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

Strength

Many may wonder what is exactly is strength. According to Merriam-Webster:

 

Strength

noun \ˈstreŋ(k)th, ˈstren(t)th\

: the quality or state of being physically strong
: the ability to resist being moved or broken by a force
: the quality that allows someone to deal with problems in a determined and effective way

Extra definition according to Megan:

: The ability to overcome any or all obstacles/challenges set before ones self

One of the greatest things about Christ is the amount of strength and power he places in each and everyone of us. The song Overcomer by Mandisa, sums this idea up perfectly:

You're an overcomer

Stay in the fight 'til the final round
You're not going under'
Cause God is holding you right now

Strength is not just for athletics. I love Superman and I wish I could be just like him at times, but having super strength and the ability to run faster than light are not the most important things in our life. (Although that would be great if I could!) God and my family are my two priorities. They are the reason I push myself to be better. Sometimes, its hard and we feel like there is no point. But there is! There's always a reason to reach for you dreams and achieve! There are many obstacles we have to overcome through life to get to where we want to be. But through Christ, we will always find a way.

I have had a dream since I was just a little runner and I've been working towards it for almost ten years now! Ten years!! Not until now is it finally shinning through as something that's obtainable. There are days when I'm training and I just stop and think 'Why am I even doing this? The results aren't showing. I keep pushing myself harder and harder. For what?' And that's when I remember what I'm fighting for. Sometimes you have to just give yourself little reminders of your goal. YOU CANT GIVE UP! You have to keep pushing yourself. Doing 400 repeats may seem like a little thing now, but it's so much more in the big picture! Each step you take to reaching your goal takes you just a little bit closer. You have to have the strength to push past the pain and overcome whatever obstacles that might be in front of you.

Yesterday I was supposed to go on a short easy run (about 4 miles) but ended up being a 6 mile run in the elements. I just kept thinking about things and lost track of time (and distance). I was thinking about goals and realized what would happen if I didn't obtain my goal.  It's a scary thought!! I've been working for this goal for so long, what if it fell through! What if I get injured, or worse, give up! I would be heartbroken! I don't cry much, but I would if that were to happen. Then I remembered I have God. He will give us the strength to endure anything. With Christ all things are possible. That is comforting to me, knowing that I can always count on God to be there for me!

Whatever we do, we can't give up. We have to keep pushing through the pain. There are days when I feel as though I'm not giving it my best effort. On these days I stop what I'm doing take a step back and ask God to help me. I go back to my training and I feel replenished. He shows me my goals and what I'm working towards. Everybody loses faith every once in a while, but that's when those around you come in, to show you how hard you've worked. Christ will give us the encouragement and strength we need! Nothing will ever be easy. We aren't just handed everything in life. We have to work hard to get to where we want to be. God will guide us, however we are the one's who must take the initiative to do our best. It's not always going to be fun. But it will certainly be worth it in the end! We have to find inner strength to overcome what ever may lie before us. When the goin' gets tough take a step back and look at the big picture. One day, it will be beautiful!

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

~Hebrews 12:11-13

 

~Megan

Baptism

In my religion, Lutheran, we believe that baptism is a sacrament from which we receive grace (undeserved love and acceptance from God ). More often than not, you will see infants baptized during a worship service.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the   Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”  ~Matthew 28:19, 20 

I was baptized as a baby many years ago on this day. Since I was just a little youngster, my grandma, Mimi, created a tradition to celebrate my Baptismal Birthday every year. Not every family does this but I think it's a good way to remember You are one of God's children, On this day I get to pick the dinner, Taco Pie, and we have dessert, usually ice cream or brownies. Before dinner we relight the candle used during my baptism and read the Baptism Prayer. 

The prayer reads as follow, 
"____Baptism Name_____ , On this day in ___the year___ you were washed in the waters of baptism. Because of this event you never need to doubt that you are a beautiful and precious child of God. 

"God of mercy, we give you thanks for the promise you made to ____Name_____ on this day. Renew in ____Name_____ the gift of the Holy Spirit that he/she  will trust in you and you alone through all of life. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen."

It's always a special day in our family. God's love is gracious and unconditional! I am so blessed to be a child of Christ!

My Candle!

On this day in history:
Pearl Harbor
               "...a date which will live in infamy..."
May remember all whose lives that were lost during World War II

"In the one spirit we were all baptized into one body." 1 Corinthians 12

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Christmas Time is Here!!! The Christmas decorations have gone up and the holiday cheer is spreading throughout the world! It is now acceptable to play Christmas music 24/7. My favorite Christmas song- Silent Night! I have eight different versions of that song alone, though my favorite version is sung on Christmas Eve at Church. All the candles are lit reflecting off the stained glass, everyone singing, families filling up every pew as everyone's focus is on Jesus. During these times you can't just see God's love, you can feel it all around you. That's my favorite part of Christmas. The weather gets colder. Warm socks. Fuzzy sweaters. Reading by the fire. Hot Chocolate to warm your the soul. Caroling. Christmas Lights. I love Christmas! Everything about it! 

The Ten Best Things about Christmas!

1. Jesus is Born!! The whole reason why we celebrate Christmas is for the birth of baby Jesus. 
2. Church - The Church is always decorated beautifully during this time and I love hearing the story of Jesus birth in Bethlehem 
3. Family and Family! Being surrounded by those who love you most
4. Christmas Lights - I keep my lights up in my room all year long because they never grow old!
5. Christmas Music - The best music in the world
6. Christms Letters- Everyone spreading season greetings. My favorite ones are the ones that have lots of pictures and a letter to describe what they've been up to.
7. Pizzelles!! If you have not had these cookies, you are missing out on life! But seriously you need to have one, so let me know if you need a batch to try.
8. Peppermint Ice Cream! My favorite kind of ice cream in the entire world and only comes out during the holidays making it that much more special.
9. Presents - The joy of giving a gift is remarkable and always brings a smile!
10. No School - No tests to worry about or homework to do, just simply basking in the Christmas season!

The Story of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. 

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

~Luke 2:1-20

While The Merry Bells Keep Ringing, May Your Every Wish Come True! 

~Meggie

Let the Training Begin!

My two weeks of rest are over and now begins my training for Track! Yay for many left turns!! So far I have been easing back into running with just a once a week run. From a runners stand point IT'S SO HARD! I have the hardest time sitting still as it is, let alone when I'm told to ease off on exercise until my body gets back to normal. I have to admit I gave in and went for a run less then a week after State and I was told not to, but hey, I'm a rebel at times! Actually I'm not. Those people who skip class, they are the rebels (I'm physically/mentally incapable of doing so). But back to Training... Instead of focusing on mileage I'm STRENGTHENING! I've seen a tremendous amount of runners injure themselves because they don't give their bodies a break. Its good to exercise but you also have to listen to what your body says. For the next few weeks I'm bulking up! Lifting/Crossfit on Mon/Wed/Fri, Dance (ballet and pointe) on Tues, Yoga on Thurs, and a great end to the week with a run on Sat! Slowly but surly I'll work my way back into running full time. After intense workouts the best recovery fuel is chocolate milk! However I'm not really a fan of chocolate milk...so instead I have a glass of plain milk and two oreos! 

{Did you know the average Oreo has 6g of Iron in every serving?}

This year my focus is primarily on the 800 m. though I still plan on running the 1600 m and 3200 m. I kid you not, running is my life ladiez and gentlemen. I've ran the 1 and 2 mile for as long as I can remember and there is no way I could suddenly change to a sprinter. I also really want to try steeplechase this year. That's only an option for one meet but it looks like a blast! *Disregard all videos of steeplechase fails caught on tape, that doesn't happen to everyone!

Back in the day when I was just a young little runner
{About fourth grade}

Until Track season officially begins, I will be training. The work you put in now will pay off later. Each day when you wake up you have two options. Go back to sleep and dream about it, or get up and capture your dream. What ever sport or activity you do, go capture your dreams! 

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 

Simple Blessings

The season of thanksgiving is upon us, and my gratitude towards all the simple blessings around me expands! There is so much to be thankful for! Everyday I wake up and I'm able to see the sun rise in the east and set in the west. The brilliance of colors, pink, orange, and blue, enhancing the sky. I have sturdy legs allowing my to stand, walk, run, and play as another kid! I have food on my plate, water in my cup, a roof over my head, and a car to take me to school. I have a family who loves me and friends who mean the world to me! Its these simple blessings we seem to forget about. God has given us life! That is the greatest gift anyone could ask for!

As we get caught up in our busy lives sometimes we forget to thank those around us for all they do. I have been blessed by my family and friends who surround me! One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is sitting down to dinner with all of my family surrounding me! Nobody is worried about school or work, rather the focus is on family and enjoying the time we have with each other. Since my family all lives in Colorado, we aren't able to see them as often. This year my Aunt and her family came down with the flu so they were sadly unable to join us. I pray that they begin to feel better soon! However, this year I, with the guidance of Gramma, made the Thanksgiving dinner! It was very delicious if I do say so myself!


I have so much to be thankful for! I am so very blessed to live in this lovely life! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

 ~Megan

"Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods." ~Psalm 95:2-3

"I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way--in all your speaking and in all your knowledge--" ~1 Corinthians 1:4-5

{Blogger Recognition Award}

Thank you so much for nominating me Anna!! Be sure to check out her blog at The Life of Me {watch out}!  I have to say, I've never received an award like this, but I'm very excited! 

How did I start blogging?

My blogging experience began quite out of the blue! For starters, I am definitely a night owl which also means I tend to start projects (or blogs) late at night. During one summer evening Katie and I were watching a movie, nothing out of the ordinary! It was about ten or so when the movie finished so I went up to bed. However being the little night owl I am, I decided to reflect on my life and think of new quotes for my quote book rather than go to sleep. As I was reflecting I had the idea to start a blog. So I marched right back down stairs got on the computer and started my blog! It was a spur of the moment idea, but I would say it worked out alright! The hardest part was figuring out, what does one write in a blog? I picked two of my favorite things in life, Running and Jesus, and just let my fingers type away.


Tips

1. Comment ~ Just as you enjoy getting "likes" on Facebook, bloggers enjoy getting comments from their viewers. Then the blogger knows they are being heard!
2. Make your background "pleasant to the eye" ~ Don't let your background design take away from your writing
3. Write about things that matter most to you! 

Nominations


I would now like to nominate:

Jeryka at Making Cancer History 
The Salina Diocese Youth Council at Gentle Wisdom
and Cara and Alex to start a blog of their own

Now that you have been nominated, 
1. Link to my blog
2. Explain how you started blogging
3. Give a few tips
4. Nominate others!

Thanks for reading! I hope you're having an AMAZING day!
~Megan

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. ~James 1:17

And just for pleasure...

Isn't this a cute little owl!

The movie I just so happened to be watching! The movie was good but the books are phenomenal!