Get Off the Merry-Go-Round

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Got brave today and kind of looked at the needles. I highly recommend dry needling for anyone having a lot of muscle pain that you just can't get rid of through other means. I am not a trend-follower, but I am tooting the horn of this trendy train.

Dang, this book jumps out at me when I am not expecting it to. It may start out with something I don't relate to then bang pops up outta nowhere! Starting chapter 4 after the end of chapter 3 left me hoping for something more, I got more that's for sure.
--Stop trying to go around it and go through it--avoiding things that may be uncomfortable or inconvenient at the time that will help me in the future has been something that comes back to bite me. But now I am focusing on taking time to do what I need to do when it comes up, even if I don't want to. No, I don't want to take time to go to physical therapy an extra day, but I want to feel better. No I don't want to make yet another appointment and go to the dermatologist, but it may save the skin on my face. No, I don't want to study for the GRE but I'll be thankful if I only have to pay for it and take it once and get it done at a more convenient time (um, still haven't started stuyding...), you get it.

--This is the big one! A pattern of work and relief that is no longer glorifying to God, though it may not look sinful on the outside.
---I love the grind of daily life. I love to work hard, stay busy and productive, always finding something I want to do. I love the thick of a training cycle. I can use this to make great impacts on the people around me when I do it the right way, and I've done it in the past. I worked hard, had success, had great chances to share joy and hope with others. Sometimes though, I get way too busy and caught up, and I am just rushing from one thing to the next, not really looking at what is going on around me or what God wants me to see and do. Then my gifts and opportunities change from a tool to a self-defeating weapon. Then things like injuries, illness, schedule change, whatever, come along to get me to wake up to take a rest. Now instead of going around these signs, I am taking hold of them and looking for what needs to change (although it is kind of forced right now, I am learning to do it on my own and hopeful for the future). Then I thought of a quote that kind of blew my own mind: Get off the merry-go-round and be active in the whole playground. -->>Get out of the cycle of work and rest only to move on to the next work, and enjoy the whole life you've got right in front of you.

Also so excited to be getting a bunch of my favorite dizzled kettlecorn! Share your dreams; God loves them. He wants us to be able to live joyfully if our hopes are aligned with His plans. This may sound silly, but having that recognized was encouraging to my recovery.

***********

Since I've been biking somewhere on the highway pretty much every day for a while now, I've wondered how many people have recognized me, and today, a friend finally texted me that she had seen me! And she asked if we could make breakfast one day soon! Oh, how I needed that. I had also gotten a message from a friend I haven't seen in a couple years but she had wondered how I was doing and gave me some great encouragement through my injuries. I've been pretty lonely lately, and basically no one knows or seems to care whether or not I am hurt/healing/healed, so these were both blessings that God sent to pick me up to start the day. It also may sound silly, but a couple companies reached out to me on instagram, too, to do some work for them. Just a little something to remind me that people are watching, and I am making an impact even when I don't feel like it. That's how God keeps me going.

This afternoon my Bible study hit me like a home run again today! About the "why." A lot of times, it doesn't matter so much what we do, but why we do it. Good things can be sinful if they are done with the wrong intentions, and mistakes can be okay if they are done with a positive outlook.

--It also brought up the same verse that was my verse of the day yesterday, Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion in the day of Christ Jesus."


--The main idea of this section was on rest. Over time, I've gotten better at it. Taking time to relax is so good when you finally do it. Rest is a great time to reflect, too, as I've seen a lot in recent years. We need it. If we're always pushing forward 100mph, we can't really take in where we are and where we've come from. I need to look back and learn, sit still and observe. I often forget things as soon as they go through my head. Mom keeps telling me that if God is trying to tell me something through all this, to listen with my heart. I know He is. It is so good to feel it.


--There are so many things that can get me motivated about rest. It's one of those things that is hard to do, but once you do, you want more. God likes to work that way, rewarding challenges in His timing ("carry it on to completion in the day of Christ" not the day of Makenzie). Here are some of those wonders: energy, sleep, healing, peace, strength, refueling, enjoying the moment, spending time with others, having time to share, celebrate!, spend the time as thanks for what is past and preparation for what is ahead. It's not only a time for me, but ultimately a time for Christ to be made greater. Rest shows that I have faith in Him in the ways that are hardest for me. I fear the loss of productivity, fitness, my daily routine, whatever, but where I need to act in faith is not doing but being; trusting and thanking God for His provision. Whatever I do should be an act of worship. Enjoy a day on the lake with my family--thanking God for the weather, my home, the wonderful people. Go to a party and celebrate whatever the occasion! God brought us through a great thing! Or sit on the couch and thank God for helping me through another week and pray and prepare for the days ahead. Rest should be joyful, not burdensome.

--Amazing quote! "Fight fast-paced and fear-based with prayer and praise."

Global Running Day--Dad's Here--Read and Pray

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I got to celebrate global running day in style by running in a new and favorite sports bra down the beach in the beautiful sun! It was a longer run than I had planned, but I got so far and was so close to the pier that I just went on. I'm glad I did; it felt like a great accomplishment, and I got to see a cute, young lifeguard that took my picture. I got his phone number, but only because I sent myself the picture from his phone. But hey, a girl can dream. 

Running on the beach is a challenge for many reasons (I even read an article about it in the most recent Runner's World that afternoon--this was not planned, but God works in neat ways!). Your muscles have to work way harder to keep you stable and push forward since the sand is so much looser than grass or pavement. Even on the packed part that seems like a dirt path, you get a tougher workout. That's what I do; that loose stuff is killer when I have to go up and around a couple water run-offs. I think I could walk faster. There is also more wind being close to the water and no shade! However, this didn't feel too bad. I also don't like really long out-and-back with no turns, but this one didn't seem monotonous. I guess I will call it beach bliss.

It turned out to be a super hot day again, and it was one we were staying out long and staying at the hotel. Dad was on his way, and he got there by lunch time even leaving later than Mom and I do (we say he drives blazing fast, but I wouldn't want that drive ahead of me alone either). He took a picture of me and Mom since we didn't get one our whole time of being there just us! (And this has become my new favorite bathing suit! Who says you have to pay big bucks? Mom got this for me for Easter at Walmart.) After sitting so long for the drive, he and Mom took a walk, so I held down the fort at our chairs and umbrella.

I usually would do my Bible study before lunch to get a positive start that I could keep in my mind for motivation the rest of the day. Another day in the Now booklet, the first section put an emphasis on meditating on God's Word. I can attest after many solitary moments in some recent years' struggles, the Word was all I had. In despair, it brought me hope and courage. Looking back, I honestly don't know how I did it other than God's power filled me up. It's something that the right words at the right time can do way more than any tangible thing. You can't buy or create your own peace, but God can speak it to you in His Word. It's one of those things that the same verse can mean something different to you at different points in life; it never gets old. There are always new things to learn and new perspectives to gain. The more I read, the more I want to; it's a good kind of addiction, a habit, one that I need to get into more of again! Just like any habit, reading the Bible and prayer (which was the next thing) are slow to start and keep up regularly, but once you do, it is easier and easier! The Bible speaks of reading it and keeping it in our hearts and on our minds to guide our lives (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:11, Psalm 119:105 and more), and the Word also speaks of prayer (Philippians 4:6, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and more). Jesus outlined it for us (Matthew 6:9-13) and set an example in His own prayer life (Luke 22:39-44). Both of them can soften our hearts to our situations and open our eyes to see more of what God has in store for us. Reading the Bible and prayer don't have to be a certain way or fake or habitual. It is how we develop a relationship with the Lord. You don't make friends by following some guide or step-by-step plan, and that's not how you have to relate to God. He wants us to be honest. He already knows everything, so why try to be something that you're not? Just talk to Him. Something about prayer--it doesn't mean that God will give you what you want, but He will give you the power to do whatever you need in the situation.

For the afternoon, I made a pina colada parfait with a drink and blended pineapple, cereal, and chickpeas. But then I spilled some in the sand...Having all afternoon and even longer gave me a ton of sun time, which has now left me losing my tan and a little depressed without the sun and warmth since it has rained basically every day since we got back. I got to read parts from several different websites, magazines, a book, did a lot of word searches, and found some unplanned things to look at along the way! Not having obligations weighing me down felt so good...it was actually a strange feeling, but it was so good. My flavored and energy-helping drink of the day was a Lifewater! Placebo effect was at work by simply telling myself "Drinking Lifewater today because I'm dying in this heat," and it helped.

Mom and Dad moved their smaller chairs down to the water after the lifeguard took up his chairs and umbrellas, and I laid on our blanket. Not that we had anywhere to be, but it was after 6:00, and we were planning to order pizza and wings to be delivered! It is from the best pizza place in Myrtle Beach, and delivery takes longer, so I didn't want it to get too late. Luckily, after we chatted a little longer and went up to the room to order, it would only be about 45 minutes since it was a Wednesday and not as busy. Good planning, Kenz.

I was SO happy that Dad agreed to bike to Dunkin with me while we waited! We used to go to Dunkin a lot when I was in high school after some of my weekend runs, so this was a fun little trip. (There's a post about my Dunkin days, too.) After we got back, I jumped in the shower, but the food beat me! As soon as I opened the door, it smelled so good...Not that I am a pizza person, but Ultimate California Pizza makes one that is superb. Mom and Dad like basic extra cheese, pepperoni, and sausage, so I usually get my own creation, but it is more expensive, so to save some money and try something new, I got mango habanero wings! This is a great beach thing to do...spend all day out, eat in the room (in bed to make it better), relax, and watch one of your family's favorite shows (Big Bang Theory) and the NBA playoffs (Go Warriors). These are the little things that make my heart so happy.

Longish Weekend, Longish Post

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Slippery and Slower (Metaphor for the Day, too)
9:12 AM on Monday, May 28th

I wanted to go to the park one last time before the beach, and this was my best bet to avoid rain. It had rained some the previous days and there was rain in the forecast starting later that day. I made it through with just some light drizzle at times and some wind, only slipped once. It was on the grass, too, so I didn't get any cuts or muddy! However, from a combination of my tiredness and putting safety before speed, it was much slower than I have been going. My whole morning was slow; I didn't get started until almost 9:15!

On the way home, I went by the old house to see Mom and Dad who were set up in the garage trying to yard sale some last few things. I went through a box from my room of lots of old stuff that I am going to mostly part with. There are such great memories of my childhood passions in there...I took some pictures, although there are some things that I've already gotten rid of, because I am going to make some memory scrapbook pages this summer (I hope...I have lots of projects on my list...).

After the sale was done, Mom added up the money, and I will proudly say that I earned them $208 extra dollars (they only made less than $50 from the actual sale) from posting things on Facebook and talking with people on there. I wanted to get paid commission, and they didn't like that idea.

More slippery: back and forth on our plans for the beach. The weather looks pretty rough for the next couple days, and Mom doesn't want to drive through downpours nor do our check-in and grocery shopping in it, so she is thinking about waiting a day. This got me so sad! I have been wanting this vacation so bad...we didn't get to go last year, and our family just needs a good time away! Mom is having surgery right after we get back home, so there is no chance of us extending our stay like we did the last time. But again, I have to remind myself that my joy in life does not depend on where I am or when, the weather, or anything else. I just need Jesus.
So the final verdict? Taking a day from the beginning...but I will make the most of it! I hope it pours all it can the next day or so, so when we get there, there will be no rain left! Sorry for all my Manley Church friends there at beach camp!

After the yard sale I stopped in GB to check on how my friend's first solo shift was going, then had a core workout to do when I got home, so I didn't get to the shower until after 1:00! Also being tired, I was moving slow. I got stuff done around the house, but it just took a long time!

In my Bible study today, it hit two things that I encountered today: the glory of God's creation and doing every little thing, even the daily mundane tasks, to the glory of the Lord. Even though the weather at the park for my run this morning wasn't the best, it was still so refreshing to get out there in nature to run rather than on the roads again. I go to the park when I need an extra boost. "The whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah 6:3

The second page of today's devotion was with 1 Corinthians 10:31, "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." Simple, but so meaningful in that God gives us ways that we can use things we already do every day to bring Him glory. So no matter where I am or what I'm doing, I have purpose. For my running, I can be thankful that I have the opportunity, in my eating, I can fuel myself to have energy to do what He brings me to each day. I have to eat well to be able to live well! I believe that is why this verse begins with eating and drinking. If I am not healthy, I can't do anything else. Even on days like today when I do seemingly menial tasks like help my parents at a yard sale, unload the dishwasher, or chat with someone on Facebook, I have the opportunity to do something positive.

This was not planned at all, but it is National Hamburger Day! Dad grilled for us after he got done working on the old house. It was really late, but I am getting used to that by now. It was a great coincidence that this holiday fell on Memorial Day this year, since so many people celebrate with cookouts. Just unfortunate that it was not good weather. I am not a big burger fan, mainly just the plan/premade kind (I need more flavor), so Mom let me buy some of my own choosing! These were chipotle salmon burgers from Aldi! She wants me to eat salmon because of the more fatty acids it has compared to other fish, but she hates the smell. So here we found compromise. I didn't have to eat a cardboard-tasting burger, and she didn't have to smell salmon in the kitchen!

Now for the end of the weekend!

I got an email from both Elli Quark and Aldi, that for a limited time, Aldi would be carrying Quark! None of the stores around here have it! Aldi is one of my favorite places anyways, so I had to go check it out. FOMO is real in my life. Now you may be asking, "What is Quark?" and I don't blame you. It's yogurt, kind of, but it's not. It's actually cheese. So rather than yogurt, it's like cheesecake in a cup! It is German-style, which takes a lot longer, but it has a unique taste and texture, along with cleaner ingredients, no added sugar (no added anything actually), and 12-17 grams of protein! This is one of those times when I take an opportunity to treat myself with something special even if it costs a little more.

New waffle again! I am also in the process of finishing many leftovers so I don't have to throw away or freeze much before vacation, so that encourages me to get creative! I am so happy that I've been able to get my waffle fluffiness back like I used to. I do better with the waffle iron than the pancake skillet, too, for now. This one was banana, avocado, and a new natural chocolate peanut butter that I picked up at the wholesale store. I really wish I had gotten more packets of it now! I used to not like avocado or guac much, but one day I got this sudden craving for it, and now I can't get rid of it. I think it is my body craving higher-quality fuel for my training. Adding moisture to waffle and pancake batter is key to getting the right consistency, too, so this is a win-win!

Finally, my Daniel Plan book that I ordered on eBay finally came! I have gotten the emails for a long time, but they have been so encouraging that I decided to get the book to read while I am at the beach. With this second opportunity at a great life and competitive running, I want to make more effort to take care of my mind, body, and spirit the way God intended so that I can live out my full potential!

Sliding Socks

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9:04 AM on Monday, May 21, 2018

Sliding Socks

I would rather it be my socks sliding than rocks, but it was still a little annoying. With around 4 miles left to go, one of my socks totally fell off the back of my foot, and was only around my arch. The next one wasn't far behind. I was very thankful to be able to go to the park today because I was so tired and really not feeling a neighborhood run. I saw some little turtles, too! Praise the Lord for a day off! I really enjoyed it! Mom was gone most of the morning, so I had a little time to myself before she was back. After some time out in the sun and Bible study, I took a shower, deep conditioned, and did a face mask. Then I took a nap! It was not as long as I would've liked, but I needed to eat. But a quick yet quality nap is better than a lengthy yet cruddy one! I got to go back outside later, too. The sun took breaks about the same time I did.

I love to match the comics with my life, if you haven't noticed. Mutts often features my posts on their Instagram story! Those are flowers that Mom got from a student at her school. My post-run breakfasts are often random things so that they can be quicker so I can move on to other things or work. Lately, I have done about like that comic, having turkey bacon and sweet potato and some spice! A carb and a protein. Then I add some chickpeas or leftover baked beans.

Phoebe has become adventurous and finally stepping outside. She doesn't last very long, but she is getting better. I honestly want her to stay inside so that she is with us more! I have gotten attached lately.

Finally, National Strawberries and Cream Day! Thankful to the "$10 Box Store," I got to stock up on a lot of different flavors of these.

Today's Bible study time: 
Hebrews 13:5-6 was pretty fitting. But God always does that. I have also come to a place in my faith where I can make any passage relate to my life. I know the Bible is full of things we can use in the present day. I have come to admit that I am a hoarder, and I have issues with money! I like it, I love to shop, but I never want to spend money, and when I buy things, I never want to use them. But that is no good! I have no reason to worry about these things, because God will always give me everything I need. Getting a job has also been so good for me in that I can make my own money to pay for things and to save for later. Now I fear what I will do without one. I want to buy things for myself and for others, and I need to do so for the right reasons. Not be superfluous but be good to myself. Use the good things I buy, and take care of myself. Share and take care of others. But "Keep yourselves free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

So while my life may be sliding around like my socks, God's got me.

Bible Study Bonfire

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My Sunday School class/small group has been doing a Bible Study this fall on The Purpose Driven Life.  It is such an encouraging way to work through life's challenges and the simple day-to-day activities with a focus on God's plan for our lives.  It has changed my heart and filled me with motivation!

Here is a little collage from the night that we did a bon fire at Patty's house.  In the background are some words associated with main ideas in the book.

 

We started out the night roasting marhmallows and making smores!  I tried one with an Andes Mint, and it was a success!

I just love having these girls here to talk to!  We are a hodgepodge group from all different places and lives, but we can relate to each other on so many levels.

Each time I jump into the book to read, I have to have a notebook, pens, and my Bible right there, too, becuase there is so much to plant into my mind and heart!  I constantly am finding sayings and verses that go directly with my life situations, and I don't want to miss a thing!  There are many of these "divine appointments" that God sends into our lives that I will share more about later!

 

It is called a "40 day journey," but with our lives and schedules along with the desire to really dig deep and discuss and grow, we are taking as long as we need to work through it! 

What's New

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School has started, and that means change.  There are a lot of new things going on, so here is a look at some of them!



Last year, I parked in this spot almost every day after I started driving to school. It's like they remembered!

Saturday, we were supposed to have a team car wash to help raise more money for cross country, but the weather forecast was terrible, and we cancelled. That was actually a bad idea because our weather tends to be wrong. It was. Hot, humid, sunny. Oh well. I got to check another thing off of my bucket list since I had the morning free!  Every few Saturdays, my CrossFit affiliated gym does a free easier class, and I headed over!  Afterwards, I rode a stationery bike. 

 

What a mouthful: National Society of High School Scholars. I am a member!  I doubt it will ever mean anything besides a Tshirt and something to write on resumes due to my extracurricular activities and the locations of meetings, but it's still an honor!

That's what I say. I never look at my watch on runs, except to know distance.  I just go as fast as I feel like going. 

Having teammates to push me and enjoy runs with is something I am extremely familiar with!  I had to share this article with them. 

After some Sunday afternoon exercising, I propped my feet up I the railing and relaxed a bit to get some recovery blood flowing. 

Another new thing off my list, a class at the Main Loft fitness studio downtown!  The class I took was called Pound, where we worked on some core stuff to music. I got a pleasant surprise of seeing a church friend here, too!

After that, I went over to the good ole Haas house (my friend Katlyn again) to ride their new stationery bike. In-place things get boring, so I was glad I had her to talk to (and take this picture).  Interval/fartleks also help things go by faster!

The day before I made this delicious dessert bowl was national s'mores day, the day for me. S'mores are one of my favorite flavors!

Cliche white girl with her Starbucks. Not. I kept the cup and put my own protein shake in it!  Frozen coffee cubes and a coffee house shake. 

After a crazy practice full of changes and new speed workouts due to weather (rain and storms), I got to see a rainbow as I did my cool down strides, drills, and stretches. 

I am so lucky!  Blessed, I would actually put it. I have an online class first block, which means that I do not have to go into school until 9:20 or 9:35 depending on the day. This gives me opportunities to sleep in, work, run, and other things!  After Bible Study, I got to study at Chick-fil-a. 

Yum!  Protein fuel snack to go with lunch!  

This sounds like my family. I would love chicken and onions on a pizza. Dad loves mushrooms. We never can agree on food!

One of my best friends that I share my struggles with tagged me in the caption if this, and I love it!  I know I'm small, but hey, God made me that way!

Check out that neon coordination!

Every year, the team takes a trip (not required) to just across the border into NC to Big Creek Campground for a trail run and cookout. 

Here is the view of all the parents circled up!

My dad totally jumped in the background of this unplanned. It's cute, though!

At church, we have a fall and spring sports Orange and Blue Sunday for our local college,Carson Newman, sports teams. The football team is the main fall team, and they fill the place up!

ITS CANDY CORN TIME!

The life of a runner. 

I'm really excited, because I recently found the official Peanuts Instagram and twitter accounts. 

This reminded me of Chantal and Cherie's party, because it was a sleepover with friends and a campfire!

YES. Even. Though it's nt really a break, it's better than nothing. I need a break!

The twins and I are the queens of finding change. 

This time at Chick-fil-a, I spent my extra time in Bible study and song. I believe that music is a powerful gift God has given to uplift us!  I'm not very good with words, but I love getting into worship/contemporary Christian music. The words can be so applicable and are so beautiful. If it weren't for music, my spiritual life would not be near as strong. 

I set up a lab at my computer in the Astron yearbook room. We aren't doing much right now, because there isn't much to put in the yearbook yet. This helps me tremendously, as it gives me extra time to do homework and study. 

This is an awesome team picture!  I love action shots, and what better to have an action shot of than pre-race prayer?