5 Reasons To Wake Up Early When You Can Sleep In

Have you ever made yourself a goal that you just can't keep? What's the reason that you couldn't keep it? Lack of motivation maybe? For the past three years or so I have been trying to talk myself into getting into the habit of waking up early even when I could easily sleep in. I think my longest streak was 1 day and the 1 day that I did manage to crawl out of bed before the excruciating time of 8:30, was miserable. Purely miserable.

I realize that choosing to get up earlier so that you don't feel lazy is a pretty good reason, but it just wasn't a good enough one for me. So as I awoke early this morning at 7 and I made my drive to Starbucks for some much needed coffee, I decided to make a mental list of all the reasons getting up early on my day off is worth it. Let me share with you the top 5 that I came up with in hopes that if you are like me, they will be enough to get you going in the morning!

1. It prevents later stress. I have gotten more done in the wee hours of the morning since I woke up than I have on past days in a 12-hour time span. Seriously. This says one of two things about me. Either i'm really lazy and I choose to sit around all day on my days off while watching Psych and lounging in my pajamas (likely) or that I had the energy to get things done because I didn't oversleep my body by an extra 3+ hours (more likely). Believe it or not, it is totally possible to sleep too much to the point that when you do wake up, you will feel groggy and miserable all day. I used to assume that if I sleep till 10 then my body must have needed to sleep that long. This is a myth. By eliminating the bulk of my day's work (laundry, meal prep, homework ect.) I am able to enjoy the rest of my day without stressing and by doing the relaxing things I always dream of... such as binge watching Psych on Netflix in my pajamas while eating Peanut Butter toast and crocheting my blanket :P

2. Time with the Lord. Seriously, what more motivation do we need to wake up early? I used to think when I heard people saying that they got up at the buttcrack of dawn to spend time with Jesus that they were nuts. "Why do I have to get up at 5 a.m. to do my devos when I can do them at 5 p.m.?" Waking up that early doesn't make that person any holier than the person doing their devo's in the afternoon or evening, but it does bring about discipline and dedication to the Lord. If getting up at 8 a.m. to do your devotions is a sacrifice for you, than great! For others, 8 wouldn't be so they need to push it back to an earlier time. 

3. It gives you a better excuse for taking a nap in the afternoon. When I sleep late and my body gets too much sleep, i'm tired and groggy for the rest of the day. Because of this, I always end up wanting a nap. The downside to this is, 1) I don't have time for a nap because I have too much going on since I didn't get my butt out of bed earlier to get said stuff done which then makes me grumpy (woof! that's a mouth full) or 2) If I do take the nap, then I am behind on work and I feel really guilty for sleeping so darn much. Easy Solution? Get up early, get stuff done and then if you feel the need for a nap, go for it! Hopefully you won't have that negative feeling inside you that I always do when I nap on a day that I shouldn't have. 

4. Eat breakfast! I never eat breakfast because I never have time. But when I wake up, I do. (Obvious statement) The thing about eating breakfast, is that it's not just another meal during the day that we are given. I'm sure you have heard 900 times before that eating breakfast is good for you, but i'm going to tell it to you for the 901 time. ;) Remember how I said that waking up early gives you more energy during the day? Well, eating breakfast give you even more energy on top of that! Not only that, but it has been proven that eating breakfast in the morning, even if it's just some yogurt and fruit, helps your focus and concentration. So, how about 'dem apples? 

5. It's beautiful. I am convinced that no matter where you live, the morning time is a beautiful time to be awake. I live in the mountains and let me tell you... the sky here is incredible. A friend of mine used to live in Hawaii and told me that the sky here is more beautiful than the sky in Hawaii!! Now that is really saying something! Anyways, there is just something so peaceful and beautiful about the quietness of the morning. The mist, the small sounds of the birds and other creatures, the emptiness that encompasses the streets and your neighborhood and of course the colors in the sky. If you don't get up early, you are missing the chance to revel in the beautiful creation that God made and personally, I don't know about you, but with all of the terrorism and horror that is happening in our world, it could do everyone a load of good to wake up early and see something other than all the crime and hate. 

Question:

What reasons do you have for getting up early? I would love to add to my list for those days that seem especially difficult to get up!

#tbt Halloween Edition

In honor of it being Thursday, a day well known for it's special hashtags and old school photos, and since tomorrow is Halloween, I have decided to throw together some photos of my old Halloween costumes over the years. Unfortunately, there are some really rad costume photos that I can't find so you will all have to do without this time around... I think I am especially upset about not having the photo of me as a voodoo doll (100% handmade by my lovely mother)!!

From left to right we've got:

•  My cousin and I trying to be like Panic! at the Disco from their music video, "I write Sins Not Tragedies"
• My cute 2 year old self sitting next to a pumpkin that I so creatively colored on
• Ricky and I... well we weren't so creative. We had the exact same outfit some how so we just decided to be twins. (Yes, I know. It's weird)
• The year that I was a cheetah! (Stay tuned for this years costume... you may see a #TransformationTuesday coming along next week)
• Ahh, the human barrito. It's safe to say that I was just being really lazy that year and wanted to stay inside where it was warm ;)
• My sister and I dressed up as characters from "The King and I"
• BARNEY! I think every kid was barney at one point.
• A cowgirl
• A hippy  

For all of my New Jersey friends, I'm sorry that you can't enjoy trick-or-treating this year because of the Ebola scare... but if you want to send all of the candy that you bought this year that will go unused I would be more than happy to pay for the shipping ;)

Question:

What were some of your favorite costumes? Feel free to post any photos that you find! Don't be ashamed!

Learning to be the Light in a world filled with Darkness- Guest post

I am so super excited to announce that this post will be my first guest post and that it is written by one of my best friends!! (For security purposes, she will be referred to as BLS)  She is probably one of the sweetest, bubbliest and most fun person I know so I would like for you all to really take a look at how God is working in her life right now and see how the challenges she's facing are helping her grow in the Lord! Through the ups and many many downs of her daily job, Brittany has come to learn the true meaning of "being a Light for Christ" and how to fully allow the Lord to use her for His glory.

I have one more thing to say and then I promise you can read what she has to say! I sat in on a Q and A session yesterday and one of the speakers, Jason Benham, said something that really struck my heart and it is something that I think Brittany is learning to do right now. He said:

"God won't give you what's in His hand, until you let go of what's in your hand."

 It is my deepest hope that you find what you're about to read challenging as I do and that you are able to apply it to your life as well. 

So ladies and gentleman, readers of my blog, mom and dad... without further ado, I give you, BLS!

Being the Light in a Dark world

I used to think that teachers had it easy! Playing with kids all day during school, having off the entire summers plus breaks throughout the year. Entertain the kids and everyone stays happy, right? Well, that was until 3 months ago...

This past May, I graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (which anyone who knows me would agree, that is my favorite thing ever). Throughout college, I've been focused on one thing- a straight path to becoming a physical therapist. However, God had a different plan in mind. 

Being from a small town, there were not too many paid positions that would hire me in the medical field so I was forced to look elsewhere. I eventually applied as a PE teacher in August but instead of staying within my field of choice, I ended up as an Algebra Readiness Teacher's assistant at my local high school. ((Let me just pause for a moment and say that I have never, ever in a million years dreamed of being a teacher))

I accepted the position because it was a job, and i figured "Hey, how hard could it be?" Little did I know, this unexpected position would show and teach me countless things about life that I have been oblivious to the past several years.

As an Algebra Readiness Aid, I work with students who are having a difficult time understanding their work and problem solving. Although I am included in the classroom most of the time, I occasionally take some of the students out to work with them on a one-on-one basis. 

After a few weeks of school, I started to realize a common ground for most of the kids that I worked with. 

Darkness. 

Their stories match up with their home life. Their home life matches with their behavior at school, and their behavior matches with their grades. 

It occurred to me that so many of these kids are living in a life surrounded by darkness. They are pregnant at only 16 years old. They are living with their older sister because their parents are in jail. Even worse, they don't have parents. They have no motivation, and are literally waiting until the day they turn 18 and are allowed to drop out of school. 

The thought of this much negativity in any given household makes me want to weep. When I look at my life, I realize how unbelievably blessed I am to have a strong family without major sickness or despair. At the school, however, I hear of horrible home life situations that are essentially out of the child's control. When these children come in class, there is no wonder they are falling asleep and don't care about taking notes. They are simply FOLLOWING the EXAMPLE placed before them..and unfortunately it's not the best. While their earthly father may be out drinking at nights or doing who knows what- their heavenly father is patiently loving and caring for them from above. So often, I desperately want to share this truth with my students.

The bad part about this is.... I'm not allowed to directly bring up religion in the school system setting. The good part is... sometimes, ACTIONS are LOUDER than WORDS! This is incredible because I get to DEMONSTRATE the love of Christ to these kids every single day! I want to encourage them and be the teacher that says "Yes, you CAN do this!" I hope that I can be a light and leading example throughout this school year, and I am praying that my attitude will make a difference some how, some way while I have this position of leadership at school. 

As a Christian, I've always tried to stay positive despite any situation that comes my way.  (Of course, I definitely struggle with this at times, just as everyone would living in this sinful world)  I must admit that this job has really tested my positive attitude. No matter how hard I try to explain algebra to these students, there will always be someone that is confused and lost. 

What I have learned

After graduating from Liberty, I can see that I am equipped for this position. God has placed me here for a purpose and I never even slightly expected it. I'm so blessed that He has given me this opportunity to see the need for His Son even among young people in MY community. Our world so desperately needs hope, and it is my sincere desire to offer it to these children especially. 

All of this to say, I am called as a Christian to BE THAT EXAMPLE and to bring LIGHT into this very dark and depressing world. This job is teaching me patience and definitely how to love unconditionally. I also realize that I am literally being watched everywhere I go by these wandering kids as they are developing their own beliefs and morals. Everyday I feel challenged to be a positive figure in each of the lives of my students at school. 


-Written by: BLS 

Reality Check

Philippians 2:14

"For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing;" 

When I opened my email the other day and saw that it was from my editor, I was excited and curious at the same time. I new that it would be this weeks story budget and it would have the article that I was assigned to write. Unfortunately, after I opened it, my curiosity diminished and my excitement flew off a cliff as I noticed the specific assignment set aside for me. "Prayer Center."

I was so frustrated. My initial thought was that I was being punished for the poor job that I had done last week on an article and this was their way of letting me know they were disappointed. I was on a role. I had some of the most exciting articles assigned to me and now they choose to give me an article on the Prayer Center? Don't get me wrong, I totally respect what the Prayer Center does, but I just didn't see the need to write an article on something that didn't have any new or exciting information to bring to our Campus. Well, I was wrong. Dead wrong. 

Guys, let me just tell you about the spiritual slap in the face, if you will, that I received the day I went to interview the Campus Pastor of the Prayer Center. It's condemning, moving and crazy awesome all wrapped up in one little reality check of a blanket. (I'm totally aware of how corny that last sentence was hehe). 

#AintNobodyGotTimeForThat

So to start the whole thing off, I had to wake up at 7:00--if you know me, you know that waking up that early is basically the end of the world for me--to be at his office by 8:15 for an 8:30 interview. I didn't even have to motivation to match my shoes to the cute, purple business-like shirt I was wearing. I complained, I mumbled under my breath and I was even selfish enough to make Ricky wake up with me so that I wouldn't have to see him looking all comfortable and warm in our bed. (I know, so rude!) 

#realitycheck

Thankfully my parents taught me well enough during the 18 years I lived at home to know how to behave professionally in front of adults and to respect my "elders". I ceased my complaining and mumbling and approached the mans office door at 8:15 on-the-dot. The moment he answered the door, literally the exact moment, I felt a sense of calm rush over me. I didn't feel angry anymore, which to be honest, was a bit odd since I was beyond angry about the particular assignment. 

What happened after I walked into his office seems so clear to me now. I could feel the presence of the Lord and I could tell by the kindness that this pastor showed me, that God was evident and He was going to stir something within me that would allow me to grow in Him. 

This man, right from the start, wanted to know about me. He wanted to know how I was doing, he asked how things were going as a newlywed, he asked about my relationship with God. It was as if the words he was speaking were coming directly from God. How else would he have known exactly what to say to me to ease my mind of all the things I was going through/struggling with. 

Before I knew it, I was telling him what I called at the time "my life story", which really was just a shortened version of the issues I've been dealing with over the last couple of months. I don't even think I realized I was crying until I looked down and saw the crumpled up tissues in my hands. To some of you, this may seem totally inappropriate and should warrant a bad grade on my part for not immediately jumping into the story I was assigned. But to the pastor, it was his job. It was what he did everyday, and what he loved to do everyday. To the Lord, it was a time for me to open up about what was happening to someone who was equipped and prepared for it. And to me, well to me it was a growing experience. It was a reality check and it was a blessing in disguise. I was so mad that I was given such a "crappy assignment" when all along it was to be the best one I've had since I started writing for the Champion. 

I did eventually get to the interview, and I would honestly say that because of the talk we had just minutes before, it allowed for me to be more optimistic about the assignment and actually do well on it. I cared about the piece I was writing and I wanted to do it justice. 

The Lord used this article for my benefit and If I had only trusted him in the first place instead of questioning "why?", maybe I could have saved myself a lot of angry early mornings as well as saved Ricky some extra hours of sleep!

#LibertyChampion

In case any of you wanted to see the specific article that I'm referring to, you can check it out at this website: Liberty Champion

How does our Sin affect the Lord?

This week I started a new bible study called "A Woman's Heart" and it was written by Beth Moore. I have done quite a few studies by her and so I am really excited to be starting another one and this time, with two of my closest friends. It has been incredible just from the few days that we have done already just to be able to see and hear each others perspectives on the same topic. Even though we are reading the same exact things, we all have taken something completely different out of it and because we are sharing our experiences, we are able to rejoice when one of us finds solace in a particular chapter.

What I've learned

I've always been aware that my sin causes the Lord pain. It's one of those things that I think everyone knows, christians and non-christians alike, but what it comes down to is how we handle this knowledge. 

On day two of the study, Beth Moore gave us some Bible reading to do. One of the passages was Genesis 6:1-9. Obviously these verses are ones that I have read over and over again but this time when I read them, I gained new insight. 

6 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

In Genesis 1:31 " God said all that He had made, and it was very good." For God to have thought that His creation was very good, is like us saying something is "freaking awesome!!". And for Him to be so distraught over the sin on earth that he would "destroy man" just goes to show how serious our sin really is. 

Our sin greatly affects the Lord

More often than not, I have heard time and time again from different people that they choose to keep sinning because they know that there sins will be forgiven. Yes, our God is a gracious one, but no, that does not mean we should take advantage of that!!

"What shall we say then? Should we go on sinning so that Grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin, how can we live in it any longer? " Romans 6:1-2

Challenge 

I would like to challenge each of you to think about how God is affected by your sin. I'm not saying to dwell on it until you feel like you cannot forgive yourself... I would just encourage you to really think about this and hopefully it will give you a new perspective.

I would also like to challenge you to take up a study or even just read the Bible with fellow Christians and then come together to discuss how you both interpreted the scripture. 

Question

What are some lessons that God has been teaching you lately? 

Music group recognizes Justin Kintzel

Hey guys! For those of you who didn't know, I write for the Liberty Champion as one of the Feature writers (although sometimes my work may be posted in the News section). This past week I had the opportunity to interview and write an article on Liberty's Campus Band leader Justin Kintzel. So for all of my supportive family members that read my work to make me feel good and for all of the people out there who are reading this by pure happenstance, here it is!

Liberty Champion

Music group recognizes Kintzel

• By Shae Weyant
• Published: August 26th, 2014

Campus Band leader receives Dove Award nomination for two original songs

Justin Kintzel, leader of Liberty University’s Campus Band, and a father and husband, was nominated for a Dove Award on Aug. 13, according to his wife, Ashley Kintzel.

MUSIC — Justin Kintzel leads students in worship during Spiritual Emphasis Week. Photo credit: Leah Stauffer

Each year in Nashville, Tennessee, with the exception of 2011 and 2012, the Gospel Music Association (GMA) holds an award ceremony to expose, promote and celebrate the gospel through music, according to doveawards.com.

“The project that got the nomination is just a worship compilation made up of songs from worship leaders around the country that was released in Christian bookstores a few months ago by Vital Worship,” Kintzel said.

A total of 42 categories make up the GMA Dove Awards, according to the Dove Awards website, and this year’s 45th Annual Award Ceremony will feature a song written and performed by Kintzel and another that was co-written by Kintzel and his friend Ross King, who is from Bryan, Texas.

According to Kintzel, getting to the point of receiving a nomination for a major music award was not something that came to him on a silver platter. Some doors were opened but many were shut during his pursuit of a career in music. He quickly came to a realization, however, that it was all about the right timing. God’s timing.

“Anytime I’ve ever tried to make things happen on my own, doors slam shut,” Kintzel said. “It wasn’t until I let go of the dream and became content with never leading worship on Liberty’s campus that I got a call asking me to be on Campus Band.”

According to Kintzel, the two songs that were nominated are “Love Displayed” and “Death is Overcome.” He explained that the ideas came to both King and him over time. After many Skype sessions, the songs were finally completed.

“The thing that really makes me tick as a worship leader is not just singing cool songs, but the fact of how significant it is when a group of people come together and are unified in singing truth about our Savior,” Kintzel said. “I feel my role isn’t solely to get people engaged and singing, it’s to connect dots in people’s hearts and minds with what and why they’re singing and who they’re singing to.”

Kintzel gives credit to his wife Ashley and the Lord for molding him into the man he is today.

Together, Kintzel said that he and his wife work with each other and inspire one another in love and in truth. They are not just passionate about music, but they are passionate about people and being servants of Christ to everyone they come across.

“I am extremely blessed to be in an iron-sharpening-iron marriage with Ashley,” Kintzel said. “I feel like we completely bring out the best in each other. We challenge each other and balance each other. Her strength and selfless support has always been an inspiration and just a green light to actively pursue what the Lord may have for us in ministry.”

Kintzel said that if he could give one piece of advice to his followers, it would be to always keep Christ as the central focus in their lives.

“When Jesus is the center, the other things become tasty icing on the best cake ever rather than a neat looking cake that doesn’t fill you up and ultimately disappoints,” Kintzel said.

For more information on Kintzel and where to download his music, visit junstinkintzel.com.

friend·ship(n): someone who shows the love of Christ

Over the last few months I have learned an extremely valuable lesson. It is one about friendship and one that has completely and radically changed my attitude and point-of-view on what a true friend really is. This lesson wasn't learned based on a bad friend that I had and therefor led me to extract what I feel a true friend should be. No, this is lesson, a story, if you will, of one of the most true and dear friends I could have ever asked for and the great mercy and kindness that she has shown to me over the years.

Beyond the Surface

I have known her for 9 years. Our friendship started in middle school and quickly blossomed into a "BFFAEFENMW" kind of friendship. A "best friends forever and ever for eternity no matter what" friendship. (Don't make fun, if you're a girl, you know you did this when you were younger!) We hung out almost every single day, made ridiculous dance videos that were silly enough to make it onto The Tonight Show, took more photo shoots than an experienced wedding photographer will ever take in his entire career and baked enough treats to feed all of Atlantic City. But if you were to look just a little bit further at the friendship that we shared, you would see more to it then photo shoots, dance videos and cupcakes. What you would see is two friends that genuinely cared for one another beyond any surface level of friendship. We prayed for one another, we shared bible scriptures and we went on youth retreats together. We made pacts to stay pure until marriage, we vowed to never date someone who wasn't a christian, and we promised to always give Godly advice even when it wasn't needed.

This is the kind of friend that later set into motion my endless search for other friends just like her when I went away to college. Granted, I did find friends like this, but it was because I had the best example to go off of. This is the kind, SHE is the kind of friend that once you get a hold of, you never want to let go.

Where Mistakes are Made

Unfortunately for my best friend, I started to slip away after I left town for Liberty. It's not that I forgot about her, because I certainly didn't, but just as any long-distance relationship is difficult, so was ours. We lost touch, we gained new friends at our new schools and we lost the friendship that I once held so dear--so I thought. 

After I got engaged, she was definitely one of my most supportive friends. She sent me the sweetest message congratulating me and we even talked about things like what colors my wedding would be and what kind of dress I would wear. When it came down to picking my bridesmaids however, I didn't pick her to be one. As soon as I made the decision, I instantly felt sick. I knew that I made the wrong decision and instead of talking to her about it, I pushed away even further and let her wonder "why?" I thought, "Well we don't hang out any more and we go to different schools. So i'll pick someone else." BIG MISTAKE. I have never felt more wrong about a decision. 

The Truth as I know it

The best of friends are the ones that are still your friends even when you mess up. They are still your friends through distance, life changes, through busy schedules and crazy weird phases. They don't need to call you every single day or hang out with you four times a week in order to be classified as a "good friend". It's a bit hard to put into words all of the characteristics of a friend like the one that I have, especially when there is so much more too it then any definition that Merriam-Webster would give you. 

The Best of Advice

A very important person in my life told me today that there is NO condemnation for those who are in Christ. She was telling me this because I was miserably upset and heart-broken over the fact that I was such a terrible friend to her daughter. For those of you who are like me, and who are suffering over the mistakes that we have made, whether in a friendship or anything else, know that "we need to stand in His grace and move forward." She also reminded me that our LORD died so that we could be set free from this! And do you want to know the most incredible part of it all? How many parents would give such Godly advice after their daughter was hurt by the actions of another? Not many, but this woman did and she still showed the awesome love of Christ to me. I understand why her daughter, my friend, is the kind and beautiful person that she is. They have showed me mercy unlike I have ever experienced before (except of course, from the LORD) and they have continued to love me even still. 

So to Chelsea, my dear sweet friend, I thank you for exemplifying the wonderful attributes of Christ that I so needed to see and for still being my friend after these crazy 9 years of ups and downs. I appreciate you more than you will ever know and I look forward to kick-starting this friendship back into gear!

Question & Challenge 

Are you being the kind of friend that you should be? Look to Christ and how he has showed love to us and then use that as your basis for all of your relationships.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Normally I would use Photoshop to make a nice quote or edit a photo, but I thought I would keep the original work of the young Chelsea and Shae on this one :)

Ignite Magazine

Wow, it's been so long since I last made a post. I've been really wanting to but just haven't been able to find any inspiration! Feel free to make suggestions for things you want to read about :)

This past semester I had the opportunity and the privilege to work with a group of fellow students to completely design, write and edit a magazine all on our own. 13 long weeks of late nights and group meetings later the magazine was finally complete! I am so proud of how it turned out and so I would like to share it with you all in hopes that you too, find it fascinating! I'm also going to attach the specific article that I wrote so that you all can get a closer look at some of my work!

click here to see the magazine!

Inspiration

Right before the presentation

From the very beginning of the project, my group and I knew the direction that we wanted to go in. We agreed that we wanted to give our readers the opportunity to "ignite" their creativity. We wanted to focus on various artists, musicians and photographers in our first issue that we felt encompassed a unique artistic ability that might not otherwise be acknowledged. However, what makes our magazine special is that in each issue, we have planned to focus on a completely different style of creativity. For example, our next issue might focus on a woodworker or even a yoga teacher. 

Right after the presentation

Cao Chocolates Article

My Article

Cao Artisan is a chocolate shop based in Lynchburg, VA. Owners, Carl and Mary Matice have been perfecting their skill since early 2010.

The Process

The delicate art of making chocolate from bean to bar: harvesting, fermenting, drying, cracking, grinding, conching and tempering. The process is one of passion and commitment. Not only does it give joy to the consumers of the final product, but the producers as well. 

It is a process that takes weeks, but in the end the results are sweet and savory.

The Inspiration

Mary and Carl Matice’s passion for this unique art form started on an ordinary evening back in 2010 after watching the movie Chocolat. The two decided to read and research everything they could about chocolate making. With an enormous amount of support from family and friends, the Matices’ have been able to make all of their dreams come true. 

What started as a marital hobby, turned into something bigger than they could have imagined. Four years later, the couple introduced their shop Cao Artisan Chocolates to the beautifully historic downtown Lynchburg, Virginia. 

“We have come a long way and I am proud of where we ended up. We choose Lynchburg because of the students. We wanted to serve them,” Mary Matice said. 

The Visual

When the customer first walks in, their eyes fall upon a large countertop displaying an assortment of chocolate cakes, brownies and truffles that come with individual little gift boxes. Behind a glass counter, one can see the final steps of the “bean to bar” process as the liquid chocolate spins around in the round ceramic bowls. Off to the side, there are sandy white shelves that hold the famous to die for Cao Artisan Chocolate Bars. Tucked away in the right corner there are cappuccino machines and fine Italian Gelato.  

To the unusual eye: The shop blooms with creativity and inspiration. A starving appetite for chocolate and for creativity fills building 908 on Main Street. Up the stairs and on the balcony, the walls hold framed drawings from children in different elementary schools. Down the stairs a tall oak shelving unit holds the handiwork of various aspiring artists around Lynchburg. Each of those creations can be admired and sold. 

The Chase

Genuine advice is scarce these days. For Mary Matice, there is a sense of authenticity and unpretentious admiration for passing on noteworthy guidance to anyone looking to follow their creative desires. 

“Find your creativity and do it well,” Matice said. “Everybody is selling to the cheap these days. Make your product and make it the very best that it can be.”

The Catch

The ancient proverb that first inspired this positive attitude in both Mary and her husband can be found in Proverbs 22:29:

“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” 

To be afraid to follow your dreams and to live your life creatively is a sorrow unlike any other. Find your passion and put your heart and soul into it, for you won’t just improve your own happiness, but the happiness and well being of others as well. 

 

God Provides--The truth of my engagment

For those of you who know me well, you know that I have been engaged for almost a year and a half and that on July 19, 2014, I will be married. There hasn't been a moment since that day on December 20 when Ricky proposed to me that people didn't shake their heads and mutter under their breaths about how stupid we were being for getting married "so young". Questions and doubts were hurled at us from every which way: How will you afford to live on your own? You don't even have jobs! You are way too young to be getting married, you should go out and live your life first. Before Ricky and I even started dating, we prayed. We didn't want to enter into a relationship that would not ultimately end up in a marriage commitment. For months we spent time in prayer asking God if a relationship between the two of us was something that he wanted. After three months of waiting and anticipating, we knew that it was right; and that it was in fact, what God wanted. As things started to get more serious between us, we naturally started talking about marriage. We prayed again that God would tell us what HE wanted and he did; it was time for us to get married. Yes, it was scary for our parents and friends and everyone around us, but it was also extremely scary for us as well! I remember sitting awake at night praying over and over to God asking if He was really sure. It seemed crazy... No jobs and still in college?! The more we prayed, however, the more we knew that it was something that we should start planning for.

What they didn't want to hear

We knew we would have to answer everyones questions and so eventually we took it face on. To all of their questions we told them, "God will provide." This answer seemed to be frustrating to nearly everyone we told it to and we did get a lot of nasty responses. Nobody wanted to believe that everything was going to work out.

We are too caught up in what the world thinks. 

• "A job wont just come out of the blue."
• "You're going to be poor if you get married while still in college"
• "You shouldn't get married until you're at least 24 and have a steady income

The result of obedience

As hard as it was to not just give up, what with the mass amount of negativity intake we were dealing with, we stood strong. Now, Ricky has an incredible job working full time and he finishing his last semester in the Fall taking online classes. We signed a lease on Friday evening for a three bedroom, two bathroom apartment that has more room than we even need, but is a price that honestly, seems to good to be true. I have people asking me for jobs that I don't even want (but hey, i'm not complaining)! Did the Lord not come through for us? Of course he did, just like he said he would!!

What the Bible says

In Luke 1, an angel of the Lord named Gabriel came to two people, Zechariah and Mary. At the time, Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were of old age and fairly saddened by the fact that they were still without child because Elizabeth was barren. Gabriel appeared to him and said, "[y]our prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John." Because Zechariah was doubtful of this, Gabriel silenced him until the day his child was born. He was punished for not believing in what the Lord was trying to tell him! Now, i'm not saying that everyone who doubted things for Ricky and I will be punished... I am just trying to show you how important it is for us as Christians to believe the word of God and to know that he does hear our prayers! If you skip down to verse 37, Gabriel is speaking with Mary now telling her that she too will have a son, even though she is a virgin. He says to her, "For nothing is impossible with God." After hearing this, Mary goes and speaks to Elizabeth, who at this time is in her sixth month of pregnancy. Upon hearing Mary's voice, the baby within Elizabeth stirs. Elizabeth then cries, "As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

The Father's Child

I wrote this inspirational article for my Magazine Writing class about my best friend Jessica and the story of her adoption. Let me know what you think! It's called "The Father's Child"

DISCLAIMER: There are some topics discussed in this article that may be hard to handle for some.

A whole six pounds and three ounces of joy, Jessica Marie Wright was born. With tiny round dimples that sat along her prim tight mouth and a head full of dark soft hair, the meaning of her name proved to be true. Jessica: Of Hebrew origin, meaning, “God is watching”. Her eyes were shut tight as she lay still in the presence of so many people that already loved her more than she would ever come to realize. Peggy “Marie” Clendenon is of average height with shoulder length blonde hair. A pair of brown eyeglasses sits on her nose and a book is almost always in her hands.

On that early June morning, Marie looked at her darling daughter who she was giving up for adoption and saw no resemblance of herself. Her dark hair, the little fingers that clenched tightly into fists and her remarkable facial features that were all strikingly similar to Tom and Debbie Wright, two people of whom had no biological relation to this sweet baby girl. Just as the knowledge of all that was about to happen was settling in, knowing that she would soon have to leave behind not only the baby she just gave birth to, but her trust as well with the Wrights, Jessica Marie opened her eyes. “Her eyes were green just like mine. Just like her brothers, and now, just like her sisters,” Marie explained with a soft yet humble hint of pride. Just a few short days later, Tom and Debbie took home their first child. The house was baby proofed and the closest was filled with little girl clothes; nothing was out of place. The Wrights lived in a quaint little house on the corner of Spit Bubble and Joy, number 124 to be exact. It was a busy street with lots of children and the comfortable sized backyard of the house allowed for plenty of company. *** Marie Clendenon was married at the time she conceived Jessica. Twenty-Seven years old and more often than not, she found herself in difficult situations. She went out with a couple of friends to a club, had a few drinks and had a good time. Even after her friends left, Marie stayed. She needed the night out. She needed a break. It’s not everybody’s instinct to assume the worst. In fact, Marie typically assumed the best. After a long night out, she decided it was time to go back in, and so late that night, she hitched a ride with a guy who was “nice” enough to offer. “I couldn’t breath, I was trying to get whatever was around my head off… and then there was pain.” Looking back, Marie describes herself as reasonably having gone into shock. Who could honestly blame her? She was raped that night; it was cruel and certainly not out of love. “Words don’t explain how I felt. I used to have nightmares about hunting him down in a club and shooting him dead. As far as I know, he is still out there preying on other girls.” *** “Liars.” “Doctors are cruel and sick.” “Pregnancy doesn’t occur out of pain and hatred.” “They’re liars!” Everyday for four months Marie weighed herself, never gaining an ounce. She was in denial and she was in pain. She did eventually come to the conclusion that she was going to keep that unborn child and that she would raise her and love her just like she did for her son. It wasn’t the baby’s fault after all that she was conceived in such a way. But plans to keep the baby quickly swindled downward as the life and well being of unborn baby Jessica were being threatened. “When she told her husband, he threatened to cut me out of her stomach,” Jessica, now 20, said. Marie was treated in a way that no woman should ever be treated. Verbal and mental abuse occurred. Angry threats and evil fits of rage filled their small and sad little home. “I was like damaged. He didn’t want to touch me,” Marie explained. Shortly after the attack, Marie’s husband left her and their son Shawn, although they did not officially divorce until February of 1996. “[S]he could not keep me because of all the hate he had for me…to this day he still hates me. He does not want to meet me,” Jessica said. *** Almost 21 years later, Jessica has grown up to be one of the most beautiful people anyone could meet. She loves her life, she loves her parents and she loves her God. Credit to how Jessica has turned out is due to both Tom and Debbie Wright. These are two people who sacrificed so much of their time to make sure that their first child and only daughter would grow up to be a strong woman of God. Tom and Debbie had known for some time that they were infertile and had often contemplated adoption. They had almost given up hope when Marie called them up concerning the adoption of her baby. They had finally come to peace that they would possibly never have children of their own, and so they went ahead with plans to adopt. It is clear to the whole family that it was the Lord who ordained the adoption and who placed Jessica in a family that would love her so fervently. And it was because of Tom and Debbie’s obedience to the Lord and their patience that they were able to give birth shortly after the adoption of Jessica to their son, Jeff. *** Her family admires her and her friends adore her. Jessica is the kind of example that parents crave for their own children and she is the kind of person that once you meet her, your life is never the same. “She sees the proverbial cup as being two-thirds full. Lately, as she is growing in her relationship with the Lord, her joy and her giving nature is enriched by that. She is effusive in her love for God, trusting that even painful circumstances He will use for good, and focused on sharing her love of Him with others. That attitude encourages me and strengthens my own faith. I admire her very much. I am blessed to be part of her life, to be able to share in all this,” Debbie Wright says with an admiration for her daughter that is simply unmatchable. Jessica is strong willed and for the most part, she shows a confidence that exuberates beyond any set standard of living a life well done. She studies Psychology at Texas A&M, is a youth leader for students at her church and teaches young children gymnastics at Brazos Valley Gymnastics Center. She has a passion for serving others and frequently goes out of her way to ensure that the people around her are happy and comfortable. But what you may not know about Jessica is that sometimes she struggles. “I struggle with wanting to keep everyone happy so they are not disappointed in me or “reject” me.” Like most people who struggle with some type of rejection, Jessica has picked up this insecurity as a result from her past. However, to her parents, Jessica knows that she can find two people eagerly willing to accept her for exactly who she is and she can find two people who she knows will never reject her. “I don’t even realize that I’m not their own child. I actually never even think about it. They have poured so much love and kindness over me,” Jessica said. “My mom is the sweetest. I am a lot different from her in our attitudes and characteristics, but she is still my mom and takes such good care of me. I am most like my dad. I look up to him in so many ways. I am blessed that God gave me such an incredible earthly father. I love my adopted family immensely.” *** Despite the negative and unwanted consequences of knowing that someone wanted to physically remove her from her birth mother's womb, despite knowing that she was put up for adoption so many years ago, and despite the fact that none of this would even be an issue if it weren’t for that one guy who attacked Marie on the way home from the club in 1992, Jessica does not put blame upon anyone. “God has watched over me from day one. He has kept me safe and healthy throughout it all. He knew which peoples lives to place me in to bring Him the most glory. He has blessed me abundantly. I am undeserving and in awe of his great power, love and prevision towards me.” If you are ever blessed with the opportunity to come across Jessica Marie Wright and if you ask her what she would say to her mother's attacker if she had the opportunity, she would simply and proudly declare… “I forgive you.”

Written by: Shae Marie Leitz

Fighting Your Insecurity

Designed by Shae Leitz

I have received some requests lately from people asking me to give my opinion on specific topics. Today's topic is on insecurity. I know that this is something that I have struggled with a lot in the past and sometimes it likes to creep up on me without permission. It is an ugly thing to feel and I would love to give you all my opinion on this topic in hopes that we can try and overcome it as best as possible.

What the bible says about insecurity

Romans 8:1-5: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law  of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

Now, there are a lot of verses that you can find in the bible regarding insecurity, but this one is my favorite. I have gone ahead and bolded the main parts of these verses that I want you to really pay attention to.


"For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do." We have such a powerful God! He was able to do what the law could not do. He was able to save us from both spiritual and eternal death which the law itself could not do.

"he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us," Jesus died on the cross. He died so that we may be able to walk in the spirit and not in the flesh and by being insecure, we are choosing to live and walk exactly how we shouldn't be.

We need to be careful to not walk in the flesh. When we choose to walk in the Spirit, we are choosing to change the way we act toward our selves. This includes being insecure and negative about who we are.

Think outside the box

Let me see if this helps a little. Imagine you are feeling really insecure about yourself. And a good friend of yours trys to explain to you how beautiful and smart you are and how much potential you really have and instead you choose to ignore him. This friend of yours finds out that he has the opportunity to DIE for YOU in hopes that you will then choose a different path, one that is filled with love and acceptance. After you realize that your friend literally just died for YOU, how can you not choose to walk the new path?

Realize

Try and think of yourself as God thinks of you. He loves you UNCONDITIONALLY, something that only he is able to do, and he died on the cross because he wants you to believe it too. He doesn't think of you as weird, ugly, fat, dumb or (fill in the blank). He sees you as his child and for us to be insecure, we are hurting him because after all, the God that was able to do what the law couldn't, created us!! How refreshing. 

Challenge

I challenge you all to really look at yourselves as the Lord looks at you. Cut away the negative comments and stop worrying. I am going to do the challenge as well. 

Question

Keep me updated on how it is going, I'd like to hear how God is working in you to help you overcome this.

5 Tips for Finals Week

Designed by Shae Leitz

This post is for all of my college friends. Finals are drawing near and with the all the hype of graduation and summer fun, it may be difficult to get yourself into a good studying habit to end the year right.

Here are some tips that I hope will be as helpful to you as they are/were to me over the years. 

1. Study at a desk. It has been proven that if you study at your desk, then you are more likely to remember what you read if you take your exam at a desk as well. Your brain will be able to remember this without you even realizing it, and pick up little things that you studied at your desk that it wouldn't be able to elsewhere. Of course if your exam is online, then feel free to study AND take your test in bed!

2. Reward yourself. Open up your text book and at the end of every paragraph in the text, place a treat (gummy bear, skittle, m&m). Every time you get to that treat in your reading, eat it! Incentive is always beneficial when it comes to getting things done. And what better incentive then getting a snack after each paragraph?!

3. Take breaks. Give yourself time to process everything that you just learned. Take a walk, go for a quick jog, do whatever you need to. It is best to take brakes after 50 minutes of studying. Take a 10-15 minute break then get back to it. Be careful not to take rest any longer then 15 minutes or you will be less likely to start studying again. 

4. Turn off your phone. It is hard to concentrate on your work when you have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and all of your friends texting you at once. By turning it off you can get up to 15 extra minutes of studying done in a 50 minute period! If you rather not turn it off for whatever reason, I suggest turning your phone on airplane mode. This will block any texts from coming in or going out. Your service will be completely gone-no internet!

5. Don't study the day before. This one may be hard for some people, but if you get a head start on your studies, then you should try and save the day before the test for eating healthy and getting plenty of rest. (Try and avoid caffeine for this will effect sleeping habits.) Research shows that the information you study the day before the test will actually be more likely to harm you than help you. 

Question

What helps you study for finals?