#ViralVideo: Class of 2015, FTW!

I would not have put this on here if I wasn't so salty with Youtube, who muted the audio on my video because I have Beyonce and Nicki Minaj's songs in it, which I gave credit too. Until they remove the mute, feel free to check it out here:

And don't forget to share it on social media.

Love Times Infinity,

Chelsea

xoxo

God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~

#WriterWednesday: God's grace is Enough

I have to be honest here and say I thought about this blog as I went to sleep last night and now that I've slept on the idea, I know you need this message as much as I do. 

I'm sure if you read my blogs that means that you either are interested in what's going on in my life or you have some type of faith in God. Beyond that, I'm sure you've heard it said in church that God's grace is sufficient. I know I've really been studying grace more lately, and sometimes I still don't understand how God's going to turn my situation around. Let me explain.

Recently, I finally got my degree from Saint Leo (don't worry, I'm working on a video for you) so I'm officially qualified for my field or so I thought. Yet, the problem I'm facing is that no one is hiring me because I only have a year's worth of Public Relations experience. Yesterday, I got two rejection emails:

Normally, I wouldn't even sweat it but there are many reasons why those two emails caused me to feel a lot of discouragement fairly quickly:

1. I've been unemployed for over a year and don't want to do free work anymore...

2. I want to move out of my parent's house and out of state. (The better PR work states are NY and CA, and TX is a runner up).

3. I really wanted either of those positions because you can work from home (I am without proper transportation so working from home suits me best).

Yet, it's apparent that I'm going to have to keep doing internships in order to build up my resume and years of experience in order to have job. It's just hard to find an internship that pays.

Last night, I realized something profound. God may not have given me these jobs to protect me, and because he has something better. I also have to remember that Plan A of my life plan is to be a writer, and I do need to work on my proposal for my memoir. Being a publicist is my Plan B.  Last night, I went to sleep knowing God's grace is enough in this situation. 

So whatever need you are facing today, whether it be employment, a good break, health restored, a relationship restored, finances, or even just the strength to make it through the season you are in, please hear me when I say, God wants to hear from you about that need, and he wants you to leave it at his feet. After all the battle is not yours, but God's. Do not be afraid. (2 Chronicles 20:15)

I have faith that my time is coming and someone will take a chance on me. 

Until next time, remember: Now I’m turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends. -Acts 20:32

Love Times Infinity,

Chelsea

xoxo

God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~

#WriterWednesday: How To Truly Save Your Soul

James 1:21 says it plainly: (MSG) In simple humility, let our gardner, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.

Another translation says it like this:So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls. 

What I'm trying to say is that the only thing that can save your soul is not this blog.
It's a start in the right direction but even anything I write doesn't have the power to save your soul.

It's not Google.
It's not E! Entertainment Television.
It's not Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
It's not MTV.
It's not Barack Obama.
It's not whoever gets elected in 2016.
It's not Twitter.
It's not Facebook.
It's not Instagram.


Only God's word implanted in your heart has the power to save your soul.

Recently, Bruce Jenner took to the cover of Vanity Fair to announce that he is now Caitlynn Jenner. I'll admit the picture gave me mixed emotions. He looked so good as a woman. I wanted to be made up and on the cover of Vanity Fair next just so I could look that good but what he's doing is truly not heroic.

Exhibit A:

I'm not trying to hate on Bruce for his idea of happiness in any way. Being transgender is not something I will ever understand personally and I'm ok to live within that bubble of ignorance. 

Until next time, remember: I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! -Isaiah 65:24

Love Times Infinity,

Chelsea 

xoxo

God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~

#WriterWednesday: Jesus Muzik Worth Blasting! Live Forever and Blanca Album Reviews

I know you are probably are tired of reading reviews on here but I've decided it's time I expand my writing talent to include reviews of good music, books, and movies/ tv shows. I also have been facing a bit of writer's block regarding what to blog about. Yet, I don't want to lose you as my fabulous, beautiful readers who come here for inspiration.

Two new released Christian albums I've fallen in love with lately are Live Forever by Matthew West and Blanca's self-titled debut solo album.

#LiveForeverReview

On April 28, 2015,  Matthew West released Live Forever, his sixth studio album. I'm a huge Matthew West fan and this album doesn't disappoint. My favorites from the album are Day One (about how God's mercy is new every morning so each new day is the first day of your life),  The List (reminds us that love keeps no record of wrong), World Changers (about Jesus followers who shine in this dark, dark world because they have the joy of the Lord), Grace Wins ( I'm living proof that grace wins every time!), Tryin' (how God made us all unique so we shouldn't try to be something that God didn't make us to be), Mended (about how God can take things not seen and make a way where one doesn't appear), Anything is Possible (God is the God of the Impossible), Born For This (Knowing your God-given destiny gives you a zest for life), Oh, Me of Little Faith (for the doubtful moments).

#BlancaReview

On May 4, 2015, Blanca (former member of Group 1 Crew) released her first solo debut with a self-titled album. From the first song until the last, the songs are filled with dance-inducing beats and lyrics filled with inspiration for worship and a life lived in Christ. My favorites from the album are Different Drum (a song I wish existed when I was a kid), Who I Am (about knowing who God says you are and choosing to believe that instead of what people say about), Get Up ft. Lecrae (about not giving up when the going gets tough), Sunshine (about God's love being like sunshine on a cloudy day), Not Backing Down (this would be a perfect workout song), Worry (a Bob Marley style track about trusting God and not worrying), Greater is He (her vocals on this track are unreal; based on 1 John 4:4), Today ( a great song about not wasting time and just trusting that God gives us sufficient grace for each day).

Each album is filled to the brim with musical content that will renew your mind, calm your heart, and steady your feet.

Until next time, remember:
 Turnin' down, tunin' out
Every single word that caused me pain
Unashamed and unafraid
'Cause I believe You mean it when You say
I am strong, beautiful
I am good enough
And I belong after all, 'cause of what You've done
This is real what I feel
No one made it up
I am loved -Blanca, Who I Am

Love Times Infinity,

Chelsea

xoxo

God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~

Writer Wednesday: Ciara hits all the high notes with comeback album, Jackie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiK5LKQGqbE

       Released on May 1, 2015 off Epic Records, Ciara made her music comeback after the birth of her daughter with her sixth studio album, Jackie. The album is titled off her mom, with Ciara saying that the reasoning behind that decision was because she can now see the world through her eyes and she knows what it’s like to be a mom.

          The title track song Jackie (BMF) is a hard-hitting hip-hop track that lays down the foundation for the rest of the album. Other favorites off the album include Fly, I Bet and the I Bet remix, One Woman Army, and I Got You. Motherhood has had no negative effect on Ciara’s musical talent but has only turned her into a “One Woman Army” of musical genius.

For more of my music reviews and PR blogs, please visit DailySelectBlog.com

Until next time, remember: “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”-Matthew 5:48, The Message.

Love Times Infinity,

Chelsea

xoxo

God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~

#WriterWednesday: One Year Ago Today

According to Facebook, one year ago today I had just returned from my beach vacation with my sisters and Mom.... On this blog, http://chellyzlife.blogspot.com/2014/05/living-that-beach-bum-life-my.html the pictures tell a story of love and friendship between my sisters and I.

One year ago, I was in the same boat. Living at home, looking for just the right job but willing to do just about anything to have a job in general, and working on my book. Today, I'm still in the same boat but now I've finished school and no longer owe Saint Leo anything, not a dime or ounce more of my time. Yesterday, I finished my novel after 3 years of strenuous work and self-doubt. Lately, I've been a little down at the fact that I've realized so many girls I know now are married and have started families of their own (including girls from high school who mocked me when I told them that I believed true love is real).

Isn't it funny how things change but things also still appear to look the same?

Yet, things have changed.

I got smarter.
My heart grew a bit harder and eventually stronger.
I finally let go and walked away.
I accomplished one of my life goals of graduating from college.
I accomplished another by writing a book that will speak to millions.
I may not have a job but I put positive efforts toward my future every day.
I've become more merciful toward others because I've gone through similar things.
And in the midst of all these things, I've learned that trusting God is the only real thing I can do.

Until next time, remember: I'm living proof that grace always wins. -Matthew West

I'd love to hear how you've grown as a person in the comments below. Any change big or small is proof of growth. Celebrate it.

Love Times Infinity,

Chelsea

xoxo

God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~

#WriterWednesday: What My College Experience Taught Me

In case you haven't heard, I finally did it. I graduated from college. My overall experience taught me a lot and today I'd like to share those lessons with you.

With God, Nothing is Impossible

I struggled in every way a person can struggle through my five years in college. I first struggled with living away from home. Then, I struggled with making friends, struggled with finding a job, struggled with balancing work and school, struggled wth figuring out that I didn't want to be an accountant, struggled with my health, struggled with the finances to pay for school, and lastly, I struggled with not giving up and quitting. Without God, I don't think I ever would have made it through. Now, I truly believe that nothing is impossible with God.

Friends Come and Go

Sadly, I feel that most of the friends I ended up making during my college years were fickle and didn't end up becoming life-long friends. Yet, I've found peace about this because I've started praying for divine connections which are friends that God gives you that understand and support the person God is making you to be. Thankfully, when you trust God in all areas of your life, he always comes through at the right time and never lets you down.

Money is important but never meant to take the place of God

Money was something I went to college with and ended up watching it get vacuumed out from under me until I was left in the quicksand that is debt. And being in debt before you even graduate college is not fun at all nor is it something I recommend. 

Some suggestions I have for young people going off to college: 

1. Get a job while you are in high school so you always have a job when you come home on breaks and for the summer, or at least experience to build a resume and a reference.

2. Sow some, spend some, save most.

One principal I live by is giving God 10% of all income I get, and spending what is necessary to spend in order to treat myself, and saving the rest in order to build interest. I won't bore you with a post about the different forms of money-saving options but I will say to do your own research. It will be worth it in the long run.

3. Use your college fund solely for college

4. Talk to your roommates. See what they have before purchasing stuff for on or off campus housing.

Despite money being a necessary form of transaction between you and your college education; don't ever serve money. Always be a giver in order to take away from being a slave of money. If you believe in God and have Jesus as your savior, God redeemed us from the curse of poverty and lack.

Trust me, God can provide wherever there is a need and even if it looks like there is no way.

Stressed? Talk to Somebody or go workout at the gym

My college experience was uber stressful. I coped by praying and spending time in God's word. There were some things I didn't take lightly in college: my near-death experience, a fallout with one of my best friends and one of the first guys I fell in love with. These things required me to go see a counselor, and after I did, I was able to slowly rise above those traumatic experiences and also find the good in them. One thing I did when I was having roommate problems was always going to the gym instead of lashing out at my roommates. Trust me, putting all that negative energy into a workout is an instant stress reliever.

My college experience taught me not only a lot about my career field but about people, about living on my own, about how strong I can be when it seems everything is against me, and how unforgiveness and bitterness left to fester will make you sick.

Until next time, remember: The things that set you apart from the pack, the things that you once thought were your weaknesses, will someday become your strengths. -Taylor Swift

The criticism born of other's insecurities? Ignore that. You don't need anyone telling you what your style, substance, or happiness should look like. You can be the judge of that. - Lena Dunham

Love Times Infinity,

Chelsea

xoxo

God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~