Antoine

I’ve gotten to know a wonderful little boy named Antoine. He’s nine years old and lives in a tough area of Atlanta, and recently lost his grandmother (which is why he is in our group at his elementary school). What he really needs is somebody to believe in him. He is filled with beauty and potential— you can see it in his eyes. However, he is at risk to get caught up with the wrong crowd, and choose a whole different path... Aren’t we all a little like Antoine somehow? We just need someone to believe in us, and show us a better way. Whether you feel like it or not, there is One who believes in you ALL the time; and there IS a better way. (Take care out there)

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Walk a mile...

Judge: “to form a judgment or opinion of; decide upon critically; to infer, think, or hold as an opinion; conclude about or assess.” It's impossible to accurately measure a person with my eyes alone. How can I really know what they’ve been through, unless they allow me to get close enough to see? The good times, the bad, the failures, the mistakes, the relationships, heartaches, dreams, loved ones, tough breaks, victories, defeats, love and pain... How can I ever presume to know all those things by merely sizing them up with a glance? Walk a mile in their shoes and then, just MAYBE, I get a glimpse of what it feels like to be them for a day. EVERYONE has a story— and we ALL just need to be loved.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Unity

Unity: “oneness of mind, feeling, etc., among a number of persons; concord, harmony, or agreement; the state of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole; unification.” Unity doesn’t typically just "happen"; it needs to be created, built or forged… Last night I spent several hours with a group of men forging unity. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t painless, but it was powerful and very important for us. "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity." What would I do without strong, men of conviction in my life? I don’t want to know.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Get in the Game

You matter. If no one has told lately: you REALLY do matter. You bring unique gifts and talents to the game that are sorely missed when you don’t play. And it’s not just all the good stuff you bring; it’s EVERYTHING that makes you “YOU.” The good, the bad, the ugly, the quirks, the beauty, all the flaws and idiosyncrasies— the amazing combination of everything that is YOU. Please play today; we need you in the game. (and it’s not nearly as much fun when you stay on the bench)

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

It's a good life...

Gratitude, optimism and enthusiasm: it’s hard to keep a person down who possesses these three powerful attributes... I've seen it in the homeless, the incarcerated, and the physically challenged: being grateful for what you HAVE, choosing to see the GOOD in people and circumstances, and LIVING life with passion and zeal, is a gift; one that can transform a life... Don’t believe all the hype: it’s still a GOOD LIFE. (even with all the drama)

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Charity

Charity: “benevolence or generosity toward others or toward humanity; generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless; something given to a person or persons in need.” If you got a chance to watch the benefit for Haiti last night, you got a chance to see true charity in action. Musicians performed moving selections and volunteers were shown desperately trying to save the people on that grief stricken island. It truly moved me... Sometimes it takes a disaster to bring it out, but there is a beautiful, generous place deep inside of EVERY one of us that just wants to help a brother, sister or child in need. When it peeks out, you get a little glimpse of God.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Relax

I know things get pretty intense sometimes; but it helps to get a little perspective: the Hubble recently captured a unique photo from deep space. When a large star dies, a magnificent explosion blasts light in all directions traveling at 186,000 miles a second. Light from an ancient Super Nova recently completed its journey and FINALLY reached the Earth—and Hubble grabbed the picture… Scientists have determined the ray of light from that “Star Death” had been traveling for 13 BILLION years before it finally reached its destination (the farthest event ever captured on film). Try to get your mind wrapped around how big our universe really is—and more importantly, just how big and powerful our Creator is. Relax—everything’s gonna be alright.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Power

Power: “The capacity to perform effectively; the ability to do or to act; capability of doing or accomplishing something; energy, force, or momentum.” Everybody wants it; we all need it; it’s obvious when we see it; but so few seem to have much nowadays— real POWER... It tends to be elusive at times, and when we try to force it, we seem to lose it. In my opinion, true power comes from a source beyond ourselves, that we tap into from within ourselves. When I connect with my true purpose and highest calling, and when I live with integrity and authenticity, a power seems to flow through me which is hard to describe. I wish that power for YOU today.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Generosity

Generosity: “readiness or liberality in giving; freedom from meanness or smallness of mind or character; nobility of thought or behavior.” If there was ever a time when generosity stands out, it is now… We are living in times when people are tempted more than ever to tighten the fist and look the other way. Generosity is not just about money: you can give your time, talent, encouragement, love, comfort, advice, or just an ear to listen. Generous people are the most FREE; because you open up the floodgates when you give, and more of what you give flows back to you— in abundance (so that you will have MORE to give). Here's to the GIVERS today; what would we do without you?

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Participate

I’m going to LAUGH a lot today (I know that laughter makes me healthier physically, mentally and emotionally). I’m going to engage in random acts of kindness today (I know that GIVING affects my body chemistry and energy level in a very positive way). I’m going to monitor my thought patterns today (I know that whatever gets my valuable focus and attention EXPANDS, and I want positive thoughts to dominate my head space). I’m going to be GRATEFUL for what I have today (I know that gratitude opens up the flow, so that more good things can come into my life). I will be an active participant in LIFE today, and remember that ALL things are possible... I'll see you out on the field.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Expectation

Expectation: “the act or state of looking forward or anticipating; a thing looked forward to; the degree of probability that something will occur.” I believe in great expectations; being SURE of what I hope for, and CERTAIN of what I do not see. When I am in that place, I literally go out LOOKING for the things that I desire (and we tend to find exactly what we look for). The problem occurs when I have expectations for YOU— then I tend to get disappointed… Today, I will search for my goals, dreams and desires to be fulfilled (and I’ll leave what you do up to YOU.)

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Divine Appointments

Divine appointments… Coincidents, random events, chance meetings, seemingly unconnected events that wind their way through a given day; then occasionally, EVERYTHING seems connected. A traffic jam that makes you late; an appointment that falls through and frees up part of your day; a flat tire that brings along a complete stranger… Suddenly, someone shows up at JUST the right time, with just the right word, deed or answered prayer. Random coincident or divine appointment? Try looking at your day today as if everything is there for a reason, and everything is part of a grand design. You’ll be surprised what you find.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Compassion

Compassion: “a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.” Compassionate people stand out in today’s world: they’re deep, and not shallow; they have lots of friends, and usually aren’t lonely; they’re busy, and rarely bored; they’re givers, and for the most part, not takers; they tend to be happy, and typically aren't sad; when they’re in trouble, people show up in droves… Notice your brother or sister in need today— it might just set YOU free.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Today

Just for TODAY… I will do my best to walk in integrity; I will consider other’s needs, not just my own; I will try to listen and learn, and not assume that I know; I will try to consider what it’s like to walk in another’s shoes, before I judge; I will give my gift, knowing that someone else needs what I have to offer; I will love my wife, and be a good example for my kids; I will do my best to make the world a better place; I will be the change that I seek in the world… Just for TODAY: I will be the me that I know I CAN be.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Courage

Courage INSPIRES me… There are examples of courage all around us: it takes courage to get back into the battle after failing miserably; to allow yourself to love again after your heart has been broken; to ask for the sale one more time, after hearing NO all day long; to take a stand against injustice when you’re the ONLY one; to try something that no one has ever attempted before; to continue to work hard at something you really don’t like, because you really DO love your family; to get back up just one more time after a tough day... There are many kinds of courage. Try noticing those brave souls that you will encounter today; and show them some much deserved love.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Opportunity

Opportunity: “an appropriate or favorable time or occasion; a situation or condition favorable for the attainment of a goal; a good position, chance, or prospect for advancement or success.” The open door, the break that you’ve been waiting for, someone taking a chance on you, being at the right place at the right time—opportunities. We look for them, wait on them, pray for them, and hope for just the right one to come along… But where are they right now? I believe that they are ALL around us every day; we just have to open our eyes, and be PREPARED to see them… By the way, when it “knocks” don’t be surprised if it’s disguised. (the best ones usually are)

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Determination

Determination: “the act of coming to a decision, or fixing or settling on a purpose; the quality of being resolute; firmness of purpose; a fixed purpose or intention.” We’ve seen it in athletes, students, cancer survivors, civil rights leaders, mountain climbers, etc. and it’s INSPIRING… What do YOU want, and how BAD do you want it? I hope your answer is bigger than that excuse that’s been following your dream around. Put that imposter out of its misery, and just "go for it."

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Optimism

Optimism: “a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions, and to expect the most favorable outcome; the belief that good ultimately triumphs over evil in the world.” That’s right; I’m an unashamed, unbridled, unyielding OPTIMIST. I choose to focus on the good, to trust to a fault, and to assume that everything is going to work itself out. Call it “seeing the glass half full” or just “looking at the world through rose-colored glasses”, but that is how I CHOOSE to live... Care to join me? (Trust me; it beats the heck out of the alternative)

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Intention

Intention: “an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result; purpose or attitude toward the effect of one's actions or conduct.” Instead of making resolutions once a year (which sometimes carry added pressure, and oftentimes are followed by guilt), why not start each day with powerful INTENTIONS? An intention not only engages the mind, will, and intellect, but also brings into play the strong emotions attached to your desire… Today I intend to help someone; I intend to make a difference in the life of someone who needs some encouragement; I intend to carry a message of compassion, hope and inspiration to the world. I look forward to seeing WHO this intention will bring into my life today.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Resiliency

Resiliency: “the power or ability to return to original form or position, after being bent, compressed, or stretched; elasticity; the ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyancy.” Science and medicine tell us that one of the most important factors contributing to a long life span is emotional resiliency. This year, try to bounce back quickly from failure; resolve conflicts sooner, rather than later; forgive, rather than hold resentments; relax and reconsider, before reacting; let go of the “grudge” that is only hurting YOU… Try not to take yourself too seriously—we want you around for a long, long time.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Reflection

In my mind’s eye, I imagine MYSELF at 88 years of age… Tall, thin and gangly, with a fluffy head of white hair (kind of like Jimmy Stewart, in his later years). After a long, full life, I look back over the years at what were the most important moments, turning points, decisions and priorities. What would I change? Would I have regrets? Now, as I imagine this old ME, I ask myself two very important questions: First, if I could go back to THIS day, what would I focus my very valuable time and attention on? Secondly, what were the things that I spent precious time worrying about, that really didn’t matter… Just maybe, I can LEARN something from that old man today.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Newness

My wish for you on this New Year’s Day: that you LOVE a little deeper, and HUG a little tighter; that you speak a little gentler, and listen a little longer; that you judge a little less, and feel a little more; that you notice other's needs, and your own a little less; that your dreams awaken, and your fears subside; that you find yourself a much better person than you ever knew yourself to be... My wish for you today: that you see INSIDE yourself, the wondrous, beautiful, unique creation that you were fashioned to be. Happy NEW Year. (Everything IS New)

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.