Weekly Messages

Every person has experienced feeling…   Not smart enough. Not talented enough. Not pretty enough. Not Good enough.   You have been scared. Scared to say you’re sorry. Scared to speak up. Scared to step forward. Scared to try, fail and be embarrassed.    You have felt alone, lonely, and disconnected - even when you are surrounded by people.    You have felt ashamed, because you let someone down. You have let yourself down, because you know you could have, should have, but you didn’t.    You’ve felt ‘way in over your head’ - like an imposter. Worried you’d be ‘found out’ and exposed.    There were times when you felt small, unimportant, or insignificant in the midst of another person’s success, comments, or judgments.   You have had your heart broken and been let down.  At this point of the message, you’re thinking – “Geesh Brock, thanks for making me feel so good. Where are you going with this? It better brighten up real quick.”😬   Here comes the light…   What does all this tell you?    That you are not alone. That We All have felt and feel those emotions at some point, or many points, on our life’s journey.    It is part of the human condition. Part of this thrilling roller coaster adventure we call life.    The realization that Everyone is experiencing the same.    We all want to be seen, heard and understood. We all seek human connection. To belong. To be appreciated. To feel important. To feel significant. That we matter and matter to the people we want to matter to.    That looking good in the eyes of others, matters to us even if we don’t readily admit it.    Charles Darwin taught us that our emotions are mental states shared by all people in all cultures.    While we all have different life experiences, different beliefs, political opinions, favorite sports teams, skin tones, we are All human, and that makes us All The Same.    We are all children of God. Created in his image. We are fragile, broken, in need of love and grace. ❤️   This speaks to the Golden Rule in life - Treat others as you would like to be treated.💯   Why the Golden rule – because they are feeling and experiencing just the same as you are.    So be kind. Be considerate. Be Loving. Just as you’d like others to be to you. 😊   And since you know this and have been reminded of it, why not go first? Offer a smile, extend a hand, open a door, buy a cup of coffee, and share your favorite dulci sweets chocolates with them.    You can also purchase the chocolate sweets and send it to them. 🎁   And remember this…   You Are Purposefully and Wonderfully Made,   Brock    P.S. This message is at the center of our ‘Get one Trio, Give One Trio’ movement. Goodness created to be shared that encourages, uplifts, and lets a person know they are wonderfully made too. 

Happy 2023 🥳   Every New Year, nearly everyone is talking about goals and resolutions.    Do you have them?    What are they?   Are they the same or similar to last year?    That’s cool, and I get it.    But, while it’s certainly helpful to have a destination, I believe it’s most important to establish a foundational approach for the journey.    The daily attitudes, behaviors, habits, and actions that ultimately shape us into the person we must become in order to reach our desired destination. 🎯   So here are four things that I know, when applied, make all the difference in the world.    1. Learn - You have to have learning to survive, let alone succeed. What you don’t know Can hurt you.    Learning from your own experiences, both negative and positive. Not only learning from our failures, but also the mistakes of others. Learning through others failures helps us learn what Not to do, so we can avoid the pain of having tried and failed ourselves.    We learn by what we see - so pay attention. We learn by what we hear - so be a good listener. We also learn from what we read - so open a good book, or two, or three.    Learning is the beginning of good health, good wealth, spirituality.    2. Try: You can’t just learn. You’ve got to try to see if you can do it.    TRY to make a difference. Try to make some progress. TRY a new skill or activity.    You can’t do it all, but you can TRY many things. Why not go All Out!?!? Give All You Got.    And how long should you Try?…Until.   3. Stay: You have to Stay from Spring to Harvest. Carry it Through. Also know as ‘Stickability’.   You can’t end in “the middle” - don’t sign up for something in the Spring and leave it in the Summer. Stay until you finish and always leave it better than you found it.    You don’t have to stay forever - but until you See it through.    4. Care: If you Care at all - you’ll get some results. If you CARE enough - you’ll get incredible results.    Care enough to do it Right. Care enough to make a difference. Care enough to be the highest producer. Care enough to Win.    The More you Care, the Stronger you can be.    Resolutions or not, to improve, grow, and achieve, Keep it simple. Be Your Best. Shine your light, Every Day!   You are wonderfully made,   Brock   P.S. All Four are easy to do, but also easy not to do. 🤔   This is advice for all ages. Please be sure to share this message with someone you know will benefit from it. ❤️

First things first, I certainly hope you had a wonderful and warm Christmas. Wonderfully filled with fun and cheerful times with loved ones. Warm in heart and spirit celebrating the birth of Jesus and the light of the world that he is. 🌟   What a season it has been too, for dulci sweets. This being our first true full Christmas season, has required a rather demanding and hectic pace.    No complaints and many thanks to you, are beloved customers, and the rapidly growing DS Community. Which, by the way, has nearly tripled in the past couple of months adding hundreds of people – so cool!   That has to mean you are spreading the ‘Goodness Created to be shared’ and that means the world to Mike and Me.    And that brings me to the point of today’s message…   Mike and I were having one of those serious business discussions that happen from time to time during the growth of a business.    Yeah, the one that starts with – this is very good, but how the heck will we get this all done? Quickly followed up with, how are we going to go from where we are now to where we believe it can be and want it to be?    Now take what I just said and apply it to just about any situation or endeavor in your life where you want accomplish, achieve, build something.    We all know you don’t just show up one day and you’re instantly awarded top prize. It takes time. In most cases, a whole lot it.    It takes a ton of practice. Day after day. Rain or shine.    It takes sacrifice, discipline, and commitment; mind, body and spirit to do the many, not so fun things, repeatedly, because it won’t get done if you don’t do it.     After one of sports greatest upset in the 20th century, World Champion boxer, Muhammad Ali said, “The fight is won or lost far away from the witnesses. Behind the lines. In the gym and out there on the road, long before I danced under the lights.”   Boy oh boy, isn’t that the truth?!? Everyone wants to focus on how to do the performance - the thing that gets all the attention.    But the performance is made possible and determined by all the things that happen when no attention is being payed. No cameras, no fanfare, no publicity, no social media followers, no name recognition.    Just you, a goal, skill, dream that’s easy to be excited about at the beginning, but will require relentless effort and consistent work to become something more.    It’s not sexy. It’s rarely easy. And it will require your best, especially when you don’t feel like it.    Life altering note: The days you don’t feel on top of your game (e.g. tired and tested) will be many, but it’s those days where the greatest differences are made.    It is what you do Before the game begins that determines whether you win or lose when the lights are on and the audience is watching.    Get Up! Show Up! Keep Doing It! ✅✅✅   You are Wonderfully Made,   Brock    P.S. A New Year is directly ahead. Now, and the next few days, is an outstanding time to checkin with your heart and head. Deciding on what you are going to do and where you’ll be this time next year.    If this message was helpful to you, please think of a friend and share it with them. We’ve got a lot of purposeful work ahead of us and I know this community can be a light to many. 🌟

Today, I’m coming to you as your travel agent. Not only to ensure successful arrival to the destination, but that you enjoy the journey along the way. 😊   Sharing three directions that can absolutely Revolutionize and Transform your life.    Travel far - You’ve heard the phrase ‘Travel the second mile’, right? It’s interesting to know that phrase relates back to the ancient days when it was rule and law in act of service to ‘walk one mile’ with someone that asked you to do so.    But, to walk the second mile, it was done so voluntarily, without obligation. They had no right to ask that of you, nor did you have to do it.    Hence the wise words encouraging us to travel the second mile with people. To go where most wouldn’t, and won’t.    In rule and law the road is busy, filled with many people fulfilling their obligation. Doing the minimum and only what is required.    However, the second mile is greatly less traveled. No traffic congestion. Thinned out with far fewer people. People doing More after ‘enough’ (the obligatory minimum) is done.    Travel light - when you are climbing to the top of a mountain, you certainly have to travel light. There’s no room for negativity. You can’t afford to carry burdens and disappointments. You can’t dwell on past hurts or mistakes. You must let go of everything that can weigh you down, slow you up, and hinder your ability to reach the top.    Lose the ‘baggage’, keep short accounts, and let it go.    Travel the High road - Be kind to those that are not kind to you. Turn the other cheek. Not that you are to be naive and become a pushover. But, remember the amazing Grace you have received from God.    Do your best to give that to others. Always value people. Make love your motivation for action.   Don’t give the devil the chance to steal your joy with anger and resentment.   “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” Luke 6:28 KJV   Travel Far, Travel Light, Travel the High road.     I assure you of this - Your Greatest Life is found there.   Brock    P.S. We are here to help others shine. A great and effective way to do that is show them the way, out of love and service, and to travel the second mile with them. 

Do you feel like you are waiting for something extraordinary to happen in your life?    For instance, I’ve sometimes found myself repeatedly checking my email with a vague sense of hope. Hope for what, exactly, am I expecting to pop up, is what I have to ask myself.    Answer - I’m not sure, but I’m hoping for something new. A breakthrough or a win of some kind.    Some good news from someone. I don’t want to miss it and want something extraordinary to happen.   Can you relate or am I alone in this?     Giving myself the benefit of not being crazy, I bet you can.    I think we are all checking for some news. Out of habit even. Mindlessly doing it. Mechanically reaching for our phones, hoping, and looking for something.     I believe we are all waiting, all yearning for something that can and will change everything.    Something remarkable, indeed, that makes us, finally, amazingly significant and completely secure.    Here’s the million dollar question: What if that extraordinary something has already happened?    I mean, could it be, we are waiting for something that has already happened to us?🤔   What if we knew the Creator of heaven and earth, the King of Kings, wanted to be with us, wanted us in His family, in His home forever?   What if the King of Kings wanted you so badly that He would give up His only son to be with you?     To have His son bear all our pains, and transgressions. Stand in our place and endure underserved, brutal, and deadly punishment for our wrongdoings.    He not only allowed it, but provided us direct access, through His son and the Holy Spirit, to Him whenever we want. With the desire that we talk to Him often.    He’s not asking us to try harder, but trust that the work has already been done to bring us into His family. He wants to spend eternity - His Eternity with us!    If we are mindful of this, and you truly believe it, how does this not leave us positively shocked and joyful?    How does it not leave us less apt to take and keep offense, be easily hurt, and quick to judge others when we think they have done something wrong?    If we do believe it, we will be less apt to criticize, slower to anger, more forgiving, and more patient.    We will be known for being loving toward one another, because we have the resources to do just that.    We finally found what we’ve always wanted – significance and security from the only one who can really give us both.     A gift from the King of Kings.    If this is true, then our actions will point to the truth of Jesus and that we actually belong to Him. 🌟   And sure enough, in God’s word, Jesus turns to his followers and says the following about how people will know that we belong to Him…   “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34-35    Simply, Jesus says, believe in me and Love like me.    As we prepare to celebrate this Christmas season with friends, family, and in some cases, people we barely know, may your heart, mind, and spirit be centered and anchored on the truth of Jesus. His Hope, Peace, Promise and Love.    The love (extraordinary gift) of our Heavenly Father.    Merry Christmas to you and yours.   I hope this Christmas week, and especially Christmas Day, you experience rest and great joy found in peace that God offers.    Sweet Blessings,    Brock    Credit: This message was inspired from the incredible book by Brandt Hansen titled: UNoffendable. An outstanding read for everyone. 

Operation Redemption is a new book, available now, written by our very good friend, Paul Hevesy.     This is a compelling story of four archangel warriors called to a most important and dangerous mission. A mission to ultimately save and redeem the world.   A must read that will take you on a thrilling adventure that will have you consider the spiritual world around us. The constant battles that we can not see, but have surely felt at times in our lives.    An epic story of dark forces of evil plotting to kill and destroy versus the light of God – the Creator and Author of life.    This is an excerpt from Chapter 2 of Operation Redemption: The Creator’s Plan   “Gabriel?” “I’m here,” the archangel said, kneeling before the Creator. “It is time.” “Time?” “For a baby to be born,” the Creator spoke softly. He continued, “The life of this child is to be protected at all costs.” “Who is this child?” asked Gabriel. “Your time of understanding will soon come. For now, you are to assemble your greatest team of angelic warriors. Not for their strength and might only but, first, for their stealth.” “Stealth?” Gabriel asked.   “Yes, their ability to operate undetected behind enemy lines while armed to protect humans is critical,” the Creator answered.   “I understand,” the archangel replied.   The Creator continued, “The enemy knows nothing of the significance of this child, and neither will your team. Not until the appropriate time. But the child’s life is, as is all of humanity, surrounded by evil. And the life must be fully protected.”   “When?” “Soon. Assemble your team and await further instructions.”    “What is the message to our chosen forces?” asked Gabriel, knowing his teams were always curious and ready to fight. The opportunity to pursue the enemy behind enemy lines in the earthly realm is the hope of every angelic warrior.   “To protect the child and to do so undetected by the fallens. That is all they need to know. For now, the less they know about the child, the better for them. They must only fight the fallens to defend the child’s life and to otherwise protect one another.”   “Where?” asked Gabriel, now understanding there were to be no more intrusive questions regarding the mission. He trusted the Creator wholeheartedly and knew he would be told everything he needed at just the right time.   “Nazareth.”   And so it began….   We have a wonderful treat for our dulci sweets community.   The first 10 customers to order a Trio of their choice will receive a signed copy of Operation Redemption as a free gift from us - $21.95 value.   Making any of our world famous Trios an even more special Christmas gift for a loved one this year.   Merry Christmas,   Brock & Mike    P.S. Two main places to order your copy…Amazon or Shopify for a personalized and signed copy 😊

One of the main reasons Mike and I started dulci sweets is to celebrate and support organizations dedicated to doing good work for others and our world.    Our slogan, “Goodness Created to be shared” does not only refer to our products, but this very purpose as well – highlighting Good people doing Good things that make a positive difference.    One of those organizations is Comfort Cases, a foster care nonprofit, founded in 2013, whose mission is to eliminate the demoralizing use of a black trash bag for a child’s suitcase as they are transported from one facility to another.    They do this by providing each of the thousands of youth entering the foster care system with Comfort Cases.    Comfort Cases are backpacks with essential and comfort items for the first few days youth enter foster care The cases are age- and gender- specific bags with the following essentials and comfort items: pajamas, blankets, toiletries, journals, books, pens, coloring books, crayons and stuffed animals.   This past weekend I had the privilege of packing several comfort cases for children in Ohio. This coming weekend I’ll pack more for children in West Virginia.   In a combined effort with Orangetheory Fitness studios in Ohio and West Virginia, over 1,600 comfort cases will be packed from the donations totaling $72,197. The members of those incredible communities made that happen in a two week campaign.    This speaks very loudly to me and serves as a wonderful reminder.    First, for what can be accomplished when people come together. When we contribute our time, talent, resources, amazing things happen.   Second, never underestimate the value and impact a seemingly ‘small’ item can make. Whether it’s a dollar, a single backpack, a gift, or a smile.    No contribution and effort is too small.    Third, we are called to be our brothers keeper. To love one another as ourselves. And, of course, to love God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind, with all our strength.   That love and light is activated and shines brightest when we give to others. When we focus on the needs of others.    Whether it’s the moment a child in foster care is given their very own, brand new, comfort case, or a person receives a dulci sweets trio with our signature box that reads upon opening - You Are Worthy, both have the opportunity to change the trajectory of their life.    Disclaimer - I’m not saying both items are equal in necessity and the immediate need the contents fill.    What I am referring to is the heart, attitude, and feeling they provide to the recipient. Telling them they do matter. They are not forgotten. They are loved.   When you really ponder it, most often times, it was something simple as a small ‘gift’ in a tough moment that much fruit resulted from.    It sparked a change in attitude. It provided possibilities. Softened the heart and filled it with love and hope.   And that’s when amazingly good things can happen.   Key takeaway:  Don’t discount yourself as insignificant or minimize your efforts as being small and unnoticeable. You have no idea who someone may turn out to be later in life.    You don’t realize how your seemingly small touch of God’s love may result in magnificent eternal fruit.    Every person is important — and it’s our job to take the love and hope of Jesus to as many people as possible and to draw them to His saving power, especially at Christmastime!   Sweet Blessings,   Brock    P.S. A good example is worth twice as much as good advice. Let your Actions do the talking. 

“Thanks for making me feel important.”   That’s the phrase that a friend of mine recently said to me after a visit.  And it made me think; what did I do to accomplish that and how many others need to feel that way?   It also made me think of the scene in the movie Jerry McGuire, where Tom Cruise (Jerry) walked Cuba Gooding Jr (Rod Tidwell) through the lobby.  Remember that scene?   Rod was Jerry’s only other client.  He was up for a contract re-negotiation, and he was feeling down, neglected, and undervalued.    Ever feel like that? I have.     Well, we know what happened, Jerry took him aside and walked the conference room floor.  He introduced him to any and everyone he could.  When the conversation turned to Jerry or someone else, Jerry brought the attention right back to Rod.  Rod was in the spotlight!   Think about this: How many times are we wanting to be in the spotlight?  Are we wanting to feel important; be valued, feel worthy, appreciated, and loved?     All the time right!     But how often have we made the conscious decision to bring those feelings to someone else?     I say purposefully, because it goes against our self-serving nature to serve others.     We seek comfort and pleasure for ourselves, but rarely seek it for others.     You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want. -Zig Ziglar   So today, and in this season of giving; remember that your words and actions will affect someone in one way or another.    You have the power to share light, hope and value, or the power to snuff out the light of another.     Choose to focus on the former.    Reach out and let them know they are worthy, valued and loved.  Let them know you are better because of them and that they matter.   Therefore encourage one another and build each other up… 1 Thessalonians 5:11   All the best,   Mike   P.S. Today is ‘Giving Tuesday’ -  a movement that encourages generosity. Generosity is more than a gift to others. It’s a reflection of your heart. 

Every day is a season to be grateful. Of course this week brings it to the forefront as we celebrate Thanksgiving. The start of the most wonderful, and my personal favorite, time of the year.    I find it to be one of the few times in the year that I purposefully slow down, take many deep breaths, and reflect on all that God has blessed me and my family with.   This includes the trials and hardships we have endured and overcome. Not just the sweet and beautiful. Which, by the way, is what dulci means in latin.    Happiness is an inside job. And at the root of it is gratefulness.    Starts in the heart, confirmed in the mind. Lives out in our daily actions. Not only what you see, but the perspective and depth for how you choose to look at it.    Meaning, when things aren’t going your way, and current circumstances are unpleasant, do you commit yourself to praise and not complaint?   Resolve to take the long-term view and be patient? Resolve to rejoice whatever the circumstances?    Commit yourself to faith, even when there is no fruit…   “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19 ESV   The exquisite feeling of Happiness can begin whenever you want, wherever you want, because it has nothing to do with things.    Happiness is an ART, not an Accident.   Happiness is as much a Cause for Success as Results are.    Having More is not the key to happiness.    Happiness is not a product of the things you have. Having more does not guarantee more happiness.    Happiness is not something you can withdraw from a bank account. It something you withdraw from life, and those around you.    There’s nothing wrong about wanting more for ourselves and those we love, but it doesn’t mean we have to experience less of life’s treasure, because, at the moment, we have less.    Don’t miss the great gift provided in the now, that enables you to appreciate the greater blessings when they come to you later.    If we cannot learn to be Happy with what we have now, then we will never be happy, no matter how much good fortune that comes our way in the future.    A clean house and tidy life might sound nice. Or maybe, a ‘messy’ house, that’s lived in and full of love, is far better.   I think the ‘messes’ in our lives are the blessings God has given us.    From the Meadows and McPherran family to yours, Have a most grateful and blessed Thanksgiving.   Brock     P.S. It’s never too late to share your gratitude. ===> Send a Thanksgiving ‘grateful’ package today. Choose one, two or send a Trio of chocolates to let them know how much you care. 

November 15th is the 319th day of the year. Only Six weeks remain in 2022. 😲   Does that excite you because that means the holiday season is soon approaching or rattle you a bit because that means the holiday season is soon approaching? 😊   I’m just having a little fun with you.    The real question I have for you today does pertain to the final six weeks of the year.    How do you plan to finish it?   Do you have goals and targets yet to achieve. Do you  plan to operate with fierce focus and urgency? Or are you feeling accomplished and plan to take it easy and coast the remainder of the way?    Disclaimer – What I’m about to share does not include the time (few days, maybe a week for some) that we’ll surely slow down, rest, and enjoy wonderful moments with our family and friends.    As of the latest reported number I could find (December 2021) there has been a total of 6,014 different people that have climbed Mount Everest and reached the summit.   To accomplish that incredible feat, was no doubt a pinnacle in their life. An ultimate trophy to be able to say that you climbed the highest Mountain available to mankind.   Very cool.    And none of us have to climb it to understand just how difficult that climb would be.     It is an arduous climb and no doubt requires the very best of you to make it to the top.    A common statement from those that have done it, is that the climb forces you to look deep inside yourself and figure out if you really have the physical as well as the mental toughness to push when you want to stop.    To continually hit your wall and continually breakthrough it.    There are a thousand reasons to turn around and quit and only one to keep going…Because you said you would.   Now, here’s the main fact and lesson of this message.   Get this – all the deaths that have occurred over an 80 year period of time, 73% of them occurred not going up but, coming down.    The descent going down is 4.8 times more dangerous than the ascent going up.    Why?… because when you are climbing up you are fully in the struggle.    The struggle has your full attention and as a climber, you’re forced to focus, forced to dig deep inside yourself,  forced to push yourself.     But on the decent, you can relax. After all, you made it, right? The goals was achieved.    You lose focus.    You aren’t summoning all that you have, and you get lazy.    Your adrenaline is lower and your concentration is less acute.    You let complacency sit in or allow for overconfidence and that is where more deaths occur.    This happens in your life as well.  it’s easy to pay attention to your kids when they’re in a crisis or give your spouse the attention they need when you are hit with the “we have to talk” line.    It’s easy to cut sugar and carbs out of your diet when you get diagnosed with diabetes.    It’s easy to cut costs when you’re a month away from losing your business, because you business is running out of money and can’t make your bills.    If they only kept doing what they did to create the success while they were successful, they’d not only sustain success, but have it multiplied on itself.    What I want to suggest to you hear this morning:   Be as vigilant when times are good as when they are bad. Keep your focus, keep digging deep, keep pushing yourself, Always!   The best time to repair the roof is when it’s sunny outside. When it starts to rain it’s too late, but often that is the only time people wake up to the repair their house.    As Warren Buffet said, “when the tide goes out, you get to see who’s been swimming naked.”    If you are not improving you are falling behind.    Remember, while the ascent is thrilling and adrenaline filled, it is the decent, when the pressure is off, where 73% of people fall to their death.    Stay vigilant. Celebrate and appreciate the wins. But, don’t remain idle or overly comfortable too long.    We are not made that way. We are not called to act that way. The good book provides many references to that very truth.     “Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man” – Proverbs 24:32 - 34   Don’t allow the good times to lull you to sleep and put a hole in your roof. Be Grateful, but not complacent.    Don’t lose focus and fall off the mountain.   Here’s to finishing the year strong, focused and intentional as if the ‘rent’ is due each and every day.    Because….It is.    Brock    P.S. It’s the season of GIVING, GENEROSITY, and GRATITUDE. Our many chocolate gift options offer a meaningful way to say “Thank you”, provide comfort, and let them know you care. 

Today Is Mighty Important. 🗳🇺🇸   It is a fought for privilege, our constitutional right, and our God, Family, Country and Community loving Responsibility to cast our vote to uphold the values we know and wholeheartedly believe are vital to America’s future.    Our country needs and deserves leaders that believe in the importance of each of those four core and essential values.    That understands that without God, Family, Country and Community we are a nation lost without structure and meaning.    Independent of one another, disconnected, mindlessly living life without rules, laws and only out for personal gain above all else.   Extremely sad, but that reality is showing through in our country today.    Good news is Today is The Day your voice will be heard. I pray the results of our votes will make a resounding statement – loud and clear.    Friday is another important day for all us to know and honor. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸   For without the service and sacrifice of incredibly brave and selfless men and women, that too, love our country, we would not have the opportunities or comforts of life that we have had all of our living years.    Those men and women deserve our best - Always.    Let it not be you or me that overlook or minimize their service. Taking our freedoms for granted. Behaving as if it owed to us.   Excusing people that would dishonor and disrespect what the people in our military services have done and do on a daily basis to protect and defend us; you, me, our friends and family.    Honoring our Veterans is not political. One’s political views should not interfere with the understanding of the tremendous service and price required to do it successfully.    So please join me today being Intentional with your words and actions. Seek out the Veterans you know and honor them.    No matter what branch, where they served, when they served, or if they engaged in battle(s) or not.    Simply tell them Thank You! We love and appreciate the work you have done for the citizens of this country.    Without it, our lives would be starkly different.    God Bless The U.S.A.,   Brock    P.S. Let us Stand Up and make our voice heard.

I’m not sure who this is for, perhaps all of us, but it kept popping up on me the past couple weeks. More than usual, so I believe I have to share it…   Be A Force For Good In Every Room and Opportunity You Walk Into.    If you have been a part of this community for more than a few weeks, you know I’m a pretty passionate, purpose-driven person.    I know growth and comfort can not coexist. Change means discomfort. Progress means disruption.    In today’s world, we will live in a constant state of NEW, Change, Progress.   That’s true and I get it. But, not everything needs to be changed. Not all things cleverly titled as ‘progress’ are really progress, but progressive with the intent to cause harm.    Like the ole saying goes, don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.    There are many foundational truths that need and should remain unchanged.    (Hint) That’s why they’re referred to as “foundational truths”.     At this moment I’m specifically talking about the behaviors and actions we apply towards one another.  The manner in which we should speak to one another and how we treat one another - with dignity and respect.    And we should NOT be tolerant and accepting of anything less than.    For if we ignore or excuse them, choosing to ‘look the other way’ – people will continue to do it and our ‘quietness’ will allow it to continue.    Sadly, I recently witnessed an onslaught of some of the most disgusting and disrespectful behavior of kids ages 10 - 13 in different sport settings. From how they spoke and acted to opponents, kids on their own team, yelling at referees, screaming at parents, absolutely losing their minds when things didn’t go their way.    I can hear and see you now, “Brock, we’ve all seen it. Nothing new. It’s where we are today with many kids.”    But, NO! It’s not okay.     As one item connects to another, like a line of dominos, a great cause to the above mentioned effect, is the outright attack on Marriage and Family.    I remember reading this statement, “If I could put the man and the woman back together, I could put the world back together.’    Marriage and family life are hugely important. They are part of God’s natural order, and are a vital part of the fabric of society.    A strong society depends on strong families and strong families depend on strong marriages.    Pope John Paul II once wrote that family is the ‘foundation’ of society and ‘nourishes’ society continually.   The point I’m trying to share is that there is…   Right and wrong. Good and bad. Light and darkness.    There always has been and there always will be.    However, moral standards, ethical principles, codes of conduct do matter and they are necessary in society to direct appropriate behaviors, support positive change, and guide healthy progress.   Treating people with dignity and respect, and honoring marriage and family will never be outdated. It never, ever should be.    To compromise and modify our beliefs and change our morals is NOT something we need to do.    Regardless of what the world around us is doing, we must decide to stand firm in the truth, even if it means we must put up with being called too traditional and stuck in the past.    And we need to stand strong to defend them appropriately with great fervor.    Let us wake up. Do not go quietly in the night. Keep our head on straight. Strengthen what remains.   Be a force for good,    Brock   P.S. Let us be good examples, doing our best to be our best. 

I can only imagine what a person can accomplish when they apply their full effort into getting better everyday.    When they define what Success means to them, their life, their family, and the positive difference they want to make in the world around them.    The growth, impact, and influence a person can experience with a decided heart committed to progress, not perfection.    Never settling, resisting complacency, finding pain in stagnation, and always challenging themselves to become more.   Blocking out the noise, rejecting excuses, and putting up ‘guardrails’ to eliminate distractions.    I can only imagine the reward that is produced when having a decided heart, and relentless resolve to persevere - without exception.    The joy and happiness that comes from judging the success of a day – based on the seeds you sow, not the harvest you reap.    Fulfillment received adding value to others and helping them find and pursue their greatness.    I can only imagine what can happen when you allow your dreams to inspire you, but your daily work to excite you.    For if one is honest with themselves, focused and Intentional with their giftedness, time, resources, and heart...   Life Will Be MORE than You could ever IMAGINE 💯👊🏼🙌🏼   And is truly worth the price of consistency, commitment, and the hard work required to achieve it.    I know this. Believe it. Promise it!    We are right here beside you – encouraging you and cheering for you every step along the way.    Live life at full strength,   Brock    P.S. I can not only imagine, but am seeing it before my eyes, the Force for Good this community is Together.    P.S.S. Have a most fun and joyful Halloween Weekend. 🎃👻 Be sure to share your favorite dulci sweets chocolates with your neighbors too. 😊

This is a story of two friends out for a long mountain hike.    During the hike, the friends had an argument. One friend slapped the other in the face.    The one on the receiving end was hurt, but without saying a word, wrote in the sandy path - “Today, my best friend slapped me in the face.” 😳   The two friends continued forward until they came to an area where the river had pooled and decided to stop and rest.  As they waded into the refreshing pool the friend that was previously slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning.    But, his friend saved him.    After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone - “Today, my best friend saved my life.”    The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked, “after I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now, after I saved you, you write on a stone. Why?”   The other friend replied, when someone hurts us we should write it down in the sand where the winds of forgiveness can erase it away.    When someone does something good for us we should and must engrave it in stone. Where no wind can ever erase it. 🌟   Lessons within:   ✅ It’s good to have a great friend to “slap” you in the face every once in a while. In the moments you weren’t your best and they tell you the truth to set you straight. And that same friend to “rescue you from drowning” in the very same day.    ✅ It would be naive to say the “slaps” don’t hurt. Of course they do. You are human.    However, resentment, hurt, disappointments need to be written in the sand. Don’t etch it on your heart. Let the winds of forgiveness eventually erase the hurt away.    ✅ Make sure to get this straight. A slap…write it on sand. A rescue…stone, not sand.    Many can get this backwards and when they do, it will cause unnecessary strife and possible tragedy.    We have all been wronged by another person – It stings.    Many of us have experienced hurt, setbacks, disappointments, financial struggles, despair, and relationship challenges. No fun in those either.   ✅ But, forgiveness is far more about us than it is those that hurt us. 💯   We must not forget that the enemy does everything to Keep us from our best that God has planned for us.    Forgiveness is a wonderful and freeing example of Faith in Action to counteract the enemies plan to keep us bound.   ✅ Don’t allow bitterness to rob you of your joy.   Sometimes you have to shake it off. You can’t carry a grudge. Let it go.    Let us give the same grace that has been given to us to those that offend/slap us.    With Love and Compassion,   Brock    P.S. It’s a wonderful gift to have a true friend in life that will give you a big hug around your neck and kick in the butt when you need it. Even if in the same day.    P.S.S. Those kind of friends deserve the best chocolates too (hint)😉 Have you ordered the New Crispy Cookies and Chocolate and Caramel covered Stir Spoons? Tis the season. 

Whatever you have in front of you today, you’ve got this.    See the good and add to it.    Be encouraged and grateful.    If you’d like some inspiration, be sure to take some time to stop what you’re doing, push away from the desk, step out of the busyness of the normal, and step in to the beautiful world around you.    The fall season we are entering provides much to see and spectacular reminders of God’s awe-inspiring creation.    The air is crisp and refreshing.    The trees are lighting up the landscape and ablaze with full color.   At sunrise and sunset, the sun’s stunning warmth and shine is on full display as it illuminates the trees on the hilltops.   The night time skies are often clear and beaming with light from a glorious moon and stars above.    Football season is in mid swing. Even better if your team is winning.     Kids outdoor sports are happening in near perfect conditions.   Time with friends and family around the fire pit, quality conversations, s’mores with dulci sweets chocolates, plus the NEW Crispy Cookies, Almond Turtles, and Brock Bites on the side.   A cup of coffee with a dulci sweets NEW chocolate and caramel covered stir spoon slowly melting to make it the perfect cup. Or a terrific glass of wine with your chocolate, if you prefer….   That’s a lot of goodness. And that’s just in a single day, that thankfully can be experienced many times over throughout the glorious fall season.    Are you tracking with me so far? Visualizing your fall scene with great detail.   Pretty gratefully awesome, right?!?    Gratefulness starts in your mind, and resides in your heart. It is fueled by the things we see, feel, smell, touch, and choose to focus on.    There’s no doubt darkness exists in our world. Many things are broken and concerning. But, God Is Good, and there is greater goodness, beauty, light and truth in our world to overcome it.    Just re-read the short list of items above and allow it to ignite your senses to notice it with more clarity, peace, and joy.    It’s not that we’re hiding our heads in the sand; we’re simply obeying the Lord as we focus on what is good, and we display an attitude of thanksgiving/gratefulness in everything.    You and I must turn our eyes toward the good in our lives and away from the foul things that try to hold our focus – and choose to be grateful.    Gratefully here with you,   Brock    P.S. Take a walk today. Disconnect to connect. Be intentional with your focus. Soak it up. Be thankful and share it with others.  P.S.S. Don’t forget this coming Saturday, October 15th is Sweetest Day! A great opportunity to share a sweet lift with a loved one, with the perfect chocolate gift. Bosses and mentors too. Sunday, the 16th is Boss’s Day. A chance to show your appreciation to your current boss and/or anyone who has served as a mentor in your career.