Hello Sisters!
This month's
scripture emphasizes that true beauty comes from our inner self -- the beauty of a gentle
and quiet spirit.
How many of
you know women who are lovely on the outside but are quite ugly in their actions and
attitudes? Nothing makes a woman more unattractive than a filthy mouth, cruel comments or
other ungodly behaviors.
We are a
nation obsessed with looks but few of us are truly concerned with how we look to our
Heavenly Father. He sees our hearts! A loving, contrite, gentle, and quiet heart is
beautiful to Him!!!
That being
said, it's important that we try to be as wholesome and attractive on the outside as on
the inside. Do you dress appropriately or do you show too much cleavage, wear your skirts
waaaaaay too short, or dress more like a tramp than a daughter of God? Do you make an
effort to be the best you can be by combing your hair, wearing some makeup (as necessary),
and bathing regularly? That may sound silly to some of you, but I've seen waaaaaaaaay too
many women who look like unmade beds or who look like street-walkers -- even in church!
The point is
to be as lovely on the outside AND inside as you can. Dress as you would if you knew you
would be visiting with God today -- because you ARE visiting with God! He is with you
every minute. He sees all you do. Give Him your best!!
Now, many of
you have written with a sincere interest in losing weight and becoming more healthy.
Whether you want to lose weight, or whether you are already a good weight, you want to be
as healthy as possible. You can't be truly healthy if you are seriously overweight. We're
not talking model, here, but just a weight that will enable you to be as healthy as
possible for as long as possible. |
Guiding Scripture...
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:2
In addition to Romans 12:2,
this month's scripture declares
that true beauty comes
from inside, not outside!
Seek the beauty that
comes from your inner
self -- the unfading
beauty of a gentle
and quiet spirit.
1 Peter 3:4
Now make it personal....
It is what is inside
that makes me
beautiful -- the
gentleness and quietness
of God's Spirit.
Write this scripture down and
post it in a frequented area so it will become a part of your mind,
your heart, and your soul. |
Many
of you have asked how I lost 22 pounds last year. I'll share my plan with you -- but you
must promise you'll consider it only as ONE of many ways to achieve a healthy weight.
Whether you choose my plan or Weight Watchers or SlimFast or NutriSystem or whatever --
just find a plan that works for YOU. We're not looking at DIETS -- we're looking at
LIVE-ITS. And PLEASE consult your physician before
embarking on any diet or exercise program!
There were two components to my weight loss
program -- a different outlook on food AND exercise (stop groaning.........).
Exercise. You don't have
to exercise to lose weight, but if you do, you'll lose it faster. In addition, exercise
strengthens your body (inside and out) and is proven to make you healthier. A recent study
by the US Government concluded that poor diet and lack of exercise are the second leading
causes of illness and death -- second only to cigarette smoking. You lower your risk of
developing cancer, heart problems, diabetes, and a whole slew of other ailments.
Start slow. Walking is the best. It is the
best source of weight-bearing exercise, vital for preventing osteoporosis, because when
you walk, your legs and back are bearing the weight of your body. Include moderate weight
lifts to strength your arms and shoulders.
Dietary changes. Our
friend Sam says she eats "right" to be healthy, not because she needs to lose
weight because she inherited a fat-burning, quick metabolism. I didn't. Food sticks to me.
So, from August 14 of last year until the middle of January, I became very particular
about what I ate. After I met my goal, I was able to loosen up a bit and eat a few more
goodies. The point is moderation in all things. You can have a cookie -- but ONE, not the
entire sack. You can have bread -- but not an entire loaf (with butter!).
When you have finished reading this month's newsletter, please come back
to this spot and click on the following link for my weight loss program. Remember, this is
what worked for me. If it doesn't work for you, find a plan that does! And then stick to
it!!!!!!!!!! Be healthy and seek the inner beauty that comes from a gentle and quiet
spirit!!!
Donna's Weight Loss Plan |
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