What a journey

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

High school soccer tryouts has been somewhat of a journey. This journey inspires me to trust in the Lord and remember He is overall... Sometimes when our desires do not line up with His plan for us, if we trust in Him--His plan is better. Years ago Hailey was invited to play on the competitive  soccer team; however, the competitive team played on Sundays, and in the process of seeking exemption from Sunday play we were told that "every good little Mormon kid eventually played on Sundays". When this statement was made, we felt it was a confirmation to our prayers as to whether or not we should continue. Hailey was heartbroken, but she determined that God was more important than her love for soccer. When she informed the competitive coaches of her decision, they again tried to change her mind by saying that if she did not play competitive, she would saying "goodbye" to any type of continuing soccer--there would be no way for her to make her high school team without playing for a competitive team. Hailey held to her decision to continue playing soccer on the select level with her dad as her coach. Bryan and Hailey were determined to create quality soccer without Sunday play. Fortunately we were blessed with a team with similar thoughts and passions, and we grew together.

This past summer Hailey began her journey of trying-out for her high school team. In year's past, there have only been very few Freshman selected to play for the high school team, of those Freshman selected--all of them came from a competitive team. This year--Hailey and her "select soccer teammates" were about to change history. Throughout the summer, Hailey was noticed by the coaches. It seemed so miraculously that out of 86 girls, Hailey kept receiving attention, and in July she was invited to a tournament where only upperclassmen were "supposed" to be invited to play. Despite this attention, she Hailey continued to work hard. Three days a week Hailey would attend Off the Field workouts (a program designed to help teams build strength). The rest of the week, we woke up early, and ran miles for conditioning (with two other select teammates)--we ran hills, we ran poles, we ran distance, and we ran 800's. At the time, we were simply trying to condition the girls for tryouts--we had no idea what kinds of fitness drills would  be ran at tryouts. On top of this training, Hailey also spent hours upon hours working on her juggling. I believe that Heavenly Father blessed her efforts.

For tryouts there were three days of fitness. Every single fitness drill coincided with a drill we had trained for during the summer. Hailey passed every single fitness drill--the only Freshman to do so. In fact, she not only passed, but she did better than most of the Varsity girls. This was a direct answer to our prayers. We had no idea how to train, but we were definitely guided in that training. Our summer workouts were perfect for tryouts--I have no doubt that God guided us. 

Not only was God's hand in our training this summer, but throughout her soccer experience up to this point. Hailey was prepared for soccer tryouts. She truly is a standout player. She did not spend years in competitive play to prepare for high school like many other girls did, but she spent years preparing nonetheless, and God helped her in this endeavor. Sometimes we desire things that may seem out of our reach, but I truly believe that when we put God first in our lives, He will open doors for us. Throughout the whole tryout experience, many of the upperclassman were shocked that Hailey had not played for a competitive team. One of the girls asked, "How did you get so good without playing competitive?" I have to believe it wasn't Hailey alone in this process, but it was a partnership between her and God. I also have to believe that as Hailey continues to put God first in her life, He will continue to open doors. When she chose not to play for competitive soccer so many years ago, there was a moment when she felt that her dream of playing for her high school soccer team was out of reach; however, with hope, faith and trust--she worked hard to accomplish her dream despite the general consensus, and God created a miracle in her life.

Hailey and one other select teammate made the JV Team. Two other teammates made the JV2 Team.

There is an EFY song that entitled, "Here Am I". I believe that Hailey exemplifies this song, and because she strives to do so--I believe that God will continue to create miracles in her life. I have no doubt that soccer journey has been one of those miracles.

Here Am I
Ready and Willing
Here Am I
I'll Go Wherever He Needs
Here to Love, Here to Serve, To the Ends of the Earth
I surrender my Heart and my Life, So the World Can See His Light
Here Am I

I am blessed to see His Light through my daughter's devotion to God. I am so grateful.

A stormy day at summer open play. They played despite the downpour. July 8. 2015

Mountain View vs. Meridian

Mountain View vs. Columbia

August 12, 2015; Celebrating Making the Team

...adding pictures as we go

Mountain View vs. Rocky Mountain

Lagoon

LAGOON

After the "Anniversary Party", we decided to spend Labor Day at Lagoon. (Hailey wasn't able to come to the Elkington Family Reunion at Lagoon, so we decided we needed to make another trip...) We were blessed to bring Carly and Ava with us. The lines were great, the weather was perfect, and best of all--great memories were made! (I love making memories. I work hard to "make memories" whenever I can. I want my life to be full of "memories" that uplift and enrich my existence. This was definitely a memory for the uplifting.)

Corvette

Corvette

Grandpa Terry has a fun old car, and we got to take it for a spin today...

Terry and Jolene Anniversary

Happy Anniversary

How blessed we are to have family. Family ties us together and gives us purpose. As we love and grow together, our hearts become something more. Just recently, my sweet little family had the opportunity to celebrate part of our beginnings as we celebrated Terry and Jolene's 50th Wedding Anniversary. As I watched Terry and Jolene, I was awestruck at how two people falling in love can create a cascade of events that bless and inspire. Because of Terry and Jolene, and the decisions they have made--they have created a legacy of love. And as each year passes to the next, each of us--their children, their in-laws, and their grandchildren grow and become better from the simple beginnings of the two of them falling in love. More than their love for each other; however, (and not to diminish that love) is what they have offered us through their testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through their example, they have truly taught us in ways that are leading us to--not only become good people--, but to become all that God would desire of us to become. Yes, I am truly grateful for families. It reminds me of a primary song:

Our Father has a family. It's me!

It's you, all others too: we are His children.

He sent each one of us to earth, through birth,

To live and learn here in families.

God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be--

This is how He shares His love,

For the Family is of God.

As I have watched my two families--my family of origin and my husband's family--I have felt so blessed for the LOVE God offers me through the families I have been given. It is through these divine relationships that I am offered an opportunity to grow and to become. And now, as I look at my own family I am creating with my sweet husband, I desire to lead them in God's pathways, to help them become what He wants them to be. For after all, it is through our families that we can feel His love, and it is through them that we BECOME.

As we watched their wedding video, it was so tender to see their love for each other, and for us. As the tears rolled down Terry's cheeks, I felt grateful for this legacy.