Feelings Deceive; Faith Believes♥

Don't be a wallflower in the dance of life...

With all that I've been trying to deal with on my own, I needed some time spent with the two people that keep me grounded: Jesus and my family♥

Off we went to a magical kingdom in a town called Kissimmee, but is really part of Orlando, to celebrate life in the presence in the source of life: Jesus♥

We stayed at the Pop Century resort. Here come the visuals; get ready:

The view from our balcony of the pool.



Then after getting settled in our third floor room at the castle known to mere peasants as the Pop Century resort, we took some iconic pics around the grounds of the castle:

Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head♥

Trying hats at the resort gift shop:


LMAO, I love my mom♥

Afterwards, we relaxed by the pool. Here's me and my sister:


Me looking hawt♥

And then it started to rain so we got ready to leave but here's a funny pic taken by the pool: LMAO. Mean muggin'♥

After eating some ah-mazing Flipper's pizza and salad we departed to the kingdom; the Magic Kingdom. Before we left to go to the kingdom, I kept feeling insecure about how I looked and my outfit.

We arrived at the Kingdom and I got to see my favorite Christian singer of all-time, Francesca Batistelli in concert♥

Here's what she looked like from where I was in the crowd:




After the concert, we rode some rides together.

Here's me and Barbie(Jayde) on the Buzz Lightyear ride:
She got 51000 and I had 5700. My gun must've been broken. LMAO♥

Then, the emperor Zerg put us in jail:
We still look good behind bars♥

I really wanted to meet my future husband so I wore this shirt:


Then as if God wanted to erase all the insecurities I had before going to the Kingdom, I was in line for the Peter Pan ride and this guy stood and waited for me to round the corner, and as I did, he shouted so everyone on the ride could hear: "She likes church boys. Yeah, buddy!" It was super cute and made me feel beautiful again. Thank God for church boys, you know what I'm saying. ;-) And if you are that boy and you happened to find this blog on the internet, message me your digits on Facebook. My facebook link is in the bottom right corner of this site. :D

Anyway, we went from there to ride It's a Small World aka the happiest cruise to ever set sail♥

After we rode some rides, my sisters and my mom and I split up. My mom and I went to see Matthew West and Sidewalk Prophets in concert while my sisters went to ride more rides.

While watching Matthew West in concert and then even more with Sidewalk Prophets, I felt God speaking to me through the songs the artists were singing and I realized something. I forgot what it meant to have faith. With all that I went through the past two weeks, I was judging my happiness on temporal worldly things when I have Jesus Christ as my lord and savior and a joy that never ends living in my heart. Always remember: Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world(1 John 4:4)♥ That's why I always say: Feelings Deceive; Faith Believes♥

My mindset has now been changed from this weekend and I really must thank my mom again for taking us to this life-changing celebration and of course, ALL thanks goes to Jesus for giving me the strength I forgot I had. :)

Our tale concluded at Cracker Barrel where we filled our faces joyously:


Until next time, here's some words from the song "The Words I Would Say" by Sidewalk Prophets:
Be strong in the Lord♥
Never Give up Hope♥
You're going to do great things; I already know♥
God's got His hand on you so don't live life in fear♥
Forgive and forget, but don't forget WHY you're here♥
Take your time and pray♥

Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~

P.S. My sister and I have a new video up on Youtube from last weekend when she came to visit me at Leo before we decided to go home. Check it on our youtube channel: www.youtube.com/threefloridasisters

Becoming a skyscraper

Don't be a wallflower in the dance of life... This past week has been really messed up. You know in the beginning of the song Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae, it starts out: "It's been a really, really messed up week. 7 days of torture, 7 days of bitter. My girlfriend went cheated on me but she's a California Dime and it's time for me to quit her." That's what I dealt with since last Friday August 26th. I found out someone I was about to date betrayed me. I finally told him to get lost last week but ever since then everyone has been treating me like the bad guy.

I honestly felt ultimately betrayed by this person not because they decided they didn't want to date me. That doesn't matter. What matters to me is that I thought we were best friends and this person kept things from me that happened over the summer, talked to another girl just like he talked to me, and told some girl that has never liked me all my fucking business. That is the ultimate betrayal to me and it hurts to think I stooped so low to care so much about someone like you.

In all honesty, I am NOT the bad guy here. You can make it out to seem like I am but God knows the truth. Every day people lie to God too so keep telling yourself you believe in God. Your actions prove otherwise.

I am writing this blog because I feel like people I started to befriend at the start of the semester have decided not to be friendly with me anymore without even hearing my side of the story. What happened between me and him has NOTHING to do with you so I just want to say, if you choose him, you choose him. It's too bad I didn't get to know you liked I hoped to.

What's even sadder is that people judge me so much at this school when I have never done anything to them personally. Honestly, if you have a problem with anything that I've done to you, said about you, thought about you even, then come say it to my face. Trust me, I am not afraid to tell you how unimportant you are to me.

This isn't the first time I've been outcasted. I've actually been treated like an outcast all my life. I was bullied every year of school: K-12. The only reason I was bullied is because I'm not like anyone else. I am different. I do stand out. And that drives people nuts. They don't understand how someone like me can even exist. The only thing I can say to them is I exist because he exists. I live because he lived. I will never die because he already died for me. In case you are confused, I am talking about the one and only Jesus Christ, my personal savior and love of my life.♥

He is THE ONLY REASON I still exist today. Without him, I would have ended my life at the tender age of 12 but because of him, I chose to keep my head up and find my life purpose and continue to drive the world nuts with the fact that I'm still here.


And that's what I'm going to do now. If you truly are my friend, I want you to make it known that you are my friend. Be seen with me in public. If not, well your loss.

Despite statuses on Facebook and Twitter that stated I was leaving Saint Leo, that is not true anymore. If I leave Saint Leo, I would be giving all power to Satan himself and THAT I will NEVER do. I am staying here at Leo until I graduate because I want to make all the people that hate me on this campus squirm and feel uncomfortable for their insecurities and how they treated me in the past. I don't want to effect my karma but I sure will effect theirs.

Until next time: You can take everything I have. You can take everything I am like I'm made of glass, like I'm made of paper. Go on and try to tear me down but I will be rising from the ground like a skyscraper...like a skyscraper♥

Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless

~Just Keep Swimming!~

As Summer Comes To A Close: Part Three♥

Don't be a wallflower in the dance of life... Before I start sharing some serious philosophical wisdom from the mind of Chelly, you should see some of the music I've gotten into this summer.

1. This is Country Music by Brad Paisley


I've always liked Brad Paisley but this album was somewhat of a let down because a lot of the songs were too country for me. haha. Yet, the songs I did like were:
1. This is Country Music
2. Remind Me w/ Carrie Underwood
3. Working on A Tan
4. Love Her Like She's Leavin'
5. Toothbrush
6. Be The Lake
7. New Favorite Memory
8. Don't Drink The Water

2. Lecrae vs. Lil Wayne

Most of you know, I've grown to have a soft spot for Lil Wayne. Well, I can honestly tell you that the soft spot has diminished. Other than How to Love,

I no longer like Lil Wayne's raps. His guest raps are ok but I've become a HUGE Lecrae supporter.

Rehab by Lecrae


I love Christian music and when I found out about Christian hip-hop, I just couldn't get enough because unlike secular hip-hop that has no real message and rants and raves about having sex with multiple women, smoking weed, drinking, clubbing, and obsessed with bragging about how much material things they own, Christian hip-hop has hard hitting beats but Jesus is the topic in every rap. I much prefer that, sorry.

3. Sorry For Party Rocking by LMFAO


LMFAO is back and Better than ever! The first single of this album Party Rock Anthem rocketed them onto mainstream radio and songs that are overplayed. This is definitely the perfect soundtrack to any dance party.

Other songs I like on here:
1. Sexy and I know It!
2. Champagne Showers
3. One Day
4. Take It To The Hole
5. Best Night
6. With You
7. Hot Dog

4. My World Accoustic by Justin Bieber


Just in case you didn't see my earlier summer blogs, I love Justin Bieber. This is a great compilation for any Belieber to own because it really shows Justin's natural singing voice.

My favorite Bieber songs are Favorite Girl and Common Denominator, just so you know.

5. When The Sun Goes Down by Selena Gomez


Selena Gomez is just so adorable and her songs are infectious. On this album, I like 3 songs and they are Love You Like A Love Song, Bang Bang Bang, and When The Sun Goes Down.

Check them out but beware! They will get stuck in your head.

6.4 by Beyonce



I absolutely love the whole record because it's all love songs and being that I'm at a similar point in my life, I can really relate. My favorite is Countdown but you should definitely listen to this album. :)

7. All of You by Colbie Caillat


Colbie Caillat is an incredible singer-songwriter. This album is just another piece of evidence to attest to that statement. Also, I'm excited because I just found out Colbie Caillat will be coming to the Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, FL on tour so I really hope I can go see her. (Mom, we need to order them tickets.)

8. Like em All by Jacob Latimore


I saw this guy on So Random! and ever since, I am just obsessed with this song. So cute♥

9. My Girl by Mindless Behavior


This song reminds me of me and my boo♥ Plus it's really cute. :)

Ok, down to business. Time to tell you what I learned this summer. Here goes:

1. Celebrate Life♥



I'm an optimist. That much should be obvious about me. You can treat me so harshly and I will still run to you with my tail wagging because I believe in unconditional love. With that being said, I always try to find an excuse to celebrate life because life is but a leave blowing in the wind. Here today, gone tomorrow so you should celebrate everything you can. For example, the above picture is from my Mom's bday celebration at A &W Root Beer. Celebrating life is different from drinking until you puke or blackout. That's just plain stupid and if that's your idea of a celebration, you are really dumb, fo real.

2. Learn something new♥



This summer I learned how to cook dinner. It was a very beneficial lesson because I not only learned how to cook a whole meal myself, I can now cook for others as well. The picture you see above was last night's dinner that I cooked all by myself: Shrimp Stir Fry. It was delicious. :)

3. Do something daring


I always like to change up my appearance and just getting a summer tan wasn't enough. I've always wanted to put purple in my hair because it's my fave color and I've always liked the edgy bold look. Here I am. I did it and it makes me feel like I can conquer the world because now I feel like I look like Super Girl♥

4. With God All Things Are Possible♥



I've always been afraid to drive and this summer God dealt with me about that fear and helped me overcome it. Now, I can officially say that I am a licensed driver. So, I can now claim victory over other things in my life such as my love life and my finances. God is faithful and has already overcome the world. (John 16:33)♥

5. Always look your best.

This Monday for my license I dressed to impress and I don't know if it was because I was wearing heels but I just felt like an adult. I even didn't want my mom to follow me around Saint Leo's campus when I came to visit.

Speaking of the best, you should fan the BEST page on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chelsea-DeVries/198705596855877?sk=wall I figured it would be more professional to have one page for all my books then a page for each individual book I release because I plan on releasing many... :)

6. Be Yourself


I am never fake. I am always 100% real. I pride myself on being that way because there is no reason to be fake. Yet, it's the newest trend to be a fake friend and stab people in the back. Not me. I'm always going to be 100% goofy, dorky, nerdy, smart, real, beautiful me♥

7. Get Your Rest

There is nothing in the world like sleep. It's like transporting to another place and time where you get to be with the one you love whenever you close your eyes. Also, sleep is necessary to live. And yes, I do look like this when I sleep:

And yes, I typically sleep with a smile on my face.

I'd say it was a productive summer. Heading to Leo Sunday to move in for my junior year.

Until next time, don't just live life...leave a legacy♥

Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~

Officially 20: A bday tale(Part Two)♥

Florida born and raised but I've got Jersey in my veins...Now the story continues at a place known to most commoners as Stop N' Play...lol. Before Stop N' Play, Peggy and Sarah came over for lunch.

After we spent two hours having lunch and opening presents(which were so gracious and heartfelt), we headed to Stop N' Play for some mini golf and arcade games.

The birthday girl of course went first:

Then, Peggy:

Then, Sarah:

And last but not least, Karen(my mom):

We had a BLAST acting like goofs missing the hole and high fiving each other when we finally got the ball in the hole. LMAO.



Afterwards, we played some arcade games and me and my mom got 463 tickets which we used to get free pretzels because after all that FUN we were hungry. Plus, you all should know I got engaged. ;-)

JK. That's a ring pop I got for my tickets. :D

Overall, my 20th bday was EPIC and THE BEST bday I've ever had.

Again, a HUGE THANK YOU of a HUG to each and every person that wished me a happy bday, got me a gift, or just happened to think of me and smile on August 4th. LOVE YOU!♥

Now, I know you all are all but dying to know what tv shows I've gotten hooked on THIS SUMMER so with two weeks left, here ya go.

1. Extreme Makeover: Weightloss Edition


Extreme Makeover Home Edition is already an inspiring show so when I saw the commercial for this show, I just knew I had to watch it. Not to mention, at the sight of the main trainer Chris Powell and his nice bod, I was sold. This show inspired me to really make this summer THE SUMMER where I really start working toward a healthier, happier me. Matter of fact, as soon as I finish this blog, my sister and I are working out. She wants to look fierce for back to school. I just want to look FIERCE. Period. Definitely liked this show a lot and hope they renew it for another season. Did I mention Chris Powell has a very sexy physique? ;-)

2. Believer's Voice of Victory


I watch this every day anyway because I LOVE JESUS and I love to learn how to live victoriously but this summer, the broadcasts were EPICLY full of revelation. For example, twice this summer, Pastor George Pearsons and Gloria Copeland covered Prosperity. Total, I watched 20 broadcasts regarding God's will for prosperity this summer. I learned a lot. I think I wrote an in depth blog about it in the beginning of the summer so please read it, and find out about God's will for your prosperity. Matter of fact, today I got a letter from Saint Leo telling me they are no longer printing out and mailing students bills, you must access them online. Sure enough, I accessed my bill and it's for a rather large amount for one 20 year old to afford naturally but I know SUPERNATURALLY all my needs are met according to HIS riches in Glory through Christ Jesus and my BILL is PAID IN FULL. So far this summer, every day I confess this: Money COMETH to me NOW in Jesus' Name! and so far every day this summer, I have received MONEY! Trust me it works. God provides♥

3.The World According To Paris


When you hear the name Paris Hilton, what comes to mind? In my mind before watching this show, I thought rich, stuckup heiress with no concept of reality who is just another dumb idiot making a name for themselves. After watching this show, I absolutely LOVE Paris Hilton. I think she is such a sweetheart with a genuine heart for her friends, family, and her fans. Plus, she is OBSESSED with Tinkerbell/Peter Pan just like me so that's cool too. :)

4.So Random


This is the spinoff show from Sonny With A Chance. I'll admit, I was skeptical to watch this because Demi Lovato MADE Sonny With A Chance such a great show. Without her, I figured this show wouldn't be as good. I was wrong. This is like the PG version of Saturday Night Live for kids. It's cute and there are some highlarious moments on most episodes plus they always have a musical guest at the end of the episode. I still hope after Demi releases her third album and goes on tour, she returns to TV because she's just as amazing as an actress as a singer. :)

5. So You Think You Can Dance


When this show first came out, I could care less. Now it's in it's 8th season and it is FREAKING BEAST. The people who end up making the Top 20 each year get more and more BEASTLY in their dancing talent. As a dancer myself, this show just makes me want to dance. After each episode, I just want to do ballet. If only I could dance as good as the people on this show but no matter what, dancing is meant to celebrate life so no matter how much talent you have or classes you've taken, I hope you dance♥

6. Friday Night Lights


I'm going to be honest. I HATE Football. I think it is a ridiculous sport. Yet, that's my opinion. And no, that doesn't make me Anti-American because I do love my country but I just would rather watch NBA or skateboarding because it has more action for me. I don't understand football at all. Sorry. :/

With that being said, I loved this show. I didn't start watching until the 3rd season because Jeremy Sumpter who played Peter Pan in the movie with the same title got cast on the show so I watched in support of him, and I was hooked. The reason I liked the show is because it shows that high school football is more than the Friday Night Lights. It's individual players and coaches and their lives all coming together to obtain a victory that the whole community celebrates. It was a deep show and I will miss it dearly♥

7. Switched At Birth


Imagine going 15 years not knowing that the child you brought home from the hospital wasn't really yours but someone else's. That's the premise of this show and it's very interesting. Plus, one of the girls plays a deaf girl so it's interesting to see sign language on tv. I've learned some from watching this show which I've always wanted to do. Sign Language is the kewlest language, just saying♥

8. State of Georgia


Who reading this remembers That's So Raven? Growing up, I absolutely adored that show and now Raven Symone returns to tv looking slimmer and better than ever! She plays Georgia, a girl from the state with the same name, who relocates to the Big Apple(New York) to go after her dream of being an actress. It's definitely as funny as That's So Raven so I definitely think you should check it out!

9. The O.C.


My sister owns the first 3 seasons on DVD so I started from the beginning because I hadn't seen it in so long. As soon as I started with the first episode, I missed the show so much. It was such a good show with ah-mazing acting and funny hotties like Adam Brody. Now I've got to start on Season 2.

10. Dogs 101


I LOVE DOGS. Just in case you didn't know. The dog I love the most is my best friend in the entire world. This show is for anyone whose a dog lover or for people researching dogs to decide which dog would fit their family. I have learned a lot from it so far. It's amazing what shows you stumble upon at 3 a.m. on a Sunday morning with your mother. Haha♥

11. Jersey Shore: Season 4

The idiots are back. Er. I mean, the Jersey crew is back. This time they've brought their party lifestyle to the great country of Italia. So far, I like this season. No surprise that it premiered last thursday on my bday. Also, it is no surprise that Mike is being a trouble maker again, Deena is making out with women, JWoww lost weight and looks Wow!, Snooki also lost weight and found The G in GTL, Pauly D saying, "THE PASSPORTS ARRREE HEEEERRREE!", Ronnie is ignoring Sammie, Sammie is ignoring Ronnie, and Vinny is sporting a beard. LMAO. "Good morning, Vincent. Good morning Vincent's beard. Did you both sleep well last night?" I'm a Jersey blooded girl who loves to laugh so, So FAR SO GOOD♥

Before my final thought, please pray for me. Monday I embark on accomplishing one of my summer goals: Getting my f-n driver's license♥ I'm so going to BEAST this! :D

Next blog will be about the music I've discovered this summer and about me going back to Leo and what I've learned this summer♥ Look for that but please do NOT hold your breath. I don't need that kind of liability. ;-)

Until next time, here's a WORD of FINAL AUTHORITY over the state of this nation's economy: "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; in the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me walk upon mine high places."-Habakkuk 3:17-19♥ In short, when everything is failing around you, praise God and YOU WILL PROSPER.

Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~