Confessions of a Shopaholic...

FIRST OFF - GO SHOW MY GIRL VALERIE SOME LOVE: http://valeriesaccountabilitypage.blogspot.com/2009/07/another-lightbulb-moment.html

Hey guys, it's been WAY too long since I last blogged - life has been EXTREMELY busy! There are so many things I've wanted to blog about because I seriously think in "blog" now - however, if I don't get it written down in that small window...it's gone folks! hahaha

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To bring everyone back up to speed, Saturday I hit my 75 lb milestone and won two side bets (mom and BFF). Monday I turned 24 (kinda scary if you ask me). Tuesday, I WENT SHOPPING!

Okay, so my title isn't exactly "fitting" (<-remember that word), since I haven't been shopping in literally MONTHS, but I just thought it was catchy. :) Since I began this weight loss journey, I have refused to go shopping - main reason was out of delusional fear. The nightmare of picking out clothes only to find I'm still in the same size kept me FAR from any clothing store.

Finally, it was time. After nearly 6 months of dropping weight I made a professional based decision that I MUST purchase some new work clothes to avoid looking like a clown every day. (I'm a Senior Relationship Banker). As skewed as my vision of "ME" had been - as much as my clothes sagged - as many positive words of encouragement I had received...I was convinced it surely wasn't true!

Well right when I walk into this clothing store that I used to frequent, the manager stops from across the store and says, "IS THAT YOU!?!" and approaches me. She then proceeds to circle around me with her mouth wide open. Slightly confused and not connecting the dots I said, "Um, yea!"

THEN IT CLICKED

"I've lost 75 lbs since you last saw me." She was so intrigued and I got to share all about the encourager's in my life, what I'm doing to make this happen, my goals, etc. Someone could have walked in and robbed the store unnoticed while she stood questioning and amazed by my story (in the making). It was definitely the positive reinforcement that I needed this week - but it didn't stop there!

MANAGER: "So, what size do you wear?"

MESHA: "Well, I don't really know. I've been to afraid to come try new clothes on."

MANAGER: "Here...how about you try this size. I'll give you two sizes in case one doesn't fit."

(Mesha dreadfully trying on clothes)

MESHA: "WHAT??? Umm....can I get a SMALLER size please?"

You girls catch that? For the first time in probably my LIFE - I actually had to try a smaller PANTS size. I can't tell you how PROUD that made me feel. Yep, I said it - I was able to feel PROUD! It's a lot easier for me to be proud of my friends and the girls I try to encourage on this journey too - It's hard for me to see it in myself though. Tuesday...tuesday was one of those days joy just welled up in my heart and the overflow came out in the form of an uncontrollable smile upon my face. I was able to finally take a moment and be PROUD of what I'm doing and the progress I've made.

I'M DOWN 4-6 PANT SIZES LADIES!!!

For the first time since I started this weight loss journey, I was actually encouraged in a way that made me feel good about myself PHYSICALLY. I've had the encouragement emotionally from my wonderful friends and family, but to feel good about what's happening to my body almost brought me to tears.

ABOUT THE VERSE-

Here lately I've felt to explain WHY I am using the verses I have chosen for my blog posts and today I wanted to elaborate a bit again, if you will allow. ((hugs)) This verse is about Solomon rebuilding the temple - the house of the living God. David (Solomon's dad) basically tells him to be strong and do the work it takes to finish the job. Don't be discouraged, don't give in to fears, you are not weak...GOD IS WITH YOU! He will stay by your side until the work is finished and this temple is complete. PERFECT! In the New Testament, God calls our bodies the "Temple of the Holy Spirit." (1 Cor 6:19) His spirit isn't "contained" by four walls - he chose to call our hearts HIS home and this body His temple. It NEEDS to be in order for a Holy God to come and dwell within us. I'm believing that as I'm "doing the work" and rebuilding the temple known as my body, that God will not fail me, or forsake me. That he will absolutely be by my side until the work is complete...not just half finished. The verse goes on to say, "and every willing man skilled in any craft will help you in all the work." BEAUTIFUL!

God has given me an amazing friend and instructor who uses her skills to invest into helping me succeed. I have a best friend who knows me better than anyone else and just what it takes to motivate me and keep me moving. I have a group of ladies (my sisterhood) who have poured out all they know from their own journeys they are travelling and tremendously encouraged me as they too walk this out along side me. I have family, church family, friends, co-workers, CUSTOMERS, gym employees, blog followers and facebook pals who have become that "willing man" to help me in all my work. It's truly humbling. It's truly encouraging. It's truly a blessing. It truly amazes me.

(tears in my eyes)

Verse of the Day:

1 Chronicles 28:20

..., "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished."