I keep a little devotional book at work that I try to look at before my day gets started. Today the devotional that I read really spoke to me about the excuses I've been making for myself the past few weeks - basically giving myself permission to slack off because I've been feeling sorry for myself.

It made me think of the time that I've wasted these last few weeks, when I could have already been at my goal weight, but I've let my emotions run havoc and have allowed myself to give in to the temptations to overeat and underexercise.

I don't want to waste any more time on this. I am so close to my goal, and for the last 3-4 weeks I've been losing a pound or two, then gaining it back the next week. 12 pounds to go & I'm playing games with it!! I'm tired of that!

I wanted to share the devotional here, because I thought that someone else who reads this may also be in need of a little pep talk!
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No Excuses - from "A Woman of Prayer"

"let us live in a right way . . . clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and forget about satisfying your sinful self." (Romans 13:13-14, NCV)


Excuses are everywhere . . . excellence is not. Whether you're a stay-at-home mom or a corporate CEO, your work is a picture book of your priorities. So whatever your job description, it's up to you, and no one else, to become masterful at your craft. it's up to you to do your job right, and to do it right now.

Because we humans are such creative excuse-makers, all of the best excuses have already been taken - we've heard them all before.

So if you're wasting your time trying to concoct a new and improved excuse, don't bother. It's impossible. A far better strategy is this: do the work. Now. Then, let your excellent work speak loudly and convincingly for itself.

A Prayer:

Heavenly Father, how easy it is to make excuses. But I want to be a woman who accomplishes important work for You. Help me, Father, to strive for excellence, not excuses. Amen.