The Cocoa Tree For Kelsey

 

In America, when you're around one week away from a wedding, it's about that time where young women gather for what is called a bachelorette party. Kelsey and I were planning the night and knew that we wanted it to be something different. We knew a sleepover was a must but needed something else to fill the night. Originally we reserved a night at a beautiful lake house but that plan just wasn't meant to be. We thought maybe painting pottery, a place where you paint your own masterpiece; nothing seemed to fit. Nothing fit quite as well as what you call a "chocolate tasting." Rare, original, and tasty! Who could say no? I knew just the place!!!

So, I called some friends at The Cocoa Tree in Nashville, TN and set up a night to sample some fine cacao (pronounced kuh cow)! Sine this was the center of the evening, I prayed for the host to be congenial, energetic, and crossing my fingers; to love Jesus! You never know who you'll run in to in Nashville! 

We ate dinner a few miles away at P.F. Changs, and arrived precisely on time; fifteen minutes early of course! The closed sign was already turned over and we admired the cute patio decorations around us. It was a cool, fall, romantic evening where young couples were walking their abnormally small dogs around each corner. Then, as we were greeted by a nice, young gentleman, our visit began. We walk in, and can't help but crave a piece of heaven our mouths... CHOCOLATE all around! 

The surroundings were set up for success! Plates of truffles were cut into halves, little chocolate pellets were ready to be eaten, and glasses of water to cleanse our pallets. Then, Bethany Thouin. Bethany is the store owner who is in charge of each tasting. This beautiful woman began to explain the history of the store, her history with chocolate, songwriting, family, friends, and...our Lord! Little bits were coming out here and there that revealed we were one in Spirit. We began to explain that Shelley was home from seminary in Texas, Kelsey and I were pastor's wives, and the majority of us met at our college ministry. It became a small world as we knew friends from churches here and there. We then realized we got the deluxe treatment that night as we stayed for almost two and a half hours instead of the originally scheduled sixty minutes. Pure fellowship. We learned how to taste chocolate properly, how to savor it, and how to appreciate the bitter and the sweet in life. Savor each moment.

We learned so much about chocolate! Did you know that white chocolate has cocoa butter in it? That's why it is, my friends, still considered chocolate!! We also learned that Bethany's truffles are each inspired by her friends and family. They were amazing; even our friend Kelsey Cassidy, who claimed to not like chocolate was converted! Praise the Lord! If you look on the website here, you will see each explanation. It was so sweet to hear all these stories of friendship, love, and inspiration. 

Talk about inspiration... this woman is a genius! She taught herself how to craft chocolate! Aaaah!  I was sitting in the back of the room watching her every move, taking notes, and thinking, " I have to hang out with this woman!" I was lucky enough to get her cell phone number as she invited me to join her some time soon to learn more about the art of chocolate. (can you believe it?!?!?!?!?) Even though I love sweets and crafting them, I wasn't the only one inspired. Each of us was sitting there, soul to soul with this creative mentor. She spoke wisdom and blessings to our dear friend and bride. We were all moved. Kelsey spoke up and began to pray for this woman, her life, upcoming plans, and her family. It was incredible to feel the Spirit in the room. We were all filled with joy, laughter, blessings, and cocoa!! Definitely a divine evening, I can't imagine what the Lord has in store for Kelsey and Dwayne!

Just when we thought the night couldn't get any better, she began to explain another inspiration to a truffle; AMY GRANT!!! WE LOVE AMY GRANT! Also, Bethany told us that she almost cancelled the evening but God told her that she needed to come...so awesome God! Isn't that so cool? Needless to say, you have to experience this one-of-a-kind shop. You'll feel the blessings right as you walk in the door.