It’s a landmark or milestone, but it’s nothing like becoming a man.

It’s about more than the deep voice or the chest hair,

By the sweat on your sleeve you earn your next fare.

Gotta love the handshakes and all of the daps,

You have to learn to shoot the bull and put up with crap.

If you want to become a king you have to earn that seat.

If a man doesn’t work, then he won’t eat.

In order to grow up he must put aside childish things.

This doesn’t mean he has to ignore his wildest dreams.

You will get nowhere if you keep your mouth closed,

You have to learn to speak up because you are the head of the household.

Every man must know that God is with him,

As he goes about his work to earn a living.

Whether it’s singing in a group or drumming in a band,

These are some of the things you go through…when becoming a man.

Written By: Todd Bates

1-14-2009

© Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

Doing your job has to matter,

And hard work must become your pattern.

Your attitude must make a positive shift.

No matter how big the ocean,

You keep swimming, floating, and hoping.

It takes faith larger than giants,

To see the mountain and believe you can climb it.

Even when your talent is diamonds,

You must sharpen and prime it no matter the climate.

Sweat must form rivers and lips must quiver,

This means you’re dedicated and ready to deliver.

In this jungle one must rumble to be a great lion,

Your belief must meet your actions if you are a faith giant.

James 2:26

Written By: Todd Bates

10-11-09

© Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

May, 2010 Poem of the Month

The Holy Ghost steers me,
And gives me chills.

The treasure of this world the devil has offered,
But I bear the cross and kneel at the alter.

The evil one has pleasures to please us,
But I will not fall short, because my eyes are on Jesus.

As long as I look at Him I can walk on water.
His glorious kingdom is what I’m a part of.

When I lack energy and I think all help is gone,
He turns my enemies into my stepping stone.

I don’t wipe my feet though…no need to rub it in,
Don’t stoop to their levels…this proves you love Him.

When the going gets rough…the coward will leave,
But those who have wisdom know that their power is in He.

Written By: Todd Bates
1-23-2010
© Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

“LIFT UP YOUR WINGS”

 Here I stand as a sinful man,

I played my cards and didn’t win a hand.

I thought I knew when to hold and when to fold,

And now the road is cold because of snow I suppose.

My conscious tells me I’ll be alright,

But I’m wheezing, I’m freezing and I’ve got frostbite.

They say my robe is in heaven but it’s off white,

And when I shine it’s a soft light.

Everyone rates me as a 3^rd class,

I gave up on the game in the first half.

But God picked me up and saw me through,

I thought I knew it all but I had no clue.

He is there when you go through the valley,

The score doesn’t matter…only His tally.

When everything shatters He’ll pick up your dreams,

In the midst of crash landings He’ll lift up your wings.

Written By: Todd Bates

2-12-10

© Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

“My Love” 11-19-09

Love is patient love is kind,
It amazes but it’s blind.
Love is laughter overjoyed,
It happens to young girls and older boys.

Not because it robs the cradle,
Just as it cripples it enables.
It starts out as a crush,
It improves from little into much.

As it trickles it does favors,
It introduces to family and neighbors,
It takes you up like elevators.

It makes you fly as it takes you high,
In tough times it helps you get by.
It takes your hand and soothes your back,
When the load is too heavy it picks up slack.

Words can’t express what I gain from it,
And as you achieve I accomplish.
For you I’d try and die by slug,
Bound by blood you are my love.

Written by: Todd Bates 11.19.2009

© Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

“THE PLAN FOR SUCCESS”

Most people need a plan for success,

Especially if you were not handed success.

Some had parents that demanded their best,

But even if you didn’t you can still reach your crest.

All it takes is hard work and time that you will have to invest.

It doesn’t matter if your plan is simple or complex,

All that really matters is that you implement and win your contest.

From here it can be as easy as inhale or exhale,

But you do need a plan to excel, because the man that doesn’t plan…plans to fail.

Moral: Faith without action is dead. If you have a dream or you want to be the best at something, draw out your plan and stick to it.

Written by: Todd Bates

5-28-08

Your presence is my gift, as your touch uplifts,

I love you so much, and you are my crutch whenever I slip,

When I can’t quiet get the handle of things you are my grip,

I’m glad we have some mistletoe so I can kiss those beautiful lips.

Spending time together is on my mind.

It’s like Christmas mixed with Valentines,

Wherever you are I’m not far behind,

Down Lovers Lane we go to wine and dine.

I want to be with you this holiday season,

My love…my life…my reason for breathing,

So let just relax and enjoy this evening.

I haven’t received a single gift, but I don’t feel blue,

I was glad not sad because my wish came true.

All I asked Santa for was a Christmas with you.

Written By: Todd Bates

Copyright: Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

December, 2009 Poem of the Month

www.toddbates.org

11-9-08

Life on the run is really no fun.
Your accomplishments mean something, but what have you really done?

Sometimes you really lose when you think that you’ve won.

On your road to success you get less rest.

You forget about your family and put all of your relationships to the test.
If your life is defined by your work, then who does that impress?

Don’t forget about the little things.
Live life and learn what it really means!
Love and laugh because your time is all you have.

Let the scent of the rose hit your nose and I hope that you grasp.
Don’t let life pass you by because it goes by fast!
The future soon becomes past,

But I’ll keep hoping that you focus on making it last.

When in a hurry, true beauty goes unnoticed.

So take the time today to stop and smell the roses.

Written By: Todd Bates
Copyright: Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

November, 2009 Poem of the Month

www.toddbates.org

2-18-08

When no one else can I will.

When everything else falls apart I’ll build.

When everyone else wants to pitch, I will play the field.

When everyone else gets satisfied, I will continue to sharpen my skills.

When others grow weary and drop their armor, I will steadily hold my shield.

I have a strong will.

Instead of complaining about the hand I’ve been dealt I have decided to deal.

Moral: Don’t allow the hand that you’re dealt to determine how well you play this game called life.

Have you ever twisted a locked door and wished that it opened?

How did you react to it…was it crying and moping?

Have you ever slipped on your studies or lacked on your focus?

Did it take your final grades to show it or did you just notice?

Are you self motivated…tell me what are your motives?

Are your days filled with joy or do you feel like you’re hopeless?

Do you think you’re the best? Do you feel like you’re chosen?

Is your spiritual life together or do you feel like you’re broken?

I’ll suggest what to do while you let ALL of that soak in.

Forget your seniority and set some priorities,

Do what you are supposed to do and respect all authority.

When you serve the true and living, He removes all stress.

Once you realize this, claiming to be the best will change to blessed.

In your heart believe and with thine lips confess.

Now your sins are forgiven and your slate is wiped fresh.

Now grow ye strong in faith and eat your spiritual plate,

By getting in Gods word for your souls sake.

Now understand this, you will be tested and tempted,

But Christ took the test for you so if you accept…you exempt it.

Before you go to bed at night or rise each day,

Don’t just hop into or out of bed to get on your merry way,

Fall to your knees and say, “Thank you Jesus” and remember to pray.

Moral: Remember the enemy has more power than we give him credit. A wise person once said Satan’s biggest fear is that we recognize how much power he really has. If we think about it, we’ll pray more, we’ll study more, and we’ll grow closer to God. So, take a look back and remember the enemy was in Heaven with God before he fell from grace. He even talked with God in the book of Job. He has power, so stay focused on the Word and don’t get distracted.

“MORE PRAYER EQUALS MORE POWER. LITTLE PRAYER EQUALS LITTLE POWER.”

Written By: Todd Bates

© Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

www.toddbates.org

POEM OF THE MONTH: August, 2009