Weekly Messages

My youngest turned 11 today.  And though that is hard to believe, it’s even harder knowing my oldest will turn 18 this year.  Looking back, it doesn’t seem that it should be here already and then of course I sound like my parents when I think (time moves so fast). Not surprising when you think about it… We live in a world and in an age that has everything available at your fingertips.  We can answer questions, translate languages and research projects from the palm of our hands in a matter of seconds, at any moment, of any day.  We have expedited shipping, fast food, fast cars, planes and trains that travel over 200mph on the normal and we get irritated when any of those fast avenues are delayed. Admit it.  How many of us are irritated when the drive thru doesn’t have our order instantaneously at the window when we arrive?  I mean, they have all of 30 seconds to prepare for our arrival.  Not to mention the fact that, if we had to prepare a meal at home it would take no less than 15-20 mins—even if it was packaged as “already cooked”, or up to an hour for uncooked. But that two minutes we must wait for our order puts us in bad mood.  We are in a hurry in traffic to get someplace, and equally in a hurry to return home.  We complain that our internet is too slow and the sermon is too long. And we have lost our appreciation for time. It takes nine months for a baby to develop in their mother’s womb and up to five years for some trees to bear fruit, but we want everything now. I’m not certain this is the way God intended it.  The prettiest flowers take months to grow and bloom.  A well-manicured lawn, the same. But that is after you have taken the time to rid the beds/yard of weeds, stones and bad soil.  Then you till, fertilize and cultivate the existing soil before you plant and water.  This is a slow and hard process, but one that reaps great rewards. In our candy world, some recipes CANNOT be rushed (believe me I have tried) and in those moment of rushing the process, the candy doesn’t taste the same.  It’s not as pure or flavorful or it doesn’t hold shape, melts in your hand or ends up in the trash.  But when we take our time, follow the recipe and trust the process, it produces amazingly flavorful candy that we love. There is an appreciation for those things that develop over time.  Think about the aroma of a cherry pie that has been baking in the oven; versus a microwave “cherry” substance from McDonald’s or the freezer section at the grocery store.  The calm of sitting around a campfire with friends or family.  Those days at Grandma’s house helping bake cookies in the kitchen.  Or those nights you stayed up talking with a friend or family member.  These are the moment’s that matter and don’t last. They are the moments that are not rushed or planned, but are pure, wholesome and simple.  And in looking back, you would give anything to have them back. So today take a moment to sit, relax and be present with someone.  Turn off the distractions, listen to the quiet and laugh about times past.  Enjoy the time spent now, because it really does go by fast. Recognize the special moments, Mike

Did you know people with a positive attitude have a special ability?  We’ve all heard of the “downward spiral,” that slippery slope many fall prey to when crisis comes and their ability to deal with whatever life throws their way goes out the window. It seems people who maintain a positive attitude have learned a special power to create an “upward spiral.” Barbara Fredrickson, a positive psychology researcher at the University of North Carolina, suggests that positive emotions have the uncanny ability to “create improved psychological and physical well-being over time.” It’s exactly what the Bible teaches!  "A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired." Proverbs 17:22 MSG So when you notice you are heading toward a downward spiral, remember, the upward spiral is possible. When you’re feeling down, look up! And think of these tips for a more positive attitude: Attitude Is Everything!!!  Cultivate an "I will not be denied mindset." “Don’t look to your weaknesses, look to your Strengths.” ~ Paul J. Meyer “Don’t look to your problems, look to your power.” ~ Paul J. Meyer Remember, you are important and needed.  Everyone you meet needs a smile and some loving words. Shine as Lights in the world, Brock P.S. We are more than a company that makes extraordinary chocolates. This is a movement reminding us that God, Family, Country, and Community are values that should be upheld and celebrated. We hope you'll Share the Goodness by sending this message to a friend and encourage them to join the community. 

When you see something wrong, Do something about it. Mike and I were most unsettled with the obvious attacks on Christian values. The nuclear family. Devaluing of the patriarch. Utter chaos promoting lawlessness and selfishness... Do whatever you want, however you choose, without consideration of others or fear of consequences. The recent noise and madness has been beyond absurd. Being a father, a husband, a self-employed, small business owner for 25 years, where no one ever gave me anything, and I have worked my tail off to be fortunate to have had some success. And of most importance, a child of God, save by his grace, not by my works, I could no longer sit back and do nothing. To be honest, a chocolate company was never in my plans. People that know me at all, are as surprised as I am that Mike and I created Dulci Sweets, Co.  But that tells me two significant things: God’s plans are greater than ours. If you are seeking him and open to him he will prepare you for good things beyond your imagination. Once a person identifies Purpose, they can be set on fire to accomplish the assignment they have been given. YES, we do make the the finest handmade, chocolate favorites, using  time-tested family recipes, that are exceptional in quality and flavor that brings a smile to your face and joy in your heart.  Goodness gracious are they exceptionally amazing. However, we do so with a most meaningful message of hope, love, and joy.  A message that encourages and celebrates Faith, Family, Country, Community. Letting people know they are Worthy, Valued, and Appreciated.  Life is tough. Challenges are not fun, and they are inevitable. We are children of God. Man and Women. Son and Daughter. Not a pronoun of your choosing based on how you feel at the moment. With principles and values that have made our country the greatest in the history of our world, and are worth fighting for. We are committed to being a shining light in what is often a dark and difficult world. Those are the core reasons for why we exist and why we say,  Dulci Sweets is Goodness Created to be shared. Fight the good fight, Brock  P.S. We are more than a company that makes extraordinary chocolates. This is a movement reminding us that God, Family, Country are values that should be upheld and celebrated. Not diminished and destroyed. We hope you'll Share the Goodness by sending this message to a friend and encourage them to join the community.  P.S.S. The next time you want to buy chocolates I hope you recall the reasons we exist and choose to purchase from Dulci Sweets. 

As it relates to Time, there’s great wisdom gained through years of living that teaches how precious it truly is. You begin to understand and appreciate how it is the single most valuable, non-renewable resource we have. For me, the image that burns vividly in my mind is that of the hourglass. That simple visual of the sand at the top, flowing through the small connection and falling to the bottom helps bring urgency and value to not only the day I’m in, but the moment too. An immediate reminder that TODAY MATTERS - GREATLY! Today is a gift. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Have you heard the saying, “we over-exaggerate yesterday, we over-estimate tomorrow and we underestimate today”? Dang…isn’t that so true? You might want to read that again and reflect for a minute on how you approach your priorities and plans. Who and what you value most. When and how you spend your time. To those points, the hourglass metaphor further illustrates three primary lessons: 1. No one knows how much “sand” is at the top. 2. You can’t stop the sand from flowing. 3. Once the sand is at the bottom you can never give it back. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 For today is a wonderful gift. It is the day and moments you have been given. Be intentional. Choose to make it GREAT! Brock

Building upon the previous blog post - "Make It your Best Year Yet" (Be Where Your Feet Are), you might want to print this one out.   The gift of starting a new year is that it reminds us that we all get a Fresh Start. Forget the past. What is done is done. Nothing good comes from regret and bitterness. Stop beating yourself up for falling short or missed opportunities. Instead, focus your mind and effort towards today and the future. Welcome the new year with faith, confidence, and commitment that in this new year you will accomplish every dream, goal, and desire that God has put in your heart to accomplish over the next 12 months! Print these verses to help you stick to the purpose God gave you... But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:15 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 Let's do this! Happy new year! Mike & Brock, Founders P.S. Amazing chocolate and inspiring words. Help us Share the Goodness. Send this to a friend and encourage them to join the community. 

If you have goals for the New Year or plan to establish them soon or at any time in your life, you definitely should read this. For those that don’t exactly know just yet, and/or are brand new to our community, Dulci Sweets is far more than the finest handmade chocolates you’ll ever have. We are a very cool Chocolate company that has a mission to highlight and celebrate the Good and the Positive in the world. This is a movement to share joy, spread hope, and shine a light that uplifts people. Through real stories and meaningful messages that encourage them to See the Good, Be the Good, Do the Good. Now that Christmas is over, the majority of people begin to set their eyes towards the beginning of a new year. This typically means the creation of New Year’s Resolutions. Goals, dreams, wishes and wants. Most articles, podcast, social media posts from just about everybody out there will include the same advice and common steps to goal setting. Take inventory and reflect on Where you are now. Where you want to be in a month, six month, next year. Answering the question; What will I do different? What will I do better? What held me back and tripped me up? What did I do well and must continue doing? All of which is solid and good. However, we all know the poor statistic that approximately 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail. So we are obviously missing something. Please allow me to offer one recommendation, one item, one focus, that if followed through with, will elevate all your goals and significantly increase your chances for success. Are you ready for it? BE WHERE YOUR FEET ARE! Have an undivided attention for THE MOMENT. Be Fully Engaged where you are, with who you are with, doing whatever it is in THAT MOMENT! Why is this the #1 action item? Because the #1 Threat to you being your best and living life to your full capacity is Distractions. Stop right now. Right where you are and think about what I just said. Heck, you most likely have received a text message, email or some notification on your phone since you began reading this. Distraction are EVERYWHERE! And our mobile devices are at the center of the majority of them. I did a Google search: Average number of time per day people touch their phones… Search Result =  2,617 per day. And this is “Average people” Apparently, according to recent research, for the top 10% of users, this number doubled to over 5,400 touches per day. If you’re still reading this, I’m confident you are above average :-) So, WOW! NO wonder we are overwhelmed, anxious, and fall short. We are not Fully Present, because We are distracted. We lack Faith. We are freaked out. When this happens we undoubtedly lose focus and willpower. We become susceptible to the random ‘winds’ of resistance and chaos. Make poor decisions and fall off the wagon. When we are not fully present we put ourselves in the position of  going through life wishing away what we have RIGHT NOW! “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” — Matthew 6:34 You can not experience anything GOOD where you are not present. And so often the absolute greatest moments are the small ones. Not the “big” on the mountain top moments we seem to wait for and only choose to be fully present for. Don’t miss what you have now, pursing what you want later. That, in and of itself is THE DISTRACTION. You can’t be happy and fulfilled where you are not! You can’t be a great friend. An engaged mom or dad. A loving spouse…if you are not, in THIS MOMENT, present. And if you're Not Present in the every day moments, how on earth will you achieve your great goals and dreams for the year ahead. May THIS thought, focus, and goal reside within you. Draw your mind to where you are. Be on Guard against distractions. BE WHERE YOUR FEET ARE PLANTED. Your Best Days are Now! Your Best Year Yet will be a result of it. Happy Best You and Best Year Yet, Brock & Mike

It’s been a long long year, and This Day, is The Day we can stop, take more than one deep breath, smell the fresh air, and take concentrated notice of the special people around us. Giving praise for what we have and who we have in our lives to share it with. Christmas is THE DAY! The day the entire world STOPS. In most towns across the country, stores are closed, even most fast food restaurants are not open. Of course, most people do not have to go in to work. The kids are out of school. The roads and freeways are not busy with traffic. It’s the Day we tend to think far more about others than ourselves. We slow down and hopefully realize the things that truly do matter. Experiencing a comforting and rejoicing peace. While the commercialization of Christmas has people stressed out, overwhelmed, running in many directions to keep pace with the hustle and bustle, it is THIS DAY, unlike any other, where you really can’t do much more. What is done is done….Exhale :-) That goes for the miraculous event that is The Entire Reason for This Day. It’s The Day We Celebrate The Light of The World. The birth of Jesus, Emmanuel, our God who is with us. How it all happened, who was there to witness it all. And of course, the Hope, Peace, Love and Wonderment of the greatest gift ever given to mankind...The birth of our lord & savior, Jesus Christ. O Come, Let Us Adore Him. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 Too often we forget what we have right in front of us because we are always focused on where we’re trying to get to and what's next. It's important to STOP once in awhile and be thankful for how far you have come, appreciate all you have accomplished, and enjoy the ones that have accompanied you on this journey. I hope this Christmas week, and especially Christmas Day, you experience rest and great joy found in peace that God offers. It is A Most Special Day I personally Don’t Want to End. May your heart, mind and spirit be FULL This Christmas Day! Merry Christmas! Brock

If you are reading this, I’m confident you agree that if WE, as a Community and Country, are going to make the necessary changes to not only uphold the values and principles that have made us Great, but KEEP them front and center to ensure WE DO NOT LOSE OUR WAY, We Must take care of OUR Children.

We are to Shine as Lights in the world. WHEN YOU DO SOMETHING KIND FOR SOMEONE ELSE - EVERYBODY WINS!!!