The Mean-Time-Inbetween Time

This is a combination of many miscellaneous things that I've come across from around New Year's through this spring.

There are pictures I've found amusing, funny, inspirational, and relative to life, foods and creations I've made, comics, and some awesome people!

Peanuts pictures are my favorite!  They're simple and make me smile.  Whether it's on instagram, twitter, facebook, or sent to me by a friend, I rarely go two days in a row without saving a new picture.

Cooking is one of my favorite things to do! 

This will be my husband and me one day.

My friends and I give each other heartfelt gifts.  We know each other so well, and always get each other surprises that other people would probably consider dumb, but we find them quite resourceful.  Last summer I started a trend of decorating bananas to give to my runner friends, and for Christmas, Katlyn gave me some!  We were a little late exchanging gifts, but that's another thing that makes our friendships so unique.  We know how things go!

Dad and Katlyn did a great job on these.  Dad cracked me up shopping at Bath and Body Works, but he did a fantastic job getting things for Mom and me!  Katlyn did well there, too.  I do love to ski.

During the winter, especially on breaks, my family goes out to eat dinner more often.  We made a couple trips each to Buddy's then TCBY and Akita then Sweet CeCe's.  This was our New Year's Eve celebration at Akita.  Who needs a party?  We are the party.

My neighborhood is full of people who run: me, of course; Danny, Megan, Cherie, Chantal, my Dad, the Wilson's dad, and even an older girl who ran several years ago, Bailee, whose mom now assists Coach Haas at West View XC!  Katlyn also lives nearby!  

Determined I am.

More visits to Regency for my grandmother!

The pretty pumpkin spice muffins that came from the Williams-Sonoma mix my mom got me for Christmas.

I fell in love with this picture of my dad and his sister when he showed it to me.  I think they still look the same!  Dad was such a happy baby!

After finally getting a pair of chacos for Christmas, it gave me so many more opportunities to show off my coordinating socks!  Bella's socks here really caught my eye, so I took a picture of our sockos.

My rain jacket, ski socks, and chacos matched perfectly, as well as kept me warm and dry while the weather was cold and wet this winter.

To add a little extra to my indoor cross training workout when I was cooped up inside, I ended each day with the #ScoreNotSore challenge by Daily Burn!  I like to participate in contests, even thought it's unlikely that I'll win, it's still fun!

This was another contest I did, #FeedYourDream by The Feed.  This is a limited combo of how I'm working to feed my dreams, doing all kinds of sports and activity in all kinds of weather and places!

AP History is just too much to read!  Have you carried one of those books?  It is the heaviest textbook I have ever had or seen.  The chapters were all so long, even with 2 weeks of snow days, I was still behind.  Reading American History was just not very interesting to me.  I find the history in the Bible much more enjoyable. (:

Creative Coffee Cup for Coach



Chick-fil-a is always doing awesome things for the community and providing excellent service for the customers.  The day we had Bible Study that was closest to Valentine's Day, all the girls were pleasantly surprised to open up their biscuits to find a heart!

More love for Valentine's Day!  The Trojan Nation needs to share more love among everyone.

My parents took a day to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in February to go shop, shoot, and stuff (their bellies, that is) to celebrate their anniversary.

I absolutely love my small group.  It's always a party with Patty!  Hope and Julia (also in this picture) bring their own talents:  Julia-silent but deadly, and Hope-an amazing singing voice!  (They have many more talents, but those were just the 1st two to come to mind)



I know I have said in the past that I let things pile up when I get so busy with school.  Here is some visual and literal evidence.

Not only does Luna White Chocolate Macadamia now contain cashews, so does my mom!

Post-grocery goofies

 

Dad sent me these two pictures.  Glad to know that he thinks of me when he sees things relating to farts and poop...

In AP History, women's roles are an important topic.  One day that we had spent a lot of time talking about a time when women became much more involved in the community and workforce, moving from the traditional roles inside the home, even looking at some "Rosie the Riviter" advertisements, I decided to wear my Fight Like a Girl shirt.  We've got the power!

 

  

 Here are some more food things that I did over time:

Merica: yogurt, strawberries, blueberries

If you have never microwaved your eggs, you are missing out.  Another, "It's so fluffy I'm gonna die!"

Not only did I discover that there are such things as purple potatoes, after cutting into them, I found that the whole thing is purple!  I added them to my roasted and seasoned vegetables.

Finally, homemade banana-pistachio pudding:  Ninja-blended frozen banana, milk cubes, pistachio pudding, and pistachios

 

A huge thanks to Coach Farmer for our new state champ shirts!  These are even better than last year's.

I really love my frozen yogurt places (like Sweet Frog, right) more than any desserts, but I've been to Marble Slab a couple times lately, too!  I'm trying to be more flexible and save some money.

This is the background image for the blog of Ryan and Sara Hall, my favorite pro running couple.  They love Jesus, are distance runners, have beautiful dogs (one of my dream breeds), and they are pretty themselves!  Their lives are dedicated to reaching and serving people all over the world for the Lord.

 

At the start of the new year, for several weeks, I set a small little goal of ways to help me stay focused on people other than myself.  Here's a couple for example.

Seeing the heading to this passage was encouraging!

Just browsing around one day, I found a page called WellPath that was full of picture quotes for an active life.

This one is from the instagram page of a brand called Detour Bar.

I saved this one because it is so true!  No matter how tough or terrible, satisfying or successful a situation may be, if you take the time to just "stop and consider God's wonders," (Job 37:14) peace can still be found.

Ya know that I love goats.  Kids are so cute!  (Goat kids and human kids, pun intended)

Mutts Comics also has an instagram!

It's almost time for Jaws to be on TV and Shark Week programs!  It had been an especially long day, but I was going with it, in a light and goofy mood, and improvised this remix on the spot while I was telling my parents goodnight.

 

 Goals.

My friend Chantal shared this one with me.  My response:  "Peanuts AND running?  This is too perfect!"

@snoopygrams will never fail to make you smile!

This page is even more likely to make you smile!

For about a week during my morning routines, I looked through year's worth of pictures from Daily Bible Verses's page on instagram.  Here are just a few of my favorites! 

I say that you should go follow this page!  If that's all you get from this post, GO TAKE A LOOK.  There will be verses for all situations and decorations!  It's impossible that you can browse through them without finding one that speaks to you personally.

 

Ending this one on a high note!

More to come!

Focusing on Faith

 

Following the events that were from my Rejuvinated and Rejoicing post, there were more ups and downs, but God was always speaking through the situations.  I write these things down, so that I can have them to remember His works and all the things I'm learning along the way.  It's great to look back and be able to see His faithfulness.

 

The next race was a Saturday meet, but it was different because I only went for one race, the 3200.  the first 6 laps were a tight race with the top 3, but I fell behind a bit in the last 2 and finished 4th.  I literally fell across the finish line from sprinting as hard as my legs could go at that point.  The temperature was a bit too cool for me to go faster than I could push that day, as I knew my teammate--who I must say has an amazing kick--was coming hot on my tail!  This was painful for us, but I'm thankful that I have such fast teammates; we all push each other to get better!  I was pretty devastated and disappointed in myself.  It was a rough evening, if you can imagine.

 

Although bad times are, well, bad, they often bring about good things if you just take the chance to look for it.  Struggles often make us stop and think about the things we need to change in learning from our mistakes! This was the start of spring break, and my best friend and I joked the week before (yet meant it seriuosly):  "I'm gonna get my life together this week!"

 

Sunday mornings always give me tons of things to dwell on; Pastor Dean's sermon, the songs we sing, our small group lessons and talks, then the little things God just sends straight to my heart.

My favorite verse from that morning was "Not as I will, but as You will."  Luke 22:42  As Jesus prayed honestly to His Father, He expressed that the situation was not pleasant, asking to take it from Him if at all possible, yet he was still totally committed to whatever it takes.  This is also how we should pray.  Honestly pouring our hearts out to God our Father who cares and wants to hear, but also totally willing to accept the answer even if it is painful to deal with.

 

It's crazy how God sends us signs of what to do sometimes!  Patty always makes up hypothetical situations along with our lessons so that we can really apply what we're learning, and this day, she said one that had just happened to me the day before at the race!  My mouth just fell open.  Then we really could apply some things to our personal lives!

This was the day that I chose a verse to get me motivated and going again!  The cross country team has always used Hebrews 12:1-2 as a "theme" verse for the team, but this track season, it has come to mean a lot more to me personally.  It's hard to do anything the best we can when we aren't focused.  When we let our minds wander or get consumed with stress, confusion, anger, anxiety, dread, comparision to others, business, pain, disappointment, ourselves, or anything else, we inevitably spend less time with God.  Then things just spiral from there.  It can really make you weary when this life gets a hold of you.  It's not hard to get distracted.  That's why it says "so easily entagles."  I made a point to myself that my goal was to throw off all this junk that fills my mind and holds me back from being all that I can be for the Lord and fully focus on delighting in the Lord!  No matter what may come, it's just stuff.  God is the focus.  Keep going with eyes on Jesus!

I was also super thankful to my friend and cousin, Julia, who sent me a link to a perfect song for these feelings!  Through All of It by Colton Dixon

 

Rejuvinated and Rejoicing (March)

(This post was started back in March, but I wrapped it up today, in May)

There has been so much lately that I have been wanting to share, I just don't know how to get started!  It's been insanely busy, but that's the norm now.  I've spent a little time each day over this past week trying to get organized.  I have a lot of studying to do, too, especially with the year winding down and ACT and AP tests coming up, but I have been dying to shine some light from my life into yours!

 

Life has its ups and downs.

When I get all wrapped up in school, I get really stressed out and overwhelmed, then everything falls apart!  However, when we turn to God, things start happening (sometimes later than we would hope) that are in no way coincidences!  Verses, songs, people we cross paths with, words people say to us, and just little things we see throughout the day start to make sense.  It's a real journey, but as things finally straighten out, it's impossible to put into words the feelings that God fills us with.  Here's a little bit of what I've been learning lately.

 

 

     Since indoor track season ended, my performances have been a rollercoaster!  It seems like sometimes I can't feel good two days in a row.  After one seriously frustrating week from how I felt physically, mentally, and emotionally, I was encouraged Sunday at church to see a bright, new bulletin cover.

This really made my day!  I needed some peace.  Sunday school with my wonderful small group brought more relief from God's Word.  Our lesson's "memory verse" was 1 Peter 5:6-7, "Humble yourselves therefore under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."  Not only was I feeling humbled already, it encouraged me that when I can be at peace with not being "big dog" because God will let us have "success" when it best goes with showing off His success.  God has to show us unpleasant times before we can be able to rightly see the glory sometimes.  It went on to say to just give it to Him.  Anxiety is something I struggle with, but hearing this verse alone helped relieve some of that pressure!  I decided that this verse would be my focus for the upcoming week.
     What Rob led the large group was also about God using our struggles for His glory.  As frustrating and confusing as it may be, it may seem that it makes no sense at the time because it's not necessarily someone's fault that unpleasant things happen.  John 9:1-5 is an example of where Jesus assures people of this fact.  A man was born blind, but Jesus replies by telling those who have asked him what sins caused such blindness that it was not the man nor his parents, but "so that the works of God might be displayed."  So you and I should not be so discouraged at our confusing circumstances, because there is always a reason, whether we know it at the time or not.

The next Tuesday was a small home track meet.  I actually enjoy these meets, too, because they are laid back.  I also like them because we usually run my main event first, so then I can get done a lot earlier!  We started this meet with the 3200 at 5:00, girls and boys together.  There was a guy from another school in front of me the whole race, but it really pushed me to keep going.  I felt good the whole race and pushed into the finish.  I just had to make myself forget the stress of competition I had been placing on myself and run with God's peace.  A couple minutes after I finished one of our dads asked me if that was my PR, and I laughed and said that I doubted it, and asked my time.  He said it was around 10:50, and I was totally shocked!  I ran a 10:51, just one second off my outdoor PR!  I had no idea that I was running that fast!  This was just one of those things that God gives us strength to do when we don't have the ability on our own.  I also see this as a message from God that even when I am struggling, He will give me enough to keep me motivated when I surrender to trust Him. 

Not only does being spiritually rejuvinated lift our spirits and mentality, but it really makes a difference in our physical health, too!  It is so important to have a positive attitude and relaxed mind in order to be able to really enjoy exercising, too.  I have found that the less stress I have in my life, less pressure I feel, the better my health is!  I feel full of energy and overall more motivated for life!  Think of it this way:  Do you want to be happy and feel good?  I'm guessing the answer to that is yes.  Why would anyone want to be depressed or stressed and tired?  The easiest way to have a life like that is simple, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."  Psalm 37:4


Nike Southeast

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This just so happens to be a Thursday, so I'll transform this post to a Throwback Thursday!  It's also my friend Megan's birthday, so happy sweet 16 to that peppy girl!

The varsity cross country team and I made the journey to Cary, NC the day after Thanksgiving (also a Thursday) to get ready for the Nike Cross Nationals Southeast Regional race that Saturday.  I had done post-season races the past two high school years, but I had gone to Footlocker, never Nike.  This year was the strongest girls team West has had, so our coach wanted to take the opportunity to take us to compete post-season together.  Footlocker doesn't have team competitions, so that meant that we had to go to Nike.

It was an early morning leaving home, so I took breakfast to go.  I was getting in the Christmas spirit now that Thanksgiving was behind with a Gingerbread Clif Bar and my Charlie Brown Christmas Tervis.  When we stopped at a gas station, they had the Dunkin Express, and they had these new protein bars that I had never seen before!  I picked up a couple to save for later.

Take a look at that gingerbready goodness...

Somehow it always seems to happen that we get more snow at Thanksgiving than Christmas...I've never had a white Christmas, but I've had multiple white Thanksgivings.

Meet Trot!  Like a turkey trot!  Ya know, those races people run on Thanksgiving, although they never run any other time, but think doing a little trot makes up for all the extra they will eat?  Well, I got this at Build-a-Bear, and decided to name him Trot because I would still be trotting in my training/racing through the Thanksgiving season.  This race would be my "Turkey Trot."

I don't know where these curls came from, but we thought it was funny.

The hotel we stayed at had a popcorn machine in the lobby!  (Super buttery and salty-->I'm thinking it was really to make guests thirsty so they would buy some of the drinks at the front desk right next to it)

Tony Mitchell, everyone!

He is such a great guy.  The whole Mitchell family is sweet and a great example of a family with hearts for the Lord.  They just make me happy!  Tony is really a kid at heart, always ready to help others and provide laughs!  He was there because his daughter Abby was racing this weekend, too.  I was not planning to take a picture of him, but while I was photographing other things around the course, he started jumping around, waving his arms, and yelling, "Makenzie!  Over here!  Over here!  Take a picture of me!"  So I did and kept it for giggles.

Dream dog!  (Other than pugs)

Those crystal-like eyes are beautiful, too.

When there is an animal I like, I don't mind to approach strangers to ask if I can pet it.  Luckily, they usually don't mind either!

The WakeMed Soccer Park is the location of this race, but the location has about as much or more emphasis on running as soccer.  The teeny-gravel path is a great running surface, and runners even have their own sign.

Here we are in front of the tent where they were selling shirts, bags, hats, etc

I think you can tell what this is a picture of.

**Symmetry**

Going on fun trips with your teammates calls for LOTS of pictures!  This one courtesy of Elizabeth Liposky, front and center there.  We are all very appreciative of the toboggans every runner received in our packs!

Dinner for my family was at Noodles & Co.  If you know my food preferences, you will totally understand why I took a picture of that sign.  I eat original.  Made-to-order meals are my favorite.  "King Burger" from BonQuiQui "Where We Can Do it Your Way--But Don't Get Crazy" couldn't handle me.

I love hot food.  Hot as in heat and spicy.  I also love Colorado, and Boulder is in Colorado.  Therefore, I love Smolder from Boulder seasoning.  (Putting my inductive reasoning skills to use)

Exclusively @ Noodles!

Mom and I hit up Target every chance we get, and race trips are no exception.  I don't even have to buy anything to have a good shopping trip.  Browsing satisfies me just fine, especially at Christmas time!  Target is probably my favorite place to shop, and where I buy most of my Christmas presents.  I actually ended up getting the Dunkin Donuts Maple coffee from Mom at Christmas!  The So Delicious Pumpkin Spice Coconut Milk is still on my "wish list" to try.

If only I were a guy, I could have Snoopy Christmas boxers...they even came with a little gift bag!  I was going to buy the pajamas even though they were mens, but the smallest size they had was large, which, obviously, would not work.

Have you ever slept on Hampton pillows?

"It's so fluffy I'm gonna die!"

(Catch the allusion?)

I was so excited to get to talk to one of my friends I met at Furman cross country camp last summer!  We even have the same name!  She is from Florida, so even though I thought it was cold, she was an ice cube.

I was so excited for two of my running friends that qualified for nationals that day.  Logan was at Footlocker, and Adam won Nike!  He later went on to place 2nd at the National race, and I must say, I watched the entire thing live streaming and it was so intense.  Thanks for the excitement, Adam.

It was a fun new experience to end my cross country season, but I can't wait to get back at it this summer and fall.  It'll be here before we know it!

Dad is the cookie monster.  Shame on him for eating and driving.

Almost that time again!  Furman, the Kenzies will be back!

"Rule #1: Treat Every Day Like Christmas."

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"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  Hebrews 13:8

Christmas was only about 5 months ago.  Not too long, right?

Buddy the Elf's quote that I used to title this post is silly, and anyone who watches Christmas movies has surely heard it, but it can really be applied to our lives.  Around Christmas time jingling bells and  twinkling lights along with so many other things we associate with the season (songs, decorations, parties, gifts, treats, etc) lift our spirits as we get together to spend time with family and friends.  Kids get even more excited with the anticipation of the surprises Santa will leave underneath the tree on Christmas morning.  Giving gifts to family and friends and receiving some, too, there are so many things that encourage joyful attitudes.  As I've said in my other Christmas posts, we are able to have this joy at Christmas because Christ gives us the opportunity!  We are actually celebrating Jesus birth at this time, and even greater reason to enjoy the holiday.  However, we don't have to be filled with the Christmas spirit only in December.

Seasons change, but Christ does not.

Another reason that I am excused for posting about Christmas in May :)

We don't have to stop celebrating!

The day after Christmas, Mom and I went up to our neighbor's house to visit and exchange gifts.  I always enjoy getting to see their spoiled little dog, Mac, who I joke is named after me.  He is so sweet and playful, always ready to meet anyone who comes near!  Don and Gail have their hands full with this energetic little dog, but I am so glad he is there to keep them on their toes.

Mac is a pekingese, the breed that I think is basically a pug with long fur.  That's another reason I love him!  I can't have a pug of my own, but my neighbors have a pekingese, and that's close enough.

"Family" Photo

They're not really my grandparents, but I feel like they could be.

That morning I took a day-after-Christmas run, rather spur-of-the-moment, as I decided that I wanted to try a new pancake:  peppermint and York.  To add extra peppermint flavor, I wanted to add some extract, but we didn't have any.  So my run turned into a destination run, and I threw on my new running shirt Mom and Dad got me the day before, grabbed an Ingles card and a couple dollars, and ran to the store!  I made a quick stop, put the bottle in my tights' pocket, and came back home to whip up my new creation.

I downloaded a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree decorating app during the holidays, which brought back memories of my childhood when I played little online Christmas games all the time!

More holiday season creations:

Pumpkin Ice Cream:

pumpkin

spices

Yoplait pumpkin pie yogurt

milk and almond milk

pumpkin butter

Apple Almond Butter Quinoa

Maple Flavored Coffee

Mutts comics are sentimental, simple, and sweet.

There are few things better than a great night's sleep.

Time is constantly flying by faster than I can comprehend, but over the past month, I've been making sure I take the time to pause and look back on the days and the things I've learned.  As cliché as it may be, count your blessings.  You'll come to find that there was probably more to be thankful for than you even realized at the time.  I know I've seen it!  Looking at the big picture of things really helps me shape my attitude in a better way.

"Stop and consider God's wonders"  Job 37:14