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Happiness is a form of courage...

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Wednesday, August 21, 2013

One Year of Life: You're Going to Hear Me Roar♥

Happiness is a form of courage... I must begin by saying there is a lot of personal truth in Katy Perry's new song. From the moment I was born, I've had to roar a little bit louder than everyone else to only prove that the ME people see is the only ME I'm going to be. I'm going to grow and become better but basically, it's such a powerful thing to finally realize how God sees you, how much he loves you, and how amazing he thinks you are. Also his cover is amazing Max Schneider

August 20th was officially the one year anniversary of the day I came out of the hospital. Yet, let me start this tale from it's proper beginning.

For one, I was able to participate in the final week before my sisters go back to school. Which basically means I got to go shopping all week instead of awaiting surgery and lying around in a hospital bed. I also got to celebrate my mom's bday.

 This is my mom at the age of 19, when she was a model. Look how beautiful she is.

 Here's me super excited to go out for my mom's bday!

 Here's me even more excited that I got my Motivation movie.

We went to the movies and saw White House Down and The Internship. Both were great but I liked White House Down better because it had a little humor, a little suspense, a little action, and a lot of Channing Tatum. We also new the set director of the movie so it was exciting to see his name in the credits.

After the movies as 11:50 p.m. crept closer, the party really began. We went to Applebee's for half price appetizers and drinks.
The birthday girl got a Long Island Iced Tea, and I got my favorite Mango Mojito
 Jamie was the only one not drinking by the end of the night. 

The picture of the food was too large so let me show you what a good writer I am. As the food arrived, every mouth at the table began to salivate like a stray dog who hadn't eaten in weeks. My sisters ordered Cheeseburger Bites which were like heaven shot into a burger like a shot of heroin to an addict's arm. I got Wanton Tacos which were the perfect mix of Mexican and Chinese food in one taco. My mom got boneless wings and mozarella sticks, as well as chips and salsa. Everything tasted like Jesus himself was in the kitchen cooking..if you know what I mean.

 After Mom and I's second drink, the party really started. Stupid things became ridiculously funny. The food tasted better. The music became louder and I became more eager to get up on the table and dance. haha.

We then ordered a pitcher of Sangria and then they gave mom a bday desert and we sang happy bday to her. 
Here's some illustrations:


 I think Jamie and I were mostly laughing at the fact that Jayde was buzzed and she was supposed to be our DD. That and she kept bugging my mom to order her a strawberry daquiri. lol.

 Then, we all took a picture with the birthday girl. Lol, what is Hazel doing?

 Jayde and Katrina with mom.



 Jamie with mom.
 Then, I decided then was a good time to have a small photo shoot with Geni and Katrina. Lol!


 Hahaha at these funny pictures I found.
 Hazel is always reaching out for my mom. 

Anyway, so last week was a good eye opening week for me where I realized how beautiful it is to be alive. 

Without further ado, here is my list of things I've learned this past year that have helped me live more peacefully and with a grateful spirit.

Chelly's Keys To Success 
1. Trusting in, Depending On, Relying On God (Psalm 5:11)

This year, once God brought me back from the door of death, I knew there had to be a reason. At first, it was really hard to see that reason especially with my eyes on the reality after the fact of being in the hospital. I wasn't completely healed and it felt as though no one truly knew what I was going through. I was dealing with a lot of unanswered questions, especially the belief that I should have just died in the hospital and things would have just been easier that way. That was because while being in the hospital I was surrounded with such love and comfort from friends and family and as soon as I returned to school, it was as if I was still me and I could handle life. It also felt like suddenly I was all alone again. So of course, with pressure coming against me on all sides (school, friends, finances, medical debt collectors), I had no one who truly understood my heavy heart more than Jesus. In turn, I spent most of my free time with God (studying his Word, listening to teachings, listening to praise music, sitting with Jesus and having him speak to me and journaling what he said). Now that it's been a year, I am not so quick to respond to circumstances all the time. I choose to react in faith instead of in fear.

Recently, Saint Leo has contacted me and told me I owe $ 11, 411.09. They also claim I have a charge for $904 on my account for the spring term. When I get to Leo, I will be discussing this with them but I need you to pray. 
If when you pray God tells you to help me financially, please send all correspondance to:
 Chelsea DeVries
c/o Saint Leo University
33701 State Rd 52
P.O. Box 5555  MC#3369
Saint Leo, FL 33574

Being that this will be my last year, I will also need loads of encouragement. So feel free to also send letters and notes of encouragement, please and thank you.

God has revealed to me that the final authority of this financial situation is in his hands. Here's how I know:

"People will look at you and say, 'Where are they getting it?' How are they receiving it? And you will answer, 'My God meets all my needs according to his riches in Glory by Christ Jesus."♥

2. Finding Yourself

Since I only had God and my family, and of course, the few friends that stuck by me through the darker days, I was left to look within and find who I really want to be in this life through who God wants me to be. Basically, I had to be reminded of what it means to be great, and what it means to be a friend.

God eventually sent me friends that helped me realize that I'm still a really good person no matter how far I had fallen emotionally and mentally.

I also found daily encouragement in Mandy Hale's tweets under the fame name: The Single Woman♥

 This is one of her many tweets that she tweeted today that give me that little pat on the back and allow me to feel that I'm heading in the right direction.♥

Recently, she achieved one of her (and mine) 's biggest dreams: Publishing a book nationally. 
I can't wait to read it. Ultimately, society tries to pressure girls that they will end up cat or dog ladies if they don't find their prince by 18 but Mandy Hale's message is that being single is nothing to be ashamed of because we are strong, beautiful people who are on a mission and need no permission (especially from our relationship status).

Other than Mandy Hale's Words of Wisdom, I also found God gave me wisdom through Facebook:



 Yesterday, he gave me this one:


Now I know I can achieve my dreams and become all God created me to be. 

Academic Goals
1. Attend all classes
2. Be as nerdy as possible
3. Get at least a 3.0
4. Make Dean's List
5. Stop being afraid of life and live it. (Get over public speaking)
6. Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Me♥

Personal Goals
1. Stop caring about what people think because God thinks I'm amazing♥
2. You are BEAUTIFUL♥
3. Stop negative thoughts immediately and get positive.
4. "Don't let this world shake you up, get out there and SHAKE UP the world.
5. Write that novel as though it is going to be your first and last piece of life-changing, earth-shattering work(Because it is).

Ultimately, I finally realized that it is important to value yourself and love yourself because if you don't, who else will?

Speaking of my novel, so far my word count for the first draft of One Last Breath is 13, 817. I'm currently working on Chapter 7 but Chapter 1-6 are complete. I haven't even written about being in the hospital yet so as you can tell, I still have a ways to go. Just know, this book will help millions and it's going to change lives.♥

Before going onto my next key to success, let me tell you about someone who embodies a strong brave female that found herself (whose 21st bday was yesterday), Demi Lovato. For her 21st bday, she spent it in Africa helping underprivileged children instead of getting schwasted. She's allowed her story to help others and she's finally accepted herself for who God has created her to be.

Here's one of the many reasons she is my hero, (Quote from the August 2013 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine):

"When I look at someone who's out there partying excessively or rappers rapping about doing drugs, who people look up to and think, Oh, that's a G; that's a gangster. I think, You're actually a giant pussy. Sorry, but those rockers in the '80s were the furthest thing from rock stars. They were so insecure and so lonely that they had to do these things to get them through the day." "If you're spending you entire early 20s chasing the next party, what are you running from?" she continues. "That's not a badass. What's badass is when you can sit through your problems and feel emotions when you don't want to have them. There have been nights where I've had to sit on my hands, because I want to act out, because I physically can't sit still in the pain I'm dealing with, from looking back and being bullied or other things that happened. And now, as hard as it may be, I will do that. That's what makes me a badass. Being a badass is handling your shit." ♥

3. Surrounding Yourself with People who celebrate You♥

Who you hang out with is who you become. It's a biblical principle. Just look at 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and see for yourself. Once you do, you will see how important it is that you spend your time with people who cherish you, value you, and appreciate you, and you leave the people who question who you are and your morals behind. Of course, you are still loving and peaceful toward everyone but you don't have to spend time with people you don't care for.  This summer, I read a lot of Joyce Meyer's books, and one of them was Do Yourself a Favor and Forgive. This book changed everything I ever knew about love, anger, being merciful, and forgiveness. I highly recommend you check this book out.

Recently, these principles were put to the test because I was originally going to live with an RA that I didn't know so I could room again with one of my closest friends. When we originally got our rooming assignment, I was put on the other side of the apartment and would have to share my bathroom with a stranger. Because I'm 22 years old and a senior, I felt this wasn't right so I finally worked out a way for my friend to be put on my side. On the day after my birthday, I signed into my facebook to find a rather rude message from said RA. I wrote her back and explained my side of things and she just started arguing with me and I could tell she wanted to fight. The old me would have told her off and sought revenge. The new me messaged res life, explaining I had a problem with the RA and I could no longer live with her. I also mentioned I'm a senior who just wanted a drama-free year.

Res life was super kind and put me in Apartment Six (another year in brand new dorms) and it's a 3 bedroom and I only have one other roommate so far. In case, you don't get what I'm saying let me try not to scream at you: I HAVE MY OWN SIDE OF THE APARTMENT. MY OWN ROOM, MY OWN BATHROOM, AND A BOMB NEW ROOMMATE. 

Here's a screenshot of the message she sent me Saturday after she moved in:
I'm so happy because at home, I don't have my own room or my own bathroom, and honestly it's hard to find a private place to go when I just want to be left to do my own thing. Being an adult that's hard. I guess in normal terms this would mean I should get my own place but financially, God's timing is the only way. I still don't even have my own car. Basically, I'm mentally an independent woman everywhere but in reality. 

See what happens when you do things God's way. You become blessed, now in turn I can bless others by having sleepovers. haha. I can't wait!

Ultimately, Forgiveness and Love are the key to everything in Life♥
If you utilize those and keep stepping out in faith, you will succeed in life.

Before I end this very long novel...er I mean blog, I have a short VLOG to give you guys a health update and a review of the Motivation movie,
  
Also, I'm very happy to announce my marketing skills have recently been put to the test. Basically, I'm in business before I'm in business, you know.

My friend recently launched his own Youtube channel and he already posted two hilarious prank videos. 
Please check them out below and let him know I sent you. Watch this Popping Video and This one too.

On the anniversary, I found this when I went out for lunch 

Look at everything with God's eyes. Instead of looking at someone for their exterior, look first for their heart. That's where you will see the person they truly are.♥
Until next time, remember: "Life is a promise; Fulfill It."-Mother Theresa

Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~














Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Tell 'Em That It's My Birthday When I Party Like That♥

Happiness is a form of courage... Yay! I'm finally 22. Let me start this story at it's proper beginning...

I guess you could say the celebration hypothetically started on Thursday August 1st. Last year, I spent the day waiting to go to the thyroid doctor to get consolation for treatment and was put on Tapazole which was the drug that put me in the hospital. This year, the story was rewritten and positive. Mom, my sisters, and I went to Busch Gardens for the day. We rode Congo River Rapids, the train, and saw some monkey butts er I mean gorillas. It was fun. Of course, I have pictures.






On Friday, I bought tax free school supplies and saved money because I found the prices for school supplies had been marked down compared to what I had originally projected. My mom made me my favorite dinner: Bowties in Alfredo with mushrooms. I also enjoyed a very peaceful day to myself since no one was home except for me and the dogs.

On Saturday, I got all dressed up and my friends took me out for a birthday dinner at Olive Garden. Come to find out, my friend Sarah's mom Lisa paid for the entire meal. How sweet was that? I felt so loved as well as gifted by my friends presence.



Which picture do you like better of my outfit and makeup?

It's funny because I told my friends I just wanted them to go out to eat as my gift and they still got me gifts. Peggy got me a butterfly "Happy Birthday" balloon and Sarah's gift was in a butterfly gift bag. I never told them I love butterflies and they didn't plan to match. This is why we are best friends.


Now, here's some pictures of us at the restaurant:


I got Fetticine Alfredo and had a glass of Berry Sangria. It was delish!

For desert, I got tiramisu, my favorite dessert.

Wishing Thankful to blow out my candles and expecting good things are going to come my way this year by God's favor.
 Sarah's pretty gift bag♥

It was so cute because it was an 80 yr old woman named Betty's birthday and she reminded of my late great-grandma. She was spunky and wore a sequin top and even came over and wished me happy birthday. 
I hope when I make it to her age I will be as lively and appreciative of a live well-lived as she was.♥

After going to Olive Garden and walking around the shops close by, I went home and watched the X-Games that I had recorded earlier with my mom. Congrats Nyjah Houston for your gold medal win! At midnight, my family and friend Jillian all sang happy birthday to me. My friend Peggy called me at 8:37 a.m. exactly when I turned 22 but my phone was off. It's the thought that counts anyway.

After a night of little sleep, I woke up on Sunday feeling a little upset. I shook it off and headed outside on my patio to walk around my pool deck for exercise. 

That's when the texts started flowing in. 32 people or more either texted, facebooked, or Twittered me telling me Happy Birthday. The texts meant the most to me because they were the most personal. Thank you to all of you who acknowledged and celebrated my getting another year of life so kindly.♥


 I had chocolate lasagna for my bday this year to change things up. It was a huge hit.



 Here's the balloon from Peggy.

 I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22♥

 Jayde and I♥


LMAO. Jamie's so funny♥

Modeling the balloon lol
Mom and I are such twins.\

Of course, I got a picture with each of my dogs
 Nugget (Katrina) wasn't feeling in the picture mood but we are still cute.

 This picture is funny because Hazel hates taking pictures and I go who wants a picture with the birthday girl and she sat down next to me and posed. She made my day♥

 Of course, it wouldn't be a party without a picture with my best friend Geniveve♥

 Jamie pretending to eat Hazel lol

 Jamie and Hazel are too cute♥

Ultimately, it was the most amazing of birthdays. I think it was because I was just grateful to anyone who wanted to celebrate my life after last year and feeling so alone so close to death.

A bible verse comes to mind: For Who has despised the day of small things?-Zechariah 4:10♥

I like this verse because it says how the little things mean the most or the day of small beginnings teach you a lot. 

I was also able to order the Motivation movie which is a documentary about the eight Street League pros during the New Jersey Championship last August. All my favorite skateboarders are in it and I'll get to learn more about their back stories so I cannot wait to watch it.

To watch the trailer go here: Trailer of Motivation Movie

I've got a lot done this summer. A lot more than last summer and that in itself makes me grateful to God for this year. It will be a year officially on August 20th.


Next blog, I'll let you in on this school year and my goals for the academic year and my personal goals.

Until next time, remember God can deliver and protect you from any and all evil forces that come against you: He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. -Psalm 91:15♥

Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~






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