Running, running as fast as I can

I am not a runner, jogger, fast walker...whatever you want to call it. I enjoy running about as much as getting a tooth pulled. As a matter of fact, I'm convinced that no one really enjoys it when they first start running. I mean really, who likes side cramps, sore muscles, creaky knees and chest pain? My philosophy has always been to only run if I'm being chased. 

So why, of all things, would I even want to run in a marathon? I think there is something to be said of people who can endure months of training and hours of pain. Marathon runners have self-discipline and drive. They see an end goal and can endure agony and pain to achieve that goal. It's more about determination than physical prowess. Ideally, my goal is to complete a half-marathon either this spring or next spring. 

To go along with the topic of this blog post, the next memory verse, of course, is about running...1 Corinthians 9:24. "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."

Download the FREE 4 x 6 printable or iPhone wallpaper.  

Also, some tools that I found to help train for marathons...yes, one is an iPhone app. 1) During the month of January, RunKeeper is having a special promotion where you can download the RunKeeper Pro app for free! It's normally $9.99, so this is a great deal - but there are only a few days left to get this for free. I haven't started using it yet, but it has tracking, routing and social capabilities. 2) As I was reading the February issue of Fitness magazine, I came across a section of marathon training plans that provide a weekly guide of how you can work up to your goal. These can all be found for free online and you can even sign up for e-mail newsletters.

One down, 29 more to go

Scripture memorization has officially begun! I'll start off easy, so the first one is a verse I am familiar with but want to master word for word, reference and all. It is relevant almost everyday of my life and is a constant reminder that I need to focus on daily. Drumroll please...Philippians 4:6-7. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Along with the iPhone app I recently downloaded, I've created a couple other ways to provide reminders throughout my day. One is a printable 4x6 image that can be printed and placed anywhere. I have mine on my desk at home, but it's just missing a pretty frame to prop it up. Another idea would be to place it in one of those cheap, acrylic frames with the magnet on the back and stick it to a refrigerator (or any other magnetic surface). Click here to download the free 4x6 printable.

My other creation is an iPhone wallpaper image that can be downloaded and used on the lock screen. Everytime I go to check the weather or see the latest message in my inbox, I'll have a reminder of the verse I'm memorizing. To set it, just download and save the image to the camera roll and select "Use as Wallpaper". Click here to download the free iPhone wallpaper.

{ MEMORIZING SCRIPTURE }

In the past, I have memorized a few scripture verses here and there, but have never committed to it as a discipline for spiritual growth. My goal in the coming year and a half is to memorize at least 30 verses of scripture. To aid in this endeavor, I wanted to find a useful and convenient tool. And of course I thought to myself..."there's an app for that." So I took to the Apple iTunes store to see what it had to offer in the free category. For some reason, I can't bring myself to pay for those shiny little tiles on my phone if there are free ones.

The one I found and downloaded is called Bible Memory Verses by Woody Hays. This particular one allows you to choose from four different versions of the Bible, including ESV, KJV, NASB and NIV. I am somewhat partial to the NIV version, since that's what I grew up using. However, my church has adopted ESV as its standard. Other neat features that I have yet to test are the word removal tool, flashcard tool, and audio record and playback. This app will also keep a log of all the verses you have memorized. Next task on the list...choose the 30 verses I want to memorize.