Fishing at Gma & Paw-Paw's with Bryson
Now, that's not to say I don't enjoy a good Saturday full of shopping or pedicures with the girls, but simple has always been better for me. _______________________________________________________________________________
In May of 2014 I graduated from Columbus State University with my Bachelors of Arts in communications and in August of 2015 I will enter my MBA program (Lord help me).
My graduation, May 2014
I've always known the Lord had a calling on my life, but I wasn't sure where the Lord would lead me. After much prayer, I (unknowing of what the future would hold) began filling in for a worship pastor position at River of Life Church of God in Hamilton, GA. As the search for the position continued, I began to fast and pray over what the Lord was beginning to do within that church. Working a full time job, while trying to finish school, teaching lessons throughout the week, being a new wife and step mother (and all that brings with it) and serving as an interim worship pastor on the weekends was, let's just say, EXHAUSTING! Not to mention, this was during the Easter season, so I was challenged with putting together an Easter production for the church as well. I began to pray that the Lord would make himself very clear in what direction He wanted me to go. If this was not His will, I asked that He would slam the door shut...but if it was His will, to open it wide. We did the Easter production on Palm Sunday, pulling together every age group of the church in participation. Our team began to pray weeks before that the Lord would use this as means to reach those who may not know Him and anoint every aspect of the production. No surprise, but if you ask something of the Lord, especially it being for HIS glory alone, He will show up and SHOW OUT! The production was incredible to say the least. But the most amazing part (to me personally) was what happened afterwards. Shortly after the services had ended, we were at my parents house eating lunch and I began to receive texts messages from the team that had been a part of the production. I quickly thanked them for being willing to be used by the Lord and for their time and dedication. Not too long after, this message came through: keepher@theRiveroflife #Chelsea. Tears began to swell and I knew the Lord was answering my prayer and opening the door that was His will. A few days later, I was approached by the lead pastor and members of the council. After committing it to prayer, I humbly agreed to take a job that I had always dreamed about. {Can I just stop right here again and say, the Lord answers prayers!!} Our church is growing rapidly and it has nothing to do with the worship or the pastor or the others on staff; we are built on THE ROCK, we STAND on His word, and HIS SPIRIT is free to flow in every service. Almost over night the church went from 50 people to 450 people. 4 years ago the church built a new building. 1 year ago they built a new student ministries center because we didn't have enough room. Now, we're breaking ground for a brand new sanctuary due to the growth of the church. When you build yourself on the Lord himself, He is faithful to fulfill His promises to you! If you are from the Columbus/LaGrange/ Phenix City area, check _______________________________________________________________________________
November 9, 2013 marks the best day of my entire life. I married the love of my life and my very best friend, Bryant.
Our wedding party, 11.9.13
We don't have a typical love story...I can't say that I saw him from across the room one day and instantly knew that he was "the one." Yes, his physical description certainly caught my eye; he was exactly what I wanted my husband to look like: 6'4, muscular, athletic, a perfectly white and beautiful smile, brown hair and green eyes...
Bryant and I
...but Bryant had been married before and had a 2 year old son at the time. The idea of being with a man who had an ex wife and a child already...it honestly scared me silly! {Can I just stop right here and say, my step son, Bryson, is by far the biggest blessing in my life and has brought more joy into my life than I could've ever imagined!} 
Bryson & I on vacation
The problem was, the closer we became as friends, the more I knew I was falling for not only him, but for Bryson too. (I sometimes joke with my husband saying, "I fell for Bryson before I ever fell for you.") Truth was, I loved both of them, more than I could've ever imagined. As I attempted to maintain a friendship with Bryant, it became harder and harder...I loved him, deeply. I loved him not because he was perfect, but because his life was marked and his life was evidence of a perfect God that had come into a broken situation and been the healer He claims to be in His word. When Bryant had every reason and excuse to be bitter about life and love because of what he had been through, he chose joy and he chose to rely on his Savior! He is by far the strongest person I know. I often tell him "I don't know how you do it," in which he simply replies with "it'll all work out because the Lord has it under control." The phrase "married my best friend" is frequently thrown around in our society nowadays, but I married a man who pulls out the best in me; someone who I love being around; someone who challenges me, but yet we can sit the bed at night and laugh at each other for hours. I married someone who doesn't believe in going to bed mad...he always works it out before his head hits that pillow; someone who provides and leads our household according to the Word of God; someone who sets the highest example for his son to follow; someone who doesn't take the easy way out, but works hard until the job is complete and always takes the high road. In marrying this man, I married someone who understands me; he knows that I've had a bad day before I even have to open my mouth. It's amazing how one look from someone you love can speak right to your very heart. 
Walking into the reception with that crazy man of mine
Some of my most treasured moments with my husband are not those when we were on the highest mountain after a huge promotion or a celebration after graduation, but those times when I was completely broken and he held me...for hour after hour, loving me and encouraging me. 
My love
When I say "I married my best friend," I married the person God hand picked for me and I gained the most beautiful life. 
My beautiful family on our wedding day
I have never and will never claim to be Bryson's biological mother, but I have always and will always love him like he is my own and Bryant and I strive daily to live a life worthy of the calling the Lord has placed on our lives and to set an example for Bryson to follow: a life in complete and total submission to the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. 
Bryson & I at a Braves game (we are HUGE Braves fans!)
This blog was created solely to glorify my King. My hearts cry is to make Him known in any way possible. I love cooking, being a wife, DIY projects, and doing fun things with Bryso, so you may get a few posts in here about life in general. I hope you enjoy and my prayer is that something I say will touch you and allow the Lord to open your eyes to more that He has for you! All my love~ Chelsea
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