“My Flower of Love”

You are like a star that’s shooting,
More beautiful than falls Aster Beauty.
Deep dreamy eyes, cute nose and cute lips,
When I enter winter you are my Red Tulip.

You make me sing of spring and act all silly,
I go head over heals for my Golden Lily.
You are as feisty as a firecracker and gunpowder,
You are the wonder of summer…as pretty as a Sunflower.

With every step you take, you strike a pose.
The world sees your thorns, but I see a Rose.
When it rains God showers from above,
He nourishes you…my flower of love.

Written By: Todd Bates
07-27-09
February, 2012 “Poem of the Month”
www.toddbates.org
© Todd Bates Enterprises

The January, 2012 Poem of the Month: “The Best Parts of Me”
Have a great month & Happy New Year!

“THE BEST PARTS OF ME”
Without the rain our seeds would die,
We need it as the sun needs the sky.
Having the will to prosper proves you’re bold,
Just like the Word and Gospel soothes the soul.

Just as the detective seeks mysteries,
We should aim at perfection and speak victory.
Warm or cold…tank top or sweater,
Arms will not fold because we can’t stop getting better.

Just as the waves and ripples are the art of the sea,
Bringing out the greatness in others
REVEALS THE BEST PARTS OF ME.

Written By: Todd Bates
1/15/2012
(c) Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

“Faith & Dreams”

It’s trusting and believing in God’s heart and His Power,
The battle is won, and He will come, but we don’t know the hour.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for and evidence of the unseen,
This sounds a lot like goals and dreams.

The Holy Spirit takes over and it makes me brave,
I repent and gain strength every time I pray.
I let God drive and though I have no idea where He’s taking me,
I trust Him with my faith and dreams.

Written By: Todd Bates
9-9-2009
© Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

There is no secret to success and faring well. Preparation and dedication leads to a program being unparalleled. It’s where defense has always come to play, and offense steps up, and coaches keep men focused as they always prep tough. These sentiments expressed in Bates’ powerful prose are further accentuated by Moore’s classic masterwork, “Crimson Legacy”.

The poem “Our Moments” captures some of the GREATEST plays in Alabama football history. Get your copy today! Visit http://www.danielmooreart.com/prse.html and to see other Print-Poems to order. You can also call to order at 1-800-735-2787 Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm CDT.

“OUR MOMENTS” Poem by Todd Bates featured with the “Crimson Legacy” Print by Daniel A. Moore.

It’s “The Kick”, it’s “The Catch”
Its pluck and grit and respect.
It’s the south, it’s success,
This is Alabama Football and we are the best.

It’s the flare,
It’s the player,
It’s the prayer,
It’s the legends like the Bear.

It’s “The Goal Line Stand”
It’s the fans,
It’s the best team in the land.

It’s “The Sack”
It’s the facts,
Its tradition…and this is that.

It’s giving our all to be on top
And it’s where passion is stocked.
It’s beating the Vols like “Rocky Stop”
and “The Maximum Block”

It’s winning followed by Rammer Jammer.
It’s being proud because we are Alabama.

(c) Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

Get your copy today! Visit http://www.danielmooreart.com/prse.html to see other Print-Poems to order. You can also call to order at 1-800-735-2787 Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm CDT.

“Leaping Giants” 10-28-08

There was a chink in my armor,
Character and discipline were the common links to my honor,
A couple of inches and I was a goner,
I’m so glad I had the Lord in my corner.

The giant was huge but he underestimated my leap,
I’m at my best in the face of defeat.

Although I’m well trained I do nothing on my own,
When I am weak I rely on the Lord to make me strong,

In time you will find that all giants are obstacles,
But you can do the unthinkable because through the Lord anything is possible.

Written By: Todd Bates
Copyright: Todd Bates Enterprises LLC.

Don’t forget to get your copy of “The Bama Way: Profiles of Champions” NOW AVAILABLE in bookstores and at amazon.com. To see more details on the book and my inspiritational blog go to http://www.profilesofchampionsbook.com/blog/

REVIEW BY CHRIS CHANDLER: www.ALCrimsonTide.com/bamaway

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT “The Bama Way: Profiles of Champions” check out our website with extra video footage from the players profiled and my inspirational blog! http://www.profilesofchampionsbook.com/alabama/

http://trentpenny.eventpictures.com/index.jsp

From their first national title in the 1926 Rose Bowl to the 2010 BCS National Championship Game, The Bama Way: Profiles of Champions highlights the life of one extraordinary player from each of the Crimson Tide’s 13 national championship teams. Alabama 2004 team captain Todd Bates profiles the lives of these men who were true champions both on and off the field through one-on-one interviews with the players and their families. Unique to this one-of-a-kind book are the reproductions of each player’s favorite piece of memorabilia. Replicas include Lee Roy Jordan’s treasured coin flipped by President John F. Kennedy before the Orange Bowl, Ray Perkins’ official scholarship offer signed by the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant and a Greg McElroy bumper sticker. Every Alabama fan will want to read about these outstanding men who built the great tradition that is Crimson Tide football!

Also please check out my blog at http://www.profilesofchampionsbook.com/alabama/

Keep visiting www.toddbates.org or http://www.cityofheflin.org/parksandrecreation.html for details on the 2012 camp!

Remember you can purchase pictures from the camp, including the group photo, from photographer Trent Penny at http://trentpenny.eventpictures.com/index.jsp

THANKS!

Coach Todd Bates

todd@toddbates.org