INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('950','3','2010-01-14 08:26:45','2010-01-14 08:26:45','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp mceIEcenter\">\r\n<div><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 17px;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_947\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-947\" title=\"man with shoes\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2173-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n</span></span></span></span></div>\r\n</div>\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, Thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet Lolnel who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy; \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes we did with those people. We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. Thanks Big Guy!)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_937\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-937\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 240\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2401-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]','Urban Desert','0','Before I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. ','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-11','','','2010-01-14 08:26:45','2010-01-14 08:26:45','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=950','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('942','3','2010-01-14 08:15:28','2010-01-14 08:15:28','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_917\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-917 \" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 217\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2171-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, Thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet Lolnel who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy; \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes we did with those people. We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. Thanks Big Guy!)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_937\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-937\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 240\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2401-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]','Urban Desert','0','Before I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. ','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-6','','','2010-01-14 08:15:28','2010-01-14 08:15:28','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=942','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('951','3','2010-01-14 08:27:00','2010-01-14 08:27:00','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp mceIEcenter\">\r\n<div><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 17px;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_947\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-947\" title=\"man with shoes\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2173-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n</span></span></span></span></div>\r\n</div>\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, Thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet Lolnel who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy; \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes we did with those people. We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. Thanks Big Guy!)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_937\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-937\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 240\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2401-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]','Urban Desert','0','Before I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. ','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-12','','','2010-01-14 08:27:00','2010-01-14 08:27:00','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=951','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('935','3','2010-01-14 08:17:43','2010-01-14 08:17:43','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp mceIEcenter\">\r\n<div><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 17px;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_947\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-947\" title=\"man with shoes\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2173-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n</span></span></span></span></div>\r\n</div>\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, Thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/4271257851/\" target=\"_blank\">Lolnel</a> who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/4272012058/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924  \" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy, \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes handing out shoes.  We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. Thanks Big Guy!)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_937\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-937\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 240\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2401-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]','Urban Desert','0','Before I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. ','publish','open','open','','urban-desert','','','2010-01-14 08:53:57','2010-01-14 08:53:57','','0','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=935','0','post','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('936','3','2010-01-14 08:06:43','2010-01-14 08:06:43','<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_917\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-917 \" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 217\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2171-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet Lolnel who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy; \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes we did with those people. We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. thanks Big Guy!)','','0','','inherit','open','open','','935-revision','','','2010-01-14 08:06:43','2010-01-14 08:06:43','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=936','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('937','3','2010-01-14 08:07:31','2010-01-14 08:07:31','','gshaw_gys_13.1 - 240','0','Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission','inherit','open','open','','gshaw_gys_131-240-2','','','2010-01-14 08:07:31','2010-01-14 08:07:31','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2401.jpg','0','attachment','image/jpeg','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('938','3','2010-01-14 08:06:44','2010-01-14 08:06:44','<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_917\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-917 \" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 217\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2171-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet Lolnel who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy; \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes we did with those people. We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. thanks Big Guy!)','','0','','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-2','','','2010-01-14 08:06:44','2010-01-14 08:06:44','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=938','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('939','3','2010-01-14 08:10:10','2010-01-14 08:10:10','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_917\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-917 \" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 217\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2171-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, Thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet Lolnel who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy; \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes we did with those people. We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. Thanks Big Guy!)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_937\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-937\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 240\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2401-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]','','0','','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-3','','','2010-01-14 08:10:10','2010-01-14 08:10:10','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=939','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('940','3','2010-01-14 08:12:54','2010-01-14 08:12:54','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_917\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-917 \" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 217\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2171-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, Thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet Lolnel who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy; \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes we did with those people. We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. Thanks Big Guy!)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_937\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-937\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 240\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2401-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]','Urban Desert','0','Before I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. ','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-4','','','2010-01-14 08:12:54','2010-01-14 08:12:54','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=940','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('941','3','2010-01-14 08:13:05','2010-01-14 08:13:05','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_917\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-917 \" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 217\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2171-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, Thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet Lolnel who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy; \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes we did with those people. We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. Thanks Big Guy!)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_937\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-937\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 240\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2401-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]','Urban Desert','0','Before I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. ','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-5','','','2010-01-14 08:13:05','2010-01-14 08:13:05','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=941','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('955','3','2010-01-14 08:35:30','2010-01-14 08:35:30','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp mceIEcenter\">\r\n<div><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 17px;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_947\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-947\" title=\"man with shoes\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2173-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n</span></span></span></span></div>\r\n</div>\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, Thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet Lolnel who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy; \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes we did with those people. We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. Thanks Big Guy!)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_937\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-937\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 240\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2401-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]','Urban Desert','0','Before I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. ','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-16','','','2010-01-14 08:35:30','2010-01-14 08:35:30','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=955','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('956','3','2010-01-14 08:37:26','2010-01-14 08:37:26','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp mceIEcenter\">\r\n<div><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 17px;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_947\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-947\" title=\"man with shoes\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2173-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n</span></span></span></span></div>\r\n</div>\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, Thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet Lolnel who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy; \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes we did with those people. We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. Thanks Big Guy!)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_937\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-937\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 240\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2401-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]','Urban Desert','0','Before I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. ','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-17','','','2010-01-14 08:37:26','2010-01-14 08:37:26','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=956','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('957','3','2010-01-14 08:38:48','2010-01-14 08:38:48','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp mceIEcenter\">\r\n<div><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 17px;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_947\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-947\" title=\"man with shoes\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2173-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n</span></span></span></span></div>\r\n</div>\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, Thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet Lolnel who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy; \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes we did with those people. We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. Thanks Big Guy!)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_937\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-937\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 240\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2401-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]','Urban Desert','0','Before I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. ','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-18','','','2010-01-14 08:38:48','2010-01-14 08:38:48','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=957','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('958','3','2010-01-14 08:39:12','2010-01-14 08:39:12','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp mceIEcenter\">\r\n<div><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 17px;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_947\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-947\" title=\"man with shoes\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2173-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n</span></span></span></span></div>\r\n</div>\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, Thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet Lolnel who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy; \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes we did with those people. We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. Thanks Big Guy!)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_937\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-937\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 240\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2401-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]','Urban Desert','0','Before I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. ','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-19','','','2010-01-14 08:39:12','2010-01-14 08:39:12','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=958','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('959','3','2010-01-14 08:41:54','2010-01-14 08:41:54','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp mceIEcenter\">\r\n<div><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 17px;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_947\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-947\" title=\"man with shoes\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2173-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n</span></span></span></span></div>\r\n</div>\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, Thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet Lolnel who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy; \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes we did with those people. We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. Thanks Big Guy!)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_937\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-937\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 240\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2401-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]','Urban Desert','0','Before I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. ','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-20','','','2010-01-14 08:41:54','2010-01-14 08:41:54','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=959','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('961','3','2010-01-14 08:50:31','2010-01-14 08:50:31','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp mceIEcenter\">\r\n<div><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 17px;\"><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_947\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-947\" title=\"man with shoes\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2173-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Man trying on a pair of shoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n</span></span></span></span></div>\r\n</div>\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.131marathon.com/\" target=\"_blank\">13.1 Marathon</a> event in Los Angeles started out like any other - EARLY!  Me and my photographer friend, <a href=\"http://www.gshawphotoblog.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Gregg Shaw</a>, got up at 4am and headed to the start area to get set up for the daily donations that would take place as runners came through the finish line. Thank goodness Starbucks backed right up to the booth we happened to be sharing with our friends from Team World Vision. (funny how God works, he knows exactly what you need and when you need it, Thanks big Guy!) So we got our coffee in us and waited for the fun to begin. The race started on time at 7:15 and 2 hours later we were elbows deep in collecting shoes and taking pictures.  Not only did I hope to gather as many shoes possible that would be going to the Union Rescue Mission but also hoped to gather some great photos to use on our site.  As the people trickled in and the race ended we ended up with some great <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/giveyoursole/\" target=\"_blank\">pictures</a> and 200 pairs!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_919\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\" caption=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-919\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 177\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-177-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Me with all the shoes from the 13.1 runners!\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis is where our day really gets exciting.  Gregg and I head to downtown LA in the skid row area to meet up with Rev. Andy Bales at the <a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Union Rescue Mission</a>.  Only problem is when I call to meet him there is no answer. We arrive to skid row about 10 minutes prior to our 2pm appointment and if you have never been to skid row, it\'s not really the place you want to just \"hang out\".  We \"stood out\" more than anything but stumbled upon some people that had set up a make shift food serving area on the sidewalk and we asked to join them.  They had been coming down here the past 10 years to serve food to people in need on the streets.  I asked if we could share the sidewalk and hand out some shoes since we had a truck load waiting to be delivered.\r\n\r\nBefore I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. Despair, Addiction, Tragedy, Anger, Helplessness all fill the air. Trash litters the surroundings like confetti but you can bet there hasn\'t been a parade down here in forever.  The sidewalks aren\'t used for walking but sleeping.  Police?  Nowhere to be seen. People walking about as if in a science fiction movie called \"The Last Days\".  It is an urban desert.  Barely any cars, only people. This place is a concrete coffin for many.\r\n\r\nI call the Rescue Mission again and still no answer so Gregg and I decide to start dumping bags of shoes on the sidewalk.  It takes only seconds before people start to come around and pick through the pile. I meet John, who tells me that it\'s hard to keep shoes because people steal your stuff and without having a place to put it makes it hard to keep safe.  I meet Paul who tells me that without shoes his feet hurt, everything hurts. I meet Lolnel who tells me having shoes will help him and his wife get around to try and find jobs and get from place to place for food.  Then I meet Stacy who tells me he is on his way back to real life. He\'s looking to get a job, looking to finish a program, only there for a short time. <em>I sure hope so Stacy.</em> He tells me that for strangers to give them shoes is like giving him a chance to take a step in the next direction. Now if that doesn\'t say it all...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_924\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with John\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-924\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 207\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-207-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with John\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s now 2:30 and my phone rings, it\'s Rev. Andy, \"Where are you, I am at the mission ready for you.\"  I tell him we are one block over handing out shoes and will pack up and be right there.  We get there and sure enough he had been waiting for almost an hour for me.  I try to tell him I called and called but his phone never rang.  As we finish giving him all the shoes he realizes his ringer was off and had missed my calls.\r\n\r\nIf he would have answered my call at 1:50 we never would have experienced that 40 minutes handing out shoes.  We never would have had the conversations with the nice guys like Paul, Calvin, John and Lolnel.  (funny how God works, he always knows exactly what you need when you need it. Thanks Big Guy!)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_937\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.urm.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-937\" title=\"gshaw_gys_13.1 - 240\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-2401-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Me with Rev. Andy Bales from Union Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" /></a>[/caption]','Urban Desert','0','Before I go any further let me paint you a picture of what skid row is like.  It is as hopeless as any place can be. ','inherit','open','open','','935-revision-22','','','2010-01-14 08:50:31','2010-01-14 08:50:31','','935','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=961','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('962','3','2010-01-18 16:41:42','2010-01-18 16:41:42','','gshaw_gys_13.1 - 116','0','','inherit','open','open','','gshaw_gys_131-116','','','2010-01-18 16:41:42','2010-01-18 16:41:42','','-1263832830','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//gshaw_gys_13_1-116.jpg','0','attachment','image/jpeg','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('963','3','2010-01-18 16:57:04','0000-00-00 00:00:00','God answers our prayers in one of three ways: He says yes, not yet or I have something better in mind. - Anonymous','Answered Prayers','0','','draft','open','open','','','','','2010-01-18 16:57:04','2010-01-18 16:57:04','','0','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=963','0','post','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('964','3','2010-01-18 16:55:06','2010-01-18 16:55:06','God answers our prayers in one of three ways: He says yes, not yet or I have something better in mind. - Anonymous','Answered Prayers','0','','inherit','open','open','','963-revision','','','2010-01-18 16:55:06','2010-01-18 16:55:06','','963','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=964','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('965','3','2010-01-18 16:56:08','2010-01-18 16:56:08','God answers our prayers in one of three ways: He says yes, not yet or I have something better in mind. - Anonymous','Answered Prayers','0','','inherit','open','open','','963-revision-2','','','2010-01-18 16:56:08','2010-01-18 16:56:08','','963','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=965','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('966','3','2010-01-26 08:15:29','2010-01-26 08:15:29','<div class=\"mceTemp mceIEcenter\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_967\" class=\"wp-caption   aligncenter\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Race Day Morning</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity at the P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_969\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"width: 193px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_970\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">The Volunteers rocking the booth! </dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_971\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"width: 220px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_972\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_981\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Brenda and Tony</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixrescuemission/\" target=\"_blank\">giving the shoes</a><span> to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_984\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-984\" title=\"dsc_0186\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">After all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--></p>','Rise of the Phoenix','0','It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity at the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days. Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.','publish','open','open','','rise-of-the-phoenix','','','2010-01-26 08:49:34','2010-01-26 08:49:34','','0','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=966','0','post','','0');
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INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('969','3','2010-01-26 07:23:05','2010-01-26 07:23:05','','dsc_01891','0','Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support','inherit','open','open','','dsc_01891','','','2010-01-26 07:23:05','2010-01-26 07:23:05','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891.jpg','0','attachment','image/jpeg','0');
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INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('971','3','2010-01-26 07:37:38','2010-01-26 07:37:38','','dsc_0097','0','Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0097','','','2010-01-26 07:37:38','2010-01-26 07:37:38','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097.jpg','0','attachment','image/jpeg','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('972','3','2010-01-26 07:42:40','2010-01-26 07:42:40','','dsc_0031','0','These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0031','','','2010-01-26 07:42:40','2010-01-26 07:42:40','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031.jpg','0','attachment','image/jpeg','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('973','3','2010-01-26 07:48:13','2010-01-26 07:48:13','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity this past weekend at P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"261\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969\" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"261\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"300\" height=\"265\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision','','','2010-01-26 07:48:13','2010-01-26 07:48:13','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=973','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('974','3','2010-01-26 07:49:29','2010-01-26 07:49:29','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity this past weekend at P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"261\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969\" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"261\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"300\" height=\"265\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-2','','','2010-01-26 07:49:29','2010-01-26 07:49:29','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=974','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('976','3','2010-01-26 07:52:20','2010-01-26 07:52:20','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity this past weekend at P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-4','','','2010-01-26 07:52:20','2010-01-26 07:52:20','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=976','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('975','3','2010-01-26 07:51:10','2010-01-26 07:51:10','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity this past weekend at P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"261\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969\" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"261\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"300\" height=\"265\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span><span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-3','','','2010-01-26 07:51:10','2010-01-26 07:51:10','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=975','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('977','3','2010-01-26 07:53:31','2010-01-26 07:53:31','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity this past weekend at P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span>(insert picture of alley)<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-5','','','2010-01-26 07:53:31','2010-01-26 07:53:31','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=977','0','revision','','0');
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INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('979','3','2010-01-26 07:54:20','2010-01-26 07:54:20','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity this past weekend at P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span>(insert picture of alley)<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-6','','','2010-01-26 07:54:20','2010-01-26 07:54:20','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=979','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('980','3','2010-01-26 07:56:46','2010-01-26 07:56:46','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity this past weekend at P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_978\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Brenda and Tony\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-978\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0049-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-7','','','2010-01-26 07:56:46','2010-01-26 07:56:46','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=980','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('981','3','2010-01-26 07:58:57','2010-01-26 07:58:57','','dsc_00491','0','Brenda and Tony','inherit','open','open','','dsc_00491','','','2010-01-26 07:58:57','2010-01-26 07:58:57','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491.jpg','0','attachment','image/jpeg','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('982','3','2010-01-26 07:57:42','2010-01-26 07:57:42','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity this past weekend at P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_978\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"240\" caption=\"Brenda and Tony\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-978 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0049-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"240\" height=\"127\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-8','','','2010-01-26 07:57:42','2010-01-26 07:57:42','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=982','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('983','3','2010-01-26 07:59:29','2010-01-26 07:59:29','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity this past weekend at P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_981\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Brenda and Tony\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-9','','','2010-01-26 07:59:29','2010-01-26 07:59:29','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=983','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('984','3','2010-01-26 08:05:11','2010-01-26 08:05:11','','dsc_0186','0','Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0186','','','2010-01-26 08:05:11','2010-01-26 08:05:11','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186.jpg','0','attachment','image/jpeg','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('985','3','2010-01-26 08:04:19','2010-01-26 08:04:19','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity this past weekend at P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_981\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Brenda and Tony\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in giving the shoes to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.<span> </span>After all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.</span>\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-10','','','2010-01-26 08:04:19','2010-01-26 08:04:19','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=985','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('986','3','2010-01-26 08:06:23','2010-01-26 08:06:23','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity this past weekend at P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_981\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Brenda and Tony\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in giving the shoes to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_984\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-984\" title=\"dsc_0186\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-11','','','2010-01-26 08:06:23','2010-01-26 08:06:23','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=986','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('987','3','2010-01-26 08:09:41','2010-01-26 08:09:41','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity this past weekend at P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_981\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Brenda and Tony\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixrescuemission/\" target=\"_blank\">giving the shoes</a><span> to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_984\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-984\" title=\"dsc_0186\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-12','','','2010-01-26 08:09:41','2010-01-26 08:09:41','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=987','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('988','3','2010-01-26 08:09:54','2010-01-26 08:09:54','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity this past weekend at P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_981\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Brenda and Tony\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixrescuemission/\" target=\"_blank\">giving the shoes</a><span> to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_984\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-984\" title=\"dsc_0186\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-13','','','2010-01-26 08:09:54','2010-01-26 08:09:54','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=988','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('989','3','2010-01-26 08:11:40','2010-01-26 08:11:40','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity at the P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_981\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Brenda and Tony\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixrescuemission/\" target=\"_blank\">giving the shoes</a><span> to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_984\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-984\" title=\"dsc_0186\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-14','','','2010-01-26 08:11:40','2010-01-26 08:11:40','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=989','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('990','3','2010-01-26 08:13:46','2010-01-26 08:13:46','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity at the P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_981\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Brenda and Tony\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixrescuemission/\" target=\"_blank\">giving the shoes</a><span> to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_984\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-984\" title=\"dsc_0186\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-15','','','2010-01-26 08:13:46','2010-01-26 08:13:46','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=990','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('991','3','2010-01-26 08:13:53','2010-01-26 08:13:53','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity at the P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_981\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Brenda and Tony\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixrescuemission/\" target=\"_blank\">giving the shoes</a><span> to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_984\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-984\" title=\"dsc_0186\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-16','','','2010-01-26 08:13:53','2010-01-26 08:13:53','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=991','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('992','3','2010-01-26 08:14:43','2010-01-26 08:14:43','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity at the P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_981\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Brenda and Tony\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixrescuemission/\" target=\"_blank\">giving the shoes</a><span> to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_984\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-984\" title=\"dsc_0186\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of he Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-17','','','2010-01-26 08:14:43','2010-01-26 08:14:43','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=992','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('993','3','2010-01-26 08:14:55','2010-01-26 08:14:55','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity at the P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_981\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Brenda and Tony\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixrescuemission/\" target=\"_blank\">giving the shoes</a><span> to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_984\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-984\" title=\"dsc_0186\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-18','','','2010-01-26 08:14:55','2010-01-26 08:14:55','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=993','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('994','3','2010-01-26 08:15:02','2010-01-26 08:15:02','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity at the P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_981\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Brenda and Tony\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixrescuemission/\" target=\"_blank\">giving the shoes</a><span> to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_984\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-984\" title=\"dsc_0186\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-19','','','2010-01-26 08:15:02','2010-01-26 08:15:02','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=994','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('995','3','2010-01-26 08:41:52','2010-01-26 08:41:52','<div class=\"mceTemp mceIEcenter\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_967\" class=\"wp-caption   aligncenter\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Race Day Morning</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity at the P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_969\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"width: 193px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_970\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">The Volunteers rocking the booth! </dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_971\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"width: 220px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_972\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_981\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Brenda and Tony</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixrescuemission/\" target=\"_blank\">giving the shoes</a><span> to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_984\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-984\" title=\"dsc_0186\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">After all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--></p>','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-autosave','','','2010-01-26 08:41:52','2010-01-26 08:41:52','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=995','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('996','16','2010-01-26 08:15:29','2010-01-26 08:15:29','[caption id=\"attachment_967\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Race Day Morning\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity at the P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_969\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"183\" caption=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_970\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_971\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"210\" caption=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_972\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\"]<a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment-->\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_981\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Brenda and Tony\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixrescuemission/\" target=\"_blank\">giving the shoes</a><span> to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_984\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\"]<a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-984\" title=\"dsc_0186\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-20','','','2010-01-26 08:15:29','2010-01-26 08:15:29','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=996','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('997','3','2010-01-26 08:27:22','2010-01-26 08:27:22','<div class=\"mceTemp mceIEcenter\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_967\" class=\"wp-caption   aligncenter\" style=\"width: 310px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" /></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Race Day Morning</dd></dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity at the P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_969\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"width: 193px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" /></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support</dd></dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_970\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 310px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" /></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">The Volunteers rocking the booth! </dd></dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_971\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"width: 220px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" /></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie</dd></dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_972\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 310px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference</dd></dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_981\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 310px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" /></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Brenda and Tony</dd></dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixrescuemission/\" target=\"_blank\">giving the shoes</a><span> to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_984\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"width: 310px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-984\" title=\"dsc_0186\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission</dd></dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">After all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--></p>','Rise of the Phoenix','0','','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-21','','','2010-01-26 08:27:22','2010-01-26 08:27:22','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=997','0','revision','','0');
INSERT INTO `gysblog_posts` VALUES ('998','3','2010-01-26 08:48:59','2010-01-26 08:48:59','<div class=\"mceTemp mceIEcenter\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_967\" class=\"wp-caption   aligncenter\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-967\" title=\"dsc_0092\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0092-300x177.jpg\" alt=\"Race Day Morning\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Race Day Morning</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity at the P.F. Chang’s </span><a href=\"http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Rock ‘n’ Roll </a><span>Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days.<span> </span>Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>This was our first big event of 2010 and it didn’t disappoint. Our weekend started early Friday morning with a news segment on </span><span><a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/yad4o2x\" target=\"_blank\">Sonoran Living, ABC – KNXV Phoenix local.</a> Brett put his camera “shyness” aside and sent forth our message in crystal clear fashion. We were also able to gain the support of Miss Arizona, USA 2010 – Brittany Bell who happened to be in the studio audience that morning. </span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_969\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"width: 193px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-969 \" title=\"dsc_01891\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_01891-261x300.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support\" width=\"183\" height=\"210\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Tom with Miss Arizona showing her support</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>Off to the Health and Fitness Expo at the convention center where we were eager to meet and spend some time with Brenda Combs.<span> </span>Before I continue though, a great, big, huge THANK YOU needs to go out to all those who helped volunteer while in Phoenix.<span> </span>Without your support (Russ, Melinda, Jack, John, Jake, Kyle, Peggy, Steve and Helen) we would have never been able to do all that we did that weekend.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_970\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-970\" title=\"dsc_0079\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0079-300x260.jpg\" alt=\"The Volunteers rocking the booth! \" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">The Volunteers rocking the booth! </dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>Imagine waking up one day to find yourself lying in an alley, not knowing how you got there, it’s hot – you’re confused, hungry and hurting.<span> </span>Looking around, all you see is broken glass, needles and sharp stones lining all paths leading you to more familiar grounds.<span> </span>You gather yourself to get back on your feet to walk to, well, walk to anywhere but there.<span> </span>It’s then you realize that if you’re going to take those necessary steps, you’re going to have to do so barefoot; someone has stolen your shoes.<span> </span>I’d like you to meet </span><span><a href=\"http://talktobrenda.com/?page_id=2\" target=\"_blank\">Brenda Combs</a></span><span>.  One could learn a lifetime of lessons in spending sixty minutes with Brenda and her son Mycole as we did Friday afternoon, but it simply wasn’t enough time to capture her amazing story.<span> </span>More on that later…..</span><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span> Convention bound – it was the first event of 2010 both Brett and me were able to attend and it was great to feed off each other’s energy and passion for purpose in Give Your Sole.<span> </span>We met some incredible people throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Some believed so deeply in what we were doing, they asked to wear a Give Your Sole t-shirt during their run of the marathon on Sunday. </span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_971\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"width: 220px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-971 \" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0097-300x265.jpg\" alt=\"Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie\" width=\"210\" height=\"186\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Tom with Give Your Sole supporter Debbie</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>Lunch with Team World Vision - Comrades in training, a heartfelt driven group of individuals whose compassion and </span><span><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\" target=\"_blank\">cause</a></span><span> goes beyond words.</span><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_972\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/team-world-vision-comrades-marathon?Open&amp;campaign=12380716\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0031-300x181.jpg\" alt=\"These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" /></a></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">These boys mean business when it comes to making a difference</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>Saturday morning we were able to meet with Brenda again and her husband Tony Carter through a retracing of steps where they were both homeless over ten years ago, from the 7<sup>th</sup> Avenue Bridge where hope was lost to the shoeless alley where hope was miraculously found.<span> </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_981\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-981\" title=\"dsc_00491\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_00491-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"Brenda and Tony\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" /></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Brenda and Tony</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span> </span>It’s no wonder she is the ambassador of inspiration for Grand Canyon University, she has truly walked through many hardships and become a stronger individual because of these journeys.<span> </span></p>\r\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span>While we’re on the subject of miracles, imagine if everyone that stopped by our expo booth on Friday, did so with a pledge to come back on Saturday with a few pairs of shoes to donate.<span> </span>Now imagine someone actually coming back with over thirty-five pairs.<span> </span>Thank you Robbie Sittman!<span> </span>A perfect lead into the marathon on Sunday, early morning – chill in the air, a grand setting for a “giving” day.<span> </span>Charity does not discriminate; neither does misfortune, homelessness, hope or guidance.<span> </span>This is what was shown to us throughout the weekend.<span> </span>Our gratitude goes out to all those who donated. After the race ended and over 500 shoes were gathered, it was time to call it a day.<span> </span>We were privileged to one more gift before leaving though, Brett noticed three big bags of runners clothes near a dumpster that were collected and left for trash.<span> </span>Certainly ten loads of wash would be worth the effort in picking them up to be donated with the collected shoes!</span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--StartFragment--><span>I met Nicole Pena, Shawn McCullam and Brenda at the </span><span><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Phoenix Rescue Mission</a></span><span> on Tuesday to take part in </span><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixrescuemission/\" target=\"_blank\">giving the shoes</a><span> to those in need.<span> </span>Though most of the recipients were a bit shy to the video camera, the images of gratitude they left with me will far outreach any words they might have spoken.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><dl id=\"attachment_984\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"width: 310px;\"> <dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://www.phoenixrescuemission.org/\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-984\" title=\"dsc_0186\" src=\"http://giveyoursole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads//dsc_0186-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></dt> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Nicole and Shawn from Phoenix Rescue Mission</dd> </dl></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">After all, isn’t integrity doing what’s right when no one is looking or more importantly when one needs no proof of what has been done.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment--></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--></p>','Rise of the Phoenix','0','It didn’t take the runners 500 years to rise up and breathe life into charity at the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona marathon and 1/2; they did it in three days. Give Your Sole received over 500 pairs of shoes throughout the weekend’s convention and racing events, which are already helping those less fortunate in the Phoenix area.','inherit','open','open','','966-revision-22','','','2010-01-26 08:48:59','2010-01-26 08:48:59','','966','http://giveyoursole.com/blog/?p=998','0','revision','','0');
#
# Table structure for table `gysblog_term_relationships`
#
