Happy Monday!

Happy Monday folks!

I hope you all have been having a wonderful day thus far! I just wanted to say THANK YOU for reading the blog! It's greatly appreciated!

Today, guard your heart. Believe in the beauty of your dreams. You can do anything when God is backing you up!

I am filled with so much unexplainable joy right now! When you truly put God ahead of your own demands and desires, He takes care of you and gives you treasures that can't be bought. No amount of money, material thing, or person can fill that void (that we will all experience) like the love of Jesus can!

We will have good days, bad days, blah days, super exciting days....in the midst of it all GOD is good! Be encouraged no matter what situation you find yourself in today. God will never give you more than you can bear!

One more thing before I go....send up a prayer for me please! Seriously need to start this personal writing project but sometimes fear of the unknown and procrastination stop up my flow. I will continue to pray for you guys too! Thanks much!

"If I can see it, then I can do it. If I just believe it, there's nothing to it."

Oh Yea...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Excuse me, I'm so rude.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! 2012 BABY!!!


Just a tad bit late ladies and gents, but better late than never. =)

However, that's the last time I'm saying "Happy New Year!" I don't know why some folks continue to proclaim their New Year's greetings well into February or March. Seems a little tacky to me, but hey...what do I know?

As we have now entered into a brand new year and it's typical for folks to be on their "new year, new me" routine for a few days, I pray that you won't make this year typical.

Unless you're a dedicated individual, those New Year's resolutions will fall through in a few days (if they haven't already). Let's be real. If nothing changes, nothing changes.

I've seen a few folks post online that one of their goals for this year is to find true love and be in a stable, long lasting relationship. I'm sorry, but can I *side eye* for a quick minute? If you weren't where YOU were supposed to be at the end of 2011, a relationship will NOT solve the problem. Sure, it'll be a quick fix...a void-filler of sorts. But if you need someone (other than God) to complete you and make you whole...lemme just say, YOU NEED HELP! lol...no but seriously, you're going about it the wrong way. Keep it locked to this blog, because I have a feeling we're going places this year!! I have an inkling that more and more people will stop looking to relationships to fill empty places; I believe more folks (including myself) will embrace this journey wholeheartedly and be led by the Spirit of God when living this day-to-day life.

This year...

• follow your dreams 
• cherish time well spent with family and friends 
• reflect
• go after wisdom
• do something adventurous and unexpected 
• read more 
• write more 
• give to those less fortunate 
• give God full control of your day and life {constant, consistent prayer} 
• continually prepare 
• guard your heart 
• move your body {exercise} 
• try something new 
• make a new friend
• live in joy 
• be a tad more artsy
• do what you love, and just please... live like you're dying.

Don't allow 2012 to be typical.

You think you know

I just had an interesting thought. Very few people actually KNOW me! lol

I'm a bit surprised that the thought even came up but by "know" I mean really have a pretty decent understanding of who Chelsea REALLY is. Of course I learn more and more about myself everyday but in all my learning, very few people have had access to Chelsea.

I'm such a different person now than I was two, three and four years ago. I say this with ALL humility but I think I'm a pretty decent person. I'm not perfect but I have a caring heart and I try my best to help people become better. Most people may pass by me at church or see me in the parking lot on the way to my car. Some "like" my facebook statuses or get a quick but genuine hello on my way to wherever I'm going but very few people have actually have access to my innermost thoughts, my goals, my hopes, my dreams, my passions, and desires. And I really like it that way.

One of my brothers, who is a very gifted poet, encourages me everytime I'm around him. One thing he said to me not too long ago is that God has hidden me to work on things on the inside of me. To get me to a certain point so He can finally display all the things He's been working on. I always think about that when I get in that mode of "I'm being misunderstood AGAIN!" lol Most people really just don't know me and because God has me in a place with only me and Him, many things won't make sense to people on the outside.

Now because of that fact, people have tried to put me in a box. Putting a person in a box can be the worst or the best thing you can ever do. Either it will cause a person to second guess themselves and their abilities or it will push them to escape the box. People will always question your abilities. I'm a pretty quiet and soft spoken person around most people. However people like Candice know me as being loud, silly and country lol But because of what people have come accustomed to when they're around me, they assume they know me and what to expect from me. Little do they know, God has been working on me in my own private time, out of the view of others. God and I have 3 am calls, 3 hour calls, 6 am calls, midnight calls, entire weekend calls lol That's my homeboy FOR REAL lol He's working out some things that I'm so excited about!

So I say all that to encourage you if you've ever been placed in a box. You are far better than any restriction people have attached to you or your abilities. It doesn't bother me though. I kind of laugh and say to myself, "You THINK you know, but you have NO idea!" Only God fully knows who I am and based off of what I know this far, it is far more than what can ever fit in a box! :-)

Another Growing Point

This day has been a whirlwind of emotions for me....confusion, frustration, annoyed, hopeful, dreamy, motivated, inspired, sad, lonely, etc. I've just felt a lot of stuff today, and I think I tried just about everything to combat the bad stuff out of my life.

Awhile ago (somewhere posted in this blog), I finally "grew" up as I learned to speak to the storms in my life. So, I think I had that down. Still, I felt empty as a person. I cried until I couldn't cry anymore, read the Bible, prayed to God (What is going on? Take this pain away, please! Show me what you want me to do, and I'll do it! What do I need to be doing today?), thanked God in the midst of my feelings, and still....emptiness.

You ever have those moments where you feel so alone, and you wonder if God is even hearing you? Well, today was one of those moments. I've felt this way several times, and I've even heard positive sayings such as: When God is silent, He's really working. However, I was not trying to hear that. I just wanted my emptiness filled ASAP, my joy back, and the ability to go on with my day not feeling so glum.

My emotions and feelings were all jumbling around, birthing from many different things. I was sad that I didn't have many friends (I know less is more, but...). I was upset that I failed once again in attempting to walk in my purpose yet. And I guess I entertained the hidden fear that my college years would be worthless because I might not land my dream job after graduation; I may still be serving up chicken in my hometown. (Still a job, but we go to college to be more, right?) Then, a little little little part of my being was thinking that a significant other would make me feel SOOO much better! But I know better than that; my self-discovery issues would still be there, and one day I would just be caught in a mid-life crisis or something....putting another human through the ordeal of trying to figure ME out. ~And as I write that, I realize that it's better for me to be single right now after all. Know thyself.~

And then another breaking down moment occurred.

Ever since 2006, I feel that I'm supposed to have written this fictional book based on real-life circumstances in my life. I can't believe it's been 5 years! Man, I'm one disobedient kid...smh! lol...I literally think about writing this story and/or others every. single. day. People and their problems inspire me. Especially those in relationships. I have movies playing in my head all the time, with dialogue and fictional (based on real people) characters. I see how stupid TV/movies are today, and I'm inspired to create that real stuff again.

However, a dream is just a dream unless put INTO ACTION. Faith without works is dead.


So, I haven't written stories forreal forreal IN YEARS! I've done a little brainstorming, started a paragraph or two, but nothing serious since I was younger. Writing stories was my hobby. I did it almost as much as I played Barbies or with my stuffed animals. And I think that was one of the factors that led to my writing. Playing with toys required imagination, and writing required you to merely extract stories from an endless pool of creativity and imagination.

Tonight, I actually mustered enough courage to actually go for it. A part of me is a little scared to begin, for whatever reason. I'm just gonna do it already. It eats me up inside everyday anyway. This could be my breakthrough, I thought. So, I get my notebook and pen out. I write a few phony little sentences out my head, and it sounds so stupid to me. So I quit. Just like that. I got frustrated, and I wondered if God had taken that gift away from me since I procrastinated too long to obey Him. I mean, 5 years is a long time to live under a wing of disobedience. Then, I felt Him speaking to me. I've included a portion of what I heard. I think some of what was said can apply to YOU and whatever situation you find yourself in today:

Crawl----> Walk----> Run

Research the craft.

You were only 7.

Order before you establish something.

Your room and bathroom are chaotic.

Habits, chaotic. Life, chaotic.

You're looking for someone to complete you, but only I can do that. Just trust me. I will bring it to pass. There's no formula that will better your chances. I speak, you listen. Order. Organization. My glory. I AM. Learn a little more. Don't give up so quickly. It's only been 2 minutes. Breathe. Listen. Remember. I will do great things through you if you let me. Don't put me in a box. You think you have it figured out, but that's your problem. You need to trust and believe. These may not be the best days, but the days will be glorious one day. Patience. Faith.

I've felt the need to give to someone, but I didn't know what to give. Tonight, I give my words. And hopefully, that will spark something inside you that was on the brink of dying. Be encouraged.

Day 19: My Thankful

I'm thankful that my brother is home! Yippee! I have to admit that I was somewhat nervous to see him. I mean, he's been away at college doing all the stuff college kids away from home do. We've always been close, but I didn't know if college would force us to grow apart. But when he came home a few hours ago, it was as if he never left. I love our bond. [Forgive my cheesiness. haha] I can tell that he's coming into his own and experiencing life for himself, but sometimes I wish he were still in high school or something. I don't want him to be exposed to the college life yet. I almost wish I wasn't exposed to it either. But all the choices made in the past helped me to reach the present state of my life. And I'm pretty content with how things turned out.

I'm thankful for the house I live in.

I'm thankful for what the future holds. Everything is working for our good.

I'm always always always thankful for whoever is reading this. Y'all are so anonymous! Grr...but at least I can see the views, and that makes me smile! :)

I'm thankful that God still keeps my dreams/visions alive, despite me actually taking action to accomplish them. Smh! Better get cracking! We still have a little over a month left in 2011, and anything is possible. What we do now will determine how we enter into the next year! Let's finish strong! :-)

Day 4: My Thankful

I'm thankful that all the assignments due before midnight tonight (that I procrastinated on) were completed!

I'm thankful for a GREAT family dinner (prepared by yours truly), minus my brother who is away at college. We had great conversation and good laughs. And me and my dad cleaned the kitchen together! Awww, that almost never happens.

I'm thankful for dreams, visions, and goals.

I'm thankful for today's message at church on marriage. I'm not married yet, but I plan to be. So, all wisdom is beneficial at this point.

I'm thankful for all the people I had conversations with today at church. I remember my painfully shy days, and I'm always so grateful when I realize that I've come so much farther than I'd ever thought I would. Thank you God!


SN: I forgot to take pictures of the finished product of the Shrimp Alfredo. Go figure. lol...but Chelsea and I made this earlier in the year, and it's on one of the earlier postings. It was delicious though! =)

Shrimp Alfredo Prep

Is it alive?

Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

I heard a sermon not too long ago that was based off of this verse and it really blessed me. One question that I think is incredibly important to ask yourself, "Is there anything in my life I've created that God did not breath into?"

I looked up the definition of alive. And the one that stood out to me stated that being alive means continuing in existence. So if something is alive that means it should be making progress. It shouldn't just be in one place doing one thing forever, life should equal pressing forward.


Genesis 2:7 is describing the creation of the first man, Adam. God created him from dust and THEN God gave him life. Before God breathed into Adam he was a creation but he was not alive. Without life you can't function. If you don't have life you can't pursue or live up to a purpose. To make it plain, without life any creation is a waste.

We as humans often lose patience. We feel that we're missing out on things that we want or need, not realizing that greater blessings take greater preparation. In the mist of doubt, sometimes envy,and alot of times being impatient, we take it upon ourselves to create our own situations. This list could include many things, relationships, friendships, businesses, etc. But without the breath of life from God, it's a creation but it is not alive. Just as Adam was created by God and was a man, he didn't have purpose or the ability to make progress until God breathed LIFE into him.

I think being mature in Christ and growing requires each of us to admit to our own wrong doings. There have been many times in my life that certain things didn't work out. Sometimes it was the wrong timing or the wrong decision but what it comes down to was that I personally had created it, but God had not given it life to progress. Therefore it was a waste and it was dead. I'm grateful for that lesson and more importantly that revelation.

When we put our will before God, many times we're left with baggage. We're left dragging our dead creation because it was out of disobedience and was not approved by God. On this journey of growth that I'm currently on, it was important for me to understand the importance of God's will. Everyday we create things, ideas, dreams, and aspirations. But what is currently in our lives that God has not breathed on? Relationships that we've created can become baggage just as dreams that we pursue prematurely. There is no life outside of God. Our situations are no different than Adam's creation. If God needs to breath life in His OWN creation, what makes any of us think we can create without the BREATH OF LIFE from God? Doesn't make any sense right?

I thought it was important to share this with you because we're all growing together. And to stay away (as much as possible) from broken hearts and failed dreams, it's important to know the importance of submitting to God's will. To create only what He has instructed us to create and to stay away from our own created unapproved relationships and friendships. And to wait to pursue certain dreams until God has given our creation life.

God can't bless disobedience. And one of the things that can bring the most discouragement, is creating something that is dead. It may not be dead because it was NEVER for you but it may be dead because of the impatience that pushed you to create it without the hand of God. Rest in knowing His way is always the right way. His timing is always the right timing. Just know that He is God. I would much rather wait patiently for His living creation than to drag along my own created dead one!


Find patience in the breath of life.
-Ryunosuke Satoro

Graduations Make Me Smile

Time sure does fly when you're having fun, wouldn't you say? My brother and cousin both graduated from high school this week, and it seems so surreal. I feel like I just graduated! I'm sure however old you are right now, there's something in your life that you did years ago, but it seems like yesterday. It's crazy!

Aren't we cute?

I actually enjoy going to graduations. Yes, some parts are boring. But at some point through the ordeal, I get inspired to go to the next level in my own life. I still have most of my graduation cards from when I graduated in 2007. The money's all spent, but I like reading the motivational words from time to time. Need a pick me up? Head to Hallmark and browse the graduation section...lol..seriously though.

I guess it really hasn't hit me that my baby bro is about to leave the nest (probably for good), but this just reminds me that life goes on. Everyone has to let go of the hand that feeds them one day or another, and if you're over 25 years old, your grip should be loosening. You can't be a baby forever. The road can be scary, but it's just a new chapter in your life.

I think my aunt said this at my cousin's cookout: "Don't be so quick to be a grown up, because it's not as fun as it seems."

I don't necessarily agree with her. Of course, I think the image of independence and freedom is glamorized more than the actual work behind the scenes. However, I plan on having fun 'til I die (while paying my big girl bills and tending to my other responsibilities). I mean, you only get one life. Why not make it fun, ya know?

Then my grandma said that, "These [college years] are about to be the best years of your life."

Umm...I don't really agree with that too. All MY days are about to be the best they can be. There is no day, month, or year promised to us. Enjoy it ALL while you can.

Yea, so I'm glad I was able to attend both graduations/family gatherings. It got me to thinking about ALOT. From mistakes I've made in my past, to forgotten dreams, stupid boys, summer plans, lack of never living a "wild" life, and even a strong strong STRONG desire to be in an interracial relationship. lol...I'm still alert, so I think I'll write more.

Untitled...just 5-7-2011

The reason it took me so long to write this time was:  I didn't have anything to say!    :-/

I don't really have a particular topic in mind for today either.  I don't know what it is.  I'm just writing because...I guess.

From my last posting, you may have guessed that I just started immediately living life with no regrets and blowing all my money on life adventures (like Queen Latifah did in Last Holiday).  But...no. I had a semi-productive week after that.

I finally got my education stuff straight. I've switched colleges SO many times...long story. But I've finally decided to finish something this time.  So back to square one at ODU (via satellite), and hopefully by Dec 2012 or May 2013 I will be DONE!  I feel like I've been in school long enough to have obtained a Masters or Doctorate in something. smh.

Classes are registered for the Fall...just gotta pay for them. haha...and I'm forcing myself to take an online summer class. I'm getting focused for real this time.  I like to have fun and hang out with friends, and that has been one of my highest priorities since I began college.  This time around, I gotta do what's right for Candice. My dad always says that there'll be plenty of time for fun.

College is really not long. I'm amazed at how quickly four years went by since I graduated from high school. I can't believe my little brother is graduating in a month.  Wow...I'm telling you, it feels like I just did that! If I had caught on to the concept that "College isn't long, and there'll be plenty of time for fun," I would be singing a whole different tune right about now.  Oh well, this is not the time for regrets.

I heard this quote awhile ago pertaining to regrets. "You shouldn't have any regrets, because at one time it was something you wanted to do."

So, I really have no regrets. I guess in a perfect world, we would all want to do things a little bit differently.  However, everything works out for the good for those who love GOD!!  Everything always has a way of shaping you into the person you were meant to be anyway.

As far as being more productive, I've been reading a little more.  Soon, I'll be back on my nerdy bookworm status. I don't care what you think or say.  I used to be in LOVE with reading and writing.  I could do that all day--it was like my favorite pastime or something.  Haven't been that into it since maybe middle school...sigh. I'm getting back into it though.  What am I reading now??

Call me what you want, but I'm trying to read the entire Bible.  Never did it before, so why not? Sometimes when people use references from the Old Testament, I have no clue as to what they're referring to or where it is located.  So, I'm  reading it for a better understanding and to see all that God wanted for us to know.  I'm excited as to what I will find out.  I'm halfway through Genesis lol, so stay tuned.

I'm also reading A Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook.  It is taking me F O R E V E R to finish this book!!  I remember when I got it a couple of years ago. I was in the same position as I am now, as far as figuring out my purpose and life. Not to sound deep, but I went into the Christian Bookstore looking for a quick fix to my problem and God literally led me to this book.  He told me that this was the book that would help me with that, but still I have yet to get past Chapter 3.  Ughhhh!

No worries, changes are being made.  Progress doesn't take place overnight, but excuses can be eliminated.  You must change a thought or a habit to see true C H A N G E manifested in your life. Keep smiling.  Keep dreaming.  Keep believing, and just GO!