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
Monday, August 29, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
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
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
Friday, August 26, 2011
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
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
Monday, August 22, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
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
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
Sunday, July 31, 2011
let's review
Here is a little review of my long 6 week time off of soccer....
Week 1: Right after winning theStratford
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 toLondon
"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
Week 1: Right after winning the
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
"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
Monday, July 25, 2011
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
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
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