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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Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Making a Plan...
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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Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
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.
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.
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!
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
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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Sunday, September 18, 2011
Daily Read September 18, 2011
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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Saturday, September 17, 2011
Daily Read September 17, 2011
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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“‘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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Friday, September 16, 2011
Daily Read September 16, 2011
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.
“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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Thursday, September 15, 2011
Number 659 in your program... #1 in your heart!
Saturday is almost here!
JC
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Daily Read September 15, 2011
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.
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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Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Daily Read September 14, 2011
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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Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Daily Read September 13, 2011
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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Monday, September 12, 2011
The Roar of the Crowd... a few words of encouragement!
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
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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Sunday, September 11, 2011
Daily Read September 11, 2011
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.
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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Saturday, September 10, 2011
Daily Read September 10, 2011
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.
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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Friday, September 09, 2011
Daily Read September 9, 2011
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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Thursday, September 08, 2011
Daily Read September 8, 2011
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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Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Daily Read September 7, 2011
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.
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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Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Daily Read September 6, 2011
Monday, September 05, 2011
Daily Read September 5, 2011
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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Sunday, September 04, 2011
Daily Read September 4, 2011
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Daily Read September 3, 2011
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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Friday, September 02, 2011
Daily Read September 2, 2011
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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Thursday, September 01, 2011
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
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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Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Daily Read August 31, 2011
2 In the last days
the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
4 He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
5 Come, descendants of Jacob,
let us walk in the light of the LORD.
the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
3 Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
4 He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
5 Come, descendants of Jacob,
let us walk in the light of the LORD.
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Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Daily Read August 30, 2011
18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
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Saturday, August 27, 2011
Daily Read August 27, 2011
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
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Friday, August 26, 2011
Daily Read August 26, 2011
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
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Thursday, August 25, 2011
Daily Read August 25, 2011
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
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Monday, August 22, 2011
Daily Read August 22, 2011
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
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Saturday, August 20, 2011
Medal for the Air Force Marathon - Race Ready?
I'm almost ready for that big one in the middle.
This week is the last reduced mileage week before my final 20 miler (next Saturday). After that, I'll start down the two week taper route toward the race on the 17th.
Am I ready? I don't know.
One day I think, "Yes."
The next, I think "I don't know."
I've done one 20 mile run. Most people who have trained and succeeded at a full marathon say that if you can do 20... you can do 26.2. I'd love to be run a 25 mile run before the race, but I'm not going to have time. I'll have to trust my training... which was been great so far... and those who have gone before me and succeeded with having run only 20 miles.
On almost every single run... I think about that medal... I think about crossing that finish line... I think about having a General put that medal around my neck! It gives me chills.
Jim
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Friday, August 19, 2011
Finishing a goal early... 750 miles...
Way back in January, I set some running resolutions for 2011. One of those resolutions was to run 750 miles this year.
Well... this morning I blew past that mark (if you are checking out the Daily Mile app and wondering if I've miscounted... I didn't start doing Daily Mile until May...). I have officially finished that New Year's Resolution in August... instead of December. And I still have four months to go. I'm now hoping that I can get 1,000 miles in for the year. We'll see about that. I've had a strong training schedule at my back driving me at nearly 37-43 miles a week for the past couple of months. That will be hard to replicate after the Air Force Marathon on September 17th.
Tomorrow morning... as I head out for a 12 mile run... It will be mile 751-763.
Follow me on RunKeeper HERE and Daily Mile HERE.
Keep running!
JC
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Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Daily Read August 17, 2011
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
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Friday, August 12, 2011
Daily Read August 12, 2011
Luke 22:54-62
54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” 57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.
58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”
“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.
59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”
60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.
58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”
“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.
59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”
60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.
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Thursday, August 11, 2011
Daily Read August 11, 2011
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
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Saturday, August 06, 2011
Daily Read August 6, 2011
4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
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Friday, August 05, 2011
Did Evernote just kill my Moleskine???
This has been the approximate location of my Moleskine for about the last three weeks (that's on the desk calendar on my desk in case you aren't familiar with the layout of my workspace). It's been coming for a while... But breaking up is always hard to do.
As many of you know, I've been a faithful Moleskine user for quite some time. I have several sitting already used and a new one still waiting in the wrapper on the shelf in my office. The pages are marked with to-do lists, ideas, meeting notes, thoughts, dreams, phone numbers and the like. I have carried them around on Sunday mornings and always in my backpack to jot down ideas or things that I need to remember. I have planned countless events and knocked off lots of projects from my ministry to-do list. Many of those at my church have grown used to seeing me having it with me at all times.
But times are a changin'.
The past two or three weeks have been a bit of a test. A test of whether or not Evernote could handle the Moleskine's work. And at this point, Evernote is passing with flying colors.
If you aren't familiar with Evernote, it is an program for both computer (Mac OS X and Windows) and mobile phones that syncs up online. The free version, which I am currently using, has a limited amount of storage per month. But I can store just about anything that I want... pictures... lists... ideas... snipets from books that I'm reading... random thoughts... things that I've found interesting on the Internet.
If you aren't familiar with a Moleskine, it's basically a fancy tablet with lots of blank pages for capturing ideas.
There are a couple of reasons why Evernote is taking the lead and the Moleskine is fading out of my ministry life:
- Evernote has limitless pages. I can jot down a thought or an idea and move on. I always felt bad or worried that I would lose an idea if I just wrote down one thing on a page... felt that I was wasting a whole page. With Evernote, as long as I don't go over my monthly quota... and you can get more by upgrading... I don't have to worry about wasting a page. Plus, I don't have to buy a new Moleskine when all the pages are full.
- Evernote lets me "tag" things. Basically this is assigning a keyword(s) to a note so I can find it quickly in the future. Nothing frustrates me more than taking 25 minutes to find something that I can't find. With Evernote, I go up to the search tag and search for it. Bam! There are all the notes with that word or phrase.
- I can save more things that simply written words in Evernote. I can save pictures... audio files... PDFs of things that I've scanned... websites... pages that I've clipped from websites (Firefox has an add-on that makes that super easy). If I read something or think that something might be helpful in the future, I can save it super-quick and easy!
- All my notes in Evernote sync with my mobile phone... which is with me any way. No need to carry two things.
- Evernote is free! Both the mobile app and Mac OS app are free. If you want to upgrade for more storage, you can for $45 a year (or two-three Moleskines). At this point, I've never even gotten close to using up all my monthly usage.
So, Moleskine, is this the end? For now, I believe it is.
Links:
Evernote in the Mac App store.
Evernote in the iTunes app store for iPhone.
Evernote websites with downloads for other computer programs (windows, Android, iPad, etc).
By the way: Evernote didn't pay me to write this article or review... Just one person passing along what's working for me.
Jim
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Daily Read August 5, 2011
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
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Thursday, August 04, 2011
Daily Read August 4, 2011
23 Then he (Jesus) said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
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Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Daily Read August 3, 2011
18 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” 19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”
20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”
20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”
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Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Daily Read August 2, 2011
4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”
When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
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Monday, August 01, 2011
Daily Read August 1, 2011
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
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Friday, July 29, 2011
Mission Accomplished!!! New 5k PR and 24 minute mark broken!
Tonight was the annual Caldwell Fireman's Festival 5k here in Caldwell. I've had this date circled on my calendar for a couple of months. Why? Because I had a couple of goals for tonight:
- Set a new PR. My previous was just about 7 months ago at the Zaney Reindeer 5k in Zanesville.
- Break the 24 minute mark. In my previous 5k effort, I fell 27 seconds short.
I set a new PR... 23 minutes, 25 seconds over the previous 24 minutes, 27 seconds!
I also broke the 24 minute mark that has been plaguing me for the past year.
It felt good. I ran hard. I struggled with a bit of a cramp between the 2 mile and 2 1/2 mile mark. But I managed to ignore it and keep rolling. It felt really, really good.
I also enjoyed running in my new Active Water jersey. (Feel free to go HERE and donate for clean water for those who don't have it!)
The next time I am scheduled to race will be the Air Force Marathon... in 49 days!
Jim
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Monday, July 25, 2011
Daily Read July 25, 2011
27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, 28 and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.
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Sunday, July 24, 2011
Daily Read July 24, 2011
Luke 5:17-26
17 One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. 18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”
21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”
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Saturday, July 23, 2011
Daily Read July 23, 2011
1 Chronicles 29:10-13
10 David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,
“Praise be to you, LORD,
the God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
the God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
11 Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
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Friday, July 22, 2011
Daily Read July 22, 2011
20 While Araunah was threshing wheat, he turned and saw the angel; his four sons who were with him hid themselves. 21 Then David approached, and when Araunah looked and saw him, he left the threshing floor and bowed down before David with his face to the ground.
22 David said to him, “Let me have the site of your threshing floor so I can build an altar to the LORD, that the plague on the people may be stopped. Sell it to me at the full price.”
23 Araunah said to David, “Take it! Let my lord the king do whatever pleases him. Look, I will give the oxen for the burnt offerings, the threshing sledges for the wood, and the wheat for the grain offering. I will give all this.”
24 But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.”
25 So David paid Araunah six hundred shekels of gold for the site.
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22 David said to him, “Let me have the site of your threshing floor so I can build an altar to the LORD, that the plague on the people may be stopped. Sell it to me at the full price.”
23 Araunah said to David, “Take it! Let my lord the king do whatever pleases him. Look, I will give the oxen for the burnt offerings, the threshing sledges for the wood, and the wheat for the grain offering. I will give all this.”
24 But King David replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.”
25 So David paid Araunah six hundred shekels of gold for the site.
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Thursday, July 21, 2011
Daily Read July 21, 2011
23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
24 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
proclaim his salvation day after day.
24 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
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Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Daily Read July 20, 2011
5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
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6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
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Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Daily Read July 19, 2011
Mark 15:21-24
21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him.
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New Racing Jersey!!!
In 1994, when I took off my football jersey for the last time, I thought I'd never officially put on another official jersey. But that is going to happen next week.
Next Friday night will be my first official run under the "Active Water" banner as I run the Caldwell Fireman's Festival 5k (and shoot for a new PR). I blogged a couple of weeks ago about joining "Team Active Water" for the upcoming Air Force Marathon on September 17th. Last week, while at Summer in the Son, I picked up a tech shirt to run in in support of Team Active Water.
I'm excited!
I'm also gonna be looking for a pair of grey shorts to go with it.
I'm also looking for donations.
If you would like to donate to aide those around the world without clean, drinkable water, go HERE or put the donation in my hand and I will make sure that it gets donated for you.
Help me help others as I run for clean water!
Jim
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Next Friday night will be my first official run under the "Active Water" banner as I run the Caldwell Fireman's Festival 5k (and shoot for a new PR). I blogged a couple of weeks ago about joining "Team Active Water" for the upcoming Air Force Marathon on September 17th. Last week, while at Summer in the Son, I picked up a tech shirt to run in in support of Team Active Water.
I'm excited!
I'm also gonna be looking for a pair of grey shorts to go with it.
I'm also looking for donations.
If you would like to donate to aide those around the world without clean, drinkable water, go HERE or put the donation in my hand and I will make sure that it gets donated for you.
Help me help others as I run for clean water!
Jim
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Monday, July 11, 2011
Picture Video from High School SITS 2011
Here are some photos from High School week of Summer in the Son. We used this video as a countdown on Sunday morning, July 10th. The song is "Beautiful" by MercyMe!
Jim
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Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Daily Read July 6, 2011
3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”
9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
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9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
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Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Daily Read July 5, 2011
17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
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Monday, July 04, 2011
Running for ( Active ) Water
Saturday's run was rough.
Officially, it was the first time that I have run 14 miles before. I've gone 13.1 before... but never to 14. Saturday, I did it! (Here is the GARMIN DATA and RUNKEEPER DATA for the run... if you want to see a bit more detail.)
But it was hot.
It was humid.
And towards the end, I was really struggling.
But I made it.
And I made it in part because of water. First, I needed regular hydration in order to make a run that far. Usually when I run shorter distances, I don't take water along... I can usually make it without it for runs in the 5-9 mile range. But for 14... I certainly needed the water.
Secondly, I made it because the water provided motivation for me. I have hydration belt pack... but I don't really like carrying the weight... so I have begun to hide water bottles (partially frozen) near where I start my runs. When I get back to the start (after either 4 or 5 miles), I have a drink. Towards the end of my 14 mile run... I just wanted to get a drink... so I was working or those water bottles.
It got me thinking about something.
So far, all my running has been about me. It's been about what I've accomplished... the medals that I have earned... the weight that I have lost... and what I have succeeded at. Kinda seems a bit shallow.
So I'm going to deepen it.
In training for my first full marathon and after a week at Summer in the Son, I have decided to partner with Active Water to raise funds and awareness for the millions around the world who do not have access to clean water. Many millions of people around the world, especially those who live in third world countries, do not have access to clean water on a regular basis. (HERE are some facts about clean water... I'd encourage you to check them out.) Active Water came and presented the work that they are doing in Zambia and around the world last week at Summer in the Son and how they partner with athletes to make a difference in lives. I was challenged and convicted to join the team.
Active Water is a group of athletes who are helping to take on the world's water crisis one run... one race... one donation at a time.
I have officially joined Team Active Water.
I have set a fundraising goal that I plan to achieve before the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, Ohio on September 17th. I am aiming to raise $1,020 for Active Water. That will be enough money to provide 12 families in Africa with bio-sand filters in their homes that will provide them with clean, drinkable water for 20 years.
Would you be willing to join me???
I have created a fundraising page so that you can join me... encourage me as I train... and spur me on to raising $1,020 before the Air Force Marathon on September 17th. All donations above $1,020 will go to provide more bio-sand filters... or even help dig a well!!! (Wouldn't that be amazing!!!)
So... If you are interested and willing to help me fundraise for Active Water, VISIT MY FUNDRAISING PAGE HERE to donate. It will only take a couple of moments and will change the world of those who do not have access to clean water.
Over the next couple of months... I'll do all the work...
Active Water will get all the money...
Families around the world will get clean water!!!
Won't you join me?
Jim
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