Weekly Messages

As introduced and promised in the previous post (if you missed it, you’ll definitely want to check it out here before proceeding to read on), here’s my great friend, Tami McClandish-Smith sharing a part of her story from her new book, Let the Bees Buzz: Finding Redemption in the Aftermath of School Bullying. May it encourage you and provide peace to your soul. 🫶 When I was 17, bullying changed my life forever. For years, a group of girls had targeted my happiness, success, and temper. I dealt with their gossip, rumors, name-calling, and dirty looks until my senior year, when they created a swarm of noise I could no longer ignore, and I stood up to them—with devastating results. Have you ever stood up only to find yourself standing alone? It can be an intimidating place where doubt invades. Maybe you’ve felt like this over the past few years. Maybe you’ve been excluded from family gatherings because of your health decisions or ridiculed for being a “conspiracy theorist” by people you never expected to turn against you. People who disagree, feel threatened, or just like stirring trouble, who use passive aggression to beat you down, cause you to question your worth, create conflict in your relationships, and damage your character. Maybe they were your school bullies too—or your child’s. Or it’s the reason you dread Christmas with the in-laws. Or why work feels more like high school since you earned that promotion. Gossip, rumors, name-calling, snarky comments, backstabbing, exclusion, manipulation, sabotage, betrayal, and humiliation—it’s the kind of stuff we attribute to teenage girls.  However, it can impact us no matter our age, in the workplace, family, church, friendships, and on social media.  If you or your child has ever faced this behavior, you know how wounding it can be.  After I reacted to my bullies, I lost my friendships and community, my sense of belonging, my self-esteem, and my love for others. I even doubt whether I could endure one more day of life.  I carried the shame of it all into adulthood, struggling to trust others and make sense of the rejection I had experienced.  It wasn’t until I encountered Jesus as my bullied Savior that I realized He understood my pain. And He freed me from the shame of youth.  Reclaiming my worth in Him, I forgave my bullies, resisted isolation, fought my way back to loving others, and regained friendship. Whether your child is currently dealing with bullies, or you’re an adult who can vividly recall the moments in school that crushed your spirit, or you’re someone who’s dealing with bullies for the first time in this mad world, I hope my story reminds you that you aren’t who they say you are.  You’re who God says you are. You are known, loved, and worth far more than a world of opinions. I hope my story reminds you that although you cannot always control how people treat you, you can decide how to react.  Hurtful words and actions do not define who you are. When you stand up, and the world turns its back, you are never alone.  Your worth is in Jesus, who can show you how to navigate difficult people, love and trust again, and move forward in relationships. Thank You Tami. If any part of that made you stop and think, remembering such a time, or feeling, I strongly recommend getting this book and reading the full story.  You can purchase it here:  Let the Bees Buzz: Finding Redemption in the Aftermath of School Bullying.  Or, you can have us buy a copy for you. 😊 YES, we are giving you this amazing book as a gift -Absolutely Free!  Easy and Sweet. Just like ordering your favorite dulci sweet chocolates and loving every last bite. ❤️ For a limited time - through the end of April, any TRIO bundle ordered will receive a copy of Let the Bees Buzz 😊🎁 That’s Any and All TRIOS from the Signature TRIO that has it All, including Stroopwafels and Hemisphere Coffee, to Build-Your-Own, to each of the Themed TRIOS to perfectly match the occasion and reason you thought of someone special.  Stay Strong, Be Happy, and Let the Bees Buzz 🐝  Brock  P.S.  Sweet Chocolates and a Beautiful Book...A very cool gift to give to the amazing Mom(s) you know for Mother’s Day.  🎁🌟❤️

My friend, you are in for a treat today.    Yes, that absolutely is a perfect pun for this community, but it also has literal meaning too.    Today, I’m introducing you to one of the sweetest (I did it again 😆), kindest, and super cool people I know.    Her name is Tami McClandish-Smith. Her and husband, Charlie, have been terrific friends of ours for over 10 years.    Sincerely, the nicest people you’ll ever meet.    As in most all instances, when you first meet people and or even know them for some time, you don’t know a lot about their story.    Especially, the difficulties and challenges they’ve encountered on the journey.    The things that have knocked them down and placed them in a valley at some point in life - like we all have.    Nor do we get to learn about the climb up out of the valley and to the mountain top.    Well, Tami has endured several tough battles, and has fought her way out of some dark times to be the wonderful person she is today.   And she has written a book that was recently released that shares a most important and victorious personal story that I’m certain will be extremely valuable to many in our community. 🙏🏻   So let’s do this first…Watch this 2 minute video to see and hear from Tami herself.    Gain a glimpse of who she is, what happened in her life, and why her story and her book, Let the Bees Buzz: Finding Redemption in the Aftermath of School Bullying is a must read for anyone that has felt picked on, bullied, rejected, left out, wrongfully criticized, made to feel less than and alone.    And if you’re a parent, oh my. While difficult to think about your child facing any of those issues, reading Tami’s book can serve you as a valuable resource to help your child and yourself should anything remotely similar happen.    https://rumble.com/v2c94vq-let-the-bees-buzz.html   In the next post Tami will be our guest contributor sharing a part of her story. The pain and hurt. Gossip and backstabbing. The roller coaster of emotions - doubts, fears, and debilitating anger.    To ultimately what brought her through and out of deep despair to a life of freedom.    And to make it as smooth and joyful as your favorite dulci sweets chocolates, we are giving you this amazing book as a gift.    Absolutely Free! From us to you and/or whomever you may want to send it to as a gift with a gift.   For a limited time - through the end of April, any TRIO bundle ordered will receive a copy of Let the Bees Buzz 😊🎁   That’s Any and All TRIOS from the Signature TRIO that has it All, including Stroopwafels and Hemisphere Coffee, to Build-Your-Own, to each of the Themed TRIOS to perfectly match the occasion and reason you thought of someone special.    Always know you are Wonderfully and Beautifully Made.🫶   Brock    P.S. Don’t forget to share this message with the friend(s) that came to heart when you were reading this. 

If you’ve heard this once, you’ve heard it a thousand times... Technology and the advancements of it in the devices that surround our daily lives makes life better, easier, and more efficient?    Have you stopped and really pondered the ‘truth or fallacy’ of that statement?   I mean, has it really? 🤔   Yes, we are immediately able to access any and all information, receive instant results from a search, can talk to our appliances, turn on and off lights, listen to music and watch shows/movies on demand, and we can call, text and/or email anyone at any moment.    While that seems pretty cool and is certainly helpful at times, that definitely does Not prove the case that the so-called advancements make life better.    For those of you under the age of 28 or so, the contrary perspective will be hard for you to imagine. Those of us older than that will understand and probably enjoy the thoughts and memories of the days those devices didn’t exist.   Let’s take a walk; imagine or remember when…   How amazing was the anticipation of going to the physical mailbox and getting a handwritten letter from the girl or guy you loved?    I see all the 30 + something smiling large. Thinking back to those moments.😃   You’d know the approximate time the mail was delivered. You’d run down to the mailbox and be so disappointed when there was no letter.    But, you knew it was coming and you did it again the next day.    The hopeful anticipation, intense excitement, and beaming joy when it did arrive.    When you saw the handwriting on the envelope and knew a letter from your person was inside. 😍   I don’t know about you, but when I received a letter from Nicole (we had only been dating a few months, but I knew she was the one),   I would grab that letter and quickly go off to a quiet place by myself to study it; every word.    I’d read that sucker several times over in the same day and re-read it often until her next letter.    By the way, that was 1998. I lived in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and she was here in Ohio. That will make an interesting blog post for another day. 😆   Then came the internet and email. Do you remember the beginning days of earthlink.net and aol.com (my wife still has her original AOL email).    It was dial-up connection so there was still the anticipation and build up of excitement due to the slow and often interrupted connection.    Next, DSL came along. The wait then went to just seconds.    Then, cable was the next advancement and we were connected instantly.    The point and fun of this message is to encourage you to hit the pause button. Reflect on how you do things, and how the so-called ‘conveniences’ of today influence and affect your life.    Technology is a double-edged sword. It supposedly gives us what we want faster, yet when it doesn’t work, we get frustrated and impatient.    Plus, faster doesn’t always mean better. In fact, I contend that it might just rob us of deeper communication, connection, and joy.    Speaking of joy – let’s play a game!   Never Have I Ever. For All Ages 😊   Simply go through the list of twenty items. Give yourself one point for each item you’ve NEVER done.   Lowest score wins. 🏆     Enjoy,   Brock    P.S. Share your score with us. Mine was 1. The only one I didn’t have was an AOL email address. 🤣

Happy Holy Week and Easter Sunday.   As we enter this week and get closer to Good Friday and then Easter Sunday, those of the Christian faith reflect upon the life, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus.    Doing so brings with it many emotions, most notably reverence, sadness, joy, and jubilation.    I personally love to focus on John 10:10 where it reads, “I have come to this world that you might have life, and may have it more Abundantly.”   The greatest love story for all time. It truly takes my breath away to think and know all that Jesus carried, endured, and did for you and me. The agony, pain, ridicule and embarrassment. All to purchase forgiveness and redemption – our salvation.    On Friday, Jesus knew what it would cost to save us …and He chose to do it anyway.    On Sunday, He is not there. He Is Risen!   The life that was lost in the Garden was now restored through the resurrection. That’s why Jesus came - so that you might have life.   A day like none other to celebrate the sacrifice, the love, the power of Our Lord and Savior.    By his blood we are saved ✝️ By his death and Resurrection we are made NEW! 🙏🏻   So this weekend, let’s celebrate His power over sin, death, and darkness. Because He lives—so can we!   Brock    P.S. Thank you, Lord, for the resurrection of Jesus. Thank you that I can face the future with HOPE and confidence because you are alive and with me.

When have you been most happy in your life?    The answer will most likely vary depending on your age.    If you ask a younger person in their 20’s or 30’s, the answer will most likely surround and include achievement milestones, goals hit, positions obtained, or places of glamour traveled and experienced. You know, the ones that are Instagram worthy :-)    If you ask a little older person (40’s and up), they will most likely describe moments of contentment, and connectedness. Ordinary moments that were made extraordinary by catching a flash of joy, a moment of inner stillness, or a deep, intimate conversation with a friend or loved one.    It has been observed, studied and accurately said that there are two halves of life. The first focuses on establishing your identity and expressing your ego. This is mostly spent on pursuing external gain.   The second half of your life is spent pursuing inner gain. Those things that provide feelings of significance, meaning and soulful fulfillment.    The most meaningful lives are often not the extraordinary ones, but ordinary lives lived with dignity. 💯   The outstanding truth is we ALL have the ability to touch the people around us and positively affect their world.    I get it - when you’re young it’s far more about me, myself and I. Finding your purpose and figuring out who you are.    But, once you get enough life experience under your belt and the “me, me, me” starts to wain and get old, we begin to realize putting others first is where life becomes it’s best.   Concern for people and family, besides yourself. Service to others is a higher achievement than traditional success.    A meaningful life is not found in success and glamour.  It’s found in the mundane; the nitty gritty of life. Simple actions and work that serves others and/or your community.    Many people are currently unhappy, discontented, looking for ‘something else’ (e.g. their one true purpose), when they are actually missing ‘something more’. The very ‘More” they are searching for can be found in doing whatever they’re doing, at that moment in life, with purpose.    If you are younger, take my advice, get started on living that way now.    You might as well - you’ll end up discovering that wisdom in the second half of your life anyway.   To those of us older, wiser folks, be sure that you have graduated into the second half of life - embrace and celebrate the wisdom learned that life is not about the accumulation of success or moments of glamour.    It’s about those precious moments of connectedness and contentment. Moments of contribution and service to others. Filling your heart and soul – being and adding value to others.   That is what makes life worthwhile, and a meaningful life well lived.    Sweet Blessings,   Brock   P.S. A good life is a life of Goodness. Life and Life to the Full. That is something everyone can achieve. 

This is a story about a group of frogs hopping along through the woods when two of the frogs fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit to see what could be done to help their companions.    When they saw how deep the pit was the rest of the dismayed group agreed that it was hopeless, and told the two frogs in the pit they should just prepare themselves for their fate, because they were as good as dead.   Unwilling to accept this terrible fate the two frogs began to jump with all their might.    Some of the frogs shouted into the pit that it was hopeless and they wouldn’t be in that situation if they’d been more careful and responsible.   The other frogs continued sorrowfully shouting that they should save their energy and give up trying, because they were already as good as dead.    The two frogs continued jumping as hard as they could. After several hours of desperate effort they grew quiet weary.   Finally, one of the frogs took heed to the calls of his fellows. Spent and disheartened, he quietly laid down at the bottom of the pit and died as the others looked on in helpless grief.   The other frog continued to jump with every ounce of energy that it had, even though its body was wracked with pain, and he was completely exhausted.   His companions began anew, yelling for him to accept his fate. To stop the pain and die, because there was no way he was going to get out.   The weary frog jumped harder and harder. Wonder of wonders, he finally leaped so high that he sprang from the pit.    Amazed, the other frogs celebrated his miraculous freedom. They gathered around him and asked him, why did you continue jumping when we told you that it was impossible?   Reading their lips, the astonished frog explained to them that he was deaf, and that when he saw their gestures and shouting, he thought that they were cheering him on.    What he perceived as encouragement inspired him to not give up. To try harder and succeed against all odds.    A most powerful lesson to be received – Positive and Encouraging words can lift someone up and help them to keep going. 💯   Destructive and negative words can cause deep wounds. So deep that they can destroy a person’s desire to keep trying. To resolve to quit. To just give up and let their dreams die.    May we always add value, speak life, and offer positive encouragement to those around us.    Period. End of story.   Purposefully Choose To Be A Light,   Brock    P.S. Absolutely seek to surround yourself with people that encourage you, but also remember to become deaf to those that aren’t. Sometimes it’s best not to listen. 😊

Each of us can benefit from the reminder that Today is a Gift from God, and what we do with it is our gift back to Him.    So, YES, TODAY MATTERS 😊   Since college basketball’s March Madness technically starts today, I will share the wisdom from Legendary College Basketball Coach and Leadership Genius, John Wooden.     He famously said, “Make each day Your Masterpiece and remember…Success is peace of mind obtained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you’re capable.”    Meaning, LIVE NOW!  Live It Today! Be In the Moment. Don’t miss it.    Don’t look behind or in front. Be looking In The Moment. Make Today A Masterpiece.    When you focus on the moment, you realize, It’s All That You Have!    People everyday, overlook and breeze by those moments, missing all that they have, which is NOW.    Don’t Miss “NOW”!  Yesterday has passed, the Future is uncertain. But, Now, is the only time you/me/we have.    Think about it. The only time I have is NOW.  If I’m going to improve – it’s NOW!  If I’m going to be Happy – it’s NOW.  If I’m going to do something important – it’s NOW!  It’s All NOW. There’s nothing guaranteed to be beyond – NOW!    If you don’t live in the NOW, You’re not giving your best to it. And you will most certainly miss it.   It’s Not what’s Next.  Or what was.  It’s what’s NOW!    Make Today Count,   Brock   P.S. Be a person that when you are with another person… you are there, with them, not somewhere else. 

Students at a Christian Elementary school were asked to write an essay about what they would like God to do for them.   At the end of the day, while grading the essays, the teacher read one that made her very emotional. Her husband, who just walked in and saw her crying asked her what happened?    She answered, read this. It was one of my students essays.    It read, Oh God, I ask you to do something very special. Make me into a television set. I want to take its place and live like the tv in my house.   I will then have my own special place, and I will have my family around me. I will be taken seriously when I talk. I want to be the center of attention and be heard without interruption, or questions.   I want to receive the same special care that the tv receives, even when it’s not working. Then I will have the company of my dad when he arrives home from work, even when he’s tired. And my mom will want me when she is sad and upset, instead of ignoring me.    And I want my brothers to fight over me and beg my mom to spend more time with me.  I want my family to leave everything aside to spend some time with me.    Last, but not least, if I’m a tv, I am assured I can make them all happy and entertained.    Lord, I don’t ask you for much. I just want to live like our tv.    At that moment, the husband stated, ‘My god! That poor kid. What horrible parents she must have.” The wife looked up and said, that essay’s is our son’s.    Ouch….🤕   I bet you didn’t see that coming.    What would your children pray to God to become to get more of your time, attention, and love?   How about your spouse?    Is it your phone, computer, or social media app?    Think about this today my friends. Are you giving too much love, time, attention, and energy to the wrong things?    Are you giving too much of what matters to the things that don’t actually matter?    Today’s world certainly makes it easy to do that, and consequently, easy for us to not notice how far we can drift off course.   I’d love to hear your thoughts for adjustments that you think would help you give your best to the people that matter the most.   Dedicated to helping you be your best,   Brock   PS. Don’t let this discourage you. Allow it to alert and enlighten you to make the necessary changes, get better and become more. ❤️

 This is an inspirational poem that should inspire readers to work hard no matter how impossible a situation seems. To persevere through the darkest times in their life.    It is when things seem the worst that success is the closest.   Don’t Quit  By Edgar Albert Guest    “When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.    Life is strange with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out; Don’t give up though the pace seems slow, You may succeed with another blow.    Often the goal is nearer than It seems to a faint and faltering man, Often the struggler has given up, When he might have captured the victor’s cup, And he learned too late when the night slipped down, How close he was to the golden crown.    Success is failure turned inside out, The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far, So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit, It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.”   If and when facing difficult matters, I pray you remember this message.    Stay strong and confident, determined to persevere, knowing happiness and success are close by.   Do Not Quit.  Keep digging.  You might just be a few feet from gold.    I’m rooting for you,   Brock   P.S. The most difficult troubles often lead to our greatest Triumphs. His strength is made and revealed in our weakness. 💯   P.S.S. Did you know that this Friday, March 3rd is Employee Appreciation Day?!? 😮 Make sure your employees are recognized and feel valued by sending a personalized “thank you!” of the finest handmade chocolates. 🎁

The heck with hesitation. Imperfect action is far better than waiting for you or things around you to be perfect before taking action.    My son Camden is in the 7th grade. He absolutely loves basketball.    If he’s not at practice or working out, he’s finds a way to get a ball in his hand to work on developing his skills.    Even when the weather is horrible – cold, raining or snowing, he finds a way.   The amount of time and reps he has devoted to it you’d think he’s really good. However, the challenge and difficulty of the season is the fact that he hasn’t been able to transfer that practice, and visible skill improvement into game time results.    After hours and hours working with him and countless coaching conversations one would reasonably expect him to experience a breakthrough…   The next level moment where things slow down, become more clear, and start clicking.    Unfortunately, he has been met with repeated frustration.    The breakthrough hasn’t happened, yet.    I’m guessing you’ve experienced the moment I’m referring to in your life too. Whether it was on a sports field, a classroom, or boardroom, you dedicated great focus, effort and attention to develop your skill and become as good as you could.    Although the time was invested, you didn’t ‘get it’ as fast or as great as you wanted.    Yes, a good amount of time is absolutely required to build skills, improve them, and build the confidence necessary to utilize them.    But, that knowledge can absolutely also get in one’s way and prevent them from applying those new and improved skills because they are trying to make the ‘moment’ and action perfect.    We often learn through a set of rules and fixed structure that when not present, throw us off. We freeze up, become fearful, and second guess our ability. Discounting the work we have put in and focusing on screwing up, rather than stepping forward.    When we do this, we hesitate. We immediately think, “what if this doesn’t work? At least, if I don’t try it, I won’t have to go through the disappointment of realizing I couldn’t do it, or at least do it well.”   Following that logic, one would never see disappointment, and absolutely no chance of success.    I love the Zig Ziglar quote “Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly until you learn to do it well.”   Being reminded of this, it hit me square in the mouth.    “Son, stop hesitating. Believe in yourself. No one is great on the first try, or the many try’s thereafter. But, you’ve got to try to become great. And the gift and result of action is that it creates momentum…not the other way around.”    Just as we are called to boldly obey God’s prompting, choose to Act and Respond with Urgency and Anticipation - Not Hesitation!!!   For when we hesitate, what happens? The answer is – not much; Nothing!    The moment passes, and nothing was done. You missed it. The opportunity is lost.    And we carry the frustration and possible pain of our hesitation. That’s a heavy uneasiness for we have no idea what would have come from responding with action.   I’d rather have the satisfaction of knowing that I met the moment with action and anticipation of good things to come from it. Even if I fell short, messed up, or missed the ‘shot’.    This past week was tournament week for his junior high team. I’m pleased to share that Camden learned to let go of ‘perfect’. He began trusting his instincts and knowledge, began anticipating, and responding to opportunities with free-flowing urgency.   Did he make every shot? No. Did the team make it all the way? No.    But, it was AWESOME to see him respond with action and be happy he did.    Pushing worry and doubt to the back of his mind, believing in himself, and just GO!    I pray we all do that more in our lives.    Take Bold Action,   Brock    P.S. Determine what it is you need to do – and then do it! Encourage others to do the same. 

Happy Valentine’s Day from us to you. 💝   The entire month of February is a celebration of the heart; love, kindness, gentleness, and joy.    Filled with thoughts and moments that we hope lift your heart and remind you just how important your relationships, friends, family, and community are in your life.    While today is a day that receives much attention, Friday is another fun and important day as well – RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS DAY!   It’s a day rooted in the “pay it forward” initiative. Encouraging us to stop in the typical rush of the day, observe our environment, really notice those around you. See an opportunity to say and/or do something nice for someone else; no matter a stranger or friend.   The whole idea and reason is to make the world a little better place by spreading a little light and making kindness a part of our everyday lives.    If your heart and eyes are open, you’ll see opportunities everywhere.   Throughout your day Friday, and any day, decide to be intentional in your observations and complete random acts of kindness.    When you see someone, greet them with a smile. Even strangers you’re simply walking past.   When buying your morning cup of coffee, buy one for the person next in line.    Just be present and listen to each other.   Run errands for busy family members.   Leave a positive comment on blogs and channels.   Leave a large tip for a struggling waiter.   Email an under-appreciated co-worker.   Mail out a thank you letter.   Donate clothes to shelters in your city.   Send an encouraging text message.   And, Yes, you could absolutely send and/or share dulci sweets chocolates. 😊 After all, Spreading Hope, Sharing Joy, and Shining Light in the world is why Mike and I created this company and the idea to…   Get A Gift, Give A Gift…Goodness Created to be shared.    Not everything on the list can be done by everyone, and that’s okay.    But, if you do even a couple of them, you will not only bring a smile and joy to the people you gifted kindness, you will receive it too.    Your day might just be one of the best you’ve had in awhile.    Let Kindness Lead The Way,   Brock    P.S. The potential of kindness is quite literally unlimited. If each of us activate it - there’s no end to the Goodness we can share together. 💯

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love in all its forms. It of course includes romantic love, but also the love between parents and children as well as the loving relationships between friends and even co-workers.    And since we (dulci sweets) exist to help you recognize, celebrate and show love and appreciation to the people in your life, it only seems right for me to share tips to help you write a most sweet and memorable valentine.    Cue the shameless plug and friendly reminder….One you’ll assuredly want to go in hand with your perfect dulci sweets chocolate gift.    Grab a pen and paper. Lean in. And follow along with all your heart.    First, is the structure of the message. It contains the items to bullet point that you want to include:   The reason for why you’re writing the message. What you love, appreciate, value about the person. The person’s impact and/or meaning to your life. A most sweet and beautiful ending.    Next, begin to elaborate on each point and fill in with heartfelt detail.    Don’t forget that ending, and don’t over think it….   Examples for your use as you choose:    You are Purposefully and Wonderfully Made. You are Worthy. You are Loved. You make me smile. You are Sweet and Beautiful.   Now, start putting it all together.    As an example, as long as you promise not to tell her, I will share with you the Valentine message I wrote for my wife. Shhhh….   My Valentine 💘🥰   Beautiful. Strong. Spectacular. And Sweet. Those are some of the first words that come to my mind when I think of you and the love I have for you.   After 25 years together, Your Beauty and touch still makes my heart jump. 😍 Your Strength in Christ and Belief in US is a powerful force of daily encouragement. 🙏🏻 A Spectacular Mom to our boys, that brings incredible warmth and joy to our family. 🦸‍♀️ My absolute Best friend and the sweet oxygen to my life. 🌟 Loving you is like breathing. It’s natural, needed, and nourishing.    You make life wonderful, amazing and extraordinary. 💯 I’m Forever and Always grateful to build and live life with you Nicole 💝   Obviously God made you just for me. 😊   Lovingly and Completely Yours,    Brock    Do you think she’ll like it?    Now, imagine the response when that message is paired with dark chocolate covered strawberries, dark chocolate Brock Bites, and her absolute favorite, Toffee with Sea Salt.    Of course, this can be adjusted to appropriately fit the relationship, romantic or not. But, I just gave you steps and examples to make this coming Valentine’s one to remember.    I hope and wish that yours will be as good as mine :-)    All for love,   Brock   P.S. Place your orders now. Valentine’s is one week away. Guaranteed to bring plenty of smiles and good vibes. 

On this final day of January, heading into ‘heart month’ – I want to provide you, both a secret and a challenge.    As you have probably picked up since making the decision to join the dulci sweets community we are passionate and purposeful people. 💯   We certainly aren’t perfect. Definitely make mistakes. But, our mission is far too important not to give our best to be our best, for what we do and the people we serve.    And therein lies the secret.    The secret to living life at full strength…Being on fire, acting with a sense of urgency for how you do anything.    YOU HAVE TO BRING THE “E’s” !!!🔥🔥🔥   Positive ENERGY. Alert EXPECTATION. Unwavering ENTHUSIASM.    It seems so obvious and simple, but I promise, it can change so much.    Think about each one and how you can get the “E’s” running through your veins:   Positive Energy - How you walk into a room. Greet others with a smile and welcoming body language. Uplifting and Encouraging (another E that’s great to possess and give freely).   Alert Expectation - This is a perpetual attitude that expects good even when dealt with difficulty.    It means even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. — Romans 5:3 (MSG)   You’re on alert to see obstacle as opportunities. To turn trials in to Triumphs. You EXPECT GOOD THINGS TO HAPPEN!!   Unwavering Enthusiasm - When you operate with the first two “E’s” you naturally create and feed Enthusiasm.    A genuine demeanor and mindset that allows you to approach life, people, work, marriage, family with gratitude and joy. With zeal and freshness that lightens your steps and inspires your best.   In the words of  Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm!"   Now, if you’re up for it, here’s your challenge…   For the next 28 days, do your best to enter each day and every activity with Positive Energy, Alert Expectation and Unwavering Enthusiasm!    Don’t look to be perfect. It won’t happen. Give yourself a lot of Grace. But, commit to keeping the “E’s” at the front of your mind and applying them the best you can.    Here’s three additional tips to support your efforts to boost your “E’s”:  Never lose the AWE!! Go through the process of seeing and hearing something for the first time. Regenerate those senses. Bring yourself back to the Start. Start with the end in mind. See and feel in advance the difference you are about to make in another’s life.  Envision the better future being made possible because of it. Take the thrill of the ENDING and bring it to the Beginning.  Treat it as a sacred mission - Believe wholeheartedly what you do will help a person achieve more. Become better and accomplish the results they desire.    Here's to bringing the “E’s” wherever you go.   Light up your world,   Brock   P.S. To become Enthusiastic, Act Enthusiastically! Soon enough your energy will MATCH your ‘Act’

I sure do appreciate you being part of this community. Mike and I truly believe in what we are doing and are deeply devoted to being a positive part of your life.    Last week I posed this question - Who’s voice do you hear the most in your life?     If you missed that, I encourage you to check it out:  https://dulcisweets.com/blogs/news/make-sure-this-is-working-for-you‼️   It goes hand-in-hand with the question I have for you today.    Do you often find yourself worrying about things? For most, including myself, that’s a rhetorical question, and makes you shake your head and answer - well, duh!   If you’re living, have responsibilities, care for others, and want to be and do your best – I think worry comes with the territory.    It’s human. It’s natural…in small amounts.   However, as you may have experienced a time or two in your life, when worry grows and is consistently with you, it becomes a vicious enemy.   It can absolutely overtake us. Stop us in our tracks; debilitate, steal, and destroy.     Being real with you, in the last few years, I’ve found myself worrying more than ever.  And the far majority of those items I worried about was not in my control.    I’m fairly confident, many more people than not, share similar feelings of worry in their life too.    So, I thought it would be helpful to someone (maybe you), to share what did help me and I continue to remind myself of frequently when thoughts of worry start to creep in my mind.    Start with this statement (it’s a tough one, but true and necessary):   Worrying is a sign that you’re not trusting God.    Please think on that for a moment.   What you Worry about the most often reveals where you trust God the least.   Jesus tells us what our role is -  “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33 Then there’s this – When you really think about it, one of three outcomes will definitely happen in what you’re worried about today:   1. It may never happen:  The very thing that is weighing heavy on you, keeping you awake at night, may never happen at all.    A study was completed by researchers at Penn State University that asked people to document the things they were worried about, and how many of their fears actually came to pass in the next 30 days.    The result – 91% of their worries did not come to pass.    Translation – Likely less than 10% of what you worry about will actually happen.    But, your worry will rob you of peace, 100% of the time. Furthermore, it may even rob your awareness of God’s presence.    Matthew 6:34 reads, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”    2. It may happen and won’t be as bad as you thought.  I’m certain everyone can recall many situations where the fearful thoughts and worried anticipation was far worse than the actual occurrence itself.    A job interview.  A sales presentation.  Asking a girl out on a date.  Meeting new people and worrying if they will like you.  Taxes - Never fun and there’s no avoiding them, but you get through it.   3. It may happen and God will carry you through it.    You may experience God’s presence, provision, and peace far greater than ever before. His strength, His power, His care, His love often shines brightest in the darkest moments.    A troubling medical diagnosis, procedure, treatment.  Loss of a loved one.  Financial pressures. Ending of a long relationship.    JESUS IS ENOUGH!!!   Refuse to worry. The PEACE of God will go to work for you. And that PEACE will surpass any other thoughts that are trying to make you fearful.   Fully Devoted,   Brock    P.S. This message is central to why dulci sweets exists. For any occasion, situation, or simply, just because, giving and receiving a gift from a friend or loved one does make an impact. It can make difference. It will lift the soul with Goodness Created to be shared. P.S.S. Valentines is soon approaching and dulci sweets most confidently has you covered. 💯🎁💝 Send ‘Sweet Crunch’ for your Valentine’s, Galentine’s or Palentine’s 😊🫶 DS Crunch Bars and Crispy Cookies 

I have a question for you. Who’s voice do you hear the most in your life?    If your answer is YOU, good for you for recognizing that, because it’s true.    “Know one is more influential in your life than you are, because no one talks more to you than you do.” ~ Dr. Paul David Tripp   If you have been a member of our community for awhile you know that I have two sons. Camden, the oldest (13) loves to compete.    He has an exceptionally high discipline for putting in the physical work to get better. He especially loves basketball, and if he’s not at practice with his team, he’s practicing at home and/or asking if he can go workout with me at the gym.     The start of this season has been rough. He hasn’t yet experienced that ‘breakthrough’ moment where his level of practice has transferred to his desired performance in the games.    I see him pushing hard and becoming more frustrated. This frustration led us to have a conversation about his thoughts and self talk.   What’s going in there? What words is he saying to himself?    Naturally, this made me think about you, and myself too.    “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” — Proverbs 4:23   Your thoughts have Incredible power.    What you think about affects your attitude, behaviors, beliefs, words and actions.    What you say to yourself and what you think about determines the direction of your life.    So be careful how you think, because your life is moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts.    The good news is that you have incredible power over your thoughts.    Therefore, it is extremely critical that you do all you can (starting with your self talk) to make them good, positive, rooted in love, grace, and compassion.    Let us focus on what is True, Good, and Right.    When you focus on the ‘Right’ stuff, you’ll find that you don’t have time for the wrong stuff.    Keeping your eyes truly fixed on God, spending consistent time in the word, and in prayer - is like a double-edged sword against negativity.    You immerse yourself in learning how to think, live and act your best while distancing yourself from the distractions, threats and dangers of the world.    By chance, if you think what I’m sharing is over exaggerated in the slightest, take a good, solid look around you.    What images do you see? On your computer, phone, tablet, T.V.    What words do you hear from the people nearby at work, your social groups, or even at home?    And, yes, most definitely, in your own mind?    Heck, if we are honest with ourselves, it’s difficult to keep your mind focused on a single thought for more than 20-30 seconds without some other thought trying to interrupt. Am I right?    The truth is negative thinking becomes a habit. Unfortunately, it’s a default habit posture for a lot of people. And they often don’t even know it.    However, if negative thinking can become a habit, so too can positive thinking.    All the more reason to do all you can to ensure those thoughts are positive and good; working in your favor, building you up, propelling you forward.    Now that we are aware and know that this doesn’t just happen to you, it affects us all, we can make sure not to play victim.    Understand that protecting your mind and guarding your thoughts requires us to be proactive and intentional…   Not just every day, but constantly throughout the day.    Speaking life, for life lived to the full,   Brock  P.S. Camden’s Birthday is Friday. In honor of that, we are offering 20% discount on his personal dulci sweets favorites. Savings, today through Friday the 20th, on Crispy Cookies, Toffee with Sea Salt, Toffee with Almond toppings, and Brock Bites.  Enter the code: Bday at checkout to redeem discount. Product quantity unlimited within single order. Limit One use per customer.