"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it." - Hebrews 13:2



Monday, July 30, 2012

The Olympic Spirit…


It all starts with a gift or a love of the sport.

Training.

Learning.

And more learning and training.

Years and years of preparation and conditioning.

Then comes the time to go for the gold.

Yes, it’s Summer Olympics time again!

That description sounds like it could parallel a writer’s life, doesn’t it?

We start with a gift of storytelling or writing. We love to read.

We train, we learn, we prepare, and condition. We go for the gold.

Do you watch the Summer Olympics? What did you think of the opening ceremonies in London? What are your favorite events to watch? Do you feel connected with the world when it is Olympic time? I sure do.

I love archery, track and field, and gymnastics! I also love the stories of how the athlete got from here to there. Many have had hard struggles…great stories to inspire us.

I root for them all, but mostly for the Stars and Stripes.

GO Team USA! USA! USA! USA!

I would love to hear from you!

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree

19 comments:

Lindsay Harrel said...

I watched the opening ceremonies but haven't found much time yet to watch anything else!! Hopefully I'll get to watch swimming and gymnastics. Those are my favorite.

Brandi Boddie said...

I do enjoy watching the Olympics, especially fencing (not sure if that's winter or summer), swimming and weightlifting. I admire the hard work of the athletes in training their bodies. Have you noticed how each athlete's form is molded for their particular sport? Long arms/torso for swimming, strong legs for gymnastics. It's amazing how God made our bodies. I can definitely make a comparison to writing, how God formed a writer's mind to imagine, dream, and shape stories into an art :-)

Ava Walker Jenkins said...

I love the Olympics and you are so right about that connection to the world. I am so enjoying the volleyball competitions since that was my sport in college. But I'm fascinated by the tiny gymnasts who can do things with their bodies,I don't think i could do even if I were weightless in space. It takes all kinds, sizes and skills to make the Olympic games--just like writers in the publishing world.

Unknown said...

Sadly, I haven't had a chance to watch the Olympics at all, yet, but I hope to catch at least a few highlights tonight. :)

Jeanette Levellie said...

A former vocal teacher of mine was one of the piano players in the opening ceremony of the '84 Olympics in Los Angeles. Oh, now I'm dating myself... I was ten at the time!

Unknown said...

The Olympics are fun to watch. I like the fencing and archery, but I never know when those sports are aired. Hopefully I don't miss them this year. Love the comparison to writing!

Loree Huebner said...

Lindsay: My hubby recorded the open ceremonies and I watched it later that night. I thought it was pretty good. I love the gymnastics!

Brandi: You are so right! Each body is chiseled perfectly. I was watching the diving and swimming tonight...amazing muscles! God made us perfectly! The fencing is fun to watch too.

Ava: You are so right on about all sizes and shapes. I do find the small gymnasts amazingly small but powerful! I love the connection and friendly spirit of competition around the world.

Melissa: I hope you get to watch some!

Jeanette: How awesome. I do remember that Olympic ceremony. Pretty great!

Gwen: You can probably find a line up online @ NBC. Enjoy!

Thanks for dropping in everyone. Enjoy the Olympics!

Unknown said...

I watch it on Youtube --they have a dedicated channel. The Olympics are truly awe-inspiring.

Beth K. Vogt said...

Love watching the Olympics -- but haven't had much of a chance to watch this year. I watched more of the Olympic trials than I have the games themselves. Life keeps getting in the way. I do try to at least follow the headlines.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Loree -

The writer's life takes much dedication. Isn't that true of most worthwhile pursuits? I know someone studying to be a doctor. He has a long road ahead of him.

I enjoy the gymnastics and swimming.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Rhonda Schrock said...

Love The Games. In fact, in this week's column, I'm volunteering for service to God and country by going over there as Team Mom! :):)

Gymnastics are great. Swimming, too, and then the running events. Go USA!

troutbirder said...

I do love the Olypics and really liked the opening. Of course, being a history teacher may have influence. Comparing it to the super spectacular of Bejing though is like comparing apples and oranges

Loree Huebner said...

Damyanti: You are so right! The Olympics are really awe-inspiring. I find some sort of inspiration each time I turn on the TV. So many talented and gifted athletes, each with their own story to tell. WOW!

Beth: You have had a busy and crazy year! I'm glad you've been able to keep up with the headlines...

Susan: It does seem no matter what we do, it takes all the work and personal dedication we can muster.

Rhonda: Team Mom! Love it!

trout: Yes, it was a different kind of "spectacular" in Bejing, but only the Brits have Sir Paul McCartney! That was spectacular!

Thanks for chiming in everyone! I love reading your comments!

Charlotte Brentwood said...

In the opening ceremony I loved the classic British humour - when the Queen parachuted in, and when Mr Bean played Chariots of Fire.

My favourite is probably gymnastics, but I love anything which our (relatively few) athletes are in, so this means equestrian, kayaking and rowing at the moment. Just can't help cheering wildly!

Loree Huebner said...

Charlotte: I did think the Queen parachuting with James Bond was funny...and Rowan (Mr Bean) Atkinson was hysterical! The Brits do have a great sense of humor!

Thanks for stopping by, Charlotte!

Stacy Henrie said...

I haven't actually watched anything - I know, shame on me :) - but I have clicked on some of the news stories. Typically I like watching gymnastics.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Ha, I was watching the archery last night. Ah Aussie competitor was vying for the quarter finals. I was getting all anxious for him. Hahaha. And I thoroughtly enjoyed the opening ceremony.

Loree Huebner said...

Stacy: Hope you've been able to catch some of the great moments!

Lynda: Hey, the Aussies have been awesome in some events! Good show all around!

Stacy and Lynda, thanks for stopping by!

Sandra Orchard said...

I've never been one to cry easily, but lately, yikes. All those heart-wrenching and heart-warming Olympic stories are tearing me up like crazy! Here I go again just thinking about the dad that ran down to the track, ignoring officials, to help his son finish his race after blowing his Achilles, 20 years ago.