Todd Bates » Previous Months http://toddbates.org Molding Today's Youth On & Off The Field Tue, 01 May 2012 16:26:28 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.2 APRIL, 2012 “LEAP” http://toddbates.org/2012/04/april-2012-leap/ http://toddbates.org/2012/04/april-2012-leap/#comments Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:32:38 +0000 Todd http://toddbates.org/?p=1773   [ Read More ]]]> The April, 2012 Poem of the Month is “Leap”. I hope you have a great month!
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” NKJV

“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

]]> http://toddbates.org/2012/04/april-2012-leap/feed/ 2 March, 2012 “Mustard Seed” http://toddbates.org/2012/03/march-2012-mustard-seed/ http://toddbates.org/2012/03/march-2012-mustard-seed/#comments Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:38:59 +0000 Todd http://toddbates.org/?p=1751   [ Read More ]]]>

Have faith, trust and know that all things will work out for the good. I hope you are inspired by the March “Poem of the Month” titled “Mustard Seed.” Have a great month everyone!

“Mustard Seed”

Class, confidence, courage, and commitment all build character and outweigh cocky,
And will help you persevere when the road gets rocky.
Followers are good, but leaders are great.
Stay hungry for the word and be feeders of faith.

Believe in dedication and know it takes desire.
Just as Heaven is real…so is The Lake of Fire.
Rejoice and have poise…it takes good nerves,
To see doubt, can’t, won’t, and impossible as “wood words.”

Stupidity is the game of fools.
Wood words are things you use as flame or fuel.
Don’t waste God’s grace as you chase the goal.
He’s given you power, so when you meet adversity face it bold.

Ask yourself is the pain worth it…because trust you’ll bleed,
It takes faith the size of a mustard seed.

Written By: Todd Bates
10/13/2011
Copyright Todd Bates Enterprises LLC

]]> http://toddbates.org/2012/03/march-2012-mustard-seed/feed/ 3 FEBRUARY, 2012 “MY FLOWER OF LOVE” http://toddbates.org/2012/02/february-2012-my-flower-of-love/ http://toddbates.org/2012/02/february-2012-my-flower-of-love/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:08:00 +0000 Todd http://toddbates.org/?p=1745   [ Read More ]]]> Have a wonderful day and I hope you enjoy this month’s poem “My Flower of Love.” Don’t forget to leave a comment! I appreciate your feedback!

“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

]]> http://toddbates.org/2012/02/february-2012-my-flower-of-love/feed/ 1 January, 2012 “The Best Parts of Me” http://toddbates.org/2012/01/january-2012-the-best-parts-of-me/ http://toddbates.org/2012/01/january-2012-the-best-parts-of-me/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:35:45 +0000 Todd http://toddbates.org/?p=1723   [ Read More ]]]>

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

]]> http://toddbates.org/2012/01/january-2012-the-best-parts-of-me/feed/ 2 December 2011, “Faith & Dreams” http://toddbates.org/2011/12/december-2011-faith-dreams/ http://toddbates.org/2011/12/december-2011-faith-dreams/#comments Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:31:04 +0000 Todd http://toddbates.org/?p=1565   [ Read More ]]]> Every year around this time people begin to make resolutions and set new goals for the new year ahead. Take a moment and appreciate today and just simply remember that no matter the size of your dreams… they can and will be accomplished with faith! Have a great month and I hope you enjoy and are inspired after reading the Poem of the Month “Faith & Dreams”.

“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

]]> http://toddbates.org/2011/12/december-2011-faith-dreams/feed/ 3 November, 2011 “Leaping Giants” http://toddbates.org/2011/11/november-2011-leaping-giants/ http://toddbates.org/2011/11/november-2011-leaping-giants/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:58:21 +0000 Todd http://toddbates.org/?p=1559   [ Read More ]]]> Happy November to you! Please take a moment to read the Poem of the Month “Leaping Giants”. Be encouraged no matter what your “Giant” may be in life! You can accomplish ALL things by faith!

“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/

]]> http://toddbates.org/2011/11/november-2011-leaping-giants/feed/ 3 October, 2011 REMEMBERING A CHAMP http://toddbates.org/2011/10/october-2011-remembering-a-champ/ http://toddbates.org/2011/10/october-2011-remembering-a-champ/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:18:16 +0000 Todd http://toddbates.org/?p=1534   [ Read More ]]]> To all my sports fans this month I’d like to pay tribute to those teams and individuals that won a championship ring or brought home the gold! The road to championships is a winding road with many curves and obstacles. Take a look back at Auburn’s come back wins in 2010, and Alabama’s close calls in 2009. The truth is that winning comes down to a matter of inches and seconds. Many have come up short or let time pass them by. Winners are immune to adversity and adversity is something every champ has faced. As your favorite team take the field this week, take a moment and reminisce on how fun it was watching them be successful!

“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

]]> http://toddbates.org/2011/10/october-2011-remembering-a-champ/feed/ 2 September, 2011 “MAKE ME THE BEST” http://toddbates.org/2011/08/september-2011-make-me-the-best/ http://toddbates.org/2011/08/september-2011-make-me-the-best/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:48:21 +0000 Todd http://toddbates.org/?p=1512   [ Read More ]]]> Football season…cooler temperatures, Ahh it’s that time of the year! Have a great month and I hope you are inspired by this month’s Poem of the Month!

“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

]]> http://toddbates.org/2011/08/september-2011-make-me-the-best/feed/ 3 AUGUST 2011, “CULTURE CHANGE” http://toddbates.org/2011/08/august-2011-culture-change-2/ http://toddbates.org/2011/08/august-2011-culture-change-2/#comments Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:10:47 +0000 Todd http://toddbates.org/?p=1474   [ Read More ]]]> “Culture Change”

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

]]> http://toddbates.org/2011/08/august-2011-culture-change-2/feed/ 2 JULY 2011, IF YOU PERSEVERE” http://toddbates.org/2011/06/july-2011-if-you-persevere/ http://toddbates.org/2011/06/july-2011-if-you-persevere/#comments Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:08:01 +0000 Todd http://toddbates.org/?p=1370   [ Read More ]]]> July Poem of the Month: “IF YOU PERSEVERE” Please leave a comment. Thanks!

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.

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