Valued Friends

First let me welcome you to my blog. If you are visiting for the first time or you are here because you read my devotion today, I'm glad you stopped by. And if this is not your first visit, well I'm glad you stopped by too:)

I've been a little lazy with my posts this week. The mood just didn't strike me. It's good this devotion came up when it did, because it spurred me to sit down and write.

This is one of my personal favorite devotions that I have ever written. Not because it's well put together or anything like that, but because of the message and what it's meant to my life. The friend I spoke of, Donna, just means so very much to me. Even though we lost touch for so long, we have indeed picked right back up and are now closer than ever. I can be 100% myself with her. And she can be the same right back. The persistence in finding and pursuing her has definitely paid off. God's timing was key in our reunion, but so was our obedience. I knew He wanted me to contact her, so I did. Donna knew it was time for her to respond, so she did. As I said in the devo (that's hip lingo for devotion, just to keep you in the know:)) the fruit has been rich! Here is a picture of some of that fruit, our daughters, Hayley Grace and Sydney (http://melissataylorp31.blogspot.com/2008/02/gno-girls-night-out.html). They have sleepovers and playdates regularly. Last week they amazed us by setting up their very first "service project". They sold rocks in front of Sydney's house to raise money for "the pore" ... that's what their sign said. Do you know those 2 raised $6.95 by selling old rocks????? I'm definitely going to post that story on another day, but it was the cutest thing. They split the $. Sydney gave hers to her church and HG is sending hers to Ecuador to give to the child we sponsor over there. My point, they have developed a valued friendship. It's precious and priceless.

The Bible talks about the value of friends. Jesus had close friends. He called His disciples "friends" (John 15:15). And in Proverbs it says that a friend sticks closer than brother. Ecclesiastes goes on to mention the value of relationships in chapter 4:9-12. Friends should be treated as the treasures they are. When you love something, you take good care of it. Friendship should be treated this way.

I encourage you to do something special for those special friends in your life today. Pick up the phone and tell them you love them. Send them a card just to say "you're special in my life." Don't assume they know, tell them. I really do believe the saying "to have good friends you need to be a good friend." Take it even one step further and plan a scheduled time to spend with them. You know, like a girl's night out or something.

To all my friends, I want you ALL to know how much I TOTALLY VALUE YOU IN MY LIFE!!!! I don't know what I'd do without you. My friends in the workplace, cyberspace, far away, and close by ... you have impacted my life. I ask the Lord to shower His blessing upon you this very day! I love you!

Have a great day! And don't forget to give a friend or 2 a call today.

Love,

Melissa

30 Seconds is a long time when...

your son is lying on the floor unconscious.

Click this link, http://beautifulp31.blogspot.com/2008/03/last-day-for-give-away.html , to read what I'm talking about.

Bless you and your friends and families! I pray you all grasp, remember, and celebrate this weekend and what it's really all about.

Christ is Risen,

Melissa

Procratinators Anonymous:)

Well, I certainly learned that I'm not alone! Thank you so much if you read my devotion (http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/2008/03/today-is-tomorrow.html), or one of my blogs (http://melissataylorp31.blogspot.com/2008/03/procrastination.html) (http://beautifulp31.blogspot.com/2008/03/take-care-of-your-temple.html) yesterday. Your responses overwhelmed me. Your stories, suggestions, encouragement, and even advice were all greatly needed and appreciated! I love to be with people, whether live or via cyberspace, and I thank you for sharing with me.

I learned that there are a lot of us out there and that I'm NOT the world's best procrastinator, some of you have me beat by a long shot (heh-hemm Miss Christmas tree still up...not mentioning any names:))

I also learned that most of us are trying so hard and we do indeed want to change and we admit we need help doing it. Thank the Lord He is always there to help.

My prayer for you today is that when you read a message that strikes a chord in your life, that you don't read it one day and discard it the next. If it's truly something you need to work on, you will pray about it, give it to God, and get to work on doing what needs to be done TODAY:)

Thank you again for blessing me with your friendship and sweet words. I'm going to try my best to respond to as many as I can. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but as my schedule allows.

Have a wonderful day!
Love,

Melissa

Procrastination or Lack of Discipline?

Hi! If you are visiting my blog for the first time, welcome:) Many of you may have ventured over here due to the fact that my devotion was on the Proverbs 31 or Crosswalk website. If so, thanks for stopping by. I hope you will feel comfortable enough to share your thoughts, whatever they may be. Feel free to post, I'd love to hear new input, ideas, comments, and encouragement ... if you have some to share.

Procrastination is really what the devotion was about today. Even though I don't believe I ever mentioned the word, Today is Tomorrow is about breaking the habit of procrastination.

If I'm honest, I have to tell you that I am probably one of the best procrastinators this world has ever known. Even though some of my best work is done in the final hour, the stress and panic it brings to my life plus the chaos it brings to my family's life is not worth it. When I think back over the years of my life, I even remember doing my homework on the bus on the way to school, when I should have done it the day before. And that was when I was in the 2nd grade!!!!

Just like Scarlett O'Hara, I've put off things, tasks, and responsibilities off until tomorrow for too long. Plus, I'm old enough to know better! Even though procrastination is a problem for me, it's really not the main problem in my life. It's a bi-product of the real problem, which is more serious: Discipline.

Discipline by defintition (and I'm including all 6) is: 1. punishment (I knew it!..just kidding) 2. instruction 3. a field of study 4. training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character 5. self-control 6. a system of rules governing conduct or activity (from Merriam-Websters online dictionary)

I have great intentions of being disciplined. I can make the best plans. I usually get off to a great start. But then somewhere along the way, I fizzle out. My discipline fades.

There are 2 great ways that I have found to develop a healthier pattern of discipline. The very best is to seek God first every single day, being totally aware and dependent on Him ... and not just first thing in the morning, but continuously during the day. The other way is to seek help from another person, some healthy accountability. It's great when you can enlist someone else to help you. It doesn't mean that you are weak because you can't do it yourself, it means you are smart because you've realized your weaknesses and you are wise enough to get help!

I will tell you, that I have not mastered this Today is Tomorrow thing, but I am trying. I developed another blog titled I Am Beautiful (http://www.beautifulp31.blogspot.com/) to help myself and others with discipline, self-image, weight control, and to combat my negative thought life. I needed help in this area so I decided to turn it into something positive. Just last night, Joy, who I met by blogging, posted a comment saying that I hadn't posted my progress in 3 days. She is holding me accountable for the goals I posted on there! Now I have to tell her that I haven't posted because I haven't exercised in 3 days and for 2 days I've had a pity party for myself!!!!

To sum this up, I'm tired of putting off what needs to be done today until tomorrow. It makes me crazy! Whether you call it procrastination, lack of discipline, or whatever, it's not good. Join me in making a change, won't you? Or if you have some great insight to share on how you keep it all together, I'd love to learn from you:)

Have a great day!
Much Love,

Melissa
***to read today's devotion, visit http://www.proverbs31.org/.
***3 more days to get in on a free gift, visit http://www.beautifulp31.blogspot.com/ for details

I will never leave you or forsake you.

Have you ever really thought about the magnitude of that sentence? Who else on this earth can you honestly say will never leave you? Never forsake you?

God knows us better than anyone knows us. He even knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows EVERYTHING. It blows my mind that NO detail of my life is hidden from Him. Yet while others may walk in and out of my life for one reason or another, the Lord will never leave.

I find myself praying and asking God, "Why Lord? Why haven't you given up on me yet? I let people down all the time. I mess us regularly. I screw up Your plans for my life through disobedience. How could you stick with me through all of this?"

His answer came to me through scripture. Today it was 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 and Joshua 1:5.

"Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in
Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his
Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to
come." 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NIV)

God gave me (and you) 2 gifts as believers:
1-seal of ownership....WOW! I belong to God! It doesn't matter what anyone else says about me or thinks about me. I belong to God. No one can take me away from Him.

2-the Holy Spirit....Double WOW!! The Holy Spirit guarantees that salvation is mine NOW, and I will receive more when Christ returns. The Holy Spirit brings comfort and power to my life today. It's like a deposit of the benefits of eternal life. (NIV, Life Application Bible)

"No one will be able to stand up against you all the
days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will
never leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5 (NIV)

Did you get that? God is on my side, He's on your side too provided you invite Him there. (and once you do He will not leave you) Notice it says, "all the days of your life". We may not conquer nations like Joshua did, but every day we face tough situations, difficult people, and temptations. God promises He will never abandon us or fail to help us.

The world may not understand us. All we can do is draw closer to God. If we let Him, He will fill us with His love and truly that is what matters most. If we can start there, He will put the rest of our lives in order.

Blessings,


Melissa

My new friend....

Just FYI...until I can get back and post for real. I did not post this
title or this picture.
My blog was hi-jacked by Renee Swope today.
She put this picture on here. I hope anyone viewing enjoys it.
Make sure to stop by Renee's blog and tell her how much
you loved Melissa's new friend:) You can find a link to her blog
in the sidebar of mine.

Also I just wanted to warn you. Beware of Blogging Hi-Jackers! They look so innocent. They come in all shapes and sizes. Renee had a unsuspecting partner named "Pearls". That's all I'll say.

Melissa

My Husband is Acting Like My Mother

I kid you not!!!! I recently put some new goals in place. One of them is to exercise first thing in the morning. I can't do much because of my foot (see previous posts if you really want to know), but I can get up, stretch, tone, do weights, and even ride the bike (I just pedal with my heel and not the rest of my foot). Well, today I did not feel like getting up. I mean, I really didn't feel good.

My husband appeared over me at 5 am, "Melissa, it's time to get up." "Let me sleep a little longer please. I don't feel good this morning." (I really didn't) 10 minutes later, all the lights went on, the covers were ripped off of me, and my normally sweet calm husband yelled, "Get up, it's time for you to go! You won't reach your goals by laying on your back all day. Do what I say. Get up!" What did he just say? No he did-n't! He sounds just like my mother waking me up for school ... I'm having flashbacks!

I got up. I went to the gym. Then I came home ... and went right back to bed! Ha! That's right, I did. It felt so good. I thought the workout would perk me up, but I just was not able to get that energy.

I wish I could've stayed in bed all day, but there is work to do. And whose going to do it if I don't. (Now I sound like my mother!)

Seriously, I'm thankful to have a husband so devoted to helping me meet my goals. I asked him to hold me accountable and help me stick to my schedule and he really did.

I wish the day would come when I felt like getting up, exercising, and being productive. At least my husbands knows I really need him:)

Have a great day bloggy friends,

Melissa

Footloose and Fancy Free...

I am adding to this post. The original text I wrote yesterday. I'm updating today (March 8). Yesterday the doctor told me that I could now put full weight on the foot that had surgery. Not a good idea. The pain kept me up last night. At one point I woke up in tears. I had to take the strong pain meds for the first time since I originally had the surgery. I didn't sleep at all. I'm so tired. Jeff is awesome. Last night when I kept waking up in pain, he never complained for being woken up, he just opened his arms and let me fall in them. So "Footloose and Fancy Free"? Maybe not quite yet.

Well, almost. I went to the doctor today. Finally it was time to remove the original big fat bandage off of my left foot. It's the same bandage the doctor put on my foot almost 3 weeks ago after my bunionectomy. Talk about some stinky toe-jam!!!! Whew, girls you just don't know. It was not pretty. If I had remembered to take my camera, I would've taken a picture of it to show you. Since I really didn't think I should bring it home with me, you'll just have to take my word for it. Between my pinky toe and the next one...ewwww!

I was so taken with the toe jam, I almost didn't notice the 2 inches of stitches on the inside of my foot. The doctor, who by the way could not have been more than 29 years old (anyone remember Doogy Houser?), took the stitches out ... also gross. That totally gave me the heeby jeebies. I could feel the thread sliding between my skin. I started praying because I thought for sure I would throw up. But Doogy, I mean Dr. Pappas, was very sweet. He had a wonderful bedside manner. "Mrs. Taylor? You okay? Take a deep breath. It's okay. Almost done. There, all done maam." (Thank you Doogy, now run along and play.) Seriously, he was great. And I'm thankful to have my stitches out. I can now put weight on my foot. I'm still in a boot and I still have pain, but it's all bearable and getting better daily. He re-bandaged my foot. This time it's not so thick. Hayley Grace can't call me "Mrs. Fat Foot" anymore:)

See, here is what my foot looks like now.
(look closely and you can see my stuck
together toes...usually I charge admission
to view this!)








I can even wear a sock over it!









Can you tell which is the surgical boot and which is the shoe?
Almost identical huh? Fashion Genious!




And look at my sweet doggie (not Doogy, her name is Princess).
She's beside me on the couch right now so I thought I'd photograph her. Isn't she photogenic? (she's so sleepy eyed in this picture!)





I received a few comments and emails from a few people who have bunions and are considering surgery. Some say I've talked them out of it. I say, go for it. We'll be in cute shoes by summertime! Yes it's been a big deal. Even painful. But it will be worth it when I'm in my flops and there's no big bump sticking out and my foot isn't in pain by 3 pm everyday.

Thank you for the many well wishes, cards, and even a gift or two. I've been encouraged by words from people I've never even met before. That is so cool to me! And I've been taken care of by people I do know. That's cool too.

Have a great weekend y'all. Kick back and relax. That's what I'm going to do!

God Bless You,

Melissa



***I'm giving away a book, I'm Beautiful, Why Can't I See It? by Kimberly Davidson. Visit www.BeautifulP31.blogspot.com for details.

Give Away Alert

Click here, www.BeautifulP31.blogspot.com, to read about an exciting new give away.

I'm in a hurry today. Kind of been in one all week actually! I have to go meet a few friends for dinner, but I'll check in and have something of interest to write tomorrow or the next day I'm sure:) For now, visit my other blog, "I Am Beautiful" at www.BeautifulP31.blogspot.com. If you or someone you know struggles with self esteem, image, weight control, eating disorders, etc, this give away will be of interest to you.

Good Bye for now! Gotta go!
Love,

Melissa

Running Away

It was just too funny not to share....although my daughter said she'd "kill" me if I did! But I have to. Plus I just want to write it down so I never forget it.

Hayley Grace(6) and Dylan (10) were playing outside. And they were playing so well together....until....Dylan came inside and announced he wasn't playing with Hayley Grace anymore. Shortly after he came in Hayley Grace announced that her feelings were hurt and she was running away. We all just went along with it.

"Bye Hayley Grace, can I have your room now?" (Hayden)
"We'll miss you Hayley Grace...look out for wild animals at night." (Blake)
"I'm going to miss you Hayley Grace. Take your blankie so you'll stay warm." (Me)
"Mom, are you really going to let her leave?" (Dylan...seriously beginning to get worried)
"I love you Hayley Grace." (Daddy)
And she was gone.

1. Here she is saying "Good-bye" to Princess.

2. There she goes...down the steps. Sniff Sniff..

3. "Good-Bye Hayley Grace!" There she goes down the driveway.

4. Dylan can't stand it...bless his heart...he goes running after his little sister. "Hayley Grace come back! I'll play with you! Don't leave!"

And she did. She came home, unpacked her suitcase and the Taylor family is all back together. Just the way we like it:)

Blessings and lots of love,

Melissa