"It's been a long time."
Does anyone recognize that line? "Hello Darlin, it's been a long time" is from an old country tune by Conway Twitty. I don't really know why I chose this moment to share that, but it has "been a long time" since I've blogged. Since September 13th.
I have logged on to blogger.com many times. But when I would get to the screen to make a new post, my mind would just go blank. Dry. I have been crazy busy. Pushed to the max lately. And truly in the whole scheme of things, when I looked at my priorities, blogging was not at the top. My family has needed me. I traveled to Florida to speak at a women's retreat. My mom is in the hospital. The Proverbs 31 office has been very busy. Football games. Dance lessons. Conferences with teachers. My husband had a double root canal with a third to be done next week. A friend needed me. Much to do. I bet your life is not much different.
There has been so much that I've wanted to write about. But it just hasn't happened. I know many believe that if they don't blog every day, people will forget about them. That may be true. But I've had to trust God that He will provide and fill in the gaps. He is meant to be remembered, not me.
I will be posting soon about my Florida retreat. I had the amazing opportunity to spend a weekend at the Palm Island Resort near Venice, FL on the Gulf Coast. I went to share and minister to these beautiful ladies, but God is so good. These amazing ladies also shared and ministered to me. I can't wait to post my pictures from this awesome retreat. I'll post very soon, I promise!
On a closing note, could I ask you to please pray for my mom? She is in the hospital. The doctors are not sure what is wrong. There is fluid outside of her lungs and one of her lungs is deflated. She's had many tests and has more to follow. She's scared. Please just pray for her. She's only 63 yrs old. Thank you so much. Her name is Becky.
Blessings sweet friends. And thank you so much for those of you who have written to check on me. That means the world to me. You are a treasure in my life.
Much Love,
Melissa
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Fun Friday :) Filled with Family :) And other stuff
This has been a family filled fun weekend! My sister was here briefly. This is a treasure to me because I rarely see her. She lives in Dallas, TX and is only in Charlotte for her high school reunion. We see each other about once a year, maybe. It was so good to spend a little time with her. She even bought me a new pair of running shoes. But better than that, we got to talk uninterrupted. No kids. No husbands. No parents. Just us. I loved it. I'll have to share her story here sometime. It's amazing. I mean really amazing.
Friday night, we went to a high school football game. Our team won. yeah! Afterwards, we came home and watched "Overboard" on TV Land.
Saturday, Jeff and I slept in until 10 am! Sweet! When was the last time that happened??? IDK. And what did I do all day? Watch football ofcourse. Gamecocks lost. Stinky. But Hayden's team won. And now I'm watching USC whoop Ohio State. Ha!
Well, I haven't reported about counseling yet. But let me just say, I got my $90 worth. It was so validating and encouraging and confirming. I just really needed a little refresher. The guidance and wisdom coming from my counselor was exactly what I needed. She reminded me of what I already know but am struggling with in life right now. I honestly think everyone could benefit from a good Christian counselor. I know I have.
Well, beautiful friends, I pray that you are having a great weekend. Fun. Family. And other stuff.
Love,
Melissa
Friday night, we went to a high school football game. Our team won. yeah! Afterwards, we came home and watched "Overboard" on TV Land.
Saturday, Jeff and I slept in until 10 am! Sweet! When was the last time that happened??? IDK. And what did I do all day? Watch football ofcourse. Gamecocks lost. Stinky. But Hayden's team won. And now I'm watching USC whoop Ohio State. Ha!
Well, I haven't reported about counseling yet. But let me just say, I got my $90 worth. It was so validating and encouraging and confirming. I just really needed a little refresher. The guidance and wisdom coming from my counselor was exactly what I needed. She reminded me of what I already know but am struggling with in life right now. I honestly think everyone could benefit from a good Christian counselor. I know I have.
Well, beautiful friends, I pray that you are having a great weekend. Fun. Family. And other stuff.
Love,
Melissa
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Y'all are the Sweetest!
How can I not feel beautiful when I have sweet bloggy friends who comment and email me to make sure that I feel and know that I am beautiful???? My friends are so awesome. Thank you so much. Half of the beauty I posess is due to those who are in my life.
Yesterday, I posted about how I was feeling better. And that I'd made a counseling appointment. Well, I didn't mean to alarm anyone. I'm fine. I've just learned when I'm feeling overwhelmed with life that I'm not one who can just sit it out. I get anxious, depressed, and unsettled inside. I've learned when I need a little more help than regular life offers me. So, yes, I'm going to a counselor. And I've had many questions about it. I'll try to answer them here.
Yes, she is a Christian counselor. I've seen both a Christian and a regular (didn't know what she was) counselor. I'm choosing to go to a Christian counselor. I feel like she knows what is most important to me in life and can offer guidance based on that. This particular one was also mine and Jeff's marriage counselor. She knows the most about the situations and issues I currently face and therefore she is the best choice for me at this time.
How did I find a counselor? I asked around. Jeff and I had friends who had seen this counselor and they liked her. Plus there is a huge sign outside of a big church near by advertising for this counseling center. If you want a counselor, don't be too embarrassed to ask around. Ask your church. Ask your friends. Google what you want. Pray. I think the comments from my last post were all very positive about obtaining counseling when needed. There is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, if you feel you need some extra guidance, it's one of the best investments you can make for yourself.
What made me finally decide to get counseling? I'm really embarrassed to tell you this part. Honestly, I should have gone years ago. I have so many past issues and memories that haunt me. But I thought I could get through life on my own. And with God of course. Me and God can do anything together, right? Well, while I won't dispute that, I will say, that sometimes we need someone else to point us to God and to help us discern exactly what is our godly response to life and what is not. I've responded both ways. Not proud to admit that. Someone actually took me to my first counselor. I was at a dead end and only falling deeper. I felt lost, hopeless, and crazy. Now, as a Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker and Writer, I did not want to admit that I needed help. I thought I had to maintain that "have it all together" image in order for God to use me and for people to think I was worthy. Let me tell you. That is a lie straight from the pit of you know where. Since I've been to counseling and sought the input from a psychiatrist, things are much better. I even wrote an article about it that will be published in the November issue of the P31 Woman magazine. The title of my article? Glad you asked. It's What Is Wrong With Me?
Well, that's enough for today. Thank you again for your concern and your friendship. All of us beautiful girls need to stick together!
Beautiful Blessings,
Melissa
Yesterday, I posted about how I was feeling better. And that I'd made a counseling appointment. Well, I didn't mean to alarm anyone. I'm fine. I've just learned when I'm feeling overwhelmed with life that I'm not one who can just sit it out. I get anxious, depressed, and unsettled inside. I've learned when I need a little more help than regular life offers me. So, yes, I'm going to a counselor. And I've had many questions about it. I'll try to answer them here.
Yes, she is a Christian counselor. I've seen both a Christian and a regular (didn't know what she was) counselor. I'm choosing to go to a Christian counselor. I feel like she knows what is most important to me in life and can offer guidance based on that. This particular one was also mine and Jeff's marriage counselor. She knows the most about the situations and issues I currently face and therefore she is the best choice for me at this time.
How did I find a counselor? I asked around. Jeff and I had friends who had seen this counselor and they liked her. Plus there is a huge sign outside of a big church near by advertising for this counseling center. If you want a counselor, don't be too embarrassed to ask around. Ask your church. Ask your friends. Google what you want. Pray. I think the comments from my last post were all very positive about obtaining counseling when needed. There is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, if you feel you need some extra guidance, it's one of the best investments you can make for yourself.
What made me finally decide to get counseling? I'm really embarrassed to tell you this part. Honestly, I should have gone years ago. I have so many past issues and memories that haunt me. But I thought I could get through life on my own. And with God of course. Me and God can do anything together, right? Well, while I won't dispute that, I will say, that sometimes we need someone else to point us to God and to help us discern exactly what is our godly response to life and what is not. I've responded both ways. Not proud to admit that. Someone actually took me to my first counselor. I was at a dead end and only falling deeper. I felt lost, hopeless, and crazy. Now, as a Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker and Writer, I did not want to admit that I needed help. I thought I had to maintain that "have it all together" image in order for God to use me and for people to think I was worthy. Let me tell you. That is a lie straight from the pit of you know where. Since I've been to counseling and sought the input from a psychiatrist, things are much better. I even wrote an article about it that will be published in the November issue of the P31 Woman magazine. The title of my article? Glad you asked. It's What Is Wrong With Me?
Well, that's enough for today. Thank you again for your concern and your friendship. All of us beautiful girls need to stick together!
Beautiful Blessings,
Melissa
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Yeah! I Feel Good Today!
How about you? How are you doing today?
I have to be honest. I've just been down in the dumps. And I haven't felt much like posting. Really down. So much that I decided to make a counseling appt. I have found over the past year that a good counselor can go a long way. It's just so good to get an outside, removed person from your life, who is a professional, to offer some guidance. Until last year, I had never seen a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. I think I looked at seeing someone for emotional or mental help as an admittance of failure or weakness. And I definitely didn't want anyone to know. I'm supposed to have it all together, I can't let anyone know that I don't. I don't feel that way anymore. Seeking help was the best thing I ever did. Now I do not look at seeking help as failing, but as smart and wise. You know I don't think twice about seeking treatment for a physical illness, so why did I wait so long to seek help for depression/anxiety? Pride I guess, but that's gone. Now I encourage people, "get help if you need it! There's nothing to be ashamed of."
But today. Well today was good. And I needed it. I've had a lot of great things happen lately, but I've just been down. Jeff and I were out of sync (not anymore), the kids' schedules have been crazy, my back has been hurt, my dad's blood sugar has been mega elevated and he's needed extra care, Dylan had a rough weekend, and I've been real tired. But, today, was good. Work was fun. I laughed so hard I had tears. And after work, I actually went on a 4.5 mile walk/run and it felt amazing! My back didn't even hurt. It was the 1st time I've been able to run in 2 weeks. I thank God for today. And I even feel beautiful ..... okay, at least I keep telling myself that!
On my other blog, http://www.melissataylorp31.blogspot.com/, I posted a picture of me and Donna in high school. Since we've been talking about friendship here, I thought I'd post the picture here too.
I have to be honest. I've just been down in the dumps. And I haven't felt much like posting. Really down. So much that I decided to make a counseling appt. I have found over the past year that a good counselor can go a long way. It's just so good to get an outside, removed person from your life, who is a professional, to offer some guidance. Until last year, I had never seen a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. I think I looked at seeing someone for emotional or mental help as an admittance of failure or weakness. And I definitely didn't want anyone to know. I'm supposed to have it all together, I can't let anyone know that I don't. I don't feel that way anymore. Seeking help was the best thing I ever did. Now I do not look at seeking help as failing, but as smart and wise. You know I don't think twice about seeking treatment for a physical illness, so why did I wait so long to seek help for depression/anxiety? Pride I guess, but that's gone. Now I encourage people, "get help if you need it! There's nothing to be ashamed of."
But today. Well today was good. And I needed it. I've had a lot of great things happen lately, but I've just been down. Jeff and I were out of sync (not anymore), the kids' schedules have been crazy, my back has been hurt, my dad's blood sugar has been mega elevated and he's needed extra care, Dylan had a rough weekend, and I've been real tired. But, today, was good. Work was fun. I laughed so hard I had tears. And after work, I actually went on a 4.5 mile walk/run and it felt amazing! My back didn't even hurt. It was the 1st time I've been able to run in 2 weeks. I thank God for today. And I even feel beautiful ..... okay, at least I keep telling myself that!
On my other blog, http://www.melissataylorp31.blogspot.com/, I posted a picture of me and Donna in high school. Since we've been talking about friendship here, I thought I'd post the picture here too.
Yes, just 23 short years ago, this was us. Me on the left and Donna on the right. Oh my gosh, I just realized that now anyone who looks at this will realize I'm NOT a natural blonde!!!
Well, I don't know if this post has offered any inspiration to you or not, but it's all I got for today.
Beautiful Blessings,
Melissa
Friday, September 5, 2008
Fun Friday :) We have winners!
Oh I just love prizes! Especially if I win one! Today, on Fun Friday, we have 3 winners! Yippee!
For a little while I've been posting excerpts from a little book for teen girls on friendship. Even though it is marketed and written for teens, I found it just as valuable for me and I'm no teen! It's called Every Teen Girl's Little Pink Book on Girlfriends and it's by Cathy Bartel.
I thank all of you who have posted over the past few weeks sharing your friendship stories. I even connected with one of my good college friends through all this. She posted a comment. I haven't talked to her in years. What a blessing it was for me to be able to get back in touch with her. Although we still haven't talked yet, I've emailed her and commented on her Caring Bridge website. Another friend and I also sent her a little something in the mail today. You see, her oldest daughter, who is 11, has battled cancer and other medical conditions since she was 1 yr old. I cannot even describe to you the pain, hardships, and suffering this family has been through. They totally know what it means to trust God, because that's about all they've felt like they could do. Anyway, I praise God for allowing a post about friendship to prompt my friend, Robin, to respond. Robin if you read this, I love you sweetie! I wish I was hangin' out at Holly's with you right now watching the sun set!
Ok, on to the winners. Again, thanks for your stories! I hope these posts on friendship have encouraged you to reconnect with a friend. Or maybe prompted you to build up a friend or have lunch with a friend or pick up the phone and call a friend.
The winners are:
Jen (jc4ever40)
Margaret (anonymous...but I have your email)
Joyful (Joy)
Congratulations! I'll get your prizes in the mail to you on Monday. Make sure you get me your address. You can email me at Melissa@MelissaTaylor.org or Adminassistant@Proverbs31.org.
Have a great weekend to my sweet and beautiful friends.
Love you,
Melissa
For a little while I've been posting excerpts from a little book for teen girls on friendship. Even though it is marketed and written for teens, I found it just as valuable for me and I'm no teen! It's called Every Teen Girl's Little Pink Book on Girlfriends and it's by Cathy Bartel.
I thank all of you who have posted over the past few weeks sharing your friendship stories. I even connected with one of my good college friends through all this. She posted a comment. I haven't talked to her in years. What a blessing it was for me to be able to get back in touch with her. Although we still haven't talked yet, I've emailed her and commented on her Caring Bridge website. Another friend and I also sent her a little something in the mail today. You see, her oldest daughter, who is 11, has battled cancer and other medical conditions since she was 1 yr old. I cannot even describe to you the pain, hardships, and suffering this family has been through. They totally know what it means to trust God, because that's about all they've felt like they could do. Anyway, I praise God for allowing a post about friendship to prompt my friend, Robin, to respond. Robin if you read this, I love you sweetie! I wish I was hangin' out at Holly's with you right now watching the sun set!
Ok, on to the winners. Again, thanks for your stories! I hope these posts on friendship have encouraged you to reconnect with a friend. Or maybe prompted you to build up a friend or have lunch with a friend or pick up the phone and call a friend.
The winners are:
Jen (jc4ever40)
Margaret (anonymous...but I have your email)
Joyful (Joy)
Congratulations! I'll get your prizes in the mail to you on Monday. Make sure you get me your address. You can email me at Melissa@MelissaTaylor.org or Adminassistant@Proverbs31.org.
Have a great weekend to my sweet and beautiful friends.
Love you,
Melissa
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
LPB, Pt. 3
I just cannot believe it's Wednesday. Would someone please tell me where this week has gone? We have one day of a holiday and I lose all track of time. I haven't done ANY blogging since last Friday. My oh my, I gotta get with it!
Before I begin writing about friendship, let me just stop to ask "how are you doing?" Are you feeling beautiful today? Do you have something to smile about? Do you know how absolutely loved and adored you are by God? And appreciated. And valued. You matter. You matter to me. You matter to your friends and family. But most of all you matter to God. Even if you don't feel like it, you do. So there! If you didn't have something to smile about before, that is good reason to smile:)
Admittedly, I've been on a downward mood these past few days. No concrete reason, just down. Blue. Unmotivated. I'm not staying there though. Today, I'm choosing to be joyful and appreciative. I'm joyful in my life today and appreciative of all God has given me. I find that sharing encouragement is just as helpful to me as it is for others. I share encouragement for the purpose of lifting up those in my sphere of influence, but what I also find is that when I am busy doing something that may help someone else, I end up being the one who is changed. Already from writing these first few paragraphs, I feel better. Praise God! He's so good.
So, on that note, today, I'm going to write what the LPB has to say about encouraging friends.
Before I begin writing about friendship, let me just stop to ask "how are you doing?" Are you feeling beautiful today? Do you have something to smile about? Do you know how absolutely loved and adored you are by God? And appreciated. And valued. You matter. You matter to me. You matter to your friends and family. But most of all you matter to God. Even if you don't feel like it, you do. So there! If you didn't have something to smile about before, that is good reason to smile:)
Admittedly, I've been on a downward mood these past few days. No concrete reason, just down. Blue. Unmotivated. I'm not staying there though. Today, I'm choosing to be joyful and appreciative. I'm joyful in my life today and appreciative of all God has given me. I find that sharing encouragement is just as helpful to me as it is for others. I share encouragement for the purpose of lifting up those in my sphere of influence, but what I also find is that when I am busy doing something that may help someone else, I end up being the one who is changed. Already from writing these first few paragraphs, I feel better. Praise God! He's so good.
So, on that note, today, I'm going to write what the LPB has to say about encouraging friends.
3 messages that lift people up
1. "God created you to succeed in life."
But like any created thing, you must find out exactly what you were created to do. A hammer isn't very good at being a screwdriver, but it's powerful when used for its creative purpose.
2. "No matter what you've done, Jesus Christ loves you
without conditions."
The Bible says that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) When we were at our worst, Jesus gave us His very best.
3. "Heaven is a little like earth, without the bad days."
The Bible talks about streets, trees, and rivers in heaven. So
there are similarities to earth. Yet it promises no pain and no
tears! It is absent of tragedy, depression, and temptation. And God has a mansion prepared for every one of His children. (John 14:2; Revelation 21:4,21; Revelation 22:1,2)
When you have a message that encourages, you are sure to stand
out from the crowd.Blessings,
Melissa
**Don't forget to share a comment on friendship. You could win 1 of 3 copies of Every Teen Girl's Little Pink Book on Girlfriends by Cathy Bartel. I'll be announcing the winners on Friday.
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