Chelsea DeVries's Blog, page 40
July 21, 2015
#WriterWednesday: Amazing News To Share; I Got a Job
To read my article, please Click here!
I'm honored that my first ever freelance article was a review of Tori Kelly's debut album. She's one of my faves right now. I love everything she writes about and stands for. She's an inspiration of mine.
All the glory be to God in this moment. I am so thankful I get to do what I love to do for a living now. I'm still working on getting a public relations job or internship in the meantime. Lord, thank you for loving me!
If you need a job, say this out loud right now:
Lord, according to your Word, those who trust you lack no good. A job is good. So I am not going to worry about it, I know that you have the perfect job for me. I believe I receive my perfect job right now in the Name of Jesus.
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
July 15, 2015
#WriterWednesday: Why NOW is the time to have hope?
I don't mean to scare you with this statement but I believe the end times are near. There are many signs that Jesus is on his way back to Earth. Yet, this blog isn't about the end times at all...it's all about hope and why you should be living in it every day.
Just watch the news (CNN, anyone? aka the Chicken Noodle News, haha) or listen to today's music on the radio and even watching tv or movies, and it's easy to see why so many people are depressed. This world is filled with negative, critical, ignorant, death talk and not enough hope, love, or faith.
Yet, as someone who has suffered from medical depression, I know even all those outside sources aren' the only things to blame for the state of the world. Continuous trials and trying circumstances can and will get you down if you let them.
The key to living a hopeful life is surrounding yourself with hope and stop talking so much about your problems and the problems of the world.
Unless you are going to say something from God's word regarding the situation, the best thing you can do is Be still and know that he is God. (Psalm 46:10).
Suggested ways to live in continual hope
Pray One Bold Prayer a Day
The only way to see anything positive happen in your life is to exercise your faith. And the best way to exercise your faith is to pray. If you have hope, you're never afraid to believe big. You have not because you ask not. (James 4:2). And quit believing that God doesn't want to be good to you.
God loves you more than you will ever understand, and he has a good plan for your life. You are never alone because he is with you all the time. God's forgiveness is greater than any sin you have committed. His mercy is new every day. As a believer, God has given you power, and you do not have to live a defeated life. Have a need? A dream you want to see fulfilled? Talk to God about it in prayer, much the same way you would a close friend, a family member, or your therapist. There is no formula. God just wants to hear from you. Start with Hi God, I need you, and the rest will follow.
Do Something Fun Each Day
You don't have to go to Disney every day to be hopeful and full of joy. It could be something as simple as coffee with a friend, watching a comedy with your family, or a walk in the park---anything that brings a smile to your face.
For example, yesterday my mom and I played the board game Trouble for the first time in many years and we had a blast! Today, I worked out and sang the entire time. For me, that was fun.
The key here is to enjoy life NOW! Don't wait until tomorrow, retirement, or that vacation to enjoy your life. Find a way to enjoy every single day!
Bless at least one person each day
Give someone a compliment
Tell someone how much they mean to you
Pray with someone who's having a rough day
Buy someone's lunch or a coffee
Write Down at least one way each day that God blessed you
Every night, I write in my blessings journal, and thank God for the blessings from that day. A grateful attitude produces great things to happen, plus it creates a joyful atmosphere. The more you are aware of what God's done in your life, the more your faith will increase for what you are hoping for.
I hope this blog encouraged you and if you want to know more or need some more HOPE, please check out Get Your Hopes Up! by Joyce Meyer. It's a short book filled to the brim with words of encouragement and ways to become more hopeful. It reads like a heartfelt letter from a long-lost friend.
Until next time, remember:
God is the only one who can make the valley of trouble a door of hope. -Catherine Marshall
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming!~
July 7, 2015
#WriterWednesday: How To Overcome Writer's Block
Behind every successful author is the book proposal they wrote to get their book considered for publication. Since it's been almost nine years since I first published my two YA novels and because I did not go the traditional route, I wasn't aware that you must write a book proposal for your book whether it be nonfiction or fiction.
So last week, I set out to begin writing my proposal but found I was looking Writer's Block right in the eyes. In case you are unfamiliar, writer's block is a hindrance a writer faces that is fear based.
How I Overcame my Writer's Block:
1. I worked on something else. My most productive day last week was when I wrote an additional chapter for my memoir and not my actual proposal.
2. I continued doing research and found a mock proposal to use as a guide for mine. A book proposal is a 30 to 50 page document telling an agent or publisher what your book is/will be about and also compiles marketing data for the market your book would fit in. ( You would have thought my marketing degree would have helped in this area except it hindered my creativity because I didn't know how to present the marketing data).
3. I found that the source of my writer's block came from the rejection I faced in my beginnings of the search for a post-graduate job in my field. I overcame that rejection by writing My Poem: Perpetual Sadness, and studied my Bible and found the truth behind this current employment situation. I was listening to a Joyce Meyer teaching the other day and I found out that sometimes God wants us to use our faith to change ourselves instead of the situation, allowing God to help you become better.
4. I received my monthly letter from Joel Osteen and in it he said:
"In order to keep adversities, unfortunate experiences and tragedies from holding you back, choose to stir up what God placed on the inside of you. Meditate on the fact that:
You are a child of God.You've come too far to stop now.You will not allow your past to dictate your future.When God is on your side, anything is possible. 5. Lastly, the other day I was reading Get Your Hopes Up by Joyce Meyer and she showed a scripture that was perfect for my situation.
So yes, I faced rejection and have in many different areas my whole life but I have faith that my breakthrough is coming and so I'm going to give my all to applying for work and toward writing my proposal because it is part of my God-given destiny.
In other news, I no longer have to go to a thyroid specialist because my thyroid levels have stabilized and I'm healthy enough to just go to one doctor again for all medical needs. On Monday I had my first well visit in three years and it went really well. Praise God!
Until next time, remember: May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. -Psalm 90:17
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
So last week, I set out to begin writing my proposal but found I was looking Writer's Block right in the eyes. In case you are unfamiliar, writer's block is a hindrance a writer faces that is fear based.
How I Overcame my Writer's Block:
1. I worked on something else. My most productive day last week was when I wrote an additional chapter for my memoir and not my actual proposal.
2. I continued doing research and found a mock proposal to use as a guide for mine. A book proposal is a 30 to 50 page document telling an agent or publisher what your book is/will be about and also compiles marketing data for the market your book would fit in. ( You would have thought my marketing degree would have helped in this area except it hindered my creativity because I didn't know how to present the marketing data).
3. I found that the source of my writer's block came from the rejection I faced in my beginnings of the search for a post-graduate job in my field. I overcame that rejection by writing My Poem: Perpetual Sadness, and studied my Bible and found the truth behind this current employment situation. I was listening to a Joyce Meyer teaching the other day and I found out that sometimes God wants us to use our faith to change ourselves instead of the situation, allowing God to help you become better.
4. I received my monthly letter from Joel Osteen and in it he said:
"In order to keep adversities, unfortunate experiences and tragedies from holding you back, choose to stir up what God placed on the inside of you. Meditate on the fact that:
You are a child of God.You've come too far to stop now.You will not allow your past to dictate your future.When God is on your side, anything is possible. 5. Lastly, the other day I was reading Get Your Hopes Up by Joyce Meyer and she showed a scripture that was perfect for my situation.
So yes, I faced rejection and have in many different areas my whole life but I have faith that my breakthrough is coming and so I'm going to give my all to applying for work and toward writing my proposal because it is part of my God-given destiny.
In other news, I no longer have to go to a thyroid specialist because my thyroid levels have stabilized and I'm healthy enough to just go to one doctor again for all medical needs. On Monday I had my first well visit in three years and it went really well. Praise God!
Until next time, remember: May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. -Psalm 90:17
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
June 29, 2015
#ViralVideo: Hazel's birthday
On June 26, 2012 a beagle/Italian greyhound puppy ran in front of my mom's car...and because we couldn't find her a home, we quickly became attached to her and adopted her as our own.
The video you just viewed (above) is from her birthday last year. She got a call from Justin Bieber.This year, we celebrated her and her love for Mr. JB in style:
Needless to say, it got me out of my sad funk and back to the party mode of life. After all, life is for the living.
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
June 23, 2015
#WriterWednesday: Perpetual Sadness-A Poem by @ChelseaDeVries
Perpetual sadness
Drowns my soul
some would call it a hole
in my heart
that tears me apart
as I lay my head to sleep
at night.
Frustration eats away at me
Insecurity rises
Pride ebbs and flows,
she likes to take everything
personal
much like an obsessed lover
I have yet to love.
Does anyone realize
that I'm broken?
Or am I good
at pretending?
Fake it until
you become it.
I don't know how
to go on
until I hear
a still small voice.
It says
Be still and know
that I am God.
O child,
where is your faith?
The joy of the Lord
is your strength.
I must allow this
to be the tissue
that wipes away my tears
yet just like a Kleenex,
the tears are gone
but not the fears.
Drowns my soul
some would call it a hole
in my heart
that tears me apart
as I lay my head to sleep
at night.
Frustration eats away at me
Insecurity rises
Pride ebbs and flows,
she likes to take everything
personal
much like an obsessed lover
I have yet to love.
Does anyone realize
that I'm broken?
Or am I good
at pretending?
Fake it until
you become it.
I don't know how
to go on
until I hear
a still small voice.
It says
Be still and know
that I am God.
O child,
where is your faith?
The joy of the Lord
is your strength.
I must allow this
to be the tissue
that wipes away my tears
yet just like a Kleenex,
the tears are gone
but not the fears.
June 19, 2015
#ViralVideo: Class of 2015, FTW!
I would not have put this on here if I wasn't so salty with Youtube, who muted the audio on my video because I have Beyonce and Nicki Minaj's songs in it, which I gave credit too. Until they remove the mute, feel free to check it out here:
And don't forget to share it on social media.
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
And don't forget to share it on social media.
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
June 16, 2015
#WriterWednesday: God's grace is Enough
I have to be honest here and say I thought about this blog as I went to sleep last night and now that I've slept on the idea, I know you need this message as much as I do.
I'm sure if you read my blogs that means that you either are interested in what's going on in my life or you have some type of faith in God. Beyond that, I'm sure you've heard it said in church that God's grace is sufficient. I know I've really been studying grace more lately, and sometimes I still don't understand how God's going to turn my situation around. Let me explain.
Recently, I finally got my degree from Saint Leo (don't worry, I'm working on a video for you) so I'm officially qualified for my field or so I thought. Yet, the problem I'm facing is that no one is hiring me because I only have a year's worth of Public Relations experience. Yesterday, I got two rejection emails:
Normally, I wouldn't even sweat it but there are many reasons why those two emails caused me to feel a lot of discouragement fairly quickly:
1. I've been unemployed for over a year and don't want to do free work anymore...2. I want to move out of my parent's house and out of state. (The better PR work states are NY and CA, and TX is a runner up).3. I really wanted either of those positions because you can work from home (I am without proper transportation so working from home suits me best).
Yet, it's apparent that I'm going to have to keep doing internships in order to build up my resume and years of experience in order to have job. It's just hard to find an internship that pays.
Last night, I realized something profound. God may not have given me these jobs to protect me, and because he has something better. I also have to remember that Plan A of my life plan is to be a writer, and I do need to work on my proposal for my memoir. Being a publicist is my Plan B. Last night, I went to sleep knowing God's grace is enough in this situation.
So whatever need you are facing today, whether it be employment, a good break, health restored, a relationship restored, finances, or even just the strength to make it through the season you are in, please hear me when I say, God wants to hear from you about that need, and he wants you to leave it at his feet. After all the battle is not yours, but God's. Do not be afraid. (2 Chronicles 20:15)
I have faith that my time is coming and someone will take a chance on me.
Until next time, remember: Now I’m turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends. -Acts 20:32
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
I'm sure if you read my blogs that means that you either are interested in what's going on in my life or you have some type of faith in God. Beyond that, I'm sure you've heard it said in church that God's grace is sufficient. I know I've really been studying grace more lately, and sometimes I still don't understand how God's going to turn my situation around. Let me explain.
Recently, I finally got my degree from Saint Leo (don't worry, I'm working on a video for you) so I'm officially qualified for my field or so I thought. Yet, the problem I'm facing is that no one is hiring me because I only have a year's worth of Public Relations experience. Yesterday, I got two rejection emails:
Normally, I wouldn't even sweat it but there are many reasons why those two emails caused me to feel a lot of discouragement fairly quickly:
1. I've been unemployed for over a year and don't want to do free work anymore...2. I want to move out of my parent's house and out of state. (The better PR work states are NY and CA, and TX is a runner up).3. I really wanted either of those positions because you can work from home (I am without proper transportation so working from home suits me best).
Yet, it's apparent that I'm going to have to keep doing internships in order to build up my resume and years of experience in order to have job. It's just hard to find an internship that pays.
Last night, I realized something profound. God may not have given me these jobs to protect me, and because he has something better. I also have to remember that Plan A of my life plan is to be a writer, and I do need to work on my proposal for my memoir. Being a publicist is my Plan B. Last night, I went to sleep knowing God's grace is enough in this situation.
So whatever need you are facing today, whether it be employment, a good break, health restored, a relationship restored, finances, or even just the strength to make it through the season you are in, please hear me when I say, God wants to hear from you about that need, and he wants you to leave it at his feet. After all the battle is not yours, but God's. Do not be afraid. (2 Chronicles 20:15)
I have faith that my time is coming and someone will take a chance on me.
Until next time, remember: Now I’m turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends. -Acts 20:32
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
June 9, 2015
#WriterWednesday: How To Truly Save Your Soul
James 1:21 says it plainly: (MSG) In simple humility, let our gardner, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.
Another translation says it like this:So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.
What I'm trying to say is that the only thing that can save your soul is not this blog.
It's a start in the right direction but even anything I write doesn't have the power to save your soul.
It's not Google.
It's not E! Entertainment Television.
It's not Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
It's not MTV.
It's not Barack Obama.
It's not whoever gets elected in 2016.
It's not Twitter.
It's not Facebook.
It's not Instagram.
Only God's word implanted in your heart has the power to save your soul.
Recently, Bruce Jenner took to the cover of Vanity Fair to announce that he is now Caitlynn Jenner. I'll admit the picture gave me mixed emotions. He looked so good as a woman. I wanted to be made up and on the cover of Vanity Fair next just so I could look that good but what he's doing is truly not heroic.
Exhibit A:
I'm not trying to hate on Bruce for his idea of happiness in any way. Being transgender is not something I will ever understand personally and I'm ok to live within that bubble of ignorance.
Until next time, remember: I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! -Isaiah 65:24
Love Times Infinity,Chelsea xoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
Another translation says it like this:So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.
What I'm trying to say is that the only thing that can save your soul is not this blog.
It's a start in the right direction but even anything I write doesn't have the power to save your soul.
It's not Google.
It's not E! Entertainment Television.
It's not Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
It's not MTV.
It's not Barack Obama.
It's not whoever gets elected in 2016.
It's not Twitter.
It's not Facebook.
It's not Instagram.
Only God's word implanted in your heart has the power to save your soul.
Recently, Bruce Jenner took to the cover of Vanity Fair to announce that he is now Caitlynn Jenner. I'll admit the picture gave me mixed emotions. He looked so good as a woman. I wanted to be made up and on the cover of Vanity Fair next just so I could look that good but what he's doing is truly not heroic.
Exhibit A:
I'm not trying to hate on Bruce for his idea of happiness in any way. Being transgender is not something I will ever understand personally and I'm ok to live within that bubble of ignorance.
Until next time, remember: I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! -Isaiah 65:24
Love Times Infinity,Chelsea xoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
June 3, 2015
#WriterWednesday: Jesus Muzik Worth Blasting! Live Forever and Blanca Album Reviews
I know you are probably are tired of reading reviews on here but I've decided it's time I expand my writing talent to include reviews of good music, books, and movies/ tv shows. I also have been facing a bit of writer's block regarding what to blog about. Yet, I don't want to lose you as my fabulous, beautiful readers who come here for inspiration.
Two new released Christian albums I've fallen in love with lately are Live Forever by Matthew West and Blanca's self-titled debut solo album.
#LiveForeverReview
On April 28, 2015, Matthew West released Live Forever, his sixth studio album. I'm a huge Matthew West fan and this album doesn't disappoint. My favorites from the album are Day One (about how God's mercy is new every morning so each new day is the first day of your life), The List (reminds us that love keeps no record of wrong), World Changers (about Jesus followers who shine in this dark, dark world because they have the joy of the Lord), Grace Wins ( I'm living proof that grace wins every time!), Tryin' (how God made us all unique so we shouldn't try to be something that God didn't make us to be), Mended (about how God can take things not seen and make a way where one doesn't appear), Anything is Possible (God is the God of the Impossible), Born For This (Knowing your God-given destiny gives you a zest for life), Oh, Me of Little Faith (for the doubtful moments).
#BlancaReview
On May 4, 2015, Blanca (former member of Group 1 Crew) released her first solo debut with a self-titled album. From the first song until the last, the songs are filled with dance-inducing beats and lyrics filled with inspiration for worship and a life lived in Christ. My favorites from the album are Different Drum (a song I wish existed when I was a kid), Who I Am (about knowing who God says you are and choosing to believe that instead of what people say about), Get Up ft. Lecrae (about not giving up when the going gets tough), Sunshine (about God's love being like sunshine on a cloudy day), Not Backing Down (this would be a perfect workout song), Worry (a Bob Marley style track about trusting God and not worrying), Greater is He (her vocals on this track are unreal; based on 1 John 4:4), Today ( a great song about not wasting time and just trusting that God gives us sufficient grace for each day).
Each album is filled to the brim with musical content that will renew your mind, calm your heart, and steady your feet.
Until next time, remember:
Turnin' down, tunin' out
Every single word that caused me pain
Unashamed and unafraid
'Cause I believe You mean it when You say
I am strong, beautiful
I am good enough
And I belong after all, 'cause of what You've done
This is real what I feel
No one made it up
I am loved -Blanca, Who I Am
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
Two new released Christian albums I've fallen in love with lately are Live Forever by Matthew West and Blanca's self-titled debut solo album.
#LiveForeverReview
On April 28, 2015, Matthew West released Live Forever, his sixth studio album. I'm a huge Matthew West fan and this album doesn't disappoint. My favorites from the album are Day One (about how God's mercy is new every morning so each new day is the first day of your life), The List (reminds us that love keeps no record of wrong), World Changers (about Jesus followers who shine in this dark, dark world because they have the joy of the Lord), Grace Wins ( I'm living proof that grace wins every time!), Tryin' (how God made us all unique so we shouldn't try to be something that God didn't make us to be), Mended (about how God can take things not seen and make a way where one doesn't appear), Anything is Possible (God is the God of the Impossible), Born For This (Knowing your God-given destiny gives you a zest for life), Oh, Me of Little Faith (for the doubtful moments).
#BlancaReview
On May 4, 2015, Blanca (former member of Group 1 Crew) released her first solo debut with a self-titled album. From the first song until the last, the songs are filled with dance-inducing beats and lyrics filled with inspiration for worship and a life lived in Christ. My favorites from the album are Different Drum (a song I wish existed when I was a kid), Who I Am (about knowing who God says you are and choosing to believe that instead of what people say about), Get Up ft. Lecrae (about not giving up when the going gets tough), Sunshine (about God's love being like sunshine on a cloudy day), Not Backing Down (this would be a perfect workout song), Worry (a Bob Marley style track about trusting God and not worrying), Greater is He (her vocals on this track are unreal; based on 1 John 4:4), Today ( a great song about not wasting time and just trusting that God gives us sufficient grace for each day).
Each album is filled to the brim with musical content that will renew your mind, calm your heart, and steady your feet.
Until next time, remember:
Turnin' down, tunin' out
Every single word that caused me pain
Unashamed and unafraid
'Cause I believe You mean it when You say
I am strong, beautiful
I am good enough
And I belong after all, 'cause of what You've done
This is real what I feel
No one made it up
I am loved -Blanca, Who I Am
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
May 27, 2015
Writer Wednesday: Ciara hits all the high notes with comeback album, Jackie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiK5LKQGqbE
Released on May 1, 2015 off Epic Records, Ciara made her music comeback after the birth of her daughter with her sixth studio album, Jackie. The album is titled off her mom, with Ciara saying that the reasoning behind that decision was because she can now see the world through her eyes and she knows what it’s like to be a mom.
The title track song Jackie (BMF) is a hard-hitting hip-hop track that lays down the foundation for the rest of the album. Other favorites off the album include Fly, I Bet and the I Bet remix, One Woman Army, and I Got You. Motherhood has had no negative effect on Ciara’s musical talent but has only turned her into a “One Woman Army” of musical genius.
For more of my music reviews and PR blogs, please visit DailySelectBlog.com
Until next time, remember: “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”-Matthew 5:48, The Message.
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
Released on May 1, 2015 off Epic Records, Ciara made her music comeback after the birth of her daughter with her sixth studio album, Jackie. The album is titled off her mom, with Ciara saying that the reasoning behind that decision was because she can now see the world through her eyes and she knows what it’s like to be a mom.
The title track song Jackie (BMF) is a hard-hitting hip-hop track that lays down the foundation for the rest of the album. Other favorites off the album include Fly, I Bet and the I Bet remix, One Woman Army, and I Got You. Motherhood has had no negative effect on Ciara’s musical talent but has only turned her into a “One Woman Army” of musical genius.
For more of my music reviews and PR blogs, please visit DailySelectBlog.com
Until next time, remember: “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”-Matthew 5:48, The Message.
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
