“Leap”

It takes a lot of soul to let the pain go,
And see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
It’s hard to ignore the hurt when it cuts deep,
But when times get tough that’s when those with faith… leap.

Written By: Todd Bates
6-7-2011
April, 2012 “Poem of the Month”
© Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

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

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/

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/

You began and quit several times,

It takes heart to finish and a clever mind.

If you start, then the next minute you can’t say never mind.

The hardest part of a flight is the takeoff,

Regardless how hard you fight it still takes thought.

Curve balls will hit you right in the kisser,

And along the mile feet will blister.

What matters is that you stand and know the worst is here,

And you’ll soon be soaring if you persevere.

Written By: Todd Bates.

3-7-10

© Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”

~ James 1:4.

Courtesy: Trent Penny

“Doing stupid things redundantly will not lead to living life abundantly.”- Todd Bates

5.17.2011

(C) Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

“Make The Most Of Now”  

I know it has to rain time to time,

But why do the clouds have to block sunshine?

Bad weather gathers, but it will have you snowed in.

Its roots steal youth and make us feel like old men.

 Whenever a storm is boiling I know hope is brewing.

We have two choices in life, either mope or keep moving.

Cherish your home and don’t envy the hood of friends,

Nor should you waste time thinking of what could have been.

 I’m always up when the coast is down.

I wear a grin because I’m supposed to smile.

I’m not worried about skeletons or ghosts that growl,

I’m just trying to make the most of now.

 Written By: Todd Bates 1-11-11

© Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

~Todd Bates

I try not to write with a pen or pencil, instead I write with my soul.

I stand up to every problem sent my way and I’ve never been known to fold.

 While others are focusing in on the Bronze or Silver I have my eyes set on Gold.

 Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off your goals.

Almost like when you’re playing in a game and you focus on the cold.

 So keep your eyes on the prize and don’t let anyone be a distraction.

Don’t say what you’re going to do let people see through your actions.

Written by: Todd Bates

Copyright Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

January 2011 Poem of the Month

www.toddbates.org