flowers look great!!!

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  9. What a wonderful testimony. So sweet of you to share. I am getting very hungry looking at that wonderful salad and that apron reminds me of the ones I have that belonged to my Grandmother. ~~Sherry~~

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  10. I enjoyed this post so much - both the message and the pretty table. I love the cans filled with flowers.

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  11. A terrific post!! I LOVE the idea of using cans as vases. Many times I use canning jars and such and just love the casual look it gives. All your healthy food looks wonderful and is making me want some good tex-mex food :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  12. What a great post...just what I needed. Love your apron too...so cute. Have a great VTT!

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  13. Beautiful! Thanks for visiting our blog! Now following you back!

    Liz,
    http://twomaidsamilking.blogspot.com

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  14. Yoli, the pics of the food are wonderful. I can almost smell the cantaloupe and flowers.
    You know, I think the fact that you're happy and accepting of your life and situation is a fairy tale in itself. Cheers for testimonies and faith in tomorrow.

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  15. Wonderful testimony, and what tantalizing photos! I came by via Somewhat Simple, and am glad I did :)

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  16. Oh this is a great post and a great blog! I love how you've used cans for a center piece, just adorable!
    I'm now following you as i really want to keep track of the this darling little blog!
    Terry

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  17. I am a new follower. I love the food pictures and the apron is lovely!!!

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  18. Love the flowers and that apron is just too cute.

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