Chelsea DeVries's Blog, page 45
September 13, 2014
What It Means To Truly Have Faith: A Night Of Joy Story♥
Happiness is a form of courage... Hello family and friends, I'm sure you've been waiting for an update on what has become of me since there seemed to be a lot of talk about feeling hopeless and also a lot of struggle that seems to always present itself to me. Let me tell you. This blog is no longer going to talk about that.
I've found a new perspective thanks to a vacation that at first was forced upon me. As a family, we all wanted to attend Night of Joy since we hadn't attended since 2011, and as you already know, life really has happened to me since. Yet, Jayde has found a new love for God recently and she really wanted us to go because this year, one of her favorite worship groups was going to be there. The Australian internationally known worship group Hillsong United. Because her determination would not waver, Jayde went and purchased two tickets as a birthday gift to my mom. My mom wasn't very happy about it at first because beside the event ticket, the cost of food, lodging, and gas were not included. Yet, once Jamie and I also purchased our own tickets, it was official that we were going.
I knew that God found a way for us to buy the tickets, he really wanted us present at this event.
Lo and behold, my mom ended up having enough Starpoints for one night's stay at the nearest Sheraton hotel that was four miles away from the Magic Kingdom where the Night of Joy takes place. I think my mom really found comfort in this because she started becoming a little excited for our short vacation to worship Jesus in the happiest place on Earth. It's obvious God took care of all the little details so we could have a night of fun and worship. Thank you God♥
I'm not really sure how much my family members needed the getaway but I sure did. At the pool once we got to the hotel, I started to cheer up as I was soaking up the sun and sitting reading my book. Then, it was nice to finally get to know my mom's cousin Jeanie. Her and her son Jason accompanied us by the pool, went to lunch with us at Olive Garden, and helped us maneuver the Disney parks like no other.
Before I get to the actual Disney experience, let me give you some illustrations:
Two Polish beauties♥
Once inside the park, we had a lot of perks thanks to the fact that Jeanie goes to Disney a lot and has an annual pass. She also had the app on her phone that tells you which rides have little to no wait so we breezed through the park like professionals.
First we visited the Haunted Mansion ride, then rode the Buzz Lightyear ride, visited Carousel of Progress attraction, rode the Winnie the Pooh ride, and visited the Mickey's Philharmonic attraction. Overall, it was fun to basically visit attractions we usually pass by when we visit the Magic Kingdom.
Then, as of 7p.m., only guests with Night of Joy wristbands were allowed in the park and Night of Joy officially began.
Mom and I went to the Building 429 concert while Jayde and Jamie ventured around the park attempting to ride more rides. They rode Space Mountain, the teacups, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Rain poured on our heads like there was no tomorrow. Yet, we stood there and just worshiped the man himself, Jesus♥
Surprisingly, the rain did not let up for a good three hours. Not through the whole Building 429 concert, not through Matt Maher 's set, but not until about 9:30 that night. It was funny but when we both met up for a snack break, we ended up finding out we all were watching Matt Maher's set even though we were separated. Haha how ironic is that. Anyway, that's what true faith is right? True faith is standing in the rain, looking at Jesus and knowing that you will not be overtaken despite what stormy circumstances are happening in your life. This too shall pass. All metaphors aside, standing in the physical rain is not a good idea because it's not healthy. It really is true that you do get sick for playing in the rain but I'll get to that later.
Speaking of rain, please read the collaboration blog my friend Jazmine and I did on her blog about depression.
Back to Night of Joy, once we fueled up on good ole Disney french fries, chlorinated water, and coffee, we were ready for round two of Night of Joy. Mom and I joined Jamie and Jayde for another round of the Buzz Lightyear ride, and then got in line for Mandisa's concert. Mandisa was an American Idol finalist on the fifth season of the show and she didn't win but she obviously won in terms of destiny because now she uses music and song to bring hope to millions around the world, as long as spreading the good news of the gospel. Mandisa's set was non stop Jesus Freaking. The entirety of her set was spent dancing and jumping around. Sidenote: all the Night of Joy concerts are standing room only if that wasn't obvious. It was awesome but during her performance of Good Morning, she suprised the whole crowd with a guest performance by American Idol Season 8 finalist Danny Gokey. who sang his new single, Hope in Front of Me.
The night before I went to night of Joy I literally wrote in my journal: I need a definite sign that things are going to be better than all right... they will be amazing again! I mean, I'm not a robot and I'm sure as heck not a normal twenty-three year old but despite all the battle scars I have and the struggles I've yet to encounter, I always keep my faith turned up high. Yet, because I'm human and am fully capable of reaching my limit, I did find myself feeling a bit hopeless before Night of Joy. I had forgotten that the joy of the Lord was meant to be my strength and that I am a prisoner of hope. (See Nehemiah 8:10 and Zechariah 9:12)♥
During Mandisa's set, she spoke about the fact that lately she'd been tweeting some encouraging things and felt that there was someone here tonight who needed encouragement. She went on to say, "I don't know what you are going through right now, whether good or bad, but I do know that you feel like you are hopeless. I'm here to tell you tonight that it's going to get better." ♥
I couldn't stop crying as she said that and I looked over and my mom was also crying. Talk about being in God's presence. It was just another powerful moment that I am so grateful God got me right where I was meant to be just so that he could knock me off my feet with that love letter of a message. Nothing truly is impossible with God.
After Mandisa, we lined up for the For King & Country concert which took place at 12:10 a.m. By that time, our feet were in so much pain but we lived through it and they took the stage and opened with Fix Your Eyes. It was amazing. I was awed by how good they were in concert. They even came out into the audience and shook people's hands and everything. It was amazing. I really liked their song they wrote for their friend during his battle with depression. It encouraged me greatly.
Saturday night, Mom and I watched the Night of Joy online since it was live streaming for the first time ever since the whole weekend was completely sold out. Saturday night's lineup was amazing with Mercy Me, Colton Dixon, Casting Crowns, and Britt Nicole in concert.
Overall, Night of Joy was an amazing experience and since then, life has been a bit less chaotic in it's own right despite the fact that I still have financial struggles with paying for school and no employment or that I ended up with a cold throughout most of this week. Yet, I still haven't heard from financial aid regarding the status of my two scholarships but somehow $138 was given to me toward my current Saint Leo bill so my monthly payment is down to $88. God is so good. Now I just have to come up with the money to buy the other textbook I need this semester but I don't have a care about it because I know God will provide.♥
My confession continues to be I believe God and will see his glory.
Until next time, remember: It's not over yet. And as far as having faith goes, religion will not save you. Not Catholicism, not Buddhism, not Islam. Only Jesus saves. Only Jesus died so you could live.♥
When you’re all out of heart and out of hope And you don’t really know which way to go Come on, come on, run to Jesus If you’re lost and you don’t know where to start It don’t really matter where you are Come on, come on, come on, yeah, run to Jesus, run to Jesus - Francesca Battistelli, Run To Jesus♥
Love Times Infinity, Chelsea xoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
Enjoy these pictures of Katrina and Hazel showing their Disney side haha.
I've found a new perspective thanks to a vacation that at first was forced upon me. As a family, we all wanted to attend Night of Joy since we hadn't attended since 2011, and as you already know, life really has happened to me since. Yet, Jayde has found a new love for God recently and she really wanted us to go because this year, one of her favorite worship groups was going to be there. The Australian internationally known worship group Hillsong United. Because her determination would not waver, Jayde went and purchased two tickets as a birthday gift to my mom. My mom wasn't very happy about it at first because beside the event ticket, the cost of food, lodging, and gas were not included. Yet, once Jamie and I also purchased our own tickets, it was official that we were going.
I knew that God found a way for us to buy the tickets, he really wanted us present at this event.
Lo and behold, my mom ended up having enough Starpoints for one night's stay at the nearest Sheraton hotel that was four miles away from the Magic Kingdom where the Night of Joy takes place. I think my mom really found comfort in this because she started becoming a little excited for our short vacation to worship Jesus in the happiest place on Earth. It's obvious God took care of all the little details so we could have a night of fun and worship. Thank you God♥
I'm not really sure how much my family members needed the getaway but I sure did. At the pool once we got to the hotel, I started to cheer up as I was soaking up the sun and sitting reading my book. Then, it was nice to finally get to know my mom's cousin Jeanie. Her and her son Jason accompanied us by the pool, went to lunch with us at Olive Garden, and helped us maneuver the Disney parks like no other.
Before I get to the actual Disney experience, let me give you some illustrations:
Two Polish beauties♥
Once inside the park, we had a lot of perks thanks to the fact that Jeanie goes to Disney a lot and has an annual pass. She also had the app on her phone that tells you which rides have little to no wait so we breezed through the park like professionals.
First we visited the Haunted Mansion ride, then rode the Buzz Lightyear ride, visited Carousel of Progress attraction, rode the Winnie the Pooh ride, and visited the Mickey's Philharmonic attraction. Overall, it was fun to basically visit attractions we usually pass by when we visit the Magic Kingdom.
Then, as of 7p.m., only guests with Night of Joy wristbands were allowed in the park and Night of Joy officially began.
Mom and I went to the Building 429 concert while Jayde and Jamie ventured around the park attempting to ride more rides. They rode Space Mountain, the teacups, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Rain poured on our heads like there was no tomorrow. Yet, we stood there and just worshiped the man himself, Jesus♥
Surprisingly, the rain did not let up for a good three hours. Not through the whole Building 429 concert, not through Matt Maher 's set, but not until about 9:30 that night. It was funny but when we both met up for a snack break, we ended up finding out we all were watching Matt Maher's set even though we were separated. Haha how ironic is that. Anyway, that's what true faith is right? True faith is standing in the rain, looking at Jesus and knowing that you will not be overtaken despite what stormy circumstances are happening in your life. This too shall pass. All metaphors aside, standing in the physical rain is not a good idea because it's not healthy. It really is true that you do get sick for playing in the rain but I'll get to that later.
Speaking of rain, please read the collaboration blog my friend Jazmine and I did on her blog about depression.
Back to Night of Joy, once we fueled up on good ole Disney french fries, chlorinated water, and coffee, we were ready for round two of Night of Joy. Mom and I joined Jamie and Jayde for another round of the Buzz Lightyear ride, and then got in line for Mandisa's concert. Mandisa was an American Idol finalist on the fifth season of the show and she didn't win but she obviously won in terms of destiny because now she uses music and song to bring hope to millions around the world, as long as spreading the good news of the gospel. Mandisa's set was non stop Jesus Freaking. The entirety of her set was spent dancing and jumping around. Sidenote: all the Night of Joy concerts are standing room only if that wasn't obvious. It was awesome but during her performance of Good Morning, she suprised the whole crowd with a guest performance by American Idol Season 8 finalist Danny Gokey. who sang his new single, Hope in Front of Me.
The night before I went to night of Joy I literally wrote in my journal: I need a definite sign that things are going to be better than all right... they will be amazing again! I mean, I'm not a robot and I'm sure as heck not a normal twenty-three year old but despite all the battle scars I have and the struggles I've yet to encounter, I always keep my faith turned up high. Yet, because I'm human and am fully capable of reaching my limit, I did find myself feeling a bit hopeless before Night of Joy. I had forgotten that the joy of the Lord was meant to be my strength and that I am a prisoner of hope. (See Nehemiah 8:10 and Zechariah 9:12)♥
During Mandisa's set, she spoke about the fact that lately she'd been tweeting some encouraging things and felt that there was someone here tonight who needed encouragement. She went on to say, "I don't know what you are going through right now, whether good or bad, but I do know that you feel like you are hopeless. I'm here to tell you tonight that it's going to get better." ♥
I couldn't stop crying as she said that and I looked over and my mom was also crying. Talk about being in God's presence. It was just another powerful moment that I am so grateful God got me right where I was meant to be just so that he could knock me off my feet with that love letter of a message. Nothing truly is impossible with God.
After Mandisa, we lined up for the For King & Country concert which took place at 12:10 a.m. By that time, our feet were in so much pain but we lived through it and they took the stage and opened with Fix Your Eyes. It was amazing. I was awed by how good they were in concert. They even came out into the audience and shook people's hands and everything. It was amazing. I really liked their song they wrote for their friend during his battle with depression. It encouraged me greatly.
Saturday night, Mom and I watched the Night of Joy online since it was live streaming for the first time ever since the whole weekend was completely sold out. Saturday night's lineup was amazing with Mercy Me, Colton Dixon, Casting Crowns, and Britt Nicole in concert.
Overall, Night of Joy was an amazing experience and since then, life has been a bit less chaotic in it's own right despite the fact that I still have financial struggles with paying for school and no employment or that I ended up with a cold throughout most of this week. Yet, I still haven't heard from financial aid regarding the status of my two scholarships but somehow $138 was given to me toward my current Saint Leo bill so my monthly payment is down to $88. God is so good. Now I just have to come up with the money to buy the other textbook I need this semester but I don't have a care about it because I know God will provide.♥
My confession continues to be I believe God and will see his glory.
Until next time, remember: It's not over yet. And as far as having faith goes, religion will not save you. Not Catholicism, not Buddhism, not Islam. Only Jesus saves. Only Jesus died so you could live.♥
When you’re all out of heart and out of hope And you don’t really know which way to go Come on, come on, run to Jesus If you’re lost and you don’t know where to start It don’t really matter where you are Come on, come on, come on, yeah, run to Jesus, run to Jesus - Francesca Battistelli, Run To Jesus♥
Love Times Infinity, Chelsea xoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
Enjoy these pictures of Katrina and Hazel showing their Disney side haha.
September 4, 2014
Nothing is Impossible with God (Matthew 19:26)
Happiness is a form of courage... Today, I am writing because it seems that once again, I have to fight for my right to a college education.
Because of the fact that I am only taking 6 credits (which I was forced to because I was only given dean approval for two online classes, because to take four at the same time would mean the school would only get $250) my financial aid is being cut in half so I will only be getting $2542 when my classes for the semester cost me $3120. I still owe them $452 for my current payment plan.
This all feels like an incredible pressure because I will not get my need-based grants and scholarships based solely on someone else's decision. I am not able to live on campus taking less than 12 credits anyway so this is the reason I don't still live on campus (along with the fact of refusing to take on-campus marketing classes because I don't do well in them). Living on campus though was the only reason I had a job because I had work-study and worked at the library. I have not found a job all summer in my area because according to different sources, I am either too qualified for minimum wage work or not qualified enough.
Despite this whole struggle, I want everyone to know that nothing is impossible. This whole things just proves that God is the only source. I've watched God pay college tuition bills totally almost $10,000 altogether so I know that this $1230 I need to be debt free will be chump change for him. After all, he is the King of Kings. Where God gives vision, he always provides provision.
The only thing that hurts is the plans I had for the refund money I was thinking I would get. One plan was to get another laptop with video editing software on it and a camera so I could shoot a really awesome video for the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveway. The girl in the lead right now has over 1000 votes so I really have some tough competition.
Ultimately, I just want everyone to know that I still believe nothing is impossible with God. I still believe God and I know I will see his glory.
This morning, I woke up and wrote a poem about all the difficulties that presented themselves before me yesterday. I called it R.I.P.
R.I.P.
To my friendship with youcovered in black and blues from all the abuse
it's a shame you lost a friendso tried and true.
To my fears and doubtsI will tie them up; lock them upThey will not get out
To poverty, sickness, addiction, and lackChristwon the smackdown for each of these thingswhen he died on a tree.
He went to hell and suffered unimaginable painjust so I could have life more abundantlymeant to be livedmore courageously,fearless and brave.
Jesus approached me last nightand said,Child, where is your faith?
He holds the keys to death and the graveand says,Friend, you can do all things through me.
Now, I must believe in God and the manifestation of his glory.
Today, I was reading my Joyce Meyer magazine and there was an article by one of her long-time employees about doing it afraid and it spoke to me in a new way: Don't ever let fear keep you from your destiny. It may not be easy, but God will be right there to meet you along the way.
So all I ask of anyone reading this is three things:
Don't lose hope (for me or anyone else) ever.
Keep voting for the Dr. Pepper scholarship for me (see above link)
Donate here if you would like to help me in any way while I continue to look for a job and apply for scholarships.
Until next time, remember: Jail didn't make me find God; he's always been there. They can lock me up but my spirit and my love can never be confined to prison walls.-Lil Wayne♥
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
Because of the fact that I am only taking 6 credits (which I was forced to because I was only given dean approval for two online classes, because to take four at the same time would mean the school would only get $250) my financial aid is being cut in half so I will only be getting $2542 when my classes for the semester cost me $3120. I still owe them $452 for my current payment plan.
This all feels like an incredible pressure because I will not get my need-based grants and scholarships based solely on someone else's decision. I am not able to live on campus taking less than 12 credits anyway so this is the reason I don't still live on campus (along with the fact of refusing to take on-campus marketing classes because I don't do well in them). Living on campus though was the only reason I had a job because I had work-study and worked at the library. I have not found a job all summer in my area because according to different sources, I am either too qualified for minimum wage work or not qualified enough.
Despite this whole struggle, I want everyone to know that nothing is impossible. This whole things just proves that God is the only source. I've watched God pay college tuition bills totally almost $10,000 altogether so I know that this $1230 I need to be debt free will be chump change for him. After all, he is the King of Kings. Where God gives vision, he always provides provision.
The only thing that hurts is the plans I had for the refund money I was thinking I would get. One plan was to get another laptop with video editing software on it and a camera so I could shoot a really awesome video for the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveway. The girl in the lead right now has over 1000 votes so I really have some tough competition.
Ultimately, I just want everyone to know that I still believe nothing is impossible with God. I still believe God and I know I will see his glory.
This morning, I woke up and wrote a poem about all the difficulties that presented themselves before me yesterday. I called it R.I.P.
R.I.P.
To my friendship with youcovered in black and blues from all the abuse
it's a shame you lost a friendso tried and true.
To my fears and doubtsI will tie them up; lock them upThey will not get out
To poverty, sickness, addiction, and lackChristwon the smackdown for each of these thingswhen he died on a tree.
He went to hell and suffered unimaginable painjust so I could have life more abundantlymeant to be livedmore courageously,fearless and brave.
Jesus approached me last nightand said,Child, where is your faith?
He holds the keys to death and the graveand says,Friend, you can do all things through me.
Now, I must believe in God and the manifestation of his glory.
Today, I was reading my Joyce Meyer magazine and there was an article by one of her long-time employees about doing it afraid and it spoke to me in a new way: Don't ever let fear keep you from your destiny. It may not be easy, but God will be right there to meet you along the way.
So all I ask of anyone reading this is three things:
Don't lose hope (for me or anyone else) ever.
Keep voting for the Dr. Pepper scholarship for me (see above link)
Donate here if you would like to help me in any way while I continue to look for a job and apply for scholarships.
Until next time, remember: Jail didn't make me find God; he's always been there. They can lock me up but my spirit and my love can never be confined to prison walls.-Lil Wayne♥
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
August 31, 2014
There is nothing flowery about this post
Happiness is a form of courage...I honestly never know who reads my posts on social media and I don't know who reads my blogs since most of my friends don't tell me they read it. I don't post it to get compliments. I post it to say what needs to be said. That is how I view all my internet posts. So reader disclaimer: if this post offends anyone, I'm just brave enough to say what nobody else is saying.♥
Before I get to the heart of the matter, I guess I'll give you an overview as to what life is like now that I live at home and do school from home. At first, it seemed like a pretty heavy burden to know I was going to be stuck at home and not going back to physical school. Not really for any specific reason other than freedom and the life I had there. It's a life I don't have at home. One where I have a job, a room of my own, food usually always at my disposal or thrown down the garbage disposal (depends on the day), and the ability to hang out with people my age (including members of the opposite sex). Ultimately, it was almost like I forgot basically how much I hated living on campus and why.
I'm not going to go on a rant of all the reasons why I think Saint Leo isn't the best school because I'm still a student there but I will just say it's nice that I no longer have to spend the majority of my time feeling like I always have to be on, as in feeling like I have to measure up and impress everybody and I don't have to eat any meals alone anymore, so that's a wonderful change in pace.
Long story short, I had so much less pressure doing my schoolwork from home. I didn't have to waste time going to a physical classroom and listening to a professor just preach to me about nonsense instead of the material. I could take breaks whenever I wanted and I also didn't have to stress wondering if I was going to complete all my homework in time because I had to go work endless shifts at a work study job where I was expected to also always be on. I didn't have to dress up or even put on make-up. It's not like I never left my house because now that my sister Jayde is in college (and no, she isn't attending Saint Leo) , I go to the public library with her or I even visited her college campus which was awesome (they had this whole welcome week event going on all week (I don't know about you but I cannot turn down free food ) :)
Plus, it's important that I am with my family during this difficult season in our lives. I'm loving being with my dogs every day and my family and I are becoming closer now that we are all together again. It isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. It's not perfect, that's for sure, but it's perfect for right now and I'm learning to be grateful for this season I'm in every single day.
I also started journaling more via Tumblr since I really hate being that friend that constantly texts her friends when she's going through a trying time. I prefer to be the friend that keeps it all inside and just places a smile on her face and helps others feel better. As for me and my problems, I don't like to bother people.
Joyce Meyer always says, "Don't go to the phone, go to the throne."♥
All in all, I enjoyed my first week of doing college from home.♥
A funny thing happened yesterday. I visited Saint Leo and I realized that it's totally not the same anymore. I just went there for the free printing and to see how my beloved prodigy (the free coffee) was doing. Not good, I might add. It was missing the love in every cup. Anyway, long story short, I slipped on and off campus like a ninja and it was awesome. It cured my nostalgia for the place. And I understand now, that God is writing a new chapter in my life. I'm not stuck; I'm actually on my way to a greater destination.♥
Thank you Mandy Hale who I'm proud to say is a NYT best-selling author now! Seeing her become a best-selling author and knowing how hard she's worked and how patiently she's trusted in God, just goes to show that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD. It only inspires me more since I also have a similar dream to be a NYT best-selling author♥
Which leads me to my final point.
Lastly, I've put myself in the running for a scholarship competition sponsored by Dr. Pepper. You can vote for me here I WANT OTHERS TO KNOW NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. Please be advised that it takes all of two seconds to complete the voting process(you must vote from a computer as voting from a phone doesn't work for most people) and it costs you nothing. It would mean the world to me if by October 20th (the first deadline for the contest) that I could make it to 250 votes at least. Yet, I've been extremely upset with how lightly people are taking this. I'm not asking for an organ donation or even any monetary support from all of you. I'm just asking for you to BE A FRIEND and support me for literally two seconds. I could care less about anything else right now. I'm just determined to get people involved in believing that nothing is impossible. I'm not concerned about winning as much as I am trying to like always, change one person's view on life.
It honestly sickens me that the majority of my votes were from strangers instead of my friends but to the friends who have voted and shared the link, thank you for supporting me in my day of small beginnings because in my day of great endings, I will remember the goodness and kindness you showed me. I'm just that type of person. That's how I was raised, to always be grateful. And plot twist: a grateful attitude means a happier person♥ If you think of all you have to be grateful for, instead of all you do not yet have, you will be happier, believe me. It's how I start all my prayers. It's how I start my night time journaling. I literally have a blessing journal where I thank God for each of the good things that I experienced that day (even if it just happened to be that he gave me another day, or a goodnight's sleep, or even just a day where my dogs were extremely loving to me on a day when I may not have been lovable).
So I'm done listening to everyone I know give me excuses of why they can't vote for me and instead like all matters of free will, I'm giving this whole Dr. Pepper contest to God because if not, I will become a completely different person. And yes, I mean, I may have to start removing kneecaps. And as much as it's fun to joke around about mob strategies, I'm not really interested in the effort it would take for me to want to do that to people who obviously can't even give me two seconds of their time.
Therefore, just like Jesus on the cross, I have made this my daily confession: "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."♥
Personal shoutout to Jazmine Thomas for being awesome!!! You are the definition of a true friend. I'm so blessed to have "met" you through the Single Woman Crew. I look forward to the day I will get to see you in person. It's going to be epic, for sure.♥
Until next time, remember: No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently. -Agnes De Mille.
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless~Just Keep Swimming~
Before I get to the heart of the matter, I guess I'll give you an overview as to what life is like now that I live at home and do school from home. At first, it seemed like a pretty heavy burden to know I was going to be stuck at home and not going back to physical school. Not really for any specific reason other than freedom and the life I had there. It's a life I don't have at home. One where I have a job, a room of my own, food usually always at my disposal or thrown down the garbage disposal (depends on the day), and the ability to hang out with people my age (including members of the opposite sex). Ultimately, it was almost like I forgot basically how much I hated living on campus and why.
I'm not going to go on a rant of all the reasons why I think Saint Leo isn't the best school because I'm still a student there but I will just say it's nice that I no longer have to spend the majority of my time feeling like I always have to be on, as in feeling like I have to measure up and impress everybody and I don't have to eat any meals alone anymore, so that's a wonderful change in pace.
Long story short, I had so much less pressure doing my schoolwork from home. I didn't have to waste time going to a physical classroom and listening to a professor just preach to me about nonsense instead of the material. I could take breaks whenever I wanted and I also didn't have to stress wondering if I was going to complete all my homework in time because I had to go work endless shifts at a work study job where I was expected to also always be on. I didn't have to dress up or even put on make-up. It's not like I never left my house because now that my sister Jayde is in college (and no, she isn't attending Saint Leo) , I go to the public library with her or I even visited her college campus which was awesome (they had this whole welcome week event going on all week (I don't know about you but I cannot turn down free food ) :)
Plus, it's important that I am with my family during this difficult season in our lives. I'm loving being with my dogs every day and my family and I are becoming closer now that we are all together again. It isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. It's not perfect, that's for sure, but it's perfect for right now and I'm learning to be grateful for this season I'm in every single day.
I also started journaling more via Tumblr since I really hate being that friend that constantly texts her friends when she's going through a trying time. I prefer to be the friend that keeps it all inside and just places a smile on her face and helps others feel better. As for me and my problems, I don't like to bother people.
Joyce Meyer always says, "Don't go to the phone, go to the throne."♥
All in all, I enjoyed my first week of doing college from home.♥
A funny thing happened yesterday. I visited Saint Leo and I realized that it's totally not the same anymore. I just went there for the free printing and to see how my beloved prodigy (the free coffee) was doing. Not good, I might add. It was missing the love in every cup. Anyway, long story short, I slipped on and off campus like a ninja and it was awesome. It cured my nostalgia for the place. And I understand now, that God is writing a new chapter in my life. I'm not stuck; I'm actually on my way to a greater destination.♥
Thank you Mandy Hale who I'm proud to say is a NYT best-selling author now! Seeing her become a best-selling author and knowing how hard she's worked and how patiently she's trusted in God, just goes to show that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD. It only inspires me more since I also have a similar dream to be a NYT best-selling author♥
Which leads me to my final point.
Lastly, I've put myself in the running for a scholarship competition sponsored by Dr. Pepper. You can vote for me here I WANT OTHERS TO KNOW NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. Please be advised that it takes all of two seconds to complete the voting process(you must vote from a computer as voting from a phone doesn't work for most people) and it costs you nothing. It would mean the world to me if by October 20th (the first deadline for the contest) that I could make it to 250 votes at least. Yet, I've been extremely upset with how lightly people are taking this. I'm not asking for an organ donation or even any monetary support from all of you. I'm just asking for you to BE A FRIEND and support me for literally two seconds. I could care less about anything else right now. I'm just determined to get people involved in believing that nothing is impossible. I'm not concerned about winning as much as I am trying to like always, change one person's view on life.
It honestly sickens me that the majority of my votes were from strangers instead of my friends but to the friends who have voted and shared the link, thank you for supporting me in my day of small beginnings because in my day of great endings, I will remember the goodness and kindness you showed me. I'm just that type of person. That's how I was raised, to always be grateful. And plot twist: a grateful attitude means a happier person♥ If you think of all you have to be grateful for, instead of all you do not yet have, you will be happier, believe me. It's how I start all my prayers. It's how I start my night time journaling. I literally have a blessing journal where I thank God for each of the good things that I experienced that day (even if it just happened to be that he gave me another day, or a goodnight's sleep, or even just a day where my dogs were extremely loving to me on a day when I may not have been lovable).
So I'm done listening to everyone I know give me excuses of why they can't vote for me and instead like all matters of free will, I'm giving this whole Dr. Pepper contest to God because if not, I will become a completely different person. And yes, I mean, I may have to start removing kneecaps. And as much as it's fun to joke around about mob strategies, I'm not really interested in the effort it would take for me to want to do that to people who obviously can't even give me two seconds of their time.
Therefore, just like Jesus on the cross, I have made this my daily confession: "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."♥
Personal shoutout to Jazmine Thomas for being awesome!!! You are the definition of a true friend. I'm so blessed to have "met" you through the Single Woman Crew. I look forward to the day I will get to see you in person. It's going to be epic, for sure.♥
Until next time, remember: No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently. -Agnes De Mille.
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless~Just Keep Swimming~
August 8, 2014
The Bombest Birthday Yet: You Have All You Need♥
Happiness is a form of courage... THIS IS THE PART WHEN I SAY I DON'T WANT IT. I'M STRONGER THAN I'VE BEEN BEFORE. THIS IS THE PART WHEN I BREAK FREE BECAUSE I CAN'T RESIST IT NO MORE.
Oh sorry, I was just jamming out. It's been about 3 weeks since I let those negative people go from my life and wow, I can honestly say I made a good decision. I don't even miss those people at all. Sorry if that sounds harsh. It's also been 3 weeks since I've updated all of you on my life so here goes.
Anyway, so as most of you may know or don't know, I finally found an internship around the beginning of July and I was all excited about it and it was going lovely and almost seemed too good to be true but because I now have to wait for it either to work out or not, I cannot share the details of it with you like I had wanted to. I find it incredibly hard to believe that God would bring such a great opportunity in front of me only to allow it to fall apart in front of my eyes so I'm going to have faith that God will either cause it to work out or provide me a better opportunity.
Other than that, last Wednesday I went on an job interview for Popeyes. They are opening a new store by my house and I need a job so I applied. I have no fast food experience. Yet, I knew if God wanted me to have the job, he would provide me with the grace to complete it. Yet, the day of the interview, I was running on four hours of sleep and I was completely nervous for it. I'm weird like that. I have no problem talking to people who look like Ryan Sheckler or Ryan Follese' but when it comes to things like job interviews, they are my Achilles heel. I went to the interview and felt good about it. I was literally there for seven minutes. I was proud of myself for doing it afraid. Yet, it's been a week and they never called. Oh well, no hard feelings. My job will come. God provides.♥
Last Saturday was extremely eventful. I went back to school shopping (my favorite kind. Was I the only little kid growing up that was so excited to by new supplies for class. Oops, my nerdy chick is showing.) and I came out alive with only a student planner from Barnes and Nobles that has a lion on the cover that strangely looked like Saint Leo's mascot. Yeah, I can't avoid Saint Leo like I can't avoid Miley Cyrus or Kim Kardashian. Somehow they just show up in my social media feed or on my tv. It's a little bit creepy but I just know for a fact that my God-given destiny is to graduate from Saint Leo. ♥
Anyway, Keegan Allen from Pretty Little Liars was there (at the Wiregrass Mall) and this was as close as I got to him:
In case you are unfamiliar with Keegan, he plays Toby on the show Pretty Little Liars. I'm a fan of the show but I'm not crazy obsessed with the cast so I didn't get in line for his meet and greet. I don't know. He wasn't that cute in person. I also thought it was disingenuous of him to look at each person for two seconds, scribble his autograph, and have them on their way. I understand he had to meet a lot of fans but he could have given them at least two minutes each.
We headed to Busch Gardens because that night, Cher Lloyd was scheduled to be in concert for the Summer Nights event. For this, I was fangirling. I'm a big fan of Cher Lloyd and her music. For those that don't know her, she's a 5'2" twenty-one year old singer/rapper from the UK who won the UK version of the X-Factor. Ever since, her popularity grew in the U.S. and she is most famous for her hit song, "Want U Back." Yet, we arrived at Busch Gardens at around 2 p.m. and we decided we would just chill until it was time for the show. We have annual passes so it is no big deal to spend the day at Busch Gardens. Of course once Jayde's new beau Joe got his pass, we took some pictures:
Once again, I found a penny heads-up and thought maybe I was going to meet Cher Lloyd too but that wasn't what that penny ended up meaning. We ended up seeing two shows Burn The Floor and Opening Night Critters. I already saw Burn The Floor before but this was the first time seeing Opening Night Critters at Busch Gardens. For more about the show, Click here. We ended up going into the show just before a lightning storm came over Busch Gardens so God gave me the penny because he wanted to remind me that he would protect me from all harm. Plus, the show was so cute. I love watching dogs do tricks. All the animals in the show are rescued from shelters so at least they are doing great things with their lives now. ♥
Afterward, the sky cleared up and after stopping by the bakery, we headed to get a seat at the concert. I noticed that there was a lot more people at the park and realized that meeting Ryan from Hot Chelle Rae was a definite divine appointment which still blows my mind. We waited for the concert to start as a heavy breeze started blowing and I had a feeling another storm was approaching. You can see from this picture how ominous the sky looked:
Finally at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday August 2nd, Cher Lloyd took the stage. She opened with her song Just Be Mine. Yet after that her set list wasn't that impressive. So we headed out but first, here's some pictures of Cher on stage♥
Thank God we got out when we did because basically two miles down the road we headed into a torrential downpour and lightening storm and Cher tweeted this about this concert:
I guess her show got cut short. Sucks for all the die-hard fans that came out to see her.
Monday morning I woke up to the sound of thunder and the strange realization that it was my birthday. Then at 8:37 a.m. I was officially 23. My mom left for work at around that time which I thought was kind of funny. Anyway, the storm passed and I went in the family room to check the weather radar (Gotta love Bay News 9) and my youngest sister was in there making breakfast. I was surprised to find her up so early. I walked into the room and she presents me with this,
and goes, "Happy Birthday! I made you breakfast." I thought it was the sweetest thing ever. I didn't expect it at all. I love how she knew how much I love when my food is shaped like hearts and she got the whole thing to look like a heart-eyes emoji. Love you Jamie. At least one of us can cook. :)
Then, I went outside and enjoyed a swim in my pool. It was so refreshing. My phone blew up all day with so many happy birthday greetings and it was the absolute best. I want to thank all of those who went out of their way to make my birthday a happy one or to wish me a happy one. You are awesome. I mean it.
A special shoutout to my roommate Carrie who wrote me the sweetest Facebook post, my friend Jazmine who was the first to wish me happy birthday and shouted me out on Twitter, my friend Jasmine who spent the majority of my birthday texting me and keeping the conversation going (i hate one-sided conversations just in case anyone cares to know that), and for unexpected people who wished me happy birthday that I didn't expect was going to even acknowledge me.
I spent the whole day doing what I love, writing, and working hard on my novel. It was the absolute best. I was also happy to finally type up that chapter because it finally freed me of a lot of the scars I have been talking about in previous posts. Plus, shoutout to my sister Jamie, who bought me a Dunkin latte. You are truly the greatest seester ever!
My mom made me Twix Pie and my family sang me Happy Birthday. :)
All in all, it was a great birthday. I ended up with money to buy myself some nice things. I ended up getting Hot Chelle Rae's first and second CDs Lovesick Electric and Whatever, Francesca Batistelli's new CD If We're Honest ( I like buying the audio cds because I like knowing who wrote what songs and who the band members thank in the back of the little book that comes with the CD. I know. I'm weird.), and Mandy Hale's new book Never Been To Vegas because I wanted the finalized version even though I already read it and loved it Here is the review I did :) I also finally got to renew my subscription to the Writer Magazine after not reading it for a year. My sister Jayde gave me a $10 AMC giftcard. As you can see, it was a blessed birthday.
The next day, we went bowling for my birthday as a family:
My sister Jayde is a brunette now.
I lost gracefully because what kind of birthday girl would I be if I was the queen of the day and also won the game of family bowling. I did end up bowling a strike. Here's how it went down:
My dad gave me advice on how to align myself and my wrist so that I have better accuracy.
Then, once I got a strike, everyone was happy.
My family is a bunch of competitive fools, I tell you. This is why I'm not involved in sports. I'm about the game. Not all about whether I win or lose.
As I turned out, my dad won like the jock that he is and everyone in my family is better at bowling than me. But hey, we all had fun, didn't we family?
Did anyone else noticed that my mom and Jayde matched and Jamie and I matched? We didn't even plan on anything.
Then, we went home and played a board game as a family. We played the game of Life. I ended up winning with 2, 320,000 dollars collected and what was even funnier was that I married Zac Efron and ended up being the one with the most kids. Who knew the guy was so fertile? ♥
Overall, it was a good birthday and week. Yet, I am fully convinced that I have all that I need. I am fully registered for my classes despite the setback of yet another bill and am excited to not have to physically go to class and sit through a boring lecture. I'm very excited for this school year and believe though it be my last college school year, it will be my best.
When God knows I need a job, he will provide one. I mean, what are the chances that a Popeyes just pops up five minutes from your house. Right now, God just wants me to finish school and be grateful for what I do have in my life: a loving family, three amazing dogs, a dope group of friends, divine connections, and divine appointments. Sure, I don't have a car but when God knows I need it, he won't be one second late. God knows I need an internship to graduate so he will provide the perfect divinely appointed opportunity (see Galatians 1:1). For Psalm 34:10 says, The lions may grow weak and hungry but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.♥
Before I leave you with a final thought, please remember to be grateful for what you have in your life right now because a bad attitude will lead to you losing it all. Always be thankful and stop feeling sorry for yourself. It does absolutely no one good. For anyone, not even you. Someone needed that. Trust me.Until next time, remember: "If you will be faithful right where you are; knowing that you have exactly what you need for the season that your in, God will get you to where you're supposed to be." -Joel Osteen♥
Love Times Infinity,Chelsea xoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
Oh sorry, I was just jamming out. It's been about 3 weeks since I let those negative people go from my life and wow, I can honestly say I made a good decision. I don't even miss those people at all. Sorry if that sounds harsh. It's also been 3 weeks since I've updated all of you on my life so here goes.
Anyway, so as most of you may know or don't know, I finally found an internship around the beginning of July and I was all excited about it and it was going lovely and almost seemed too good to be true but because I now have to wait for it either to work out or not, I cannot share the details of it with you like I had wanted to. I find it incredibly hard to believe that God would bring such a great opportunity in front of me only to allow it to fall apart in front of my eyes so I'm going to have faith that God will either cause it to work out or provide me a better opportunity.
Other than that, last Wednesday I went on an job interview for Popeyes. They are opening a new store by my house and I need a job so I applied. I have no fast food experience. Yet, I knew if God wanted me to have the job, he would provide me with the grace to complete it. Yet, the day of the interview, I was running on four hours of sleep and I was completely nervous for it. I'm weird like that. I have no problem talking to people who look like Ryan Sheckler or Ryan Follese' but when it comes to things like job interviews, they are my Achilles heel. I went to the interview and felt good about it. I was literally there for seven minutes. I was proud of myself for doing it afraid. Yet, it's been a week and they never called. Oh well, no hard feelings. My job will come. God provides.♥
Last Saturday was extremely eventful. I went back to school shopping (my favorite kind. Was I the only little kid growing up that was so excited to by new supplies for class. Oops, my nerdy chick is showing.) and I came out alive with only a student planner from Barnes and Nobles that has a lion on the cover that strangely looked like Saint Leo's mascot. Yeah, I can't avoid Saint Leo like I can't avoid Miley Cyrus or Kim Kardashian. Somehow they just show up in my social media feed or on my tv. It's a little bit creepy but I just know for a fact that my God-given destiny is to graduate from Saint Leo. ♥
Anyway, Keegan Allen from Pretty Little Liars was there (at the Wiregrass Mall) and this was as close as I got to him:
In case you are unfamiliar with Keegan, he plays Toby on the show Pretty Little Liars. I'm a fan of the show but I'm not crazy obsessed with the cast so I didn't get in line for his meet and greet. I don't know. He wasn't that cute in person. I also thought it was disingenuous of him to look at each person for two seconds, scribble his autograph, and have them on their way. I understand he had to meet a lot of fans but he could have given them at least two minutes each.
We headed to Busch Gardens because that night, Cher Lloyd was scheduled to be in concert for the Summer Nights event. For this, I was fangirling. I'm a big fan of Cher Lloyd and her music. For those that don't know her, she's a 5'2" twenty-one year old singer/rapper from the UK who won the UK version of the X-Factor. Ever since, her popularity grew in the U.S. and she is most famous for her hit song, "Want U Back." Yet, we arrived at Busch Gardens at around 2 p.m. and we decided we would just chill until it was time for the show. We have annual passes so it is no big deal to spend the day at Busch Gardens. Of course once Jayde's new beau Joe got his pass, we took some pictures:
Once again, I found a penny heads-up and thought maybe I was going to meet Cher Lloyd too but that wasn't what that penny ended up meaning. We ended up seeing two shows Burn The Floor and Opening Night Critters. I already saw Burn The Floor before but this was the first time seeing Opening Night Critters at Busch Gardens. For more about the show, Click here. We ended up going into the show just before a lightning storm came over Busch Gardens so God gave me the penny because he wanted to remind me that he would protect me from all harm. Plus, the show was so cute. I love watching dogs do tricks. All the animals in the show are rescued from shelters so at least they are doing great things with their lives now. ♥
Afterward, the sky cleared up and after stopping by the bakery, we headed to get a seat at the concert. I noticed that there was a lot more people at the park and realized that meeting Ryan from Hot Chelle Rae was a definite divine appointment which still blows my mind. We waited for the concert to start as a heavy breeze started blowing and I had a feeling another storm was approaching. You can see from this picture how ominous the sky looked:
Finally at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday August 2nd, Cher Lloyd took the stage. She opened with her song Just Be Mine. Yet after that her set list wasn't that impressive. So we headed out but first, here's some pictures of Cher on stage♥
Thank God we got out when we did because basically two miles down the road we headed into a torrential downpour and lightening storm and Cher tweeted this about this concert:
I guess her show got cut short. Sucks for all the die-hard fans that came out to see her. Monday morning I woke up to the sound of thunder and the strange realization that it was my birthday. Then at 8:37 a.m. I was officially 23. My mom left for work at around that time which I thought was kind of funny. Anyway, the storm passed and I went in the family room to check the weather radar (Gotta love Bay News 9) and my youngest sister was in there making breakfast. I was surprised to find her up so early. I walked into the room and she presents me with this,
and goes, "Happy Birthday! I made you breakfast." I thought it was the sweetest thing ever. I didn't expect it at all. I love how she knew how much I love when my food is shaped like hearts and she got the whole thing to look like a heart-eyes emoji. Love you Jamie. At least one of us can cook. :)Then, I went outside and enjoyed a swim in my pool. It was so refreshing. My phone blew up all day with so many happy birthday greetings and it was the absolute best. I want to thank all of those who went out of their way to make my birthday a happy one or to wish me a happy one. You are awesome. I mean it.
A special shoutout to my roommate Carrie who wrote me the sweetest Facebook post, my friend Jazmine who was the first to wish me happy birthday and shouted me out on Twitter, my friend Jasmine who spent the majority of my birthday texting me and keeping the conversation going (i hate one-sided conversations just in case anyone cares to know that), and for unexpected people who wished me happy birthday that I didn't expect was going to even acknowledge me.
I spent the whole day doing what I love, writing, and working hard on my novel. It was the absolute best. I was also happy to finally type up that chapter because it finally freed me of a lot of the scars I have been talking about in previous posts. Plus, shoutout to my sister Jamie, who bought me a Dunkin latte. You are truly the greatest seester ever!
My mom made me Twix Pie and my family sang me Happy Birthday. :)
All in all, it was a great birthday. I ended up with money to buy myself some nice things. I ended up getting Hot Chelle Rae's first and second CDs Lovesick Electric and Whatever, Francesca Batistelli's new CD If We're Honest ( I like buying the audio cds because I like knowing who wrote what songs and who the band members thank in the back of the little book that comes with the CD. I know. I'm weird.), and Mandy Hale's new book Never Been To Vegas because I wanted the finalized version even though I already read it and loved it Here is the review I did :) I also finally got to renew my subscription to the Writer Magazine after not reading it for a year. My sister Jayde gave me a $10 AMC giftcard. As you can see, it was a blessed birthday.
The next day, we went bowling for my birthday as a family:
My sister Jayde is a brunette now.
I lost gracefully because what kind of birthday girl would I be if I was the queen of the day and also won the game of family bowling. I did end up bowling a strike. Here's how it went down:
My dad gave me advice on how to align myself and my wrist so that I have better accuracy. 
Then, once I got a strike, everyone was happy. My family is a bunch of competitive fools, I tell you. This is why I'm not involved in sports. I'm about the game. Not all about whether I win or lose.
As I turned out, my dad won like the jock that he is and everyone in my family is better at bowling than me. But hey, we all had fun, didn't we family?
Did anyone else noticed that my mom and Jayde matched and Jamie and I matched? We didn't even plan on anything.
Then, we went home and played a board game as a family. We played the game of Life. I ended up winning with 2, 320,000 dollars collected and what was even funnier was that I married Zac Efron and ended up being the one with the most kids. Who knew the guy was so fertile? ♥
Overall, it was a good birthday and week. Yet, I am fully convinced that I have all that I need. I am fully registered for my classes despite the setback of yet another bill and am excited to not have to physically go to class and sit through a boring lecture. I'm very excited for this school year and believe though it be my last college school year, it will be my best.
When God knows I need a job, he will provide one. I mean, what are the chances that a Popeyes just pops up five minutes from your house. Right now, God just wants me to finish school and be grateful for what I do have in my life: a loving family, three amazing dogs, a dope group of friends, divine connections, and divine appointments. Sure, I don't have a car but when God knows I need it, he won't be one second late. God knows I need an internship to graduate so he will provide the perfect divinely appointed opportunity (see Galatians 1:1). For Psalm 34:10 says, The lions may grow weak and hungry but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.♥
Before I leave you with a final thought, please remember to be grateful for what you have in your life right now because a bad attitude will lead to you losing it all. Always be thankful and stop feeling sorry for yourself. It does absolutely no one good. For anyone, not even you. Someone needed that. Trust me.Until next time, remember: "If you will be faithful right where you are; knowing that you have exactly what you need for the season that your in, God will get you to where you're supposed to be." -Joel Osteen♥
Love Times Infinity,Chelsea xoxoGod Bless!~Just Keep Swimming~
July 24, 2014
I Wanted To Put this in a VLOG but it didn't work out...TMI TAG
Happiness is a form of courage...
QUESTIONS!
1: What are you wearing? Miley Cyrus heart top and Blue jean shorts with my "I Have Faith For Today" yellow wristband
2: Ever been in love? Yes
3: Ever had a terrible breakup? Not in the ordinary sense of the word but yes.
4: How tall are you? 5' 8"
5: How much do you weigh? I've weighed 151 pounds for three weeks straight. My body has finally adjusted to no more SLU food.
6: Any tattoos? No
7: Any piercings? Just my ears even though I rarely wear earrings anymore
8: OTP? I feel like skipping this question
9: Favorite show? Right now, I'm obsessed with Just Keke and Hart of Dixie. I'm not a big tv person.
10: Favorite bands? Hot Chelle Rae, Superchic[k], Sidewalk Prophets, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, 5SOS
11: Something you miss? Having my own room
12: Favorite song? Underdog by Jonas Brothers
13: How old are you? 22 soon to be 23
14: Zodiac sign? Leo
15: Quality you look for in a partner? Sense of humor
16: Favorite Quote? Just Keep Swimming or Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."♥
17: Favorite actor? Zac Efron (And no, it's not just because he's handsome)
18: Favorite color? Purple
19: Loud music or soft? Both because if the music is too loud, you're too old haha.
20: Where do you go when you're sad? I talk to God, hug my dogs, or journal
21: How long does it take you to shower? 10-15 minutes if I have to wash my hair; 2 minutes if I just have to rinse off
22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? 45 minutes to an hour
23: Ever been in a physical fight? Yes with my sisters growing up
24: Turn on? A guy who believes in showing a girl off, arm muscles, and a guy who likes to read
25: Turn off? Clinginess, shadiness, making me feel not good enough
26: The reason I joined Youtube? I just wanted to post videos of my best friend Geniveve. My first video was called Welcome to The Geni Show.
27: Fears? High ceilings, frogs, and public speaking
28: Last thing that made you cry? Letting someone go
29: Last time you said you loved someone? My dogs this morning
30: Meaning behind your YouTube Name? three Florida sisters( My two sisters and I live in Florida)
31: Last book you read? All I Need by Susane Colasanti. (She's one of my fave authors and she always replies to my tweets)
32: The book you're currently reading? The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks (so good...omg!)
33: Last show you watched? So You Think You Can Dance
34: Last person you talked to? My mom (on the phone currently)
35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted? She's not only my mother but also my best friend. :)
36: Favorite food? Cereal or bacon or fruit
37: Place you want to visit? New York, California, London, Spain, Greece
38: Last place you were? In my Florida room
39: Do you have a crush? Just celebrity ones, and I'm ok with that.
40: Last time you kissed someone? Does my dogs count?
41: Last time you were insulted? Whoever they were, I forgive them.
42: Favorite flavor of sweet? Tiramisu or chocolate chip cookies
43: What instruments do you play?? Drums and keyboard
44: Favorite piece of jewelery? My rings (My birthstone ring that I got when I was confirmed and my Love ring that I wear as a purity ring)
45: Last sport you played? I swam
46: Last song you sang? She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5
47: Favorite chat up line? Is your name Lucky Charms because you are magically delicious?
48: Have you ever used it? I think so, it failed.
49: Last time you hung out with anyone? My family at the beach last Friday
50: Who should answer these questions next? Anyone who reads this. You don't have to do it by blog. Make a video. Or get creative.
Lastly, all of you need to follow my dogs on Twitter if you have one:
Follow Katrina @NuggetsofWizdomFollow Hazel @HazelSnap26Follow Geniveve @GeniveveDeVries
Thanks for reading!
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
QUESTIONS!
1: What are you wearing? Miley Cyrus heart top and Blue jean shorts with my "I Have Faith For Today" yellow wristband
2: Ever been in love? Yes
3: Ever had a terrible breakup? Not in the ordinary sense of the word but yes.
4: How tall are you? 5' 8"
5: How much do you weigh? I've weighed 151 pounds for three weeks straight. My body has finally adjusted to no more SLU food.
6: Any tattoos? No
7: Any piercings? Just my ears even though I rarely wear earrings anymore
8: OTP? I feel like skipping this question
9: Favorite show? Right now, I'm obsessed with Just Keke and Hart of Dixie. I'm not a big tv person.
10: Favorite bands? Hot Chelle Rae, Superchic[k], Sidewalk Prophets, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, 5SOS
11: Something you miss? Having my own room
12: Favorite song? Underdog by Jonas Brothers
13: How old are you? 22 soon to be 23
14: Zodiac sign? Leo
15: Quality you look for in a partner? Sense of humor
16: Favorite Quote? Just Keep Swimming or Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."♥
17: Favorite actor? Zac Efron (And no, it's not just because he's handsome)
18: Favorite color? Purple
19: Loud music or soft? Both because if the music is too loud, you're too old haha.
20: Where do you go when you're sad? I talk to God, hug my dogs, or journal
21: How long does it take you to shower? 10-15 minutes if I have to wash my hair; 2 minutes if I just have to rinse off
22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? 45 minutes to an hour
23: Ever been in a physical fight? Yes with my sisters growing up
24: Turn on? A guy who believes in showing a girl off, arm muscles, and a guy who likes to read
25: Turn off? Clinginess, shadiness, making me feel not good enough
26: The reason I joined Youtube? I just wanted to post videos of my best friend Geniveve. My first video was called Welcome to The Geni Show.
27: Fears? High ceilings, frogs, and public speaking
28: Last thing that made you cry? Letting someone go
29: Last time you said you loved someone? My dogs this morning
30: Meaning behind your YouTube Name? three Florida sisters( My two sisters and I live in Florida)
31: Last book you read? All I Need by Susane Colasanti. (She's one of my fave authors and she always replies to my tweets)
32: The book you're currently reading? The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks (so good...omg!)
33: Last show you watched? So You Think You Can Dance
34: Last person you talked to? My mom (on the phone currently)
35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted? She's not only my mother but also my best friend. :)
36: Favorite food? Cereal or bacon or fruit
37: Place you want to visit? New York, California, London, Spain, Greece
38: Last place you were? In my Florida room
39: Do you have a crush? Just celebrity ones, and I'm ok with that.
40: Last time you kissed someone? Does my dogs count?
41: Last time you were insulted? Whoever they were, I forgive them.
42: Favorite flavor of sweet? Tiramisu or chocolate chip cookies
43: What instruments do you play?? Drums and keyboard
44: Favorite piece of jewelery? My rings (My birthstone ring that I got when I was confirmed and my Love ring that I wear as a purity ring)
45: Last sport you played? I swam
46: Last song you sang? She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5
47: Favorite chat up line? Is your name Lucky Charms because you are magically delicious?
48: Have you ever used it? I think so, it failed.
49: Last time you hung out with anyone? My family at the beach last Friday
50: Who should answer these questions next? Anyone who reads this. You don't have to do it by blog. Make a video. Or get creative.
Lastly, all of you need to follow my dogs on Twitter if you have one:
Follow Katrina @NuggetsofWizdomFollow Hazel @HazelSnap26Follow Geniveve @GeniveveDeVries
Thanks for reading!
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
July 20, 2014
Letting Go and Moving Forward♥
Happiness is a form of courage..I've made a decision and if you can't tell from the the title of this blog, I'm letting go. Not only letting go of certain people but also the way they've hurt me and I'm standing up and saying: If I'm not enough for you, then I'll be on my way.♥
I won't get into all the details but I just feel like some people no longer deserve anything from me because they have not treated me with the respect I deserve as a human being. I'm not someone who holds grudges; I've actually given a lot of people multiple chances to prove they deserve a spot in my life. I'm a very trusting person so much so that I allowed certain people back in my life who I should really have forgiven, wished well, and continued on my merry way in life.
This is a decision that I've been turning over and over in my head for a while now. It's part of the reason I've been blogging about being down and having dark thoughts. These people aren't bad people, it's just that I've either outgrown them or they continue to steal my peace of mind and hold me back from my true God-given destiny because they are envious, have impossible expectations of me, or just a negative attitude toward me and the things God is doing in my life.
God has finally sat me down and told me: "How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing as I've rejected him from reigning over Israel?..."-1 Samuel 16:1. God doesn't want me to rehearse old wounds anymore, question things I don't understand and things that seem completely unfair, nor does he want me to keep regretting things I've done. He wants me to move forward. ♥
Today, I was watching Joel Osteen's teaching and these are the things I took away from it:
"As long as you're living in regrets, it's going to keep you from the bright future God has for you. Move forward and God will vindicate you."
"We should focus on what we can change, not what we cannot change."
In order to truly let go: you must quit thinking about it, quit talking about it, and quit reliving it. ♥
The Bible says in Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
God will give you beauty for your ashes but you have to let go of the ashes so God can give you beauty.
Instead of your shame
you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours. -Isaiah 61:7
That is what I'm finally doing surrendering it all to God. The pain, the heartbreak, the rejection, the betrayal, the abandonment, the disappointment, the feeling second-best, the feeling of not being enough, and forgiving those that made me feel that way but letting them go and giving them to God to take care of because my part in their life is over and only God can take care of them now.
So if you are one of the people I've chosen to let go of please know although this decision was incredibly hard for me because I care about you and love each of you so much, I've entrusted you into the best hands possible and he's never letting you go. As for me, this frees me to let new people and opportunities into my life and I plan to forget to what lies behind and strain toward what lies ahead. (Phil. 3:14)♥
Until next time, let us pray:
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless~Just Keep Swimming~
I won't get into all the details but I just feel like some people no longer deserve anything from me because they have not treated me with the respect I deserve as a human being. I'm not someone who holds grudges; I've actually given a lot of people multiple chances to prove they deserve a spot in my life. I'm a very trusting person so much so that I allowed certain people back in my life who I should really have forgiven, wished well, and continued on my merry way in life.
This is a decision that I've been turning over and over in my head for a while now. It's part of the reason I've been blogging about being down and having dark thoughts. These people aren't bad people, it's just that I've either outgrown them or they continue to steal my peace of mind and hold me back from my true God-given destiny because they are envious, have impossible expectations of me, or just a negative attitude toward me and the things God is doing in my life.
God has finally sat me down and told me: "How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing as I've rejected him from reigning over Israel?..."-1 Samuel 16:1. God doesn't want me to rehearse old wounds anymore, question things I don't understand and things that seem completely unfair, nor does he want me to keep regretting things I've done. He wants me to move forward. ♥
Today, I was watching Joel Osteen's teaching and these are the things I took away from it:
"As long as you're living in regrets, it's going to keep you from the bright future God has for you. Move forward and God will vindicate you."
"We should focus on what we can change, not what we cannot change."
In order to truly let go: you must quit thinking about it, quit talking about it, and quit reliving it. ♥
The Bible says in Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
God will give you beauty for your ashes but you have to let go of the ashes so God can give you beauty.
Instead of your shame
you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours. -Isaiah 61:7
That is what I'm finally doing surrendering it all to God. The pain, the heartbreak, the rejection, the betrayal, the abandonment, the disappointment, the feeling second-best, the feeling of not being enough, and forgiving those that made me feel that way but letting them go and giving them to God to take care of because my part in their life is over and only God can take care of them now.
So if you are one of the people I've chosen to let go of please know although this decision was incredibly hard for me because I care about you and love each of you so much, I've entrusted you into the best hands possible and he's never letting you go. As for me, this frees me to let new people and opportunities into my life and I plan to forget to what lies behind and strain toward what lies ahead. (Phil. 3:14)♥
Until next time, let us pray:
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless~Just Keep Swimming~
June 30, 2014
Finding My Own Personal Happy Place: My Summer So Far♥
Happiness is a form of courage...Long time, no update. I'm sure you've wondered about me. If you did, thank you. That means a lot.
This summer so far has been a pretty good one. I've been up to lots of shenanigans this last week of June so let me start from the beginning. Since my dad didn't join us on our alternative prom vacation, we headed to Maderia Beach for another beach vacation. This time, we had five of us. So we had to get a suite on the cheap. Check out my VLOG showing the suite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYgYr-eFCS0
It was a really refreshing vacation and to finally get out the house and step away from writing my novel was a nice change because I've noticed that the writing of my novel has opened old wounds and the pain they bleed has resurfaced. This has lead to me spending much of the month of June very emotional and encapsulated inside a bubble of a very painful thought movie. The dark thoughts are all Satan's lies telling me things like,
"You aren't good enough," "You're going to die alone," and my favorite, "You aren't even pretty."
Thankfully, the vacation lead to me having a really heartfelt sit down with my dad who I haven't spoken to very openly in a long time. Yet, God brought him to me the second night of vacation and really spoke to my pain in a way no one else had, and it was like he reached down into the pit of darkness I was buried under, shined a flashlight inside, and reached in and pulled me out. There is no doubt in my mind now that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and that I am beautifully and wonderfully made. Even though I don't always show my dad appreciation for all he does and sacrifices to keep our family above water, I honestly am so thankful for my dad and believe him to see me in a way no one else in my family does. Thanks for being so cool dad. Much love :)
Anyway, now that I've opened up about some of my demons, I will continue with details of our vacation.
We arrived Monday and my mom and I spent the entire day on the beach. That's how I ended up with such a burn as this:
That night, I went to the local bar/restaurant across the street from the hotel, Screwie Louie's. My dad never took me for a drink so he asked the bartender what kind of umbrella-type drinks they had and I ended up getting a Rum Runner. It was ok but I think I would have liked the Sex on the Beach better because it's made with lots of juice (I like fruity drinks the best). Of course, I didn't get drunk at all because someone has to be responsible but I did turn up with my family and had a good time. For those that don't know, Urban dictionary defines turning up as the following:
Besides, the best song that describes being turnt up on Jesus is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiUdrIsqmyQ Lecrae's song I'm Turnt.
Anyway, Tuesday morning the family minus Jayde went to Screwie Louie's for breakfast and it was hella bomb. I enjoyed it so much. I had two cups of coffee so I was finally able to focus. Spent the day at the beach with the fam but kept a shirt over my sunburn. But first, we grabbed some steak nachos at the Mexican restaurant:
After we had enough sun, we got pizza for dinner. While we waited for the pizza, we took silly photos:
Haha this was the entry gate to the beach. :)
Here's me texting or tweeting. haha.
On Tuesday night, we played LIFE as a family and had a blast. Then, as I was going to bed, my sister Jayde had a heartfelt chat with me and told me: You can say positive things but what matters most is that you believe them.
I knew she was right. So when we went home and after we got the dogs (They were so happy to see us), I spent the day just reading my Bible and reading the prayer cards that Joel Osteen sent me. Two of them really spoke to me so I'm going to share them with you:
"All you have to do is trust God and the plan He has for your life. The Creator of the Universe has incredible favor, increase, healing, promotion and restoration in store for you. Trust Him and you'll be amazed at what he will do on your behalf. Those who know Your name trust in you, for You, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.-Psalm 9:10 Prayer: Father, no matter what I may go through, no matter what situation I may face, I choose to trust in You today. I know You have a good plan for my life. I will not worry. I will not be anxious. I will not live in fear. Today, I trust You and I stand on your promises for my life."
"No matter what you need from God today, no matter what you're hoping for, no matter how big the size of your dream, look past the obstacles and focus on the One who can overcome any obstacle. When you do, every promise He has spoken and every dream He has placed in your heart will come to pass. ...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...-Hebrews 12:2 Prayer: Father, open my eyes today that I may see with eyes of faith. Help me look past my circumstances and see only You. I thank You that every promise You have given me and every dream You have placed in my heart is coming to pass. I believe it by faith today." Besides, the five prayer cards, I got a gelatin wristband that reads, "I Have Faith For Today." I've worn it ever since. Besides renewing my faith by talking to God, I started going to church again on the regular.
The next day was June 26th, among other things, I now celebrate my dog Hazel's birthday. She's our rescue dog that we found 2 years ago on June 26th. We don't actually know her real birthday so we celebrate her life on the day we got her.
Here's some videos of her birthday party and her playing on her birthday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG1ttcnRTMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeLLBDpcV0o
For her birthday, besides the treats I got her, I arranged for Justin Bieber to call her and wish her a happy birthday. The reason I picked Justin Bieber is because the first night she came to our house, my sister showed her pictures of Justin and she wagged her tail and she went to sleep listening to Justin on my sister Jayde's ipod all night. She absolutely loves the Biebs.
On Friday, they finally called after I complained, here is the video I recorded of Hazel's reaction:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cE4QYhad6A
Her reaction literally made my day and weekend. I would have just been happy with that. Yet, Saturday my family and I had plans to go see Hot Chelle Rae (my favorite band) who were performing at Busch Gardens. In case, you are unsure of the name, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khvKDUKvJiQ here is one of their most popular songs. I became a fan of them after becoming obsessed with their song Tonight Tonight back in 2011, and then seeing them perform the AMA pre-show back on November 21, 2011. From there, I purchased their first album and must admit that my absolute favorite HCR song if I had to choose would be I Like To Dance.
Earlier that day, I was down because I had gotten into a pretty heavy argument with my sister Jayde the day before over me being tired of her complaining to me about something I had no control over so I went off on her and she stopped speaking to me despite the fact that I apologized. I had gone off on her because of a comment she had made during our heartfelt discussion Tuesday night saying that some people aren't meant to be married (referring to me). It stung pretty bad.
So bad that I was still bummed out about it on Saturday where you can see my tweets reflected how I felt:
Needless to say, I was looking for a sign that all was not lost. My love life may be a joke right now but one day, I will be extremely blessed to be married to a handsome man who treats me like the diamond that I am and who isn't afraid to laugh at himself.
So I put on a smile and headed to the theme park with my family plus Jillian. We jammed out to HCR all the way there. It was slowly shaking me out of my sad funk.
We headed into the park and I was walking behind everyone like always because I like to observe atmospheric or scenic details. I happened to look down at the ground as we headed toward the entrance, and sitting all alone but catching the gleam of the sunlight was a very gold, very new penny. It was faced heads-up. Usually I pick them up and carry it with me in my wallet as a sign of hope but instead, I smiled up at the sky and knew God had something big up his sleeve. The last time I saw a penny before my feet like that, I had met Ryan Sheckler because his mom had set up a private meet and greet. Maybe I was going to meet the band. All I knew was God was going to shower me with blessings and surround me with his favor.
The weather was hot but rainless as my sisters went with their friend Jillian to look at the kangaroos and my mom and I headed over to the venue Gwazi park to see if we could get seats. The gates weren't open yet and my mom had a ten dollar voucher for snacks so we went to find a place to get a snack. We headed toward the Zagora Cafe and as we descended the stairwell and headed across the way to the bakery, I heard a voice say, "Take your time." Ok God. :)
We ended up getting 3 big cookies and we were in line at the register to pay and I happened to look out the door of the bakery and seen three really good-looking guys descending the Zagora Cafe stairwell. Suddenly I realized it was Hot Chelle Rae. I turned to my mom, "Mom, there's Hot Chelle Rae."
Mom: Where? Me: Right there. I point. They were walking past the bakery oblivious to the fact that there biggest fan was looking right at them. Me: Should I go ask them for a picture? Mom: Go! She took the waters out of my hand and pushed me out the door.
I'm not someone who has much practice in chasing celebrities and I fear talking to people but for some reason, my confidence soared as I realized the guy who had been my MCM multiple times and the lead singer of Hot Chelle Rae, Ryan Follesse was ten feet from me, nothing stopped me from calling after him.
He looked at me and then I was next to him suddenly (I'm surprised I could walk that fast and I didn't trip).
As he looked me in the eyes, I asked him, "Hey, can I get a picture?"He stopped walking and the band manager turned around and gave me a dirty look. Ryan just smiled at me and goes, "Sure." He stood there patiently waiting for me to get my camera out of my purse. As I was, I noticed him check me out and go, "For sure." Then he chuckled to himself.
I suck at taking selfies with digital cameras but as I finally got my camera out. He goes to me, "Can you take a selfie?" "Yeah!" I smiled at him.
Then, the band manager suddenly panicked and practically yelled at both Ryan and I, "You guys have to keep walking." OMG, I just got the ok to walk with the band.
Nash and Jamie were so far ahead I don't even know which way they went but we stopped walking long enough to take this picture as Ryan put his hand on my back and mushed his face against mine like we were old friends:
Isn't it the best selfie you have ever seen?
After I took it, I thought I didn't get it so I checked as Ryan goes, "I bet you didn't even get that picture. Did you get it?
The camera read processing and then it flashed my new favorite picture. I had taken a selfie and not cut anyone's face off.I smiled and said, "I got it!" Ryan and his band manager stood there as I turned to him and said, "Thank you."He said, "No problem." He smiled at me so big and then they rushed off to meet the others as I turned around to find my mom.
We headed to Gwazi park and got seats as I told her what happened and the opening act, ZZ Ward took the stage.
Mom and I took a selfie( I had more selfie confidence after that) and enjoyed ZZ Ward's set:
Here's ZZ Ward on stage:
Here's a 30 second video of her cover of Hold On, We're Going Home:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWN87i9oxkw
At 8:45 p.m. Hot Chelle Rae took the stage and gave a sick concert:
They opened with their song Whatever: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tIS5FhSwvU
After that, they sang I like it like that and Ryan pulled two girls up onstage to rap with him yet they acted way too crazy and the one kept trying to take a selfie with Ryan...:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMiBoLgVqCE
Overall, I was so happy I got to see them in concert for the second time. They were ah-mazing. Here's some photos:
Isn't this gif awesome that my sis made.
After the concert, because the event is called Summer Nights, they have a small fireworks display.
I still feel like the whole thing was a dream yet I know everything is going to work out for my good because I love God and am called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Yet, I must say, I felt strangely like I was already with the band helping them with their pr. I also loved how natural and organic my meet-up with Ryan was, and how he made it seem like he could have stood there for the rest of the night just talking to me about life. I finally felt like I was enough, pretty, and the possibility for love is definitely renewed in my mind for my future.
If any of the members of Hot Chelle Rae happen to read this, please know that I love you guys so much and thank you so much for being so kind to me. I hope you come back to Tampa real soon because I'm definitely going to see you in concert again.♥ #TeamBeautifulFreakforlyfe
For anyone reading this right now, let this blog be the hand reaching to you and pulling you out of the misery, doubt, fear, and unbelief that may be surrounding you, and just realize that you are alive, you can breathe, your heart is beating...this only means that God still has great things in store for you. You just have to trust him and believe it.♥
I hope next time I update you, I will be able to reveal the details of my internship but for now, please know that I plan to not let dark thoughts throw darkness over such a bright summer, and bright future. Just like that penny, God plans for me to shine at just the right time. There is nothing he won't do for me. ♥
Until next time, remember: If you don't love yourself for your flaws and imperfections, you can't expect anyone else to either.-Demi Lovato
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
This summer so far has been a pretty good one. I've been up to lots of shenanigans this last week of June so let me start from the beginning. Since my dad didn't join us on our alternative prom vacation, we headed to Maderia Beach for another beach vacation. This time, we had five of us. So we had to get a suite on the cheap. Check out my VLOG showing the suite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYgYr-eFCS0
It was a really refreshing vacation and to finally get out the house and step away from writing my novel was a nice change because I've noticed that the writing of my novel has opened old wounds and the pain they bleed has resurfaced. This has lead to me spending much of the month of June very emotional and encapsulated inside a bubble of a very painful thought movie. The dark thoughts are all Satan's lies telling me things like,
"You aren't good enough," "You're going to die alone," and my favorite, "You aren't even pretty."
Thankfully, the vacation lead to me having a really heartfelt sit down with my dad who I haven't spoken to very openly in a long time. Yet, God brought him to me the second night of vacation and really spoke to my pain in a way no one else had, and it was like he reached down into the pit of darkness I was buried under, shined a flashlight inside, and reached in and pulled me out. There is no doubt in my mind now that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and that I am beautifully and wonderfully made. Even though I don't always show my dad appreciation for all he does and sacrifices to keep our family above water, I honestly am so thankful for my dad and believe him to see me in a way no one else in my family does. Thanks for being so cool dad. Much love :)
Anyway, now that I've opened up about some of my demons, I will continue with details of our vacation.
We arrived Monday and my mom and I spent the entire day on the beach. That's how I ended up with such a burn as this:
That night, I went to the local bar/restaurant across the street from the hotel, Screwie Louie's. My dad never took me for a drink so he asked the bartender what kind of umbrella-type drinks they had and I ended up getting a Rum Runner. It was ok but I think I would have liked the Sex on the Beach better because it's made with lots of juice (I like fruity drinks the best). Of course, I didn't get drunk at all because someone has to be responsible but I did turn up with my family and had a good time. For those that don't know, Urban dictionary defines turning up as the following:
Besides, the best song that describes being turnt up on Jesus is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiUdrIsqmyQ Lecrae's song I'm Turnt.Anyway, Tuesday morning the family minus Jayde went to Screwie Louie's for breakfast and it was hella bomb. I enjoyed it so much. I had two cups of coffee so I was finally able to focus. Spent the day at the beach with the fam but kept a shirt over my sunburn. But first, we grabbed some steak nachos at the Mexican restaurant:
After we had enough sun, we got pizza for dinner. While we waited for the pizza, we took silly photos:
Haha this was the entry gate to the beach. :)
Here's me texting or tweeting. haha.On Tuesday night, we played LIFE as a family and had a blast. Then, as I was going to bed, my sister Jayde had a heartfelt chat with me and told me: You can say positive things but what matters most is that you believe them.
I knew she was right. So when we went home and after we got the dogs (They were so happy to see us), I spent the day just reading my Bible and reading the prayer cards that Joel Osteen sent me. Two of them really spoke to me so I'm going to share them with you:
"All you have to do is trust God and the plan He has for your life. The Creator of the Universe has incredible favor, increase, healing, promotion and restoration in store for you. Trust Him and you'll be amazed at what he will do on your behalf. Those who know Your name trust in you, for You, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.-Psalm 9:10 Prayer: Father, no matter what I may go through, no matter what situation I may face, I choose to trust in You today. I know You have a good plan for my life. I will not worry. I will not be anxious. I will not live in fear. Today, I trust You and I stand on your promises for my life."
"No matter what you need from God today, no matter what you're hoping for, no matter how big the size of your dream, look past the obstacles and focus on the One who can overcome any obstacle. When you do, every promise He has spoken and every dream He has placed in your heart will come to pass. ...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...-Hebrews 12:2 Prayer: Father, open my eyes today that I may see with eyes of faith. Help me look past my circumstances and see only You. I thank You that every promise You have given me and every dream You have placed in my heart is coming to pass. I believe it by faith today." Besides, the five prayer cards, I got a gelatin wristband that reads, "I Have Faith For Today." I've worn it ever since. Besides renewing my faith by talking to God, I started going to church again on the regular.
The next day was June 26th, among other things, I now celebrate my dog Hazel's birthday. She's our rescue dog that we found 2 years ago on June 26th. We don't actually know her real birthday so we celebrate her life on the day we got her.
Here's some videos of her birthday party and her playing on her birthday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG1ttcnRTMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeLLBDpcV0o
For her birthday, besides the treats I got her, I arranged for Justin Bieber to call her and wish her a happy birthday. The reason I picked Justin Bieber is because the first night she came to our house, my sister showed her pictures of Justin and she wagged her tail and she went to sleep listening to Justin on my sister Jayde's ipod all night. She absolutely loves the Biebs.
On Friday, they finally called after I complained, here is the video I recorded of Hazel's reaction:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cE4QYhad6A
Her reaction literally made my day and weekend. I would have just been happy with that. Yet, Saturday my family and I had plans to go see Hot Chelle Rae (my favorite band) who were performing at Busch Gardens. In case, you are unsure of the name, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khvKDUKvJiQ here is one of their most popular songs. I became a fan of them after becoming obsessed with their song Tonight Tonight back in 2011, and then seeing them perform the AMA pre-show back on November 21, 2011. From there, I purchased their first album and must admit that my absolute favorite HCR song if I had to choose would be I Like To Dance.
Earlier that day, I was down because I had gotten into a pretty heavy argument with my sister Jayde the day before over me being tired of her complaining to me about something I had no control over so I went off on her and she stopped speaking to me despite the fact that I apologized. I had gone off on her because of a comment she had made during our heartfelt discussion Tuesday night saying that some people aren't meant to be married (referring to me). It stung pretty bad.
So bad that I was still bummed out about it on Saturday where you can see my tweets reflected how I felt:
Needless to say, I was looking for a sign that all was not lost. My love life may be a joke right now but one day, I will be extremely blessed to be married to a handsome man who treats me like the diamond that I am and who isn't afraid to laugh at himself.
So I put on a smile and headed to the theme park with my family plus Jillian. We jammed out to HCR all the way there. It was slowly shaking me out of my sad funk.
We headed into the park and I was walking behind everyone like always because I like to observe atmospheric or scenic details. I happened to look down at the ground as we headed toward the entrance, and sitting all alone but catching the gleam of the sunlight was a very gold, very new penny. It was faced heads-up. Usually I pick them up and carry it with me in my wallet as a sign of hope but instead, I smiled up at the sky and knew God had something big up his sleeve. The last time I saw a penny before my feet like that, I had met Ryan Sheckler because his mom had set up a private meet and greet. Maybe I was going to meet the band. All I knew was God was going to shower me with blessings and surround me with his favor.
The weather was hot but rainless as my sisters went with their friend Jillian to look at the kangaroos and my mom and I headed over to the venue Gwazi park to see if we could get seats. The gates weren't open yet and my mom had a ten dollar voucher for snacks so we went to find a place to get a snack. We headed toward the Zagora Cafe and as we descended the stairwell and headed across the way to the bakery, I heard a voice say, "Take your time." Ok God. :)
We ended up getting 3 big cookies and we were in line at the register to pay and I happened to look out the door of the bakery and seen three really good-looking guys descending the Zagora Cafe stairwell. Suddenly I realized it was Hot Chelle Rae. I turned to my mom, "Mom, there's Hot Chelle Rae."
Mom: Where? Me: Right there. I point. They were walking past the bakery oblivious to the fact that there biggest fan was looking right at them. Me: Should I go ask them for a picture? Mom: Go! She took the waters out of my hand and pushed me out the door.
I'm not someone who has much practice in chasing celebrities and I fear talking to people but for some reason, my confidence soared as I realized the guy who had been my MCM multiple times and the lead singer of Hot Chelle Rae, Ryan Follesse was ten feet from me, nothing stopped me from calling after him.
He looked at me and then I was next to him suddenly (I'm surprised I could walk that fast and I didn't trip).
As he looked me in the eyes, I asked him, "Hey, can I get a picture?"He stopped walking and the band manager turned around and gave me a dirty look. Ryan just smiled at me and goes, "Sure." He stood there patiently waiting for me to get my camera out of my purse. As I was, I noticed him check me out and go, "For sure." Then he chuckled to himself.
I suck at taking selfies with digital cameras but as I finally got my camera out. He goes to me, "Can you take a selfie?" "Yeah!" I smiled at him.
Then, the band manager suddenly panicked and practically yelled at both Ryan and I, "You guys have to keep walking." OMG, I just got the ok to walk with the band.
Nash and Jamie were so far ahead I don't even know which way they went but we stopped walking long enough to take this picture as Ryan put his hand on my back and mushed his face against mine like we were old friends:
Isn't it the best selfie you have ever seen? After I took it, I thought I didn't get it so I checked as Ryan goes, "I bet you didn't even get that picture. Did you get it?
The camera read processing and then it flashed my new favorite picture. I had taken a selfie and not cut anyone's face off.I smiled and said, "I got it!" Ryan and his band manager stood there as I turned to him and said, "Thank you."He said, "No problem." He smiled at me so big and then they rushed off to meet the others as I turned around to find my mom.
We headed to Gwazi park and got seats as I told her what happened and the opening act, ZZ Ward took the stage.
Mom and I took a selfie( I had more selfie confidence after that) and enjoyed ZZ Ward's set:
Here's ZZ Ward on stage:
Here's a 30 second video of her cover of Hold On, We're Going Home:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWN87i9oxkw
At 8:45 p.m. Hot Chelle Rae took the stage and gave a sick concert:
They opened with their song Whatever: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tIS5FhSwvU
After that, they sang I like it like that and Ryan pulled two girls up onstage to rap with him yet they acted way too crazy and the one kept trying to take a selfie with Ryan...:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMiBoLgVqCE
Overall, I was so happy I got to see them in concert for the second time. They were ah-mazing. Here's some photos:
Isn't this gif awesome that my sis made.
After the concert, because the event is called Summer Nights, they have a small fireworks display.
I still feel like the whole thing was a dream yet I know everything is going to work out for my good because I love God and am called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Yet, I must say, I felt strangely like I was already with the band helping them with their pr. I also loved how natural and organic my meet-up with Ryan was, and how he made it seem like he could have stood there for the rest of the night just talking to me about life. I finally felt like I was enough, pretty, and the possibility for love is definitely renewed in my mind for my future.
If any of the members of Hot Chelle Rae happen to read this, please know that I love you guys so much and thank you so much for being so kind to me. I hope you come back to Tampa real soon because I'm definitely going to see you in concert again.♥ #TeamBeautifulFreakforlyfe
For anyone reading this right now, let this blog be the hand reaching to you and pulling you out of the misery, doubt, fear, and unbelief that may be surrounding you, and just realize that you are alive, you can breathe, your heart is beating...this only means that God still has great things in store for you. You just have to trust him and believe it.♥
I hope next time I update you, I will be able to reveal the details of my internship but for now, please know that I plan to not let dark thoughts throw darkness over such a bright summer, and bright future. Just like that penny, God plans for me to shine at just the right time. There is nothing he won't do for me. ♥
Until next time, remember: If you don't love yourself for your flaws and imperfections, you can't expect anyone else to either.-Demi Lovato
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
May 19, 2014
Living that Beach Bum Life: My Clearwater Family Vacation
Happiness is a form of courage...I'm all about the salt life. Reality seems so far away when you have the sand underneath your feet, and you can hear the waves crashing.
After dropping off the dogs at the kennel, we headed out on the highway jamming out to songs like Problem by Arianna Grande ft. Iggy Azalea and Fancy by Iggy Azalea. It was an easy ride down the Suncoast Parkway and soon enough, we got to our destination: Clearwater Beach♥
As we went up to the room with our suitcases, I rode the elevator with my sister Jamie. One of the guys that worked in the hotel got in the elevator with us, and said it was his lucky day because he got to ride the elevator with two good-looking women. Oh stop, sir! Haha. This trip was off to a good start.
After unpacking and settling into our room, we went to the pool. Before sitting down and enjoying the pool, we hit the beach for a photo shoot. Enjoy below:
That's not all:
This picture basically sums up the beach Friday. It was so windy because of a cold front that just went through that no one was really on the beach.
Ok, that's enough. Eyes up here.
After our photoshoot, we chilled by the pool.
My gorgeous mom. I started reading City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare; the second book in the Mortal Instruments series because we all know there is going to be another movie. Yeah, but I know you just want to know if we hit up the bar. We totally did.My mom and I split a Miami Vice pail. In case you're a newb and don't know what a Miami Vice is, it's supposed to be half pina colada; half strawberry daiquiri but the bartender that made it for us made it primarily a strawberry daiquiri so I didn't really like it.
Then, we took some really cute photos by the bar:
This photo is funny because right before it was taken, a really funny moment happened that went like this: Jamie goes to my mom, "Mom, pull up your top."My mom goes to pull up her top and the other lady who was bartending goes: "I saw that."We all couldn't stop laughing.
My sisters even admitted I was their bff. Yes, score! Just like old times.
After everyone changed and we looked for a pizza place, we decided to order Dominos. Before heading back to the room, we took some scenic photos:
LOL. My mom photobombed us.
So silly.
Then of course, I took a VLOG: Who needs prom when you could just go to the beach!
I also wrote my best friend Geniveve a letter (I always used to do that when I was younger when we went away because I couldn't stand to be away from her.)
Can we just take a second to all admit that my youngest sis is gorgeous? :)
Friday came and went and Saturday the alarm went off at 8 a.m. ( we were supposed to hit the gym) yet, I remember waking up from a night of restless sleep and saying, "Whoever set that alarm, I kinda want to kill you right now."
After a bountiful breakfast sponsored by Dunkin Donuts, we hit the beach but the wind soon picked up and we headed back to the pool.
This picture gives me good vibes. lol.
I got tired of sitting in the sun so I went up to the room and sat on the balcony and read my book after I made the Starbucks provided in our room. Then, my sister called and asked if I wanted to join them for that workout. I went and I didn't hydrate properly. The view from the gym was amazing though since it overlooked the beach from the roof of the building. We got back and we watched a beach wedding and the sunset. As the wedding party made their way back up from the beach, this cute guy with dreads checked me out and we made eye contact. It literally was such a nice gift from God. (I've been a little bitter lately with my single status). Yet, my mom practically tried marrying me off to the guy because she saw him check me out, and she was all, "Let's go to the lobby and crash the reception." I seriously have the coolest mom ever.
After having the pizza and being dehydrated, I drank one beer and I was totally tipsy. lol. I even was convinced I saw a UFO out on the beach. We went back up to the room and finished watching Superbad only to then watch Andy Sandberg host the season finale of SNL. It was so funny. Or maybe that was just the effects of the beer. Either way, I was turnt. haha.
Another night of restless sleep, I woke up on Sunday so exhausted and no longer about the salt life. I basically just chilled listening to music by the pool underneath the palm trees.
Overall, it was a really good vacation and it really made me so grateful for my own house. Yet, last night upon returning home and after unpacking, I watched the Billboards which were amazing. (That hologram performance of Michael Jackson was my favorite) and went to bed and had an amazing sleep.
This morning I went to the thyroid doctor and got a good report then went home and prepared for a skype interview I was offered for a PR internship on Tuesday of last week. It went really well and I just can see God's favor working goodness in my life. There is no reason to fret anymore about being single. It will all work itself out, God's honor.♥
Until next time, remember, You have the capability to change your life all with a simple shift in perspective. -Demi Lovato, Staying Strong♥
Signing off from the salt life,
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
After dropping off the dogs at the kennel, we headed out on the highway jamming out to songs like Problem by Arianna Grande ft. Iggy Azalea and Fancy by Iggy Azalea. It was an easy ride down the Suncoast Parkway and soon enough, we got to our destination: Clearwater Beach♥
As we went up to the room with our suitcases, I rode the elevator with my sister Jamie. One of the guys that worked in the hotel got in the elevator with us, and said it was his lucky day because he got to ride the elevator with two good-looking women. Oh stop, sir! Haha. This trip was off to a good start.
After unpacking and settling into our room, we went to the pool. Before sitting down and enjoying the pool, we hit the beach for a photo shoot. Enjoy below:
That's not all:
This picture basically sums up the beach Friday. It was so windy because of a cold front that just went through that no one was really on the beach.
Ok, that's enough. Eyes up here.
After our photoshoot, we chilled by the pool.
My gorgeous mom. I started reading City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare; the second book in the Mortal Instruments series because we all know there is going to be another movie. Yeah, but I know you just want to know if we hit up the bar. We totally did.My mom and I split a Miami Vice pail. In case you're a newb and don't know what a Miami Vice is, it's supposed to be half pina colada; half strawberry daiquiri but the bartender that made it for us made it primarily a strawberry daiquiri so I didn't really like it.
Then, we took some really cute photos by the bar:
This photo is funny because right before it was taken, a really funny moment happened that went like this: Jamie goes to my mom, "Mom, pull up your top."My mom goes to pull up her top and the other lady who was bartending goes: "I saw that."We all couldn't stop laughing.
My sisters even admitted I was their bff. Yes, score! Just like old times.
After everyone changed and we looked for a pizza place, we decided to order Dominos. Before heading back to the room, we took some scenic photos:
LOL. My mom photobombed us.
So silly.
Then of course, I took a VLOG: Who needs prom when you could just go to the beach!
I also wrote my best friend Geniveve a letter (I always used to do that when I was younger when we went away because I couldn't stand to be away from her.)
Can we just take a second to all admit that my youngest sis is gorgeous? :)Friday came and went and Saturday the alarm went off at 8 a.m. ( we were supposed to hit the gym) yet, I remember waking up from a night of restless sleep and saying, "Whoever set that alarm, I kinda want to kill you right now."
After a bountiful breakfast sponsored by Dunkin Donuts, we hit the beach but the wind soon picked up and we headed back to the pool.
This picture gives me good vibes. lol.
I got tired of sitting in the sun so I went up to the room and sat on the balcony and read my book after I made the Starbucks provided in our room. Then, my sister called and asked if I wanted to join them for that workout. I went and I didn't hydrate properly. The view from the gym was amazing though since it overlooked the beach from the roof of the building. We got back and we watched a beach wedding and the sunset. As the wedding party made their way back up from the beach, this cute guy with dreads checked me out and we made eye contact. It literally was such a nice gift from God. (I've been a little bitter lately with my single status). Yet, my mom practically tried marrying me off to the guy because she saw him check me out, and she was all, "Let's go to the lobby and crash the reception." I seriously have the coolest mom ever.
After having the pizza and being dehydrated, I drank one beer and I was totally tipsy. lol. I even was convinced I saw a UFO out on the beach. We went back up to the room and finished watching Superbad only to then watch Andy Sandberg host the season finale of SNL. It was so funny. Or maybe that was just the effects of the beer. Either way, I was turnt. haha.
Another night of restless sleep, I woke up on Sunday so exhausted and no longer about the salt life. I basically just chilled listening to music by the pool underneath the palm trees.
Overall, it was a really good vacation and it really made me so grateful for my own house. Yet, last night upon returning home and after unpacking, I watched the Billboards which were amazing. (That hologram performance of Michael Jackson was my favorite) and went to bed and had an amazing sleep.
This morning I went to the thyroid doctor and got a good report then went home and prepared for a skype interview I was offered for a PR internship on Tuesday of last week. It went really well and I just can see God's favor working goodness in my life. There is no reason to fret anymore about being single. It will all work itself out, God's honor.♥
Until next time, remember, You have the capability to change your life all with a simple shift in perspective. -Demi Lovato, Staying Strong♥
Signing off from the salt life,
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
May 9, 2014
Greatly Blessed and Highly Favored: The long story short of how my bill got paid off♥
Happiness is a form of courage...YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THAT BIG FAT BUTT?! Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle. Oh sorry, right. I'm writing a blog not twiggling. (white girl version of twerking). In case you want to join the dance party later or listen to the song that I'm currently jamming out to: Check out Wiggle by Jason Derulo ft. Snoop Dogg. That song is dope and it's the song he premiered for us at the concert back in February.
Anyway, since I last spoke to you, I finished another semester at Leoland. This one was plenty fruitful because I got straight B's except for the F I ended up getting in my Marketing Communications class. Long story short, that professor falsified my midterm grades, made the whole class about group work, waited until the beginning of April to give us the rubric for our final project, and the night before I was scheduled to present my final group project, the girl who came up with the idea of us selling a teleportation device decided to bitch me out over text message so I decided I wasn't going to show up. This is basically why I failed the class but it also had to do with the fact that I was against taking this class on campus from the beginning of the semester but they denied my request of taking it online. I do so much better in my online classes because they are based off independent study so all I have to do is read the chapters, answer a discussion question during each of the eight weeks, do a quiz, a paper or a case (depending on the class) and take a midterm and/or a final. For me, it's a lot like what I went through when I was back in the IB program. A little bit of a thorn in my side but mostly simple if you are studious and smart, like myself. That's why I'm so excited for this coming semester. Other than my internship or job (hopefully at Starbucks), I don't have to even leave my house because all my classes will be online. I just have to do two classes the first eight weeks which are Marketing Research and Business Law II (I won't be able to finish my IHT minor so I'm taking another elective and I loved my first Business Law course.) Then, the second eight weeks, in the middle of October, I will take Marketing Communications and Marketing policies. Then, by God's grace, as of December 14, 2014, I will graduate with my Bachelor's in Marketing. After that happens, this will be what I will say to that school:
So, as most of you know, it really looked like I was going to have to become a stripper in order to pay off the bill I owed for Spring semester. All semester I confessed: Where God gives vision, he provides provision. Then, out of nowhere, last Friday, I got a call from the financial aid support team manager and at first, he made it seem like he was going to tell me my financial aid appeal application was denied like they originally told me it might but then he goes, "it looks like we gave you the wrong amount on your stafford loans and we owe you up to $3295 of additional aid." After he said that, my hand holding the phone literally started shaking because I felt God's favor making a shift. It turned out on Monday that I got $3261 of additional stafford loans (boo, I have to pay that back) and $500 from the financial aid appeal application. I only had to pay $27.59 toward the entire bill. God is so good to me.
The only thing that was extremely stressful for me was that on Tuesday, I signed into my student account and saw this:
I was really confused and instead of stressing, I just asked some friends to share my GoFundMe page and prayed that Saint Leo had made a mistake. The next day, my balance was $27.59. After I paid it, my account looked like this when I signed in on Wednesday:
I have never seen that before so I feel extremely blessed. Now waiting to get a new advisor (My previous advisor was the professor of the marketing communications class). I no longer trust his advice and feel he never advised me well, especially after I told him I wanted to be a publicist. Then, I have to have an internship lined up by September 2 if not before, and I can register for my four online classes.
So far no emails or calls. Yet, I know now, when it looks like nothing is happening, that's when God is working the most. He's going to show me favor in my job/internship search and provide me one that will be a divine appointment and help me learn skills that will one day make me a successful publicist.
Right now, I'm ok with having time off. I wrote so many religion papers this past semester, it's nice only having to write my novel lately. If only someone could pay me in advance for this book but since I'm not well-known as a writer (more importantly, my work isn't well-known), I'm just sitting on a wallet full of dreams.
If anyone is looking to hire a writer, send me an email at wittywriterpoet26@yahoo.com.
Thanks, and also thank you to everyone that prayed for me about this bill and shared my GoFundMe link. Shoutout to Lizzy Follese on Twitter who I've never met but not only retweeted my tweet but posted this in support of me:
After all the sass I got from Christian ministers, it meant so much. To see what I mean, read http://chellyzlife.blogspot.com/2014/03/something-on-my-mind-lately-that-needs.html
I appreciate it so much. And if you need any prayers yourself, never hesitate to let me know.
Meanwhile, I would appreciate it if you support some of my friends in their endeavors:
My friend Carrie wants to be a professional wrestler
My friend Chelsea needs help paying off her student loans.
Donate and/or share the links.
Until next time, remember: All you need to remember is that God will never let you down, he'll never let you be pushed past your limit, he'll always be there to help you come through it. -1 Corinthians 10:13 ♥
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
Anyway, since I last spoke to you, I finished another semester at Leoland. This one was plenty fruitful because I got straight B's except for the F I ended up getting in my Marketing Communications class. Long story short, that professor falsified my midterm grades, made the whole class about group work, waited until the beginning of April to give us the rubric for our final project, and the night before I was scheduled to present my final group project, the girl who came up with the idea of us selling a teleportation device decided to bitch me out over text message so I decided I wasn't going to show up. This is basically why I failed the class but it also had to do with the fact that I was against taking this class on campus from the beginning of the semester but they denied my request of taking it online. I do so much better in my online classes because they are based off independent study so all I have to do is read the chapters, answer a discussion question during each of the eight weeks, do a quiz, a paper or a case (depending on the class) and take a midterm and/or a final. For me, it's a lot like what I went through when I was back in the IB program. A little bit of a thorn in my side but mostly simple if you are studious and smart, like myself. That's why I'm so excited for this coming semester. Other than my internship or job (hopefully at Starbucks), I don't have to even leave my house because all my classes will be online. I just have to do two classes the first eight weeks which are Marketing Research and Business Law II (I won't be able to finish my IHT minor so I'm taking another elective and I loved my first Business Law course.) Then, the second eight weeks, in the middle of October, I will take Marketing Communications and Marketing policies. Then, by God's grace, as of December 14, 2014, I will graduate with my Bachelor's in Marketing. After that happens, this will be what I will say to that school:
So, as most of you know, it really looked like I was going to have to become a stripper in order to pay off the bill I owed for Spring semester. All semester I confessed: Where God gives vision, he provides provision. Then, out of nowhere, last Friday, I got a call from the financial aid support team manager and at first, he made it seem like he was going to tell me my financial aid appeal application was denied like they originally told me it might but then he goes, "it looks like we gave you the wrong amount on your stafford loans and we owe you up to $3295 of additional aid." After he said that, my hand holding the phone literally started shaking because I felt God's favor making a shift. It turned out on Monday that I got $3261 of additional stafford loans (boo, I have to pay that back) and $500 from the financial aid appeal application. I only had to pay $27.59 toward the entire bill. God is so good to me.
The only thing that was extremely stressful for me was that on Tuesday, I signed into my student account and saw this:
I was really confused and instead of stressing, I just asked some friends to share my GoFundMe page and prayed that Saint Leo had made a mistake. The next day, my balance was $27.59. After I paid it, my account looked like this when I signed in on Wednesday:
I have never seen that before so I feel extremely blessed. Now waiting to get a new advisor (My previous advisor was the professor of the marketing communications class). I no longer trust his advice and feel he never advised me well, especially after I told him I wanted to be a publicist. Then, I have to have an internship lined up by September 2 if not before, and I can register for my four online classes.So far no emails or calls. Yet, I know now, when it looks like nothing is happening, that's when God is working the most. He's going to show me favor in my job/internship search and provide me one that will be a divine appointment and help me learn skills that will one day make me a successful publicist.
Right now, I'm ok with having time off. I wrote so many religion papers this past semester, it's nice only having to write my novel lately. If only someone could pay me in advance for this book but since I'm not well-known as a writer (more importantly, my work isn't well-known), I'm just sitting on a wallet full of dreams.
If anyone is looking to hire a writer, send me an email at wittywriterpoet26@yahoo.com.
Thanks, and also thank you to everyone that prayed for me about this bill and shared my GoFundMe link. Shoutout to Lizzy Follese on Twitter who I've never met but not only retweeted my tweet but posted this in support of me:
After all the sass I got from Christian ministers, it meant so much. To see what I mean, read http://chellyzlife.blogspot.com/2014/03/something-on-my-mind-lately-that-needs.html
I appreciate it so much. And if you need any prayers yourself, never hesitate to let me know.
Meanwhile, I would appreciate it if you support some of my friends in their endeavors:
My friend Carrie wants to be a professional wrestler
My friend Chelsea needs help paying off her student loans.
Donate and/or share the links.
Until next time, remember: All you need to remember is that God will never let you down, he'll never let you be pushed past your limit, he'll always be there to help you come through it. -1 Corinthians 10:13 ♥
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
April 21, 2014
Looking at a flaw but feeling flawless
Happiness is a form of courage...So, I stayed up late last night. Until 12:30 a.m. to be exact. I know what you're thinking, "Wow, look at you taking the rebellious road." Oh yeah, you know me. Yeah, well the point isn't that I stayed up late on a school night but because of something I discovered that late at night.
I took my first two novels out of my closet and looked at them for the first time in three years. It was weird. I actually was repulsed by how juvenile and immature the writing in these books was. If you haven't bought my books, that's ok. You aren't missing anything.
I actually am quite embarrassed by them now because my writing style has changed so much. I think it just changed with age and the things I've experienced but I'm going to work on what those books were missing which was included in every (well, most) YA books I've read in my lifetime. Something that makes the story withstand time, and maybe even gets the attention of movie producers who can't come up with their own ideas. (Hey, I'm not against books being made into movies. That's the marketing machine for any author).
As some of you may know, I recently read the book The Fault In Our Stars by John Green and it really made me re-evaluate my YA writing style. Yes, it's admirable that at 15 I decided to become a writer even though no one was behind me, I understand that I published those books for the wrong reasons. (Plus, at 15, I was obsessed with Ryan Sheckler, I was going to marry him, and I thought becoming an author would not only make me stand out but make everyone want to be my friend.) I'm going to work on a new novel as soon as my memoir is finished and in the process of publication that has the same characters but adds depth to the story line which is what TFIOS had.
It kind of made me feel like I let the world down because I published such a weak piece of literature. It was an underdeveloped project and I put it out there for everyone to see. It's like I told the world at a backyard barbecue that I was going to grill the hamburgers and served them to everyone raw and said, "Ta-Da."
Yet, I feel like the reason I decided to write a blog about this moment in my life is to let you know that I won't be hurt if you decide not to purchase my two novels because from every standpoint used to critique literature I can see that my novels lack important pieces of timeless literature and I am working on something more compelling than those two stories now and in the future.
It's very life-changing, ultimately, to be able to look at a flaw but feel flawless. I'm completely imperfect and that's ok. Why? Well, when I am weak, He is strong. And not I, but the Grace of God.♥
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
Happy Easter from Katrina and I. :)
It's finally here! My graduation picture.
I took my first two novels out of my closet and looked at them for the first time in three years. It was weird. I actually was repulsed by how juvenile and immature the writing in these books was. If you haven't bought my books, that's ok. You aren't missing anything.
I actually am quite embarrassed by them now because my writing style has changed so much. I think it just changed with age and the things I've experienced but I'm going to work on what those books were missing which was included in every (well, most) YA books I've read in my lifetime. Something that makes the story withstand time, and maybe even gets the attention of movie producers who can't come up with their own ideas. (Hey, I'm not against books being made into movies. That's the marketing machine for any author).
As some of you may know, I recently read the book The Fault In Our Stars by John Green and it really made me re-evaluate my YA writing style. Yes, it's admirable that at 15 I decided to become a writer even though no one was behind me, I understand that I published those books for the wrong reasons. (Plus, at 15, I was obsessed with Ryan Sheckler, I was going to marry him, and I thought becoming an author would not only make me stand out but make everyone want to be my friend.) I'm going to work on a new novel as soon as my memoir is finished and in the process of publication that has the same characters but adds depth to the story line which is what TFIOS had.
It kind of made me feel like I let the world down because I published such a weak piece of literature. It was an underdeveloped project and I put it out there for everyone to see. It's like I told the world at a backyard barbecue that I was going to grill the hamburgers and served them to everyone raw and said, "Ta-Da."
Yet, I feel like the reason I decided to write a blog about this moment in my life is to let you know that I won't be hurt if you decide not to purchase my two novels because from every standpoint used to critique literature I can see that my novels lack important pieces of timeless literature and I am working on something more compelling than those two stories now and in the future.
It's very life-changing, ultimately, to be able to look at a flaw but feel flawless. I'm completely imperfect and that's ok. Why? Well, when I am weak, He is strong. And not I, but the Grace of God.♥
Love Times Infinity,ChelseaxoxoGod Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming~
Happy Easter from Katrina and I. :)
It's finally here! My graduation picture. 
