Don't Give Up! - Day 23

I'm now in my fourth week. There are days where I want to tackle people who are enjoying pizza for just a taste, and other days where there are zero cravings. Perhaps that 'thorn' is what I need to keep from becoming arrogant, or maybe just part of the process. We'll see...

Today, I wanted to write an encouragement to all of my friends who are struggling forward in regards to weight/diet/life issues. It is so tempting to give up. If you have a bad day at the gym, or at work, or at home, or a number of other things can compound and make this change seem impossible. However, I want to encourage you, DON'T GIVE UP! (<-- Meant as a positive encouragement and not as the typical all CAPS yell). Look, we didn't get this way overnight, so we can't expect change overnight. There will be days where you "blow it" and eat like a Hungry Hungry Hippo™, and other days that you just sleep right through your 'quiet time' at the gym. It happens, to us all. The important thing to remember is that we are running a marathon and not a sprint (thanks, Steph for the constant reminder!).

Also, I know there are some of you out there that want to join in, but are waiting for the right time. My question to you is, "Why not now?" How about you get up from your computer, go fill up a glass with ice water, and drink a few glasses today. That's it. Just enjoy feeling hydrated for once. Then tomorrow, get up and go for a walk around your block. Do something.

Here are some common excuses that I have given or that I have heard as to why individuals are delaying their repentance:

1. We're in the process of huge transitions at church/work.
2. Maybe after Memorial Day Weekend.
3. Perhaps after the semester.
4. After the wedding.
5. After the birth of my 4th-born.
6. When it snows in Hades...
7. When my spouse will do it with me.
8. If I didn't travel so much.
9. I don't want to eat like a girl.
10. I've always been taught to clean my plate...

I've either used these excuses myself or heard them (more than once). The point is, if you know that you are out of shape and unhealthy. Not only are you letting down your family (or future family), but you are also in sin. This 'project' is meant to be a place where we can struggle forward in repentance. Not just a help to mask our yuck... So, if you have started this with me, but have since stopped. Start again! If you have been watching on the sidelines thinking, "I should do something", then do something! If you have been struggling forward with me, then "Don't Give Up!"

Let's honor God, our family and friends, and for those of us who God has placed in positions of authority, the people we lead by how we steward our whole lives as worship to Him.

WEIGH IN: 227 lbs
TOTAL LOSS: 11 lbs