Pain is Temporary, Glory Lasts Forever

Not everything will go as planned. I have learned this to be true on plenty occasions. I always reflect on those times and think that wasn’t how it was supposed to happen. Sometimes it’s a good result. For many it hurts and we feel as though we can never recover. I’ve lived my entire life with the thought to never regret anything I do. Never have I regretted my effort however I do find it unfortunate to see the result. Currently I have so much going on in my life. My family is moving across the country this summer. My house is almost empty now and everything is boxed up so I’m camping in my room. I have to say goodbye to all of my friends because there is a chance I may never see them again since I’m coming back when everyone else is headed off to college. My state meet was awful {I actually tripped and fell during the race spraining my ankle and getting second to last in a race I had planned on medaling in}. I'm unsure of the standings I have for running at the next level and that thoroughly concerns me.

But with all that said when reflecting on it, I’m perfectly fine! I am surrounded by my wonderful family and friends, who love me so very much. I have a sturdy roof over my head, food on the table. I’m going to begin my training to prepare for next year. I have the ability to run and I can do amazing things. But most importantly I have Jesus. Jesus will always be there for us no matter where we go or what we are doing. We must praise the Lord for all the glory goes to him. We may be hurting or in pain now. However there are mountains and valleys in life. Today the words from Paul in Corinthians 2 truly spoke to me.

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for and eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.”

                                    ~2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-18

It’s amazing all the ways Christ can speak to us. Sometimes it’s through people, words, music, there are God sightings everywhere! Of course I am crushed by the results of some things and saddened by the outcome of others, however it’s not the end of the world. We must never give up. It’s alright if it doesn’t work out the way you may have planned. When one door opens another door opens. Life goes on. Children keep growing. Hearts keep beating. And soon, happiness appears out of the dark room, filling the bareness with light and warmth. We must never forget that we are not alone. There is always someone to stand by our side. Mountains and Valleys. Highs and Lows. Just as the Sun shines down it’s rays to clear the fog, Christ shines down on us to help us see that there is happiness on the other side. It may be painful at first but it will all be worth it. It always is. Life may not be perfect and exactly how we plan life to be, but that’s what makes it all the more wonderful.

Through the ups and the downs we will always find truth and pleasure at some point. Don’t get me wrong life is a real struggle sometimes. It hurts. Sometimes we take a day of mourning but that’s okay {Yes I did that. I cried for hours in my room. I woke up early in the morning and watched sad movies. Listened to my playlist called “The Feels” because it’s my most depressing playlist. I didn’t eat anything including ice cream. Which for me is a big deal.} It will all work out eventually it always has and it always will. Right now I’m sad and that’s the truth. I’m trying to be strong and end up finding myself in denial on many accounts. We aren’t actually moving. Of course I will be running competitively next year! State was actually one of the worst races I have ever ran, I’ll give you that much. But I finished. I completed the challenge that lay before me. I didn’t want to finish 14^th but with the conditions at hand, it’s amazing I could even do that! All my dreams and goals seem to be crashing down around me. I keep shutting people out of my life and pretending like it doesn’t matter. But it always does. It hurts now, but evidently God has greater plans for me.

Before today I always thought the saying “Pain is temporary, glory lasts forever” just meant in short term. For instance, sprint this next 100m, or to never settle. Give it everything you can, 100% all the way. However now I realize there is more to that saying. Of course it hurts now and it’s painful. However God will guide us to the light. In the end we shall find glory where all is thought to be lost. Christ will give us the strength and endurance to make it. We must simply trust in Him and know that we will be okay.

~Megan

Take a Chance

 It's always scary when approaching something where there is an unknown on the other side of the line. I'm one of those people who makes sure I packed enough for whatever element I may be faced with and constantly has my planner with everything mapped out down to the minute almost. One could say I like to be in control of my life. I simply like to know what is happening around me. Since school has finished and I am almost officially a college student (I still have orientation so therefore its not official yet) I have taken the past week to NOT plan out my minute to minute move.

Two reasons:

1.My planner would be covered in black ink and then I wouldn't be able to read anything I wrote

2.I'm trying to live life freely {It's very stressful}

 

Its awful and sometimes I flip out because I don't know what I'm doing. But Ice Cream is happiness so life is good.

 

My life has been very busy lately. STATE TRACK!!!!! is only four days away! I'm nervous and excited and ready to run all at the same time. Then, we are moving across the country. But then I have to come back here to go to college in August so I have to sort out what I want where and when and the whole shebang. That is very time consuming. And I'm also trying to hang out with my friends as much as possible before I traverse the eastern countryside. It's very stressful and the anxiety levels are through the roof at points. But we are making it through one day at a time!

 

However though my life seems crazy and their are about 1.6 billion unknowns (yes, I'm exaggerating) I couldn't be more excited for the adventures that lay ahead of me. There are points in our lives when we simply have to take a chance and go for whatever we may be wanting to do. Now I'm not in anyway saying "Take a chance! Go jump off a cliff and see if you live!" Because that is down right silly and lacking of common sense.

 

                       

 

In the end we will only regret the chances we didn't take. You never know how something may turn out. You could end up finding your true passion, love, fear maybe? I'm not sure what exactly you'll find. My one wish for you is that you don't go through life and regret not taking that chance. Where one door shuts, another one will open as the saying goes. This is completely true! Life can't always be perfect. But you'll figure it out eventually. I promise you that much!

 

Right now I really want to see God's blueprints of what he has in store for my future. However because it's God, I know I probably can't see them. We must trust in the Lord for he has prepared the perfect path for us. God knows what we need and when we need it. Sometimes we just need to take things one step at a time. One must understand that in order to discover what Christ has in store for us, one must take a chance.

 

Never regret the chances you didn't take and live life to the fullest. Life is a wonderful thing.

 

Yours Truly,

Meg

 

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

                                                                                                              ~James 4:14

 
 

Fueling the Fire

It starts with one spark. Within a blink of an eye, a flame is sent, creating a fire. The fire dwindles as it begins to extinguish. Kindling is added provoking the flames to leap into the air. The heat radiating off the fire, scolding to the touch. A fire burns in our souls. A yearning to achieve something. It all starts with one spark. It starts with a dream.

 

 

Track starts Monday and I couldn't be more excited. With it being my senior year I plan to break all of my p.r.'s and maybe set new records in the making! Along with that excitement comes my thoughts of, "Oh my goodness! This is my last year in high school. Next year I'll be living on my own. I need to run competitively next year. What in the world do non-runners do with their time??" and so on and so forth! This year I will be ready to race. I've put in my training and I'm hungry for victory.

 

A few afternoons ago, I met a coach at the track I was at. I had been doing a sprint workout to get some speed and as I was taking my water break, this man started walking up to me. My first thoughts were "Stranger Danger!! Stranger Danger!!" I looked around to make sure there were other people at the track and I knew some guys that were playing soccer on the other side of the track so I figured I would be fine. But then the guy started talking to me and asking about my running. I just replied with yes and no answers because I didn't want to be rude! As it turns out this "coach" was actually very positive. We had a ten minute conversation about running. (I tell ya, runners are some of the coolest people. If you want to talk to us runners, talk about running!) I had been really upset about my training after I had to sit out two weeks because of the flu and the fact that my times aren't where I want them to be. The "coach" told me to keep working hard and that the training I put in now will defiantly pay off. This seems like such a simple idea, but when it comes from a random stranger you meet at the track, it seems to mean more. It gave me hope again to achieve my goals. It fueled the fire.

Track is an incredible sport and I encourage everyone to at least give it a shot. There is actually a sport for everyone in Track and Field. Not every one is meant to be a distance runner and I completely understand that. I could certainly never make a shot put thrower, but that's quite alright with me. One should do what they're most passionate about. It all starts with a spark. Set your mind to it and soon you have a fire. Life is short, so we might as well make the most of it while we can!

From the song Live Like a Warrior by Matisyahu

Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.

~Proverbs 26:20

Just as we must keep hope in our dream's and never let our fire's go out, we must spread the word of our Lord. Without telling other's about the blessing God has given us, His fire will cease to burn. We must keep our faith alive and pursue in spreading His word. Without God I would not be the person I am today. All the glory will always go to the Lord! 

 

Keep pursuing in your dreams. Make every moment count. Never lose the Faith. And let your spark turn to a wildfire.

~Megan

Signs

I'm one of those people that believes in signs. Not the voodoo signs or any kind of crazy witch craft sort of thing. Just signs that maybe no one else would have noticed. God is always trying to guide us and lead us in the right direction. Sometimes we get straight forward answers and sometimes we have to figure out what He truly wants us to do. As for me, I think I communicate with Christ through different signs. The other day I was on a tour of a college. I knew going in, that I already really liked the campus, it was just as to which major I was unsure of. As I was sitting in the office I saw an African Violet sitting on the desk beside me. My Mom loves African Violets and they are all over my house. By seeing that flower, it was a sign! Now of course there's the whole issue of is it a good sign or a bad sign. However, that is for us to discover. Maybe it wasn't really a sign and I was just making it up. I couldn't say for sure! But I do know that it's where my heart is guiding me. I've spent many a times praying in search of what is right for me. It's comforting to realize that you always have God to turn to.

 

 

There are many days I wish I could get a straight forward sign such as this. But that would be way to easy!! God is there to help us through and figure out what are heart truly desires. I'm not searching for any miracles to drastically change my life around. Sometimes we just need that comforting person to help us see that everything will work out fine, to help us find the good signs!

 

 

There are days that life seems all twisted, and we have no idea where we are going any more, just as this sign. There are days when I just break down and, well, lay on the floor. Although usually when I'm stressed I go play the piano, because the piano is a beautiful instrument that allows one to express them self with out speaking. But any how, however you may deal with stress, sometimes you just have to take a step back and view it from God's view. For us it may seem as though we have the whole world sitting on our shoulders. Though I can assure you that God will be there to lift the weight! Life will go on. There is no reason to get caught up in which way to go. God will guide you!!

 

 

 

Above all you should follow your heart. The good Lord will lead you to where you need to go, you just have to be willing to follow his path, listen to his word, and spread his love to those around you. You can do anything if you put your heart to it! Today is a new day. You are a living, breathing,  child of God! What else could you need! Follow the signs and let God in! He will help you to see the signs and do what is right!

 

Until the Next Sign,

Megan

 

 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 



La Historia De Mi Vida {3}

~Thoughts From Megan~

January is flying right by folks! Before we know it, it'll be track season! As of lately, my family caught on with the flu epidemic! Yay us! It went right down the line. I have been sick since last Sunday, and let me tell ya, it's awful. I went to a whole half-a-day of school last week so I've been very busy catching up on all of my work. Unfortunately, I was unable to run in my indoor meet on Sunday because of the flu and a fever of 101. (Honestly, I cried for about an hour. Not racing was actually a tragedy for me.) Now I just have an awful cough and am strictly on my schedule to take my medicine every four hours, otherwise I go straight down hill. Sadly, now my poor puppy, Molly, has the flu. She wouldn't move at all for about 3 or 4 days. I do believe she is slowly recuperating though!

College has been heavy on my mind as well. Ever since I was little I have known I for sure want to be a Pediatrician. However, after recently talking to the Dean of Human Ecology K-State, I've been thinking about my major. I had always thought biology would be the best route to go, but now I'm thinking about changing to something more along the lines of Kinesiology. The options are endless! Here I am not even in college and I already might be changing my major! Better now though then later! I love studying science especially anatomy and physiology. The human body is truly mind blowing! Though I must say, there are some things that are just Humerus! *Haha! Get it!* I've also been very busy with scholarships, along with most other seniors. It's amazing how much money there is out there, you just have to make the effort to get it!

My passion for music is never ending. I am always looking for new songs in my free time or listening to my favorite songs on repeat. For some reason every time I get a new song that I really like, I tend to listen to it on repeat until I don't like it any more. I don't know why I always do this, *shrugs and looks innocent* but I do! My current songs on repeat include:

~The Heart of Life by John Mayer
~Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman
~My Lighthouse by Rend Collective
~I Just Wanna Run by The Downtown Fiction
~Ships in the Night by Mat Kearney
~Human by The Killers

I have so much to be thankful for! I praise the Lord everyday for all of the Blessings He has given me! He has given me the strength recently to overcome the flu and live life to the fullest! I could not be happier to proclaim My Redeemer lives! This weather I am currently experiencing (62°F) is absolutely wonderful! And for that I say, God Is Great! God's love is amazing! I just led a bible study recently about how Great He truly is from Isaiah 40:12-31. He created this world we call earth, the plants, animals and of course us! And to think he can hold all of us in just His hands! Nothing can compare to Him! I get so excited just thinking about it! GOD WILL GIVE YOU ALL THE STRENGTH YOU NEED! WITH GOD NEVER SHALL YOU GROW WEARY! PUT YOUR TRUST IN HIM! He is AMAZING! Just think, "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?" (Isaiah 40:12) The answer is God! God can do that! He has measured them all! I hope you take the time to read all of Isaiah 40,  to see just how great He is!

Until Next Time, Carpe Diem!
~Megan

 

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. ~Isaiah 40:31

The ABC's of Running

There is no other sport quite like running.  Whether it's in Cross Country, on the Track, or just for pleasure, all you really need is a beating heart and the ability to move your legs.  Running is for everyone; Any age, any speed, any distance.  For some, running is hard, but for others it's an effortless joy.  Once you find your rhythm you instantly fall into time with the rapture of your own music.  I love the sound of footsteps on the ground, the internal beating of my heart, and the rhythm of my ponytail brushing my back.  Not every runner feels the same way about running, but when you find what you're passionate about, the feeling is amazing!

Training

Training for running is not all fun and games.  There are days at practice when I wonder if I'm going to make it home.  Believe it or not, this is one of the best feelings because you know you pushed yourself and gave it your all.  Running takes dedication, and motivation. Many runners differ between the "Hard-Easy Concept" and the "Hard Every Second Concept". What's the difference?  The "Hard-Easy Concept" focuses on an equal amount of hard workout days with a mixture of easy/light workouts.  On the other hand, what I call the "Hard Every Second Concept" focuses on just that.  Basically you don't ever give your body any rest. This may seem ideal for professional athletes but it can be harmful for your body in the long run.  It also creates one to be more prone to injuries.  I for one believe if one isn't giving it their all every second, then why are you doing this?  Though I do take easy days easy and try not to over do it. But when the hard days arrive, I am using up every ounce of energy I have.  Workouts are of course the hardest days.  There are various workouts runners do to enhance their speed and stamina.  These may include, Fast waves, 1000 or 400 repeats, Tempo runs, Hills, etc..  For Distance Runners an easy day would most likely consist of a long run.  One must always remember that one has to work their way into training.  You can't just run a 400 and expect to be at the same level as a collegiate athlete.  Running (or anything you do) does not work that way! It takes patience and the will to do better. 

One of my favorite sayings, Pain is Temporary, Glory is Forever.

Nutrition

Did you eat your Wheaties today?  

Many people in our society have lost focus of what is right to eat. My Dad has always told us to have everything in moderation.  Athletes are always working and giving off energy.  In order for an athlete to perform well, they have to fuel the body.  Protein is very important for the athlete!  Proteins help give muscles the fuel you need when exercising. To stay healthy, one should maintain a source of balance in their diet.  This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, calcium and some carbohydrates!  After workouts the best recovery drink {believe it or not} is chocolate milk paired with an Oreo or two!  Junk food is bad for you but having a cookie every once in a while isn't going to hurt you! After all, Everything in Moderation!  

 

 

Lifestyle

 

Once one begins to exercise and eat right, your lifestyle will slowly begin to change.  I read in a recent study, it takes 21 days for something to become a habit.  There are some that believe sports are just a game you play for a few years before you enter the job force.  However Running, is forever!  For me, I view athletics as not just a sport but a lifestyle.  Running has slowly taken over my life.  Recently I've been asked, "Would you be able to give up running when you go to college?" And the answer is, "NO!" Running is my life and I honestly don't know what I would do without it.  Where ever I go to school next year, I am certain I will be on the Cross Country team.  I will do anything to get there that is for sure! 

 

 

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God ~Hebrews 12:1-2

The Year of New Beginnings

Welcome 2015!
 

 

 

2014 was a great year! I met so many wonderful people and made so many memories!! Another year has come and gone with the wind and now is the beginning of a new year! This year I will graduate and begin college. A new chapter in my life will be written and I couldn't be more excited!

 

This year I made myself goals to strive for. Most regarding running, because hey, that's what I do! Everybody has a goal that they want to achieve. Anything is possible if you just believe in your yourself! God will provide us with the tools we need,  however we have to be the ones to say "I can do this!"

 

My goals:

• To Pray more! ~ Prayer is alone time with God. We are so blessed to be able to have conversations with our creator any time we want. He is always there for us.
• To be a better daughter/sister/cousin/niece/friend/etc. ~ I want to always be there for all those in my life. I want to make my connections with those around me stronger than they already are!
• To be in bed by 9:30 ~ Rest is so important for everybody. I always seem to be lacking in sleep and I must say I am truly not a morning person.
• Eating Healthy ~ No more Ice Cream every day for me! My love for Ice Cream is actually absurd and I really just need to cut back on the over dosing of peppermint Ice Cream. {It's not my fault they only sell Peppermint Ice Cream during the holiday season!}
• Running Dreams ~ I have had a dream for so long and now it's finally in sight and I know I can reach it! I'm not going to let anything stop me from achieving my goals!

 

In order to achieve anything, one has to put their best foot forward. Don't let anything stop you from reaching your goals. One must first believe in themselves!

 

 

Whatever the New Year brings will be exceptional! I can't wait to see what new memories it will bring!

 

Some words to think about in the new year:

 

I would rather be what God chose me to be than the most glorious creature that I could ever think of; for to be thought about, born in God's thought, and then made by God, is the dearest, grandest, and most precious thing in all thinking. ~C.S. Lewis

If you can Imagine it, You can Achieve it; If you can Dream it, You can Be it!

 

To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift. ~ Steve Prefontaine

 

The will to win means nothing without the means to prepare.

 

Take a chance because you never know how absolutely perfect something can turn out to be.

 

 

Make the most of this New Year and reach for what ever goals you may set before your self!

Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord!

 



We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God 
~ 2 Corinthians 3:4-5