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

“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/

“Remembering A Champ”

They have knowledge only the strong would know,
They went on this journey long ago.
With grit and wit as they hit with incredible pride,
They took us all on an unforgettable ride.

Just as wave after wave won’t batter the shark,
The brave never cave it’s a matter of heart.
When they were hurt they proved their worth, because they understood the pain.
Their code was play with soul and now a banner hangs.

They shared a common goal… to win a ring,
Today it is an honor to commend supreme.
A team is not a team when they first enter camp,
This is the reason and the season to remember a champ.

Written By: Todd Bates
9/26/2011
(c) Todd Bates Enterprises LLC
Inspired & Motivated

“MAKE ME THE BEST”

Lord give me the vision that the top see,
When they knock me or try to stop me please give me moxie.
For this journey I know I will need quicks and bulk,
When walls won’t fall or the way gets difficult.

Give me courage when clouds seem to flood the skies,
Help me to fight for insight, even when there is blood in my eyes.
I’m gaining momentum and building a lead,
I have the heart of a champ and the will to succeed.

I want to shine so bright I’m surpassing the sun,
Show me the way and what has to be done.
Introduce me to pinnacles, summits, and take me to crests,
Do what you have to do to make me the best.

Written By: Todd Bates
7-26-11
(c) Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

We’ll take this journey one step at a time,
Who among you is prepped for the grind?
If our mindset is team first then the dream works.
Know things will get better even when they seem worse.

The victory is not in the grief,
Conceive men, because achievement is a plot of belief.
Together we must eliminate the amount of bull,
Have tremendous attendance and all be accountable.

As we aim for the target we won’t miss again.
The ingredients for success are obedience and discipline.
Every lad knows the path and it’s a forever bond,
To get something you’ve never had, you have to do things you’ve never done.

The only way that weakness can convert to strong,
Is if you get outside of your comfort zone.
Just as scavenging is the vulture’s game,
Challenging is a culture change.

Written By: Todd Bates
2-15-11
(C) Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

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.

“Way You See”  

Locked doors and bolted windows,

Mean friends and hateful kinfolks.

But howling wolves can become humming birds,

I guess before you eat you have to stomach first.

 Once you can stand it…then you can handle it,

Then you’ll be a star in the sky…if you’d only keep your candle lit.

It will not matter what your enemies said then,

And you’ll learn to make a way out of a dead end.

 The journey of life can either break you or make you brave men,

All those in agreement will give me an amen.

You will succeed if your logic is positive,

And you not only listen to your heart but you learn to follow it.

 You can raise your level by praying on your knees,

Your quality of life is all determined by the way that you see.

Written By: Todd Bates

9-22-2009

© Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

“Chase After Your Dreams”

You should chase after dreams like you are trying to catch a rabbit.

If you work hard for so long, then strong work ethic will become a habit. 

You may only get one chance to catch your dream,

So be ready and steady so that you grab it.

On your journey you will have to stretch and you may have to fight some,

What doesn’t kill you will only build you and in the end you will be awesome!

In your pursuit, be true to you, acknowledge God in all that you do

Remember you miss every shot if you choose not to shoot,

And even if you take your shot and miss, there is still time to regroup.

Moral: We all were made to do something, and God filled our hearts with the desire and passion to do something great! Don’t let you hold you back!

Written by: Todd Bates

3-6-08

Copyright Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

“Road Prayer”

God please grant me strength and serenity,
Because I’m not as strong as I pretend to be.
When I am weak, it’s you I seek and you’ve always defended me.
 
Although I’ve grown weary tired and sleepy,
The devil and his fire will not defeat me.
Keep me safe from hurt harm or danger and be my hedge of protection.
I know that your love gives favor, an edge, and direction.
 
Thousands of miles I’ve driven and a million tears cried.
As I wipe my face, by your grace, all fears die.
As the pressures of this world begin to pull,
I ask that you make me dependable and take me to pinnacles.
 
When I reach my destination I will unload there,
I’m blessed and refreshed and my restoration is the road prayer.
 
Written By: Todd Bates

2-12-11

(C) Todd Bates Enterprises LLC