A Game of Inches... A Season of Yards!!

What an amazing season with the Tri-Valley Scottie's football team.

I had the honor of working with the Scotties again this year officially as their chaplain.  It was a great year.  I had the honor of speaking to them on Thursdays and then leading them in prayer before the game.

This year, we talked through John Wooden's Pyramid of Success.  Legendary basketball coach John Wooden outlines 15 traits that define a champion.  He talks about traits like hard work, friendship, loyalty, cooperation, enthusiasm, self-control, alertness, initiative, intentness, condition, skill, team spirit, poise, and confidence.  All of these blocks work together to build a pyramid of success to the peak of being competitively great.

I picked this pyramid specifically because there are 15 blocks.  Additionally, there are 15 games of the football season through the state championships.  And we almost got through the entire set of 15 blocks this season.

It was a historic season for the Scotties.  This year, the Scotties went deeper into the playoffs than ever before.  They played for the regional championship (3rd round of the playoffs) and the honor of representing our area in the final four for teams in division II.

Unfortunately, fell a bit short in overtime.

While the season fell literally an inch or two short (on a field goal and overtime scoring opportunities), the team gained yards!  The maturity that I've seen grow in these guys has been amazing.  They have stepped up and played well in all situations.  They have used their God-given abilities to the maximum.  Additionally, they maintained a level of class not often seen at the championship level.

And I enjoyed a great view of their growth from the sidelines.  It was an honor to have five to seven minutes of their practice time once a week.  It was a privilege to lead them in prayer before heading to the field.  But more than these... It was awesome to slap hands, provide encouragement, congratulate them, pick them up when needed, look them in the eye and build relationships with them.

After two seasons on the sidelines with the Scotties, I am beginning to build some solid relationships with these guys.  While this season may be over, and the sadness that comes along with it, I am already looking forward to next season.  Unfortunately some of the personalities (Tyler Collopy, Matt Amicone, Tyler Frick, JT Campbell and others) that I have come to know and love will be absent from that team (because they're seniors), I know that the Scotties will be back, stronger than ever, ready to grow, learn and play better than this year!

Great season Scotties!

(Picture at the top was taken after Tri-Valley won the MVL Championship in front of their home crowd.  The additional pictures are from the Times Recorder article on last night's game.)

#InButtermoreWeTrust

Jim


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Daily Read November 19, 2011

Colossians 1:15-17

New International Version (NIV)

  ¹⁵ The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.


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Daily Read November 18, 2011

Philippians 3:12-14

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

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Daily Read November 17, 2011

Philippians 2:14-15

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky



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Daily Read November 16, 2011

Philippians 2:5-11

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
 ⁶ Who, being in very nature God,
   did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
   by taking the very nature of a servant,
   being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
   he humbled himself
   by becoming obedient to death—
      even death on a cross!
 ⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
   and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
   in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
   to the glory of God the Father.



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ASICS Run With Ryan

Fun!

JC


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Daily Read November 15, 2011

Ephesians 6:10-12

New International Version (NIV)

  ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.


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Daily Read Novemeber 14, 2011

Ephesians 5:1-4

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  ³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

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Daily Read November 13, 2011

Ephesians 4:29

New International Version (NIV)

 ²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

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Daily Read November 12, 2011

Ephesians 4:22-24

New International Version (NIV)

²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

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Daily Read November 11, 2011

Ephesians 3:16-21

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
 ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

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Daily Read November 10, 2011

Ephesians 2:8-10

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

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Manafest - Bring The Ruckus

Love this guy the more I hear from him. Good stuff!

Check it out HERE.



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Daily Read November 9, 2011

Galatians 6:7-10

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

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Daily Read November 8, 2011

Galatians 5:22-23

New International Version (NIV)

 ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

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Daily Read November 7, 2011

Galatians 5:13-15

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  ¹⁵ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.


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Daily Read November 4, 2011

Galatians 2:20

New International Version (NIV)

²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

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1000 Mile Club

I crossed into new running territory on Saturday...

The 1000 Mile Club!

No, I wasn't a 1000 miles off the ground. 

In the year 2011, I've run over 1,000 miles... actually 1,002.23 so far to be exact! 

Wow! That's the equivalent of running from Zanesville to Tampa, FL! Again I say: Wow!

When I set out in 2011 (read my running resolutions here), I was shooting to run 750 miles.  If my pace stays on track, I'll almost double that!

My current mileage goal... just because I like goals... it gives me something to work towards is 1,201.1 (like 2011 with a 1 on the front) for 2011.  That means roughly 100 miles a month or 25 miles a week for the rest of the year.  Which is: Do-able!

I'm currently hunting for a new 5k Personal Record.  My next race will be the Zaney Reindeer YMCA 5k at Vista View Golf Course.  I ran this race with my Mrs and some friends last year.  I'm looking forward to running it again and setting a new time.  So, my pursuit of a new 5k time is keeping me motivated and moving ahead!

If you want to keep up with my progress, you can find me on RunKeeper (HERE) and Daily Mile (HERE). 

Happy Trails Runners!

Jim



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Daily Read October 30, 2011

2 Corinthians 5:18-21

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. ²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.



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Daily Read October 29, 2011

2 Corinthians 5:17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!



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Daily Read - October 28, 2011

2 Corinthians 4:18

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

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Daily Read October 26, 2011

1 Corinthians 13

New International Version (NIV)

1 Corinthians 13

 ¹ If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
 ⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
 ⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
 ¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.


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Daily Read October 25, 2011

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

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New Life Worship - Great I Am

How have I never heard of this band before???

Check it out HERE

JC


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Daily Read October 24, 2011

1 Corinthians 10:31

New International Version (NIV)

 ³¹ So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

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Daily Read October 23, 2011

1 Corinthians 10:13

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,^[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.


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Daily Read October 22, 2011

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

New International Version (NIV)

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ²⁷ No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

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Daily Read October 21, 2011

Jeremiah 31:33-34

New International Version (NIV)

³³ “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
   after that time,” declares the LORD.
“I will put my law in their minds
   and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
   and they will be my people.
³⁴ No longer will they teach their neighbor,
   or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’
because they will all know me,
   from the least of them to the greatest,”
            declares the LORD.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
   and will remember their sins no more.”

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Daily Read October 20, 2011

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

New International Version (NIV)

 ²⁶ Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may boast before him. ³⁰ It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹ Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

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Daily Read October 19, 2011

Jeremiah 17:7-10

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁷ “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,
   whose confidence is in him.
⁸ They will be like a tree planted by the water
   that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
   its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
   and never fails to bear fruit.”
 ⁹ The heart is deceitful above all things
   and beyond cure.
   Who can understand it?
 ¹⁰ “I the LORD search the heart
   and examine the mind,
to reward each person according to their conduct,
   according to what their deeds deserve.”

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Daily Read October 18, 2011

Jeremiah 9:23-24

New International Version (NIV)

 ²³ This is what the LORD says:
   “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
   or the strong boast of their strength
   or the rich boast of their riches,
²⁴ but let the one who boasts boast about this:
   that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
   justice and righteousness on earth,
   for in these I delight,”
            declares the LORD.

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Daily Read October 17, 2011

Romans 12:1-2

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹ Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

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Daily Read October 16, 2011

Romans 11:33-36

New International Version (NIV)

³³ Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
   How unsearchable his judgments,
   and his paths beyond tracing out!
³⁴ “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
   Or who has been his counselor?”
³⁵ “Who has ever given to God,
   that God should repay them?”
³⁶ For from him and through him and for him are all things.
   To him be the glory forever! Amen.

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Daily Read October 15, 2011

Jeremiah 6:16

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁶ This is what the LORD says:
   “Stand at the crossroads and look;
   ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
   and you will find rest for your souls.
   But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

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Daily Read October 14, 2011

Romans 10:12-15

New International Version (NIV)

¹² For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, ¹³ for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
 ¹⁴ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

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Daily Read October 13, 2011

Isaiah 55:8-11

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
   neither are your ways my ways,”
            declares the LORD.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways
   and my thoughts than your thoughts.
¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
   come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
   without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
   so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
   It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
   and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

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Daily Read October 12, 2011

Isaiah 53

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹ Who has believed our message
   and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
² He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
   and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
   nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
³ He was despised and rejected by mankind,
   a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
   he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
 ⁴ Surely he took up our pain
   and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
   stricken by him, and afflicted.
⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions,
   he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
   and by his wounds we are healed.
⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
   each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
   the iniquity of us all.
 ⁷ He was oppressed and afflicted,
   yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
   and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
   so he did not open his mouth.
⁸ By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
   Yet who of his generation protested?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
   for the transgression of my people he was punished.
⁹ He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
   and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
   nor was any deceit in his mouth.
 ¹⁰ Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
   and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
   and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
¹¹ After he has suffered,
   he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
   and he will bear their iniquities.
¹² Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
   and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
   and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
   and made intercession for the transgressors.


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Tribute To Steve Jobs

Saw THIS today... and thought it was excellent!
It's still hard to believe that the great innovator is gone.

JC


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Daily Read October 11, 2011

Romans 8:31-39

New International Version (NIV)

  ³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³ Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:    “For your sake we face death all day long;
   we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
 ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


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Daily Read October 10, 2011

Romans 8:1-4

New International Version (NIV)

¹ Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

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Daily Read October 9, 2011

Romans 6:23

New International Version (NIV)

²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.


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Daily Read October 8, 2011

Romans 5:6-8

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁶ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

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Daily Read October 7, 2011

Romans 3:22-24

New International Version (NIV)

²² This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.


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Daily Read October 6, 2011

Isaiah 42:1-4

New International Version (NIV)

¹ “Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
   my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
   and he will bring justice to the nations.
² He will not shout or cry out,
   or raise his voice in the streets.
³ A bruised reed he will not break,
   and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
 ⁴ he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
   In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

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Courageous (2011) - Official Trailer [HD]

Pretty excited about going to see this tomorrow night with the mrs! Heard really good things. Go and see it if you haven't!

Check out the trailer HERE.

JC



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Daily Read October 4, 2011

Romans 1:16-17

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. ¹⁷ For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

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SWITCHFOOT - DARK HORSES

Sweet new video from Switchfoot off their sweet new album Dark Horses!

Watch it HERE!

Jim



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Making a Plan...

I know...

I just finished my first marathon (26.2 miles) on Saturday... like 5 days ago.  But for the past couple of days, I've felt aimless in my running thinking about where to go in the next few months.  I should be resting and enjoying the victory of completing my first marathon.  And I am... I am enjoying it on vacation.

But I'm also thinking about what's next.  I hate to not know what's next.

While we were in Dayton, Jackie and I were thinking about what's next.  She suggested that maybe we try to tackle the Bank of America Chicago Marathon next fall.  Which sounded great to me... I'd like to knock it off my bucket list of races (I'd like to knock Chicago, New York and eventually Boston off my list).

But taking on Chicago in October of next year left a gap in my racing year.

Then this morning, while on vacation, my friend Donnie suggested that maybe we should try tackling the Capital City Half-Marathon on May 5, 2012.  I thought, "Sounds good to me!"

So... Here's my plan for the rest of the year and 2/3 of 2012...
1. Finish my reverse taper and get myself back up to full speed again.  That should take me a couple of weeks, if I'm patient with myself... which might be hard.
2. Following the reverse taper, I'd like to hit my 5k time hard in preparation for a Turkey Trot.  My current 5k time stands at 23m 25s.  I'd like to see it drop down to about 22 minutes.  That'd be 7m 04s miles... setting me up to bust the 21 minute mark... maybe 20 minute mark next summer.
3. Finish the 2011 year strong... racking up 1,200 miles (currently I've got a little more 900).  That would be 300 miles over the next 3 months.  
4. Hit the training hard for the Capital City Half Marathon starting in about January.  My current half time stands at 2h 3m 52s.  I'd like to hit it hard... hill workouts... speed workouts... push my half time well below 2 hours.
5. Use the Cap City Half as a strong training ground for the Chicago Marathon next fall!  Train hard and shoot to break below the 4 hour mark.

Ambitious??
Maybe.

But it's a plan.  And I'm excited to have a plan.  Now, we'll have to see if we can pull it off.
Jim


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Air Force Marathon Medal

Here's a look at the hardware!!! Good stuff!


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Air Force Full Marathon recap!

Wow! What a weekend!

It flew by so fast.  I knew that it would but I wish that it hadn't.  It was a great weekend.  I learned a few things about my running, myself and running marathons.  But isn't that the point.

First off, the weather was perfect.  It was 53 degrees at the start with some light clouds overhead and it warmed up to about 70.  As the sun came up, the Air Force treated us with the first flyover by the new B-1 Lancer bomber!  It was incredible and made me feel like I could run 5 minute miles.

 At the start of the race, I felt really, really good.  A little too good likely because I went out too hard.  My plan was to run "unofficially" with the 4:20 marathon pace group and see what happened.  But as I ran, I suddenly found myself with the 4:30 group.  I could see the 4:20 ahead, so about mile 3, I began to push forward to catch up.  When I did, I felt so good that I just kept on trucking right past.  (This picture is me about mile 9 (taken by Jackie).  At this point, I was feel great and running 9:30s (instead of the 10:15s I should have been running.  But the crowds here felt so good.)

Problem was... it was early.  And I should have known better.  about mile 18/19, it started to catch up with me.  So did the 4.15 pace group that I had passed earlier... as did the 4.20 group about mile 23.  But I hung in there.  My last 10k, I clipped off about 10:20 minute miles... but honestly, that was about all that I could muster.

 Coming to the finish line was incredible.  It was truly an experience that I'm not sure how to describe.  Honestly, I would have cried I was so emotional (but I didn't have the fluids left in my body... I had actually stopped sweating regularly despite continuing to take water and Gatorade at each stop about mile 23...).  We came up behind the finish line and could see it.  We swung around and made a loop and then came down through a row of retired aircraft!  Incredible!  When I saw the finish line and started down the shoot, I almost couldn't run fast enough.  (This picture is a picture of me getting ready to cross the finish line... I'm under the "N" in finish!)  It was so incredible... It's almost beyond words.

After the race, I sat down because I was wiped.  Jackie saw me finish and I saw her which was incredible as well.  The post-race food was a little "eh" (pizza and chips... I was looking for bagels, yogurt, apples... something else).  But it was food... so I ate it!

 Following the race, Jackie and I spent a little time walking around (she was walking... I was waddling) the Air Force Museum which was open to the public!

Overall, I was pleased with my finish time.  For my first marathon, I wasn't sure what to expect.  I wanted to beat 4:30... but would have really liked to have beaten 4:15... but it just wasn't to be.  I settle for 4:22:29 (my Garmin had 4:22:33... check out the data here)!

A couple of thoughts... some likes and didn't likes about the marathon.

Likes:
-It was a very flat course.  I knew that going in... that's part of the reason why I choose this marathon... what's flatter than an Air Force base.  But it made it easier to be sure that I would finish.

-The military personnel (that were everywhere) were very encouraging!  Fun to see those guys out there encouraging us... and some running.

-The museum was open to us following the race!  Fun stuff! 

-The race atmosphere was electric.  Maybe it was because it was my first, but it felt really alive!

-The flyovers all day were a great addition.  Added some adrenaline when I needed it most!

Dislikes:
-There were a couple of stretches of the race that were on the runway strips... for over a mile.  That's a long time to run in a straight line. 

-The parking was plentiful and free... but it was literally a half a mile to 3/4 of a mile away.  When you've just run 26.2 miles, the last thing that I wanted to do was walk to find the car.

-A lack of a viable shower option was no good.  They provided the option.  But you had to walk the 1/2 to 3/4 miles to get your stuff... then walk back... then wait for a shuttle (which was on a 30 to 45 minute cycle) to pick you up.  No bueno!

-I really missed the crowds.  The crowd at the Flying Pig was amazing!  They were going nuts for 13.1 miles.  Aside from miles 8-10, we really didn't have any crowd support.  I missed the crowds a lot... there were long stretches of quietly doing work.  Would have been nice to have more crowd support... but you can't let a ton of folks on the base. 

All in all.. it was a great weekend.  I loved the experience.  I love the medal (I'll post it's picture tomorrow).  I loved the run.  Can't wait to do it again!!

Jim
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Daily Read September 19, 2011

Acts 4:32-35

New International Version (NIV)

 ³² All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. ³³ With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all ³⁴ that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales ³⁵ and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.


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Daily Read September 18, 2011

Acts 4:18-20

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁸ Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! ²⁰ As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

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Daily Read September 17, 2011

Acts 4:8-13

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹ If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, ¹⁰ then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹ Jesus is
   “‘the stone you builders rejected,
   which has become the cornerstone.’
 ¹² Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
 ¹³ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.



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Daily Read September 16, 2011

Isaiah 28:16

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁶ So this is what the Sovereign LORD says:
   “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone,
   a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;
the one who relies on it
   will never be stricken with panic.

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Number 659 in your program... #1 in your heart!

A couple of weeks ago, the Air Force Marathon folks emailed everyone with their bib numbers for Saturday's race.  I'm #659.  I don't get into what my number means too much... or really not at all.  It's nice to know ahead of time what it is.  But I don't really think that it means anything.  But in case you are looking on the Air Force's website for updates about the race, look for #659 (even if you're thinking that I'm #1!

Saturday is almost here!

JC



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Daily Read September 15, 2011

Acts 2:37-41

New International Version (NIV)

 ³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
 ³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
 ⁴⁰ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” ⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

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Daily Read September 14, 2011

Acts 2:42-47

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

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Youthception

A look inside the world of youth ministry that many have never seen...

JC



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Daily Read September 13, 2011

Acts 1:7-8

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁷ He (Jesus) said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

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The Roar of the Crowd... a few words of encouragement!

One of the aspects of race day that was hard for me to understand before I started racing was the thrill of the crowd. 

I had never been to a 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon or full before running one.  So I didn't really understand how powerful the crowd could be.  Nor did I realize that hundreds and, in the case of marathons, thousands of people would line up to watch runners run past. 

Thankfully, they do.  And they cheer!  

As I have been tapering for Saturday's race, as I've run, I have thought about different aspects of the race... the finish line... the medal...  seeing my wife along the race course... Saturday, I was reminded of the crowd in a tangible way.  On my Saturday route, I went through a cemetery.  This cemetery has been a regular part of my running route for the last year and a half.  Many of my routes go through this cemetery.  It's a two part cemetery with a small bit of woods between.  As I came out of the woods and into the lower portion, I noticed two people standing on the road.  They were talking and pointing down into the cemetery at something (I couldn't hear... I had music going).  I changed lanes to go around them and as I did, the lady motioned with her hand across her forehead as if to wipe sweat away.  So I took out one earbud so I could hear her as I ran past. 

She said, "Whew! We already got our 10 miles in for the day." 
I said, "Give me a few more miles and I'll have mine in!" 
They laughed and I continued on...

As I rounded the corner and headed down the hill out of the cemetery, I could hear them cheering me on with genuine shouts of "Go! Go! Go! Go!"

It was like steroids for my spirit! 
It was like a horsepower shot directly into my leg muscles! 
I felt fresh and energetic like I was running on air. 

It got me thinking about Saturday!  Many places along Saturday's marathon course will be lined by people cheering, yelling and encouraging runners as they run past.  Unless you've run something like that, you can't truly understand how awesome that feels. 

See, I played football and basketball in high school.  I never remember hearing anyone cheering... although there were always crowds.  I never remember hearing the cheerleaders (although they were there), the band (certainly there) or the crowds.  But when I'm out there running a race, it's hard to miss them!  And hearing them feels awesome! 

It also got me thinking about the Christian life.  We all need people cheering and encouraging us.  But we also need to be cheering and encouraging others too.  Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) says... "²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Who is encouraging you?
Who is cheering for you?
Who are you encouraging?
Who are you cheering on?

Saturday, I'll never know many of those who are cheering for me... they will be a blur as I run past!  But know this:  I will never forget their encouragement!

Jim 

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Daily Read September 12, 2011

Isaiah 12:2

New International Version (NIV)

² Surely God is my salvation;
   I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense;
   he has become my salvation.”



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Daily Read September 11, 2011

Isaiah 11:1-5

New International Version (NIV)

¹ A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
   from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
² The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—
   the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
   the Spirit of counsel and of might,
   the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD—
³ and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.    He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
   or decide by what he hears with his ears;
⁴ but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
   with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
   with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
⁵ Righteousness will be his belt
   and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

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Daily Read September 10, 2011

Isaiah 9:2-7

New International Version (NIV)

 ² The people walking in darkness
   have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
   a light has dawned.
³ You have enlarged the nation
   and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
   as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
   when dividing the plunder.
⁴ For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
   you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
   the bar across their shoulders,
   the rod of their oppressor.
⁵ Every warrior’s boot used in battle
   and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
   will be fuel for the fire.
⁶ For to us a child is born,
   to us a son is given,
   and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the greatness of his government and peace
   there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
   and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
   with justice and righteousness
   from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
   will accomplish this.

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Daily Read September 9, 2011

John 17:20-23

New International Version (NIV)

    ²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— ²³ I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.


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Daily Read September 8, 2011

John 16:33

New International Version (NIV)

   ³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

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Daily Read September 7, 2011

Isaiah 5:20

New International Version (NIV)

 ²⁰ Woe to those who call evil good
   and good evil,
who put darkness for light
   and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
   and sweet for bitter.

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Daily Read September 6, 2011

John 15:13

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

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Daily Read September 5, 2011

John 15:1-5

New International Version (NIV)

¹ “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.    ⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.


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Daily Read September 4, 2011

John 14:6-7

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you really know me, you will know^[a] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”


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Daily Read September 3, 2011

John 14:1-4

New International Version (NIV)

¹ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.”

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Daily Read September 2, 2011

John 13:34-35

New International Version (NIV)

   ³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

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Now Entering: The Taper

This week I entered maybe one of the hardest parts of the marathon training schedule... the taper.

If you aren't familiar with the taper... It's the routine of a couple of weeks before a big race (in my case, a marathon), a runner begins to intentionally cut back mileage and intensity in training in preparation for a race.  This gives my body some time to heal from the rigors of training.  It also gives me a chance to build up some extra energy reserves that I'll need for the big race (Sept 17th).

So this week... I started the taper.  I have two runs in (a 6 miler and a 5 miler... I had to skip this morning 5 miler due to some severe weather... but I'll pick it up over the weekend).  While it seems like it would be easier... less mileage... less stress... less effort... it's really not.

Most of it is mental.

For the past 14 weeks I've been pushing hard.  I've been pushing my body and my mind hard... longer distances... faster paces... more mileage... I've conditioned myself to run and train hard.

Now for the next 3 weeks, I'm cutting back... running less... running less hard.  Still running... just running less.  But my body wants to run more.  For instance, on Monday, I was scheduled to run 6 miles.  As I powered through mile 5, I thought, "I could easily run 10 or 12 today."  The weather was perfect.  I felt good and strong.  But I had to remind myself... "Slow down.  We're tapering. Remember?" 

So... for the next three weeks, while my body is saying "Yes!!"  My mind will have to say, "No!" so I can say "Yes!" on race day!  Bring on September 17th!

JC

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Daily Read September 1, 2011

John 13:12-17

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹² “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he (Jesus) asked them. ¹³ “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. ¹⁴ Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. ¹⁶ Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷ Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

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