a dream that may almost be achieved

You may have heard about Project Kenya. It is a development program 'thing' (sorry, I have no clue what else to call it...) coming to Sarnia for only grade 10 students. This program is partnered with the YMCA and Big Brothers. Starting in 2012, and continuing for the year, the group of 20 grade 10 students will learn about leadership and teamwork in different and what looks like pretty cool ways. I don't know much detail about what we will be doing for the year, but the idea sounds pretty cool to me. After the year of this program is done the team will then travel to Kenya for 3 weeks to climb Mount Kenya, go on a safari, and help out in the community. It has always been my dream to go to Africa to do just that, and this could be happening in just one year. Except, here's the catch, because they only accept 20 grade 10 students in all of Sarnia, they have to pick you! First, we have to fill in an application and then make a 2 minute YouTube video to prove why we should be chosen. And then they will pick people to go through an interview process and then pick the team!
To be honest, when my mom first told me about the program, I wasn't sure if I wanted to do it. Besides the fact that I would be going to Africa, I didn't know if I would want to commit myself for a year and do whatever this program will bring. I didn't tell my mom yes, or no, I basically was just thinking about it. I thought for a while, and finally I decided that I wanted to do this. Or at least give it a try. I told my mom the idea, and she thought it was to late. Great. I did my research, however, and found out that they postponed the due date for another month. It was December 1st. I had until the 30th to get my video and application in. When I heard this exciting news, I looked at it as a calling. I thought to myself "How can I not sign up for something like this. At least give it a try. If you don't get accepted then you don't, but at least you gave it your best shot."
The application is handed in and the video is posted.
Fingers crossed, and hopes high, praying that I will be chosen to be apart of this team to learn and achieve my dream of going to Africa in just one year. I also would love to have one of soccer buddies make the team, which I discovered she was also entering while working on my video!

My Video Application!
ENJOY!

~amy

my top 10 favorite quotes. #1

The difference between trying and triumph is just a little 'umph'
-unkown

~amy

my top 10 favorite quotes. #2

Take your victories, whatever they may be, cherish them, use them, but don't settle for them.

-Mia Hamm

~amy

my top 10 favorite quotes. #3

The pain of discipline is nothing compared to the pain of regret.

-Lyle Dennis

~amy 

my top 10 favorite quotes. #4

Never underestimate where determination may take you.

-Nike

~amy

my top 10 favorite quotes. #5

To accomplish your goal you have to be willing to sacrifice beyond what others are willing to sacrifice; you have to be willing to train at levels others are not willing to train at; you have to be willing to accept accomplishing goals that others have never reached.

-Apolo Ohno

~amy 

my top 10 favorite quotes. #6

The vision of a true champion is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion, when nobody else is looking.

-Mia Hamm

~amy

my top 10 favorite quotes. #7

It's not what you got. It's what you make of what you got.

-Step up 2

~amy

my top 10 favorite quotes. #8

Never quitting is always winning

-amazing race contestant

~amy

my top 10 favorite quotes. #9

Training is the key to success but nutrition is the key to training.

-unknown

my check list

Seems so easy right? And for the most part, it is... if you have the mind set that I do - who cares about obstacles and hurdles.... Just do it.

~amy

failing is succsesful

I love this video. Who knew that doing research on Michael Jordan would turn into a blog post? Or maybe that is expected from me...
The truth is we only look at Michael Jordan as a legend. We only watch his baskets or slam dunks. We only pay attention to his successful moments. This video proves that Michael Jordan, the shooting guard legend scoring over 32,292 points in his basketball career, looses sometimes, misses baskets sometimes, and he does make mistakes.
I embrace the moments when I make a mistake in soccer practice. I love to learn from my mistakes. I realized that I failed and have programmed into this mind of mine to not do it again. Failing is successful - you just have to learn how to like failing like me. Now lets not get carried away, sometimes, it really sucks, but hey, I failed, I move on, and I continue to live this blessed life of mine.

~amy

make yourself

I love the new Nike commercials. I love hearing about different women and their goals to become the best athletes they can. And that's the whole purpose of the name - make yourself. They are all after one goal....to make themselves better, or proud, or unbeatable, or consistent, or shine.

My favourite commercial is of Hope Solo....watch and see for yourself!

I find these commercials an inspiration to make myself the best I can be. That's why I just had to splurge on this shirt...to remind myself of these videos and the one goal I am after.

~amy

oscar pistorius

If you have a torso, you're an athlete.

In 2007, South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius ran the 100 meters in 10.91 seconds. Without any legs. The first amputee to break the sub-11-seconds barrier. Some critics calain the the carbon fiber blades he ran on gave him an unfair advantage. Those critics had legs.

~Nike
                                      

Why do we limit ourselves? Why put limits over our lives disabling ourselves to live life to the fullest when we hear about people like Oscar who is setting world wide records without legs? Doesn't it make you grateful for your own two legs? It makes me want to give 110% in everything I do with two legs, knowing someone like Oscar, and everything he has been through. Pretty inspiring guy if I do say so myself.

~amy

a sneak peak

Here is a 58 second sneak peak about the next blog post that I am just itching to share...

~amy

dih-tur-muh-ney-shuhn

Never underestimate where determination can take you.

Determination is my drug. It thrives me each and every day to reach the small and big goals in life. My daily dose of determination is going to take me to greater and better things - the things I am determined to achieve.

~amy

the perspective of a blog

This blog started out as just writing down some things that inspire me. At the beginning, all I wrote about was athletes. Part of me felt like I was repeating myself over and over again, but just with a different athlete's name with a different background. Now, I still talk about athletes but with a whole new perspective. This blog has turned into its own little life lessons that I have been learning a long the way, especially this summer when I learned some lessons about patience, injuries, and myself.
As much as this sounds like a good-bye, I'm not done blogging yet. Blog posts might slow down, and they might be a little different than earlier - BUT the title of my blog still remains. I. am. inspired. is still the main purpose of this blog, and as you can probably tell...it happens a lot.

~amy

the athlete's prayer

The Athlete’s Prayer:
Lord, please clear my head of all distractions, and my heart of burdens I may bear, so I may perform my very best, knowing you'll always be there.
Please lift me up before the moment, so through your eyes I may see. And have a clearer understanding as the game unfolds before me.
With great courage I will meet this challenge, as you would have me to. But keep me humble and remind me that my strength comes from you. Then when all eyes are upon me at the end of this game, I will turn their eyes to you, oh Lord, and to the glory of your name.
Amen.

That’s my purpose for playing soccer - besides the rush and excitement and challenge and competiveness - it's to glorify God with all of my talents and abilities.

P.S. Thank-you Brooklyn Tabernacle merchandise (that I stood and wrote down on an iPhone notepad while waiting for others to shop...it was too good not to :) )
~amy

wanna be. part #3

BUT....in reality, I am none of these girls. I am not Carli, or Abby or Alex, and I am not gifted with the gifts they are. I am Amy Bennett - with my own gifts and talents and with a responsibility to use them to the best of my ability. My job is to be the best Amy Bennett there is, with a goal of excelling. I want little girls to look up to me and maybe think of me at their games or practices. That's my job. Before I take the feild for a game, I look to my coach and tell her who I was going to be that game. One time it was Amy Rodriguez, the last game I was Carli Lloyd - I wanted to be creative and smart like she is in the center mid. But yesterday, at my final game for the season, I said, "Today, I'm Amy Bennett," - thinking about what these blog posts have taught me. And you know what - I was the best Amy Bennett there is.

~amy

wanna be. part #2

Sometimes I want to.....


Be as confident as Hope Solo

Be as creative as Tobin Heath

Be as humble and fearless as Abby Wambach

Be a leader like Christie Rampone

Thrive under pressure like Alex Morgan 

Make crazy good crosses like Heather O'Reilly

Be such a good team sport like Kelley O'Hara

Be as strong and classy as Carli Lloyd 

Be as passionate as Lauren Cheney

Be as determined as Amy Rodriguez

Work as hard as Ali Kreiger

Be an amazing tackler like Shannon Boxx

Speak so highly of my team mates like Heather Mitts

Be a legend that everyone remembers what I have accomplished like Mia Hamm

Have amazing anticipation like Christine SinClair


BUT....

~amy

wanna be. part #1

I look up to so many different soccer stars. I love hearing about where they came from and their accomplishments, goals, and how passionate they are about their sport.
I think about all of these soccer stars before and during a game and practice. They inspire me to work hard, to go for every tackle, to play with 110% and prove that I am passionate about soccer, and want to win.
During a game or practice when I am tired and need provision, I remember the video's I watch on YouTube of athletes working out or practicing and try to display that kind of hard work, dedication, commitment, and passion. These soccer stars inspire me to be like them. Sometimes, I just want to be them.

~amy

the dreamer

I was reading over my sermon notes from Braeside Youth Camp. This particular sermon was entitled 'Hell's Most Wanted.' Pastor Mike talked about 3 different types of people who are dangerous to Hell. One was the strong man, one was the two faced and the last was the dreamer. He explained that you are one of these - I am the dreamer.
I have a dream that is valuable. My dream will set people free. In my notes a put in bracets (soccer).
The last point that I put on my note was "just hold on". Right then and there Pastor Mike encouraged and inspired me not to give up with my dream - to hold on to it, because I have an opportunity to set people free through my attitude and examples.
But us dreamers, as he explained, we do have a weakness - bitterness. We want what everyone else has; we think that we don't deserve what's going on in our life at times, but we deserve better. It's a true fact. Me, the dreamer, was feeling a little bit bitter, thinking that i don't deserve this injury to happen to me, but maybe someone else on the team who doesn't care as much. Mike changed my perspective that sermon. He stated that we can't focus on the jail that were in, but encouraged us to keep our eyes on the dream the God gave you. Position doesn't make the dream. So instead of focusing on the 7 weeks that I missed of soccer; instead of moaning and complaining that I can only watch the practice and games, I can focus and keep my eyes on my dream. The dream that I desire and am so passionate about. The dream that I long for and think about constantly throughout my daily life. The dream that I have a chance to set people free. The chance to tell people about God; to realize their full potential and have the right motives. That is something to dream about. That is diffidently something to hang on to. And that is for sure something that you can't be bitter about when so many more opportunities lie in front of you. That sounds like a dream a dreamer would dream about, I'd say.

Actual notes:

Next blog post
The dreamer
Joeseph
Dream is valuable
Ur dream will set others free (soccer)
Dangerous to hell
Genesis 40:14
Weakness: btterness
People have messed around with u, and u sit around wanting what everyone else wants. I don't deserve this. I deserve better
Position doesn't make the dream
Don't focus on the jail that ur in but keep ur eye on the dream that god gave u.
Just hold on

~amy    

a wee update

So, it looks like i'm getting an ultrasound and an x-ray to see if I have a tear in my muscle. Then I might have to get a MRI because there is a chance that I have a sport hernia.
My hopes were high after Friday nights game, thinking that I might be good to go for the rest of the season. But then came Tuesday nights game - and the pain is back. And so is the question why? Why is the pain back? C'mon this is my eighth week of physio!
I keep on reminding myself that I have to keep a good perspective. There is absolutely nothing I can do about it. I think that the book Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton, and watching her movie yesterday for the first time being out on DVD, has been inspiring me and encouraging me knowing that there is more to summer than soccer. The only thing to do at  this point is to change my perspective - to know that something good is going to come out of this. That this is for a reason - for a purpose. This is a part of God's plan for my life. I look to Bethany Hamilton for inspiration because you really think that, that shark could have killed her. She could have had more damage done that might disable her from surfing for the rest of her life - but it didn't. I'm not done playing soccer, and soccer is done with me. God isn't finished with me yet. And i'm not ready to give up, and neither is my hip.
I've got a tournament this weekend - I leave on Saturday. Friday I have a physio appointment, and an x-ray and ultrasound planned. We will know Friday if playing in this tournament is a good idea.
All I can do is pray. Because I know, God is stronger than my hip flexor. God is stronger than an ultrasound, x-ray and MRI. God is stronger than a physio appointment. God is stronger than all the teams in this upcoming tournament. God is stronger, and greater. He will never fail me, nor my hip flexor. So I'm leaving it up to Him, and we'll wait to see the results on Friday.
Thank-you Bethany for your inspiration and for changing your perspective.

~amy

let's review

Here is a little review of my long 6 week time off of soccer....

Week 1: Right after winning the Stratford tournament, got word from my coaches - no physical activity
Week 2: First trip to physio. Was introduced to stretching and icing 3 times a day and have been going to physio twice a week ever since.
Week 3: Tried practicing on it, and it hurt. Missed the game the next day.
Week 4: Tried practicing again, and it didn't hurt. Played the game on Wednesday and only lasted 10-15 minutes then had to come off and ice it.
Week 5: Bed rest - couldn't even stand or walk for long periods of time. Missed a game.
Week 6: Off to Braeside camp. Still no physical activity - only walking. Missed a game.
Week 7: Practice Monday and Wednesday at 70% - no pain!
             Game Friday night under the lights - no pain at all!!!

Physio said that this injury normally takes 1-3 weeks to heal if you’re doing the right things like stretching and icing and going to physio. Mine took 6 - there was major damage done!
A girl (who is also a soccer player) asked me, "How are you handling not being able to play? I would be crying every night."..... "Really, at this point," I replied, "there is nothing that you can do about it." (I didn't tell her that I broke down once....only once though.) And that's what I kept on re - enforcing on myself.

Before I left on my journey to London, I listened to this song and said this prayer:
"God I still thank you for the talent of playing soccer - along with the many opportunities that I've had along the way. I want to finish this season playing - to glorify and honor You. Prove to me tonight, God, that you will never fail me. Tonight is the night that my hip is going to have no pain. You are stronger than my hip. You are stronger than any treatment. Prove to me this is true - tonight is the night, God.

Friday night, under the lights, God proved to me that one thing does remain - He will never fail me. He showed me that He will remain in any situation no matter how long, 1-3 weeks or 6. Failing isn't in my vocab so why would it be in His?
We did loose that night. But after the game, I had no reason to be upset and complain - my hip wasn't hurting. I came off the field hugging my coaches, with a huge smile on my face. I was happier than any game we could ever win.

~amy

Alex

This past week I was braeside youth camp. This is my second year going. Although it was somewhat boring because I couldn't do any physical activity...the services were still awesome, and powerful.

One of the counselors I have known for three years now, was there. It was like we reunited. We were so happy to see each other and get caught up on the latest news. His name is Alex, and if you know him then you would agree that he's awesome. His personality, his kindness, and also how he knows how to make everything entertaining and fun, but is so passionate about God and centering everything he does around Him.
As we were packing up the van to leave, he and I walked over to the bookstore where his wife was, so I could say hi. It was great to see her again. The 10-15 minute conversation was pretty special. Of course it geared into soccer, after talking about my injury. From there we started talking about where I wanted to go with my life, what were my plans, (and he threw in the questions how old I was now, and what grade I was in). His shining personality and never giving up spirit inspired me, once again, to keep going through this soccer journey. He made that very, very clear. As I was walking away, we were getting the few last words in....

Alex: "I'll be watching you in the World Cup in 2015. You can play then right?"
Me: "Yup, I'll be 19!"
Alex: "Ok, I'll be watching. And then I can say, see that girl...ya, I counseled her"
Me: Ok! (smiling)

How can you ever give up when a counselor at a camp, who I only get to see once every year, believes so much in you? I can't think of a reason. Can you?

~amy

Alex Morgan & Abby Wambach

one week ago the women's World Cup 2011 concluded with Japan taking home victory; winning in a shootout. i was very disappointed as i had my hopes set on the US national team. i fell in love with a few players, and thought that they had the best chance of winning. but like i said before in an earlier blog post, expect the unexpected. Japan proved themselves this tournament. 2 of my favorite players on the US women's national soccer team are Abby Wambach, and Alex Morgan.

Abby Wambach is a 31. she is one of the best strikers in the world. in the finals of the world cup, she scored her 122 international goal, and of course with her head, which is like her famous goal.

my favorite thing about Abby Wambach is how humble she is. even though she is one of the best players in the world, she speaks so highly of her team mates. she is so quick to point out how they assisted her and that she couldn't have scored with out her team mates. that's impressive. i also love her attitude. the camera has caught her many times smiling on the field when the ball goes over or wide or the goalie saves it. she doesn't get mad or frustrated; she just accepts that this is soccer, and this is how the game goes. she appreciates the game so much. why not have a little fun during your favorite sport during the biggest soccer tournament in the world right?

                          

Alex Morgan is 22, she is the youngest player on the team, and also plays forward. i fell in love with Alex this World Cup, because i think that she really stepped up. she scored two fantastic goals in the tournament. even though she was only playing 15-20 minutes at a game; she gave it her all in those moments and took it all in (and scored). i feel like she is setting an example, even being the youngest on the team. the older girls look up to her because she has proven herself to be a strong player, no matter the size, age, or experience level. i think that this tournament was like the start of her future. she proved to her coaches that she can handle the pressure. from this tournament on Alex has an exciting future ahead of her, possibly starting the game soon.

           ~first person Alex hugged after her goal: Abby       ~right after goal

              Wambach

these two soccer players inspire me. i want to be humble like Abby Wambach, and enjoy the sport as much as she does. i want players to look to me to make a difference in the game when we need some impact on how were playing, just like Alex Morgan. i want to be an example, just like these two athletes have proven themselves worthy of being.

~amy

2015

DID YOU HEAR? the 2015 women's World Cup is in Canada!!! they announced yesterday that it is going to be a coast to coast tournament - so they will literally be playing in different provinces all across Canada.
in about 4 years from now (I'M GOING TO BE 19 :) ), i'll be somewhere else in Canada cheering for my favorite team at the time, and possibly laying eyes on some of these soccer players that i love and look up to!
if i'm not in the World Cup....i'll be volunteering....and if i'm not volunteering....i'll be watching :) I can not wait!!! The countdown starts now!

~amy

Shaun White ~ snowboarder

the other day i was reading the Olympic Diary. it is basically a look through the Olympics, with tons of great pictures. i did my research on Shaun White, and all i have to say is WOW! and wow again. i was reading his bio in awe. he is an amazing guy. his life has been jam packed with sports, not to mention some difficulties along the way. at only the age of one he endured two major surgeries correcting a heart defect. you would never think that, and never imagine that, knowing that he was playing soccer, surfing, and snowboarding at a young age. and i diffidently never would have thought that, looking at him today. but what a great story to share. he overcame so much and is on
top of the world now. 

Shaun started skiing at first. he lived in California. ya, no ski mountains there. but his family would take road trips to a mountain for the weekend. Shaun proved himself fearless, because that young, he was racing down the hills at full speed with his older brother Jesse. at age six his mom made him try snowboarding. thinking that it would slow him down, Shaun's mom told him to do exactly what his brother did. at the age of 7, he entered his first amateur contest - and won. he got a wild card to nationals and came just outside of top 10. his mom sent a homemade video to Burton. at that time they were creating a kid-sized snowboard line. they were impressed and offered him a deal, at the age of 7. with the support of Burton, he turned pro at 13. just stop and say wow. that is amazing. his first year of his teen years, and he was offered a deal of a life time. Shaun is now a professional. he is doing his favorite sport.

his life is pure bliss. and it only gets better from here. from then on Shaun entered many competitions and was winning all of them.

because Shaun is amazing at snowboarding, he has many skills at skate boarding. at the age of 9, he met Tony Hawk, and he helped Shaun turn pro by the age of 17.  in 2003 he became the first athlete ever to compete and medal in both the summer and winter Games in two different sports. the 2006 Olympics came along, and Shaun got gold. four years later came the 2010 Olympic Games, and he also got gold there. Shaun also has a talent as a businessman. he and his brother created their own line of t-shirts. and two video games - which are doing amazing!

Did I mention Shaun is only 24?! He hasn't even lived half of his life yet. He has been, seen and gone through so much, and his life is literally just getting started. Shaun inspires me to live one of my mottos - live with zero regrets. he is living his life to the fullest, and tackling every opportunity that comes his way.

Shaun didn't see any obstacles and nothing was stopping him, result: he turned pro at such a young age. he just focused on the end reward. with that in mind, it inspires me to go after my own dreams and goals. this young man with crazy hair is still going far. life is his to own right now. see you in 2014 - on the tv! :)

~ amy

the shirt

as a reminder of this blog....i got 'the shirt' made. 

this shirt is a reminder of one of my favorite soccer players and to play as strong as she does every game. it has been cool to watch Amy Rodriguez play in the world cup - to watch her give it her all, create plays, and react with her teammates.
so, as i wear this shirt to work out or to soccer practices, it is a reminder to give my best. this simple shirt reminds me of the video i watched when i first fell in love with this soccer player that seemed to be my older 'twin'.
ever since this injury of mine became this serious, all i have been doing is watching the US national women's soccer team prepare for the world cup - videos from YouTube of them working out, practicing, and interviews. although it makes me wish i could play soccer even more, it is encouraging and inspiring to see what they went through to get to the World Cup. so, i might need to get a few more shirts made (after watching and falling in love again with a few other athletes)....but first I have to paint my coaches garage since she is the one who paid for the shirt! :)

AND don't forget, the finals of the women's world cup is on Sunday! USA vs. Japan..... Go USA!!! :)
(i'm still waiting for my girl, Amy, to score a goal!!! maybe if i wear this shirt she will on Sunday?!)

~amy

any day now

im still laying on that physio bed, doing awkward stretches, and saying to myself  "ok, come on God; any day you want to heal this hip flexor of mine will be good with me - but please make it soon!"
i still have patience - which there really is no other solution because there is nothing i can do about it. here i am, halfway through soccer season, and having to take another week off of soccer. as my physio would say: "do you have any lazy friends? (umm ya, I could think of a few), pretend you are them and don't do anything for a week. don't even walk for a long time or stand for a long time."  loosing hope over hear....i was flipping through a notebook today and it just so happen said this verse:

Romans 8:28:  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

so tonight, as i sit and watch my soccer game, and think to myself  "God any day now...", i find a new sense of hope as i think that God will work this into good.

it's coming amy....it's coming.....

~amy

the soccer ball

I asked someone going on the Africa mission’s trip from my church to keep her eyes out for a soccer ball that she could bring back for me. i didn't keep my hopes up just in case she forgot, or couldn't find it, or didn't have time....WRONG.....Sunday morning she handed me a bag, and there it was - a soccer ball that kids use in Africa....

i never thought that i would have so much feeling and emotion for a soccer ball. like it's just a soccer ball. because i play soccer, my heart goes out to these kids who are playing with something not even close to what we use here in North America. each girl on my team brings a soccer ball to practice, and then my coach brings some. when a ball is flat we just kick it to the side like it's no big deal and grab another ball. but here are kids playing with a ball like this, not complaining, but having hours of fun.
right now, it is currently sitting on my shelf next to my trophies from tournaments as a reminder that's it not all about winning; it's not about the fame and trophies - it's about what you put into those tournaments and how much you worked to earn the trophy. but, it's also about your attitude - how you act on and off the field, how you treat your teammates and coaches, how much you respect the ref and the other team, and your affects on how the other team is playing whether you are loosing or winning. now i look at this simple made soccer ball as inspiration to give it my all for the kids who play soccer with a ball that wouldn't even be considered an option here in Canada. i couldn't imagine bringing that ball to soccer practice, and asking my coach if we could scrimmage with it. or could you imagine a referee bringing that ball out to the field during a match in the world cup?
i never thought i would feel this way about a soccer ball. it is something so small that we take for granted.
now i just need a picture of me playing soccer with kids in Africa, and i'll be satisfied....someday :) .....

~amy

it could have been worse

these past 2 weeks have been brutal. for a girl like me, 2 weeks of no soccer or physical activity has me sitting here in agony. i still went to all of my soccer practices, but just stood on the sideline, hoping that this hip flexor of mine will co-operate soon so that i to can be practicing with my team mates. well 2 weeks later, 3 (soon to be 4) physio appointments, many minutes of icing and stretching.....i got the 'ok' to start running again - just running at 80% and then practicing this monday at 80% for my game on tuesday (where I can go full out). this past weekend has been hard to get running again, to get back to the cardio shape i want to be in, but it's working...the hip flexor is feeling fine, and i am looking forward for a practice and game, finally.

~above, me at physio. this machine feels like bugs are crawling all over you, but it warms up the muscles and feels good afterwards :)

but, in the midst of this situation, i changed my perspective. sure, i had to to take two weeks off, sure i couldn't practice, sure i wasn't fulfilling my goals for this summer, but it could have been worse. i could have done more then a strain. i could have had a game that i would have to miss. it is in the midst of this situation where i learn that God is in control. i challenged myself in this situation to change my perspective just like Bethany Hamilton did. i looked at it as an opportunity to give my body a break, and to challenge myself to eat better. God knows the goals i'm trying to achieve, He knows how serious and passionate I am about this sport, and He is there with me. so i give the thanks to my almighty Coach who had this situation under control all along.

women's world cup 2011

most people like the men's world cup more.  i have no clue why.  sure guys have abs, maybe (in some scenarios) are better at sports, physically. but being a girl myself, i love watching the games and being able to relate to how they are playing, and learning from these experienced role models that i'm watching.  i love the world cup tournament.  i think it's fascinating, and inspiring - that teams from around the world gather in one country and play as a team. they are playing the sport they love and are so passionate about with everything they've got for the chance of winning a title and trophy.

who am i cheering for? i don't really care who wins. Germany has a good chance, but i'm liking the USA team because of some of the athletes on the team: Amy Rodriguez (my girl), Lauren Cheney, Heather Mitts, Abby Wambach, ETC.  but of course, being a Canadian who couldn't cheer for their country. I mean, Christine SinClair, and Kaylyn Kyle are on the team.

Lauren Cheney is a forward on the U.S. National Team. she scored the first goal against Korea on Tuesday. and it was beautiful! even though Lauren is one of the younger players on the team, she is tough, and strong, and determined to make her coaches and team proud. she is focused on bringing her A - game everywhere so that her team will look to her a leader and role-model. this video shows how passionate and serious Lauren is about soccer. her love and passion for the sport gives her motivation and makes her determined to do everything with 110%.  by the way....love her shorts..... :)

Heather Mitts is a defender on the U.S. National Team. this video kind of reminds me of me. Heather tore her ACL and had to have time off.  now I only strained my hip flexor and had to take 2 weeks off, but we both agree that it sucked.  Heather had  to miss the World Cup - that's crazy.  that's disappointing.  my coach doesn't think it's a good idea to play my game on tuesday, and in shock i simply said no way i'm playing. i've been resting for 2 weeks and there's no way i'm missing a game after 3 practices.  but could you imagine missing the biggest tournament in the world?!  she learned a lot about herself during her time off, and learned that obstacles define who we are.  i love that Heather didn't give up, and after she recovered, got right back out there and was hungrier more then ever to play the sport she loves.  i also love that she speaks so highly of her teammates, and looks to them for advice and encouragement and motivation to work hard.

~amy

expect the unexpected

life really is unpredictable. things can change in the matter of seconds. while reading the Apolo Ohno book, he explained how he would picture how the race would go during while warming up or putting on his skates. he knew his competition so well, and because he was so mentally strong, he would plan out how he was going to pass the Koreans - take the inside or outside; he already set out the pace. he had the whole race planned out, and most of the time they followed as planned. he explained one time, how there were about 6 people in the race, and 5 fell, and the person sitting in last (who always just barley made the cut) came in first, and got gold. that one man falling - and then taking out the rest of his competitors, except one, who everyone knew that he would probably never see a medal in his life, now walking away with gold - was not a part of Apolo's vision before the race. it was unexpected.

who knew that i would be getting hurt this much during this soccer season. who knew that the soccer season that was my training season and having big plans and goals would be put on hold because of a strained hip flexor.  i rested for one week then went to physio. the physio news - strained hip flexor (common for sprinters...makes sense....) stretch then ice for 10 minutes, 3 times a day, and two more visits to the physio during the week. didn't see that one coming did you? the answer is no. did i ever think that the soccer season i was most looking forward to, with the plan of soccer practice 3 times a week, plus a game, plus workouts monday, wednesday, friday, and saturday, and cardio workouts tuesday and thursday would be put on hold for two weeks, leaving me waiting in agony and anicipation to get out and do the things that i love to do? nope - not at all. lesson learned - expect the unexpected. life is what it is and changes in the matter of seconds. everything happens for a reason. my reason is still to come, but i know it will!

~amy

strength

because I am an athlete,  i know a lot of strength.  I understand what it takes to gain muscle, working out, and being mentally strong.  i get it, i understand it.  but i admit, that there are times when i feel helpless.  when i feel like i have literally nothing left to give or to lay down.  when i've reached the bottom of my, what seems like a never ending bucket.  at times it is hard to dig deeper, and to find the next handful of strength to create the next play or get back to help my defenders, or to push myself in the last 100m of the 400m race, or to get up after someone did a move on me in wrestling.  it is those times when i feel weak, helpless, and have no idea how to carry on....but during those times in sports or even in the everyday battles of life that is when i call onto the ultimate strength giver.  i know a lot about strength that everyone wants in the sports world, but i also know that my God is stronger than any obstacle.  he is stronger than any athlete i compete against;  stronger than my coaches;  stronger than my mind;  stronger then my lungs;  stronger then my very own muscles.  he is stronger.  and knowing that as a fact is what helps me during those moments when i am literally dead.  all i ask for is his strength to help me carry on, and in that moment it is like i can dig a little deeper and find a little more strength to continue.
my favorite line from soul surfer fits this topic just perfectly. i absolutely love it, because Bethany didn't let anything stop her, and get in her way of achieving her dream. i love that in the tough times she looked to God for strength. she trusted that God would renew all of her strength and help her live the promising future God had in store for her. i love that she declared that over her life ~ i can do all things through him who gives me strength!
i also admit that this happens often. ~ this past weekend i was away at a soccer tournament, and i had to ask my God for strength constantly. i had to ask him to help me carry on and forget about my hip flexor, my huge blister on my foot, exactly where i kick; to ignore how tired i was.  i also had to ask for strength to ignore the horrible calls the ref was calling, and the rugby-like pushes from behind i was getting in the semi-finals from a team who needs to to learn to play real soccer. it takes strength to get over things like that, and it's in those times exactly when i learned that my strength just isn't good enough. no matter how good of shape or strong i am, i can't depend on my own strength - and i am not the one to just settle. i have played soccer for many years, but never have i played soccer like i have been this year - all thanks to a God so strong, who can help me in the midst of my situations when i need him the most!

~amy

perspective

I was looking at the pictures of my friends trip to NYC, and one picture stopped me, and I wrote it down.  It was a saying on a sign, that looked like was on the highway or something. it said:

Every challenge is an opportunity. 

It is hard to see the opportunities that lie right in front of us when we are challenging with something.  Bethany Hamilton inspires me in this case.  she lost an arm, but she still wanted to go surfing, and took 'being famous' as a chance to share her faith.  she used this situation to grow stronger with God.  in the movie, Soul Surfer, one of my favorite parts was the conversation she had with her youth pastor.  Bethany was trying to find the good perspective in the situation she was in, but she explained that she doesn't get how this is a part of God's plan for her life; and the youth pastor (Carrie Underwood) said this.  It's all about your perspective on life, and the situation.  you can take the situation as only a situation and deal with it like a situation, or look at it with a good perspective and take it as a challenge for your life.  no one said it will ever be easy, but also what Carrie Underwood, as the youth leader, said is that if you are dealing with anything that's just to hard to handle or doesn't seem to make much sense, get a new perspective. then she left that scene with a verse. Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.

~amy

the accomplishment of a medal

"Gold medals aren't really made of gold. They're made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts."

i love this, because nothing is about the gold medal or any medal in that case.  they are just there to show you what you have already accomplished, and to make you try harder - knowing you are working towards something.  Apolo Ohno keeps his gold medals from the Olympics in his sock drawer, to make it look like he hasn't won anything, which makes him work harder.  being an athlete, and having goals is all about the process to achieving your goal.  I once over heard a conversation someone had with Darby Huckle.  he told her that she was going to the Olympics, and she boldly replied that it's not about the Olympics, it's about how I get to the Olympics.  the Olympics is just the biggest tournament she has been to; it's just the accomplishment.  but everything she has done to get to that point makes everything so rewarding.  it makes the accomplishing feeling so much greater.  to prepare for the Olympics she works out a lot, she practices, she trains, she mentally prepares herself.  if Darby qualifies for the Olympics, and if she wins gold, even silver or bronze; she can say that, that medal is made of sweat, determination, and gut, because that girl has put so much into her goal, and so much into winning that medal.
as for the soccer trophies sitting on my shelf, and the huge box of track ribbons sitting under my bed, they are only there to show me what i have accomplished in the past.  i like to look at them, and remember the game that i played, or the race that i ran.  the person i was on the field.  i like to use them to inspire me to give it my all every game and race.  Instead i want to look to this summer and make goals of 'what am i going to accomplish as Amy, as a soccer player' rather than focusing on who i was and what i have done.  i want to focus on setting goals and achieving them, rather than winning. 

~amy

the first soccer game of the year

first soccer game of the year = great start to the year.  it was an awesome turn out.  i played great.  sore calves, the lovely feeling of wanting to throw up and a sore thigh and sprained finger afterwards made that game as thrilling as it was.  sure it was tough at some points when pain took over but it was all about what happened in those 90 minutes that I wanted to focus on.  my coach always asks us who we are going to be when we step onto the field.  he explains that we can't be the same person as we are when were off the field.  some say an animal proving that they are hungry and want it, others don't reply, and I say Amy Rodriguez - the girl from this blog post who i am trying to be like this soccer season.  I changed my number to #8 this season, to remind me to play like her.  i could have cried ( i didn't!! ) from the text my coach texted me after the game. my coach told me that I wore that jersey and number proud and that Amy would have been proud of me.  reading that text while I was icing my thigh and taping my fingers left me proud that i did my part as a soccer player, and did it well, just like Amy.  i was determined, and left everything on the field.

Our soccer shirts really are true when it says: sweat + sacrifice = success.

~ amy

the anthem of my life

1 week ago I was at Overflow ~ the best youth convention that I have ever been to, and the most life-changing.  Saturday morning was the best service I have ever attended.  The sermon this man spoke was right. up. my. alley.  I felt like it was specifically for me.  it was as if we were having a one-on-one conversation.  he was just hitting the spot.  the sermon was like a repeat of this blog post.  It was called 'take a risk'.  here are the notes i took ( i literally never stopped typing.  thank-you ipod touch notepad!)  while listening to this amazing sermon:
~95 year old people were asked if they could re-due one thing in their life, what would it be?  and  they all came back and said that they would have taken more risks. 
~if you want to see success in your life, then you are going to have to take risks
~ be happy that you at least gave it go and tried!
~the path that leads to destruction seems like the easy way; the more comfortable path that everyone is taking
~In Genesis 12 God was calling Moses to leave everything and follow him
~ obedience is better than sacrifice and regret
~ When God leads us, sometimes it doesn't make any sense...but it is impossible to serve God without some faith
~ God has an epic journey for you
~ God has such good promises for your life, that people would start to laugh, but God always gets the last laugh
~ I want to have a dream that is not just hard, but it near to impossible so that when I accomplish it, it must have been God. 
~ If it doesn't scare you then it's not big enough
~You need to have a dream that is so hard you have  to run to God.
~I want to run to the scary things.  I want to be courageous.  I will keep fighting through it and face it. 
~ I don't want to waste my life doing thing's that are easy.  I want to take a risk.  dare to be different. 
~ learn to fail forward.  If you’re not failing, then you’re not succeeding. 
~ Use your failures be the fuel for your future.  Use the failures as fuel to drive forward and succeed.
~ The righteous man falls 7 times, but he gets back up.
~You need to live as if God bought you. He is satisfied. No refunds or exchanges. Allow God to use you.

That short weekend, I learned a lot.  My life was changed and I was inspired to take these notes into action in my own life.  At the beginning of this sermon I quickly realized that there was a purpose why I was there that weekend,  and there was a reason why everything worked out with my mom driving me down Friday night, after my soccer game, as she head off to TO for her meetings scheduled that Saturday.  That sermon was made for me to hear. 
This sermon reinforced my blog posts on me in a whole new perspective.  Living my life regretful - not being those 95 year old people who looked back on their life and wished they took more risks; using my failures as learning experiences to become successful,  running to things  that scare me - allowing me to lean on God for help, being courageous, and dreaming dreams that are hard enabling me to turn to God is all a part of my plan.

"Hi, I'm Amy Bennett.  I am known as a risk-taker, big dreamer, courageous, and sometimes a failure, but succeeding.  Welcome to my life - regretful, successful, and accomplishment with my coach (make that a capital C), bigger than any situation, guiding me."

just as 'Oh Canada' is the anthem for our country,  this sermon/ life lesson is the anthem for my life that i gladly get to live every day.

the impact of athletes

i think this video is super cute.  it clearly explains that athletes have a huge impact on young kids and teens.  one phone call inspired Kristina to work and train extra hard in her skiing, to be just like Lindsey Vonn who was only a phone call away.  I'm not the only one who is madly in love with athletes and print pictures of them - Kristina is just like me, and if I got a call from Lindsey Vonn, I am sure I would act the same way.  you know...can barley breathe, don't know what to say, and screaming at the top of your lungs as soon as the phone call ends...ya....
if only every athlete could call their biggest fan to hear their reaction, i think they would be amazed, and inspired themselves to know that they are being watched by a young one who wants to be just like them one day.  and if only us fans can hear the voice of our favourite athletes that we know everything about.  some call it creepy....i call it love - and so would Kristina :)

~ amy

a saying from: Mahammad Ali

"Champions aren't made in the gyms.  Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision."

-- Mahammad Ali

SO true.  I must add, that, that doesn't mean that you don't work out or go to the gym, because that is all apart of the winning process.  But a true champion is made from a dream, a vision and/or a desire.  that's the first step, and that is what pushes you.  that's what gives you motivation, determination, mental strength, and something i like to call gut.  that's where the journey of becoming a champion begins...

~ amy 



Sarah Vaillancourt - hockey player. part #2

i love Sarah's story.  and i love hers more than most, because she explains exactly what she went through, through her life - thick and thin.  it's encouraging to hear a story like this one, and realize that athletes have their ups and downs in life to.  watching a youtube video of Olympic athletes doesn't explain anything.  they make 'how they got where they are today' seem so easy and simple.  so i love that Sarah's story is realistic and true.  i love that i found this story now, as i am going through the same thing she was when she was around my age - deciding where to go in life.

i also love the lesson she learned about stepping outside her comfort box and taking risks.  it really teaches myself to step outside of my comfort box and be the athlete i need to be instead of the one i want to be.  for example, last night at soccer, we were doing some things that i normally wouldn't do, but it is apart of soccer, and i gave it my all to learn something new and apply to the scrimmage we played.  Sarah learned that the only way she can accomplish her dream of being on Canada's National hockey team, and playing in the Olympics, was to step outside of her comfort zone, and try something that isn't normal.  this story reminded me of a saying i found, "Many are called, but few get up," - Oliver Herford.  Sarah was called to that school in Connecticut.  she was offered an  opportunity right in front of her, and all she had to do was accept.  Sarah was one of the people who got up - she went to that school, and was so glad she did.  i want to be the girl who gets up.  i want to rise to the occasion and accept the opportunities that come my way. 

Sarah is living her life to the fullest.  She is accomplishing, excelling, and having the time of her life playing her favorite sport so competitively.  her story is encouraging, and teachable.  she is an athlete with an inspiring story, encouraging young athletes like me to go after the dreams that we are set on.  "Hockey has taught me to dream and to follow those dreams until I can touch them and that anything is possible with perseverance and work." - S.V.

~amy

Sarah Vaillancourt - hockey player. part #1

Sarah's story:

hockey has always been Sarah's first love.  her mom has always said that she was born to be a hockey player.  her mom tells her that the day she was born, a huge snowstorm hit Quebec City.  now a snowstorm isn't a big deal, but since 1985, a snowstorm has never hit on that day - May 8th.  So, she was born in just the right hockey weather and therefore...Sarah was born to be a hockey player!  from then on out it is called her 'Cinderella' story.  it was meant to be, and the storm was her announcement of her love and passion for hockey.  the sport has molded her into the girl she is today.  Sarah started skating at the age of 2.  her dad would make an ice rink in their backyard and would spend half of his lunch hour teaching Sarah how to skate and stickhandle.  she would play hockey 24/7, especially in her basement with her brothers and down the street with friends. 

dedication.

Sarah officially started playing hockey at the age of 5, but because their were no girls teams, she played in a boys league....and continued playing with them until she was 16.  She was usually cut from the 'AA' team because she was a girl, and she got used to it.  but this meant she was the best player on the 'BB' team.  Sarah has always been a leader by nature, and so being the captain of the boys team is something she strived for.  "I wanted to be that player that other players look up to as an example of good character, work ethic and ultimate success," says Sarah.
passion.
Sarah says she was 12 when she first saw women's hockey.  Canada was playing the United States in the final game at the Nagano 1998 Olympic Games, the first time that women’s hockey was introduced to the Games. (might i well add that we dominated the US once again in 2010!!)  Sarah was sitting in front of the tv and was in awe when the Canadian hockey players with the maple leaf proudly on their jerseys were jumping onto the ice. she couldn't believe how lucky they were to be playing her favorite sport while representing Canada. she turned to her parents and said,  "I'll be there too someday and win a gold medal for Canada."
dream big.
At the age of 17 Sarah had been playing women's hockey for 2 years, but she didn't know what she wanted to do.  she hit the point in her life of confusion where she was deciding whether to continue playing hockey or go on with general life.  she was known as one of the best athletes in her age group around North America and universities were already recruiting her.  but she said that wasn't good enough and wanted more.  Sarah had one dream in mind and that was to play on Canada's National Hockey team.  she would worker harder than anyone on and off the ice. 
commitment.
after graduating high school, Sarah had two choices...she could either stay in Quebec and do what all of her friends were doing...or step out of her comfort zone, challenge herself, and move to the States to try her best to succeed on and off the ice.  she picked a school in Connecticut (Pomfret) and went in as a 17 year old junior speaking barley any english.  "It was one of the toughest things that i have ever done, but the people i met there, and the person that i became made all the anxiety, the tears, and the headaches worth it.  i went to the school as a talented hard working hockey player and left 2 years later as a confident, purposeful, student-athlete with big dreams and expectations.  the school and community made me a stronger person and showed me that I was more than a good hockey player and that I had more to give to others and more to expect from myself than I thought going in.  that experience gave me confidence," says Sarah.  the second year at the school she became a member of the National Canadian team.  Sarah ended up going to Harvard University and graduated with a degree in physiology. 
sacrifice.
Sarah's dream came true as she did become a member of the National Canadian team, and she did compete in the Olympics  - not just once, but twice.  Sarah has two Olympic Gold Medals and she has been wearing that Canadian jersey with pride for the past 7 years.  Sarah's passion and love for hockey is still as strong today, and is hoping she will be at the 2014 Olympics.  "Hockey has taught me to dream and to follow those dreams until I can touch them and that anything is possible with perseverance and work," - Sarah.
perseverance & determination.










~ amy

a closer look at B.H.

you know me...when i'm inspired, my mind goes into 'let's try new things mode', or 'wow, i want to be just like her...and i mean exactly.' so after the movie soul surfer i looked at my mom and said "great, now i have to learn how to surf before I die." i also commented on how i am some what like her....of course i would never know exactly unless i was put into that situation, but we do share the same determination and the fact that we will never give up until we accomplish our goals.
sooo, i did visit her website...i just had to do some research on her.  here is a video i found of Bethany Hamilton - herself telling her very own story.  here is another i found where she talks about fear...and fearless she sure is!

this is just another look at this amazing girl, who is so strong willed and fearless.  and might i add, i did go see it a second time....and of course with a mom who loved it as much as i did, she will be pulling out the debit card as soon as it gets out on dvd!!!

~amy

Can I stir that for you??

was reading Bethany Hamilton's blog, and one blog post really got me thinking. ~side note: Bethany's blog posts aren't as long in writing as mine, but when she does write...it's all coming from the heart.  very wise girl! back to now my blog....this particular blog post was something i could relate to completely, and i started to wonder if just like me, Bethany is very independent. 
i started thinking....hmmm....this is a life lesson i could learn from.  i am sooo independent.  i hate to be wrong and i hate to admit i need help.  but...there are those moments in my sports life where i tell my coach i need help, or a i don't get this, or what am i supposed to do when this scenario happens???  but in situations and circumstances it's all me or nothing.  so, i felt like this blog was speaking to me.  in 'those' situations when i need help the most and need a shoulder to lean on, it's God who can come and help me.  it is God who can come and stir my cup that needs to be stirred out - clear with provision.  by allowing God to lead my life, especially in those times of confusion, those times would be so much more peaceful...and, really, who doesn't want that?  not just in my sports life, but in all of my life.  i need to look to the one who sees the full picture and who can take over stirring my cup for me, and do a much better job.  take over God.  take my cup (life) and stir (lead) it!
thank-you Bethany for the inspiring blog post!! 

~amy

a saying from my trainer...

"The pain of discipline is far greater than the pain of regret." 

My point is proven:  live with no regrets.  Push yourself to do all things and anything so you will have no regrets. 

~amy

i will go

while paying close attention to the v. family's blog,  2 blog posts i keep reading over and over again.  they explained their journey from the beginning with no details left out.  it was pretty neat to see exactly what they went through.  one line she prayed to God has always stuck out to me. she said:  "God, i can't tell if this crazy notion i have is just my love for orphans, or if it is your will for our future.  you know what's best for our family.  i just want your will for our family, not my own, and i can't tell the difference..."
I thought that was so cool, and thought about that in my own life, but a little different.  here is my version... "God, you know what is best for me, I want your will for my life not mine.  I want to follow you, where you lead me because i know your plans are the best for my life.  Help me realize this, and live for you every day."
And just the other night at youth, we sang an amazing song, dealing with exactly that.  the words hit me like a bundle of bricks and that second i thought of the v. family and also applied it to my own life....

To the desperate eyes and reaching hands
To the suffering and the lean
To the ones the world has cast aside
Where you want me I will be

I will go, I will go
I will go, Lord send me
To the world, To the lost
To the poor and hungry
Take everything I am
I'm clay within your hands
I will go, I will go, send me

Let me not be blind with privilege
Give me eyes to see the pain
Let the blessing you've poured out on me
Not be spent on me in vain
Let this life be used for change

I wanna live for you
Go where you lead me
I wanna follow you
Send me!

Send me God, I will go.  I want to follow you.

~amy

Soul Surfer ~ Bethany Hamiliton

my life has changed.  my perspective has changed.  my perspective on life has changed.  how can a one hour forty six minute movie change my perspective so much?  how can my life change that fast.  tell me how???  the trailer  doesn't even match it.  i reply with simple words...how can it not?  how can your perspective on life not change when you watch a movie like this, about a girl so strong willed, with a perspective so good, and knows what life and love is all about.  how can you not want to be like Bethany Hamilton?  how can she not be a role model in your life?

Bethany has a passion for surfing, that's where she is going with her life.  this was her future.  until one afternoon a shark ripped off her left arm while she was surfing.  from that moment Bethany's life was changed.  bad, but good (we'll get to the good).  sure, she lost an arm.  how could you manage?  your day to day basic living style becomes a whole new routine.  your looks are different, and others don't look at you the same.  Bethany's surfing life changed.  surfing its self became one hundred times harder.  but Bethany became a whole new person.  she became stronger, and her perspective changed, her life changed as she realized that her life is not all about surfing.  i learned so much from this movie.  my favorite line was when she was laying on the hospital bed and her and her dad looked at each other and said together "I can do all things through God who strengthens me."  it was that line that helped her through the training, and the falls, and the hard times.  it was that line that made her fearless and so brave and helped her get back on that board.  it was that line that encouraged her to keep to faith and push through to the end.  it is that line that made her manage with only one arm.  and it is that line that has gotten her where she is today - excelling as a professional surfer.  she looked to God for her strength.  she kept on pushing and seeking God's plan for her life, even though is was hard and difficult and not easy to see.

i was reminded in this movie about an example that i have heard before.  someone shows you a picture, and you can guess all you want at what it is, but when the actual picture is revealed, the blown up picture before didn't even look like what it actually was. -  we only see the blown up picture.  we only see a 'part' of the picture, but God see's the full picture.  we only see the situation and mess but God see's our life and knows where and when that situation will turn into something good.  Bethany only saw what was going on in her life right then and there.  Bethany could only look down and see one arm hanging from her upper body.  she could only see how difficult life was.  but God could see the full picture.  and God could see the outcome of her life.  he could see down the road to Bethany's life where she is a professional surfer, even with one arm.  God knew Bethany's plan for her life.  that example helped Bethany change her perspective.

and the coolest thing of all, is that she wouldn't change a thing.  she wouldn't go back to that day in October, where a shark ripped her arm off.  and only because now, she can share her faith with others around the world.  she can now inspire others to go after their dreams, to follow their passions and heart no matter what circumstance or situation.  2 arms or one...the dream and passion is still the same...and will never change until accomplished.

and then there is me, Amy Bennett, dreams as high as the sky, and ready to accomplish them conquering anything that get's in my way.  because just like Bethany Hamilton has shown me and many others .... nothing is impossible, especially with God on your side.  i think to myself, if Bethany can become who she is today with only one arm...then really what is stopping me?  what is stopping me from achieving my dreams.  the answer should be nothing.  and that is what i think of when i run track, play soccer...anything in life.  i can do and achieve anything in life, reminding myself of Bethany Hamilton, and with the help of God on my side - the ultimate strength giver.  i can do all things through God who stregthens me.

~amy

one day without shoes...

April 5th (which was 5 days ago, i know, but with a project that took me 8 looong hours to complete, and a busy sports schedule the past few days, the blog post will just have to do with being posted tonight....anyways...) is the annual One Day Without Shoes event for TOMS shoes, creating awareness around the world for kids living in poverty who experience 'wearing no shoes' every single day.  if only i knew earlier that a few short days ago April 5th was no shoes day, then i would have planned something.  i didn't know until my mom showed me the headline news when we got onto the internet. ( this video is a closer look about what One Day Without Shoes is about.) 

what a great idea.  Blake is such a creative guy and i love his heart.  he is so aware of the kids in other countries, like this one....  

who go without wearing shoes day after day.  who have infections and have no way to heal them.  who aren't complaining and whining at all. who, like the rest of their friends and family, are looking for hope.

no, my shoe closet does not look like this.  i don't even have a shoe closet.  my shoes are just randomly spread out throughout my house.  but i must say, when you think about these kids suffering you somewhat feel guilty.  i feel gulity about the new running shoes and cleats i got this weekend.  sure they were needed (in my books), there were holes in my cleats and my runners are worn out.  but when you think about my needs and their needs, the jump is sufficient, and that is when Blake decided to make a difference.  to change what is undeserved and unfair.  to bless kids with a pair of shoes who deserve them so much more than i ever could.  so next April 5th, i will be sure to participate.  now i know, and now i have a blog post to lean on for a reminder.  and you can remind me to!!! :)

~ amy