My "Real Age"

Ok, so I took a blogging break. I just couldn't bring myself to sit at the computer. Easter was crazy busy (but great) and then the kids were out of school the next 2 days. I also had 2 doctor's appointments.

Speaking of doctor's appointments, I FINALLY got to get my WHOLE body wet! Yeah! A shower never felt so good! My foot feels great, which is why the doctor told me to be careful. I feel like I can do more than is actually good for me. I'm still in the horrible big shoe and now I have a spacer between my big toe and the next. I have to wear a foot splint at night. (you cared to know all that, right?)

On my quest for total health (not just weight loss), I visited the website www.RealAge.com. You've probably heard of it, many books sold, on Oprah often, well respected doctors. I liked the site a lot. So I took the survey. I'm 41 years old according to my birthdate. I'm 48 years old according to my Real age! Wake up call! This is unacceptable. God gave me a perfectly well functioning body, capable of doing many things and working properly. I have got to treat it better! If I had taken this test a year ago, I bet I would've been my age or younger. A lot of healthy habits have slipped and a lot of stress entered my life. I gained 20 pounds. I went back to work. There have been a lot of changes. (yea, yea, whatever...quit making excuses Melissa and make the necessary changes to get your health back!)

OK, I will.

Seriously, it is my goal to be 38 by the end of June. :)

In my next post I'll get a little more specific about what my individual report said and the changes I can easily make.

Do you know your Real Age? If so, let me know (if you are so inclined to share).

No matter what your chronological, Real, or whatever age, you are beautiful and so am I.....yada yada yada! (just kidding on the yada part)

Blessed to be in a silly mood today (can you tell?)
Love,

Melissa

Dylan Draws the Winner

Here I am cutting up the many many names that posted over the past few weeks. Each time you posted, your name was written down.

And here is Dylan mixing up all the names.

He draws the winner!

And the winner is: Pearls:)

*pictured here on the left, with Renee Swope.


Congratulations Pearls! I'll get your information and get your prize in the mail to you. It's the devotion book, I'm Beautiful, Why Can't I See It? by Kimberly Davidson.

Thanks to everyone for sharing your struggles, encouragement, and suggestions for feeling beautiful, setting goals, staying on the path. I hope you will continue to visit and share. I'll keep posting and I'll keep hosting give aways. It's so fun!

I hope you had a great Easter. I could not help but get choked up during church today as we sang, "Christ our Lord is risen today...Allelujah!" He is alive and we are free.

Love,

Melissa

Drawing Tonight:)

Hi My Sweet Beautiful Friends,

I'll be tossing all the names around this afternoon. I'll check the blog once more and add any names and then draw around 5:00 pm. I'll post the winner shortly after that and happily mail you your prize on Monday:)

It has been so fun getting to know you and sharing our journeys on feeling beautiful. I pray our paths will continue to cross. I will not be posting quite as much, it's hard to post everyday! I haven't had as much time as I'd like to browse other blogs, like yours! But I will keep posting and I will be better at posting my personal progress.

Hey, speaking of personal progress, Michelle Bingham has started a new blog journaling her weight loss journey. It is really inspiring and such a great idea! You should check it out. She has posted many comments to this blog, just click her name in a previous comment section and check it out.

Ok, I'm off to an Easter Egg hunt. Hoping my kids will NOT find any Reese cups, as these are my big weakness! And jelly beans. And m and m's. And skittles. And.....:)

He is Risen!

Melissa

Last Day for Give Away:)

Ok, so I'm on way to the doctor yesterday and my cell phone rings. It's Hayden's (my 12 yr old) assistant principal. I think, "oh no, what's he done?" She says, "Mrs. Taylor, your son Hayden passed out in the cafeteria, you need to come to the school." Immediate prayer begins in my head and heart. I change my direction from my doctor to Hayden's school. I'm scared.

This is not the first time this has happened. When Hayden "passes out" it looks more like a seizure and he appears to be unconscious for about 30 seconds. 30 seconds is quick, but when it's your child laying there, it seems like forever. This is happening way too much lately.

Thankfully, Hayden is fine. Our doctor thinks he has a condition called Vasovagal Syncope, which really is just fainting. He has all the symptoms. When he passes out, there is always an event around it. Our family has a history of this with me, my husband, and 2 of my other kids...only when we faint, we are not unresponsive for so long and our eyes don't flutter and roll around. Hayden's reaction just looks scary. But we think he's okay. Just in case, however, we have an appointment with a cardiologist. I would treasure your prayers.

So, needless to say, I didn't post yesterday. If you checked in to leave a comment in an attempt to win the prize, I'm sorry. Post today. I'll probably try to get one more "beautiful" post in before I do the drawing. I'll do it tomorrow instead of today;) That's my style anyway.....just kidding.

Have a great day....Good Friday it is. And I don't want to take away from that. Please take time to read in your Bible what we are remembering and celebrating this weekend. Jesus died for us. He also rose from the dead for us. Allelujah!

Love,

Melissa

No Condemnation

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..." Romans 8:1

A somewhat familiar verse for many, but so hard to feel, believe, and grasp. Self condemnation just seems natural, don't you think? If you've read any of this blog at all, you see it in me. If I didn't keep my eyes fixed on God and remind myself all during the day of who I am in Christ, I'd beat my self to pieces with condemning thoughts and words.

As He seems to do a lot lately, God spoke directly to me this morning through my quiet time. I was reading from a devotion book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. This book was given to me just a few weeks ago from a Proverbs 31 Gather and Grow Group in Pennsylvania. They sent it to me after my foot surgery. This little book has a very short devotion for each day of the year. Today's was as if the author had been following me around, talked to God about it, and then wrote to me. Here is what March 19th's entry reads:

I SPEAK TO YOU FROM THE DEPTHS OF YOUR BEING. Hear me saying
soothing words of Peace, assuring you of My Love. Do not listen to voices of
accusation, for they are not from Me. I speak to you in lovetones, lifting you
up. My Spirit convicts cleanly, without crushing words of shame. Let the Spirit
take charge of your mind, combing out tangles of deception. Be transformed by
the truth that I live within you.

....Let my light shine in you;
don't dim it with worries or fears. Holiness is letting me live through you.
Since I dwell in you, you are fully equipped to be holy. Pause before responding
to people or situations, giving My Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words
and actions leave no room for Me; this is atheistic living. I want to inhabit
all your moments---gracing your thoughts, words, and behavior.

Hello! Lord, are you talking to me???? You knew I said unkind words to my husband last night? ("Pause before responding to people...giving My Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words and actions leave no room for Me.") You knew I was having trouble viewing myself as Your masterpiece? That I often feel down on myself, disappointed in myself, and call myself names? You knew my feelings had been hurt by someones comments? ("Do not listen to the voices of accusation, for they are not from Me...My Spirit convicts cleanly without crushing words of shame...Let the Spirit take charge of your mind, combing out tangles of deception.") Isn't it just amazing, the works of the Lord?!?!

This is not new. God's Word has done this before, but I still get so excited and amazed by it as if it were the first time. I know He loves me and I know He is real. He shows me that time and time again. Oh, thank You Jesus!

Do you have any God moments like this to share?

Have felt condemned recently? Do you believe it?

Do you know Jesus? Would you like to?

Give it to me beautiful girls. Let me hear from you if you feel like sharing today. God is good...oh so good. We know this. It's time we live like it!

You are so beautiful:) So am I:)

Love,

Melissa

God's Masterpiece...Who me?

You've got to be kidding me? If I didn't see it for myself in God's Word I wouldn't believe it. But, here it is:

For we are God's masterpiece, He created us anew in Christ Jesus so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

Wait a minute. This cannot be right. I don't feel like a masterpiece. I certainly don't look like a masterpiece. But this verse says I am a masterpiece. And not just anyone's masterpiece, but God's.

Masterpiece- showpiece; blockbuster, success; gem, jewel, prize, treasure...these are the synomyms (words that mean the same) for masterpiece.

God loves what He created, so shouldn't we too? I struggle so much not to get down on myself. I focus on what I do wrong more than what I do right. I look in the mirror, try on some clothes, compare myself to someone else and I feel just blah. Yea, blah. Like, what's special about me?

But that's not what my Creator thinks. He's up there saying, "Oh Melissa, you don't always get it right, that's true, but I love you so much. Look in My mirror and see what I see; my beautiful creation; My treasure; My masterpiece. And the sooner you see yourself for who you really are, the sooner you can begin your reign as My priceless princess with a purpose."

Repeat after me, "I am beautiful." And mean it this time. Because you are.

Love,

Melissa

Take Care of Your Temple

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple." 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NIV)

from His Princess, Love Letters From Your King by Sheri Rose Shepherd

My Princess ... Take Care of Your Temple

My love, you are My special treasure. You are My royal temple,
and I---your King---dwell within you. I created you to be a royal, holy
place where My Holy Spirit lives. I want you to be a glorious, shining
example of My handiwork for the entire world to see. Although your eternal
King resides in you, your body is still in need of rest. Take time for
yourself; your mental and spiritual health depend on it. Your're not being
selfish by doing this, so don't let others make you feel guilty about your
decision. My princess, you and I will work in complete harmony with a
divine purpose and a royal commission---to touch the hearts of those around
you. In your quiet times, My precious one, come into My presence, and let
Me refresh your temple with My spiritual strength. It is My good pleasure
to give you all you need.

Love,
Your King and your Caretaker

I read this today and just had to share it. Sometimes, well lots of times, I think of my body more in terms of what kind of outer shape I'm in. When I think of it in terms of that God resides there...it's His temple... it just gives me so much more purpose.

Let's make it a goal this week to take great care of our bodies, God's temple.

Stay Sweet and Beautiful:)

Love,

Melissa

***Just 4 more days until the give away. Keep posting and I'll be giving away the book, I'm Beautiful, Why Can't I See It? by Kimberly Davidson.

My Protection

"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7 (NIV)

Not much to say today except, "Amen" to that! I am so thankful for the protection from trouble that the Lord provides me every day. He is our protector and deliverer. Yeah!

Have a beautiful day!

Love,

Melissa

Rest before Beauty

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me." Psalm 3:5

I don't know what hit me on Wednesday, but it was fierce!!!!!! I woke up not feeling my best, in fact I did not want to get out of bed at all! I didn't have cold symptoms and didn't have a fever, although I was sweaty and freezing. I worked out (thanks to my husband kicking me out of bed and making me go...accountability ya know) and went to the office, but I just felt like collapsing. I was severely depressed ... or so I thought. Actually it turned out that I was just really sick and my mind was feeding me those negative tapes. "You aren't a good mother" "You haven't been cooking good family dinners" "You aren't being a good friend" "You need to quit speaking" "You could be a much better wife" "You should've just stayed in bed today"!!!! Well, that last statement was true, but the others were just boldface lies! Amazing how when your body is sick, your mind doesn't function well either.

2 of my office mates and dear friends, Teri and Samantha have also been sick this week. We were all back in the office today and we compared notes. We all had the same thing happen. Especially the thinking that we were depressed! Strange whatever virus it was.

Wednesday night I went to bed at 8:00 pm and did not get up until 1:00pm the next day! I'm happy to report that today, Friday, all is well. Amazingly, the dizziness and horrible sick feelings are gone and I'm back to normal. When your body tells you to rest....REST!!!!!!!

I'm thankful that I listened to my body. It wasn't a pretty sight. I was in my most comfortable yet ugliest night gown I own, my hair looked like it was home to a few rats and their friends, and my eyes were all poofy. Did I mention that my breath also stunk? Well, it did!

Today, I am back feeling beautiful inside and out. I had a delightful shower which turned me from Smelissa back to Melissa.

Action Plan:

Quite simple. If you are tired, get some rest. That is all. Listen to your body!

Since I missed posting yesterday, if you post today (in the next 24 hrs) you'll be entered twice in the drawing. If you stopped by to share a comment yesterday, I'm sorry I wasn't able to get a new post up.

And if this is your 1st visit to this blog, it's not too late to enter. Just respond with a comment between now and March 21st and you'll be entered to win. The more you post, the more you'll be entered. I'll announce the winner on March 21st:) Easy, huh. The prize is the book titled: I'm Beautiful, Why Can't I See It by Kimberly Davidson.

I hope you are feeling extra loved and beautiful today...because you are!

With Thanks for Rest and Beauty,

Melissa

In the mean time...

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23

I know that making changes in your life takes time. Especially to see results. We know in the end it's worth it. When we feel good about ourselves and our bodies are filled with good fuel (physical and spiritual) we can then give more and more freely to others.

When I was stuck on the couch for a week after my foot surgery, I had a chance to do a lot of thinking. One thing I thought about was, "What can I do in the mean time to feel better?" Exercise was not an option and I couldn't leave the house. I decided to start a face regimen. I used to take real good care of my face, but I've gotten out of the habit. Although it doesn't change my cirumstances and it certainly is not "the answer" but I do feel so much better since I've been cleansing, exfoliating, and applying serum and creme in the night and morning. The next little change I'm going to make is to paint my nails ... even my toenails ... even my hurt toenails.

Action Plan:
What little things do you do to boost your spritits every now and then? Is there something small you can do for yourself, a little change you can make today that will help you feel beautiful? Well, do it! You are worth it! Caring for yourself is not a sin. Wanting to look and feel better is not either. There's a big difference between self care and self absorption.

Seeing and feeling results from diet and exercise takes time, but there are some small things we can do while we are waiting ... in the mean time. I'd love for you to share your ideas. And most importantly, read the verse above and apply it to your life as it is today. God has great love for us and He is faithful today (in the mean time) and always.

Blessings,

Melissa

We Are Beautiful

Short but sweet. I am Beautiful. You are Beautiful. We are Beautiful. It's late and I still don't have a post up yet. So sorry. I'm watching American Idol right now with my family. So, if you feel so inclined and want another entry into the contest, please post. I will share a few joys with you: Hayden is doing great. I won Amy's blog contest on hope:) And another friend of mine named Amy is helping me get Duran Duran tickets. And my foot is feeling better. Can't complain.

Also, you may have seen already in the side bar, but I went back to LA Weight Loss today. My plan is relatively the same except I am going to weigh in 3 times a week. The 20 pounds I've gained since October I feel sure will be gone in the next 10 weeks. Let's go!

Repeat after me: "I am beautiful"......oh yes you are:)

Love,

Melissa

Cast and Present

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22

Well, it happened again. Not another seizure (although I'll get to that in a minute), but He did it again! I know it had to be Him, I just don't believe in coincidences! Do you remember on Saturday, I mentioned how cool it was to need to hear certain words so badly and then I opened my book to have some quiet time and there were the EXACT words I needed at the EXACT moment I needed them? They were from the book of Isaiah about having hope in the Lord. After Hayden's seizure yesterday, I was feeling a little scared about his condition. What caused him to become unconcious? Would the doctor be able to tell?

Then I opened my book for some quiet time ... again. The title of my lesson this morning: The Great Physician. Immediately I felt a sense of comfort and peace come over me. I know the Great Physician well. And I trust Him. At once, I was no longer worried about Hayden. I know he is in very capable Hands, the mighty Hands of the Great Physician. Of course we still went to the doctor, who I absolutely love and adore. She's been Hayden's doctor his whole life. She's very thorough. She examined him and has referred us to a cardiologist for further tests, mostly just to confirm what she believes was his reaction to pain and not reason for panic or major concern. But regardless, I know the Great Physician has great plans for Hayden and is healing him.

That same Great Physician is there for us too. He wants us to come to him for healing. How stubborn we can be sometimes! I remember once when I was sick. I needed to go to the doctor but I didn't feel like making an appointment, waiting in a waiting room all afternoon, and then having to spend money on a prescription. Plus I just figured it would go away eventually. I put it off each day until finally I was so sick I could hardly get out of bed. I had strep throat and that required that I get medical attention. I went to the doctor, got a shot (OUCH) and I was better within 24 hours! If only I had gone sooner I would have saved myself a lot of trouble! Same is true with the Great Physician. (That's God in case you haven't you figured that out yet.) How many times I try to solve a problem, issue, or situation and take matters in my own hands only to make a bigger mess of things. Oh, but I want to do things my way. Then finally when I do hand it over to the Great Physician, I think, "Why didn't I turn it over to Him a long time ago?"

Psalm 55:22 says (as Diane posted yesterday I think), "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." And Philippians 4:6 tells us "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." We aren't supposed to fix ourselves. We aren't supposed to worry and fret. We are supposed turn it over to the One Who can fix it and His Word says that He will sustain us.

In trying to obtain a healthy lifestyle, I know I need to turn it over to God. My problem is that I'll skip exercise or eat when I'm stressed or worried instead of taking my burdens to the Lord. He wants me unload on Him. I can assure you, that raspberry dark chocolate yum yum I ate today did not help release my stress and anxiety. It really only added to it, because now I feel guilt over it! Why didn't I go to God and ask for help and relief? I needed to cast and present.

Cast and present. Those are my action words for the day. Cast my burdens on the Lord (who wants them) and present my requests to God (who wants to help me deal with them).

Action Plan:
The next time you find yourself carrying more than you can handle, or if you feel drawn to something else besides God to make you feel better (like food), Cast and Present. I bet we will all feel much better and be much healthier in our minds and bodies if we do just that. Remember to cast and present.

Hayden is home now. I hear him in the next room talking to his little sister. They are laughing. I'm so thankful for the laughter. I'm so thankful for my Great Physician who has given me a peace so that I can enjoy the laughter.

Blessings Beautiful Friends,

Melissa

Sorry...

I almost didn't get a post up today. I slept until 10:30, after not sleeping well during the night. My foot continues to hurt.

I wish I had a "beautiful" message today, but I don't. The day was busy and a little traumatic. We went to visit my mom today. On the way home, my 12 yr old son, Hayden had a seizure in the car. This is the 2nd time this has happened. It was so scary. He's okay now. We have just been enjoying our time as a family for the rest of the day. I don't want to take my eyes off of Hayden.

If you are reading this, could you please say a prayer for Hayden? I'll be taking him to the doctor tomorrow.

On a different note, I plan to get on track big time tomorrow. I mean really big time. All of your comments and sharing have me motivated. I want to be in great health. For me, for my family, and especially for my God.

Love,

Melissa

Father, Comforter, Disciplinarian

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like an eagle; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

Have you ever opened a book and read a passage and been amazed because it was EXACTLY what you needed to hear? Like it was written and sent just to you on that day at that moment? Well, that's what happened to me this morning.

I did not sleep last night. I recently had surgery on my left foot. Yesterday the doctor gave the go ahead to put full weight on that foot. So, for the first time in 3 weeks, I walked using that foot. I was so happy to not have to use crutches or limp around. I think I got a little carried away though. Last night, I awoke to extreme great pain. I couldn't sleep. I even cried. I finally took some pain medication, but I never did go back to sleep. This morning I am absolutely exhausted. I'm tired physically, mentally, and emotionally. I'm tired from no sleep. I'm tired of trying so hard to function. I'm ready to run and I can't. I'm frustrated. I'm weak. I'm what Isaiah calls 'weary'.

I opened my devotion book this morning for a healthy dose of God's Word. I knew I'd get something good, but I was overjoyed when I read the verses above from the book of Isaiah. It was exactly the words I needed. My 'strength will be renewed' because I 'have hope in the Lord'.

I have hope in the Lord because He is my Father. My heavenly Father is always with me, something my earthly parents could never do.

I have hope in the Lord because He is my Comforter. My foot may hurt and my emotions are unbalanced. I don't feel very comfortable at the moment, but I am comforted. My Comforter supplies me with the love, peace, and hope I need to know I'm going to be okay.

I have hope in the Lord because He is my Disciplinarian. I have to admit, this isn't my favorite characteristic of Him, but I know without it, I'd be out of control! I need a strong Hand to guide me and keep me in line. I actually feel more safe and secure because my Father disciplines me. I know it is through that discipline that I am strengthened. I also know He disciplines me because He loves me.

I may be weak today, but what a great place to be. It draws me closer to the One I need most. My Father, my Comforter, my Disciplinarian.

Action Plan:

Are you feeling weak today? Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Give up your ways and rest in Him.

Repeat after me: "I am beautiful because God made me. I am beautiful just the way I am today."

Take it easy this weekend!

God Bless You Beautiful Friend,

Melissa

***Post a comment and you'll be entered to win this book, I'm Beautiful,

Why Can't I See It? by Kimberly Davidson. Portions of this post were inspired by this devotional.

All Knowing, Present, and Powerful

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight" Hebrews 4:13

If you didn't read yesterday's post, read it now. http://beautifulp31.blogspot.com/2008/03/i-personally-do-not-believe-that-we-can.html

Can you relate to the despair I spoke of in the last post? Have you felt that way regarding your weight, appearance, confidence, size, flaws, or image? When I get down over my body or my failures of the day, I just want crawl up in my husbands arms and hear him reassure me that he loves me. Many times he does that. As much as I love Jeff though, he cannot be there for me all the time. He also cannot meet my needs for love completely. First of all, he's not always here. Second, sometimes he doesn't feel like it! (imagine that!) Plus it takes a lot more than a man to complete me.

Despair is a like a hopelessness that leads to anxiety and panic. It's very stressful to feel despair. Just knowing that someone loves me, or even likes me, helps to take away the desperate feelings I have when I feel defeated and ugly. Last night I went to dinner with 2 of my good friends, Amy and Donna. We talked and laughed and just hung out. We watched American Idol. We ate Nachos and pizza. We told funny stories. We shared life ... the good and bad. We could be ourselves. After a few hours with my friends, I felt so rejuvenated. I felt beautiful. I knew they liked me just for me. I knew they were on my side. I felt safe and loved. They help to lift me up, but just like my husband, they aren't always there and sometimes they don't feel like it. It's just the way it is with people. They aren't capable of being there for us all the time.

"Maybe you have a hard time believing that God likes you; maybe you
don't even like yourself. But it's true. God not only loves you;
He likes you." (Donna Partow)

That's right, God loves you, God likes you. He knows everything about you. He's all-knowing. He's all-powerful. He's present everywhere. That means that no matter what ... no
matter where we are ... no matter how we feel ... no matter who we are with or not with ... God is there, always. Because He wants to be. And He cares. We are never alone. We can feel safe and secure knowing that the Maker of this Universe has a personal interest in us. He wants to wrap His arms around us and take away the hurt, pain, despair, and insecurity.

How does it make you feel to know that God knows all about you---past, present, and future? Are there any areas of your life you are trying to hide from other people? From
God?


If you feel comfortable sharing with others, please do. If not, that's okay too. Just post your name (I'll still enter you in the give away), but at the very least, share your heart and answers to the questions above with God. Just talk it out with Him. He already knows because He's all- knowing. He can help because He's all-powerful. He's available because He's present everywhere. And He's waiting to make you feel beautiful!

Blessings Beautiful Sistas!

Melissa

Portions of this post were from the book I'm giving away, I'm Beautiful, Why Can't I See It? by Kimberly Davidson. To enter, post a comment on this blog. The more you comment, the better your chances to win. You can be entered once a day and the drawing will take place March 21st.

No Need For Despair (give away alert)

I personally do not believe that we can really ever feel beautiful without a solid trust in God. With God we can begin to see opportunity within difficulty, not despair. Despair has defined my weight loss journey for most of my life. The extra pounds trigger feelings of anxiety, depression, panic, inferiority, and worthlessness. That in turn brings me to depair and the need to want a quick fix ... a solution to my problem.

With God, there is no need for despair. Traveling with Him means we don't need to feel any of the negative feelings I mentioned above. With Him, we can see an opportunity. An opportunity to grow stronger, allow Him to empower us, to display our faith, to learn a lesson, to become disciplined, to learn about forgiveness, and then to teach others what we've learned along the way. God can do a mighty work within us. And that's beautiful.

I'm so excited about my next give away. When I created this blog almost 2 months ago, I wanted to help others, but I also wanted to help myself. I prefer to journey with friends, not alone. I named the blog "I Am Beautiful" because I know that the Lord does see beauty when He looks at me. I want to remind myself of that when I'm not feeling it, which admittedly is a lot. That is my struggle. So imagine my excitement when last weekend I was walking through the Proverbs 31 Ministries resource room and spotted a book with this title: I'm Beautiful, Why Can't I See It? . I work at Proverbs and I have never noticed this book! I immediately grabbed it off the shelf and within an hour I had been drawn to reading it. I didn't want to put it down. I decided I wanted to share it, so I'm giving it away.

This book is by Kimberly Davidson. "If you are constantly thinking about food, dieting, exercise, and weight, or perhaps are just an 'occasional' binger or purger, this book is for you." "This effective, proven, step-by-step 13 week healing devotional study is for anyone struggling with unhealthy patterns of eating and body image issues, including eating disorders (compulsive overeating, bulimia, and/or anorexia)."

Have you ever looked in the mirror and seen "repulsive", "fat", or "stupid", even though friends tell you otherwise? I have and sometimes (actually often) I still do. I've yet to talk with a group of women where the majority of them don't feel the same way. That's why I love this book. I will be sharing insights from this book to help combat those feelings, with God's help of course. If you post a thought, comment, encouragement, your goals, or struggles on this blog anytime between today and March 20th, you are entered to win a copy. And you can be entered up to once a day. Each day you post, I'll put your name in the drawing. The more you post, the better your chances to win.

Looking forward to traveling on this beauty journey with you. No more despair ladies. Let's look at this as our time for an amazing opportunity. I am feeling beautiful already! What about you?

Beautifully Blessed,

Melissa

***Recap: Give away begins today. Post on this blog anytime between today and March 20. Your name will be entered each day you post. I'll draw the winner's name the morning of March 21st. The winner will be mailed a copy of the book I'm Beautiful, Why Can't I See It? by Kimberly Davidson, an $18.99 value. Good Luck! I can't wait to hear and gain insight from you!

You Aready Are Beautiful

March 5, 2008
Today's post is a letter written to you from God. It is taken from the book, His Princess, Love Letters From Your King by Sheri Rose Shepherd.

Our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Psalm 144:12

My princess...You Are My True Beauty,

Your real beauty is a work of art---hand-
carved by Me. I have
given you beautiful lips to speak words of life,
beautiful eyes to see Me in
everything, beautiful hands to help those in
need, and a beautiful face to
reflect My love to the world. I know you
don't see yourself the way I do
because you compare yourself to beauty idols
that will soon be forgotten.
I will work wonders that will radiate
true beauty from within. And when My
work is completed, your character
will show off My craftmanship, and your beauty
marks will be remembered by
all that were loved by
you.

Love,
Your radiant
King

For today, try to see yourself through the eyes of the Lord. You are beautiful sweet princess! Don't ever forget it!

Beautifully Blessed,

Melissa

****Check back Thursday for details on a great give away:)

Please Make Me Beautiful

March 4, 2008
Today's post is a prayer from His Princess, Prayers to My King by Sheri Rose Shepherd.

Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on jewelry, or beautiful clothes, or hair arrangement. Be beautiful on the inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit which is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:3-5 (TLB)

My King, Please Make Me Beautiful...

Lord, I waste so much time trying to make myself beautiful to others. I
want my character to reflect Your beauty. Deliver me from trying to fashion who
I am based on the world's standards. Let me look to You to be my mirror, my
master makeup artist. Line my lips with words of life and make up my eyes with
compassion. Cover my imperfections with Your grace and my insecurities with
security in You. Who can embellish me better than You? No one can make me more attractive to others than Your spirit can within me. I praise you for creating
me in Your image and for continuing to re-create me to be more like You. Every
day I seek You, I'm asking You for a complete spiritual makeover...so when
people look at me they see Your beauty, Your love, and Your irresistible gift of
salvation.

In Jesus' Name I pray.

Love,
Your Princess, who longs to reflect Your beauty

***Ladies, Read this prayer over and over today. Ask God to show you how to really be beautiful and He will. Bless you today!


Beautifully Yours,

Melissa

The Lord Looks at the Heart

March 3, 2008

"....The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance , but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7b

Oh how this verse has comforted me over the years. When I mess up, I claim this verse. When I look in the mirror, I claim this verse. When I've been rejected, I've claimed this verse. And when I find myself making an assumption about someone based on their behavior or looks, I remind myself of this verse. The old saying is true, you just "can't judge a book by it's cover." So why do we?

I can compare myself to other so called beautiful, young, skinny, successful, well dressed, or uptown girls and come up short real quick and easy if I'm not focused on the truth. Sure I may have areas in my life that need work, but just as God is not looking at my outward appearance, I shouldn't be super focused on that either. I especially shouldn't be determining my self worth and confidence based on it. My appearance may change over time, but no one can change or take away what's in my heart. Does this mean that we should just let ourselves go and not give any attention to our appearance? Well, of course not! There is a proper perspective. It's God's. Let's look at it now.

Our verse today says that "the Lord does not look at things man looks at (outward appearance)....The Lord looks at the heart." To me that means He's not so concerned with my zits, gray hairs, double chin, belly rolls, thigh dimples, short unmanicured fingernails, generic brand clothing, or salary, etc to determine my value. He is looking right past all that and straight through to my heart. No matter how I look, act, feel, or what I say, He knows what's in my heart. He knows when I'm sorry, when I'm hurting, if I'm sincere, if I mean what I say, and if I'm filled with love. And these are the types of things He really is concerned with. Plus our hearts are the place where Jesus resides, if we've so chosen. What could be more important than that?

I admit, I tend to focus way too much on my outward appearance. I convince myself that people will think something negative about me ("look at her, my she's gained weight" , "why can't she fix her hair better?", "her clothes are too tight") and I even put words in their minds that I believe they are thinking. I heard Dr. Phil once say, "If you only knew how little people were thinking of you, you wouldn't worry about it so much. They are too busy thinking of themselves to pay attention to you."

The only way I've found to combat the lies that fill my head is to fill my head with the Truth of God's Word. The more time I spend in It, the better I feel about just being a child of God. After all "just being a child of God" is the best title I have! I love that when I read His Word it comes to life in my life. Those God breathed words are nourishment to my heart and soul.

I want to encourage you today. If you look in the mirror and question for even one itsy bitsy second the person you see staring back at you, remember what your Creator is looking at. He's not saying, "Oh look at ____________. Her roots look horrible. She ate that big Mexican dinner last night and it shows...just look at that bloated belly. Ooooh and nice plump fat zit you got there sweetie. Why can't you look any better than that?" No, no, no, no!!!!!! That is not the voice of God. When the Lord looks at you, He's more likely saying something like this, "There's my girl....my daughter, who I created just because I wanted to. And oh how I love her. She is wonderfully made because I made her and I don't make mistakes. I hope she sees herself the way that I see her....as a child of Mine with great purpose. She is absolutely beautiful!"


Dear Lord, Help me to see myself through Your eyes. Thank you for looking past my outward flaws and into my heart. Help me to keep my heart pure, clean, and filled with love for You and others. I pray when people see me, they see You...in my heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

To determine if your perspective is in line with God's answer these questions....and be honest.

1. Describe your best friend in 3 words.
2. Describe yourself in 3 words.
3. What is your best feature?
4. What is your worst feature?
5. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
6. Would you rather be smart or pretty?
7. Have you ever stayed home because of how you looked?
8. Do you compare yourself to others based on how you look and how they look?
9. What are some names you call yourself?
10. If you bought a new shirt and cashier undercharged you, would you tell her/him or would you just acknowledge silently to yourself that you just got a deal!?
11. When a group of your friends are talking about someone in a negative or gossipy way, do you listen? Join in even?
12. Do you spend more time in God's Word or getting ready?

****none of these questions are meant to condemn you, just to make you think!

These questions were just off the top of my head. This is not a real survey. I just want you to evaluate your answers. Do you focus more on the physical appearance in your answers or the heart? Would God like your answers? Would He agree with them?

Make it a goal today to focus on the heart. Find some time to pray and read a few verses from God's Word. If you catch yourself thinking about your outward appearance (or anyone elses!), remember 1 Samuel 16:7b. Say it to yourself silently. Then again outloud. Write it down. It's an easy one to memorize. I bet you can already say it without looking!

Have a beautiful day! Celebrate one of God's greatest and one of a kind creations.....you!
And please share your encouragement with others who may visit here by posting a comment. This is not about me, but meant to be a place to share how God is working in your life and making you feel beautiful. Also share your struggles. If you want/need prayer or help, speak up. There is someone who would like to share life with you and be your friend. We are not alone in our journey. We need each other. I'm here for you. I hope you are there for me too. Check the sidebar (to the right) if you want to view my goals for the week and how I'm doing. Please post yours too.

Love,

Melissa
****I'm so excited about this month's give away. Thursday morning I'll have the details!