It's been a long time.....

but I'm still beautiful!!!!!!

How's that for confidence??? Oh I only wish I felt that way every day! The truth is, this has been a very tough month! I just had to take a break from blogging and the pressure to "do" anything.

My dad was here for a while. We moved him into his new place last week. It was hard. We miss him and I know he misses us. He's living alone in an apartment in downtown Greenville, SC. We will visit him as much as we can, and he will visit us too.

So, honestly, no weight has been lost or exercise been done regularly in the past few weeks. I just haven't kept track. I've been emotionally drained. In fact, I've had to fight from listening to the enemy. This time last year, I was 25 pounds lighter. That's tough to face.

But God.....yes that's right, "But God"....God gives me hope. God gives me courage. God gives me strength. God gives me fresh new beginnings.

So, Beautiful Friends, I begin today exactly where I left off.

I'll begin logging my progress in the margins again...if you want to hold me accountable, please do!!!! I have some new goals that I'll reveal in my next post.

In the mean time though, read this article from the Weight Watchers website. It is not only inspiring, but pratical. It will also encourage you to include God on your plans for health and weight loss. http://www.weightwatchers.com/success/art/index.aspx?SuccessStoryId=10191&sc=17 Try that link to read an amazing success story.

I've missed journaling here. I am beautiful....so are you! Do you believe it?

Much Love Beauty Queens,

Melissa

Be Delicous Reject User...Where Are You?

Ok, this isn't useful or beautiful to YOU!!!!!!

But for me....Who was the sweet person who offered me their bottle of "Be Delicious" by DKNY? It is my very favorite perfume. And more importantly, it is my husband's very favorite perfume. I mean it really turns him on:)

Some sweet friend either emailed me or blogged me, offering me their bottle of "Be Delicious" because their husband did not like it. I've looked back over my messages, but I couldn't find it. It's not major important, but just thought I'd ask about it.

If it was you, I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE IT OFF YOUR HANDS!!!!!! It was such a gracious offer that I am most grateful for. Have a delicous day!

Blessings,

Melissa

****Update- I just found out who made the sweet offer. She just happened to post today on my other blog, www.MelissaTaylorP31.blogspot.com and mentioned it! What timing. She didn't even read the post on this blog. Thanks Kelly!!!!!!!!!

Real Beauty

In my last post, I talked about the "Real Age" test. I heard from many of you who were surprised by your age, like I was about mine. I'm 41, yet my Real Age was 48, based on my current overall health. And then I heard from many of you who, admittedly, I'm a little jealous of. Your Real Age was the same or less!

Actually, I'm very proud of you. If your Real Age was the same or less, it's probably because you take care of yourself....as we all should! I have made a commitment to intentionally work on my health. After receiving the suggestions of changes I could make, I have a plan in place. I made the people around me aware of my plan and asked for accountability. I'll retake the test in 3 months. Hopefully I'll see some changes. I work to change what I can, but accept what I can't. A few of you fell into the category of having a higher Real Age due to things you can't change. That's when we have to accept how we are and remember what REALLY matters most. Health and Real Age are good and fine, but it's Real Beauty that really matters.

What is Real Beauty? I guess that depends who you ask. When I want a totally accurate answer, I go to the One Who knows all ... the One Who made me in the first place ... sure I can search elsewhere for the answer, but that's taking a chance I don't feel like taking! 1 Corinthians says, "You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (NIV) So, I think I'll ask He Who bought me.

"Lord, What does Your Word say about real beauty?"

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who
fears the Lord is to be praised." (Proverbs
31:30) You are not beautiful based on your charm or outward
appearance, those can be fake and fading. Real beauty is a woman who has a
healthy fear of the Lord. This doesn't mean you are scared of God.
It means you trust, revere, and respect Him as your authority.

"...How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good
news." (Romans 10:15) I'm loving this. My feel ARE NOT
attractive, even on a good day. They are dry, cracked, and 2 of my toes
are stuck together on each foot! And right now, one of my feet has been
bandaged up for 6 weeks and will retain a permanent scar after the bandage is
removed. But according to God's Word, my feet are still beautiful.
They bring the Good News (in my opinion GREAT news!)

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as
braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it
should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet
spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (1 Peter
3:3-4) This is what the Life Application Bible says about these
verses: Peter instructs Christian wives to develop
inner beauty rather than being overly concerned about their outward
appearance....This does not mean that Christian women should be dowdy and
frumpy; it is good to take care of oneself and look one's best. But far
more important is the developing of an inner spirit of godliness...True beauty
begins inside.

Any more thoughts on Real Beauty are always appreciated. I pray you are filled with Real Beauty today.

Beautiful Blessings,

Melissa