Resilent Children

Emily Werner, of the University of California, and her colleague Ruth Smith, did an outstanding study over the course of 30 years watching the lives of children and they reacted to adversity. As a coach and parent this is what I face each day. Trying to help young people overcome setbacks.

Check out these articles on how young people from poor backgrounds can overcome bad situations. Both articles do a good job of giving pointers on how to advise and mentor those going through tough stages.

Everyone needs help. Some kids have the resolve and some kids need that arm around the shoulder to help them through the difficult time.

Two articles on Werner and Smith's studies:
Article on Resilent Children 

How to raise emotional children

Twitter / Home

http://www.davidco.com/newsletters/archive/1209.html 

Twitter / Home

Good points on how to motivate others.

http://www.davidco.com/newsletters/archive/1209.html

The Jimmy V Speech March 3, 1993

I am excited about our Coaches vs. Cancer tournament this weekend December 18 and 19 because of what the tournament is all about. It is more than just basketball. We are giving a portion of the proceeds of the tournament to the American Cancer Society.

Any one in basketball has heard this speech. Most people in sports have heard this speech. People in all areas of life need to hear this speech.

"Never give up, never give up!"

The Jimmy V Speech

Good day of basketball camp

 

I really appreciate the hard work of my assistant coach, John Aiken who makes everything go around here. He is a super teacher of the game.

The kids had an enjoyable time today for our “Super Shooter” camp and they picked up some good tips and insights to help them with their form and confidence.

Kudos to our freshman that helped out: Jordan Ainsworth, Terrance Stringfellow, Isaiah Rice and Michael Rivers.

Our next camp is January 2nd for 9am to 12:30pm for our “Elite Skills” Camp.

learn this in coaching every single day

"The big rewards come to those who travel
the second, undemanded mile."

Bruce Barton: American advertising executive, U.S. congressman

George Bernard Shaw

It is a battle every day to not live a selfish life. The way we think, act and carry ourselves it is easy to focus on ourselves only and not others.

Here is a perspective that takes the focus off self.

"This is the true joy in life: Being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and, as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

George Bernard Shaw

Great prayer to calm anxiety

Saint Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the

love that has been given to you.

May you be confident knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

John Maxwell on why people are successful

"Over the years as I have watched and listened to successful people, I have discovered a common thread: They know WHY they're here. Knowing their purpose in life gives them stability. Someone once said there are two great days in life—the day you are born and the day you discover WHY.

"I'm here to tell you, highly successful people have discovered WHY." ~ Dr. John C. Maxwell

Coaching ideas posted by Duane Silver

A friend of mine has a email blast that goes out to around 7,000 to 8,000 coaches. He asked me for some coaching ideas and I gave him some things that we do here at Belhaven that I thought worked well for us.

Here is a portion of his email:

Thought for the Day:




"We put up pictures (action if possible) in our offices and locker rooms of our current players. I want them each to feel good about themselves and have ownership in our team. My opinion is that everyone wants to feel important and that may seem like a small thing, but to the kids it can be a big thing to see their picture on the wall." (By Tom Kelsey Head Men's Basketball Coach Belhaven College, Jackson, MS)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Christian Thought for the Day:



We share a Proverb verse that corresponds with that day (November 11th a verse from Proverbs 11 or Bible verse) with our team each day and relate somehow to our team or everyday life. We do this before practice everyday. On game days, we will use it during devotional time. Got this idea from Lorenzo Romar (now at University of Washington) quite some time ago. I usually text message the verse each morning to our guys. (This too was given to me by Tom Kelsey of Belhaven College) (I think this is an awesome idea! DS)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________



"TEAM DRILLS PLAYBOOK FOR SALE"

By Duane Silver



“24 Team Drills“: that will cover everything you need for the whole season. We have fast break drills, dribbling drills, rebounding drills, plus offensive and defensive drills, drills to keep you from turning it over too. These drills will make your team better. If you need a drill book this will be the best one you could ever buy. If you will use these drills often and be demanding your team will make great imporvement in the course of a season. (If you buy the playbook I will send you Free our Shooting Drills ebook (25 shooting drills) (Cost $20 by E-Book) to order go to www.coachsilver.com and clinic on playbooks. You can pay for it by Paypal with a Credit Card or mail me a check. Mail to Duane Silver, 821 Ft Gates, Waco, TX 76708 *Hard Copy is $25.00 and I'll mail it to you ASAP!

________________________________________________________________________________

"FREE SET PLAY BY EMAIL"

*If you would like to get a great man to man set play (called UCONN), please email me. To get the free set you must tell me where you coach, city, state, school and if you coach boys or girls. It was given to me by BJ Hair of Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Thanks BJ....This is an awesome set!!

________________________________________________________________________________

40% TEAM DEFENSIVE DRILL

By Tom Kelsey (Belhaven College)

We play a 40% game. If we keep teams shooting under 40%, we have a great chance to win the game. In this drill, we will give the offense 5 possessions or 10 possessions depending on time of the year and amount of time we have that day in practice. If the offense scores more than 40% of the time (above 2 out of 5 possessions and above 4 out of 10 possessions), the defense runs. If it comes out even, which is most often the case with 5 possessions? If they score twice, you go into “sudden death”. One possession. Whatever happens, that is the end of the drill. Put pressure on the defense. Offensive rebound or shooting foul is just like a score. If your teams are even, you can play 10 possessions. If they are uneven and you need to make it more competitive as a coach stick with 5 possessions, it goes quick and keeps everyone on their toes. You can use this with all your defenses (Zone, Press, Half-court man to man, etc.) *This Drill is normally done half court.

Calvin Coolidge quote

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

Calvin Coolidge
President of the United States 1923-1929

Blazers off to 4-0 start

Blazers off to 4-0 start

Catch up with the game action. Click here

The life of John Kimbrell

John was my college teammate and friend who Thursday morning passed away at the young age of 46. For those that came in contact with John you did not forget him. He was definitely a one of a kind as a person and a player. (You can read more about his playing career statistics on the Lipscomb University website click here)




I was privileged to play four years of college basketball with John. When he started his playing career it would have been difficult for anyone to predict that John would become a two time NAIA All American and the MVP of the NAIA National Championship Tournament.



Everything did not come easy for John. He didn't have the strength or basketball skills when first arriving at David Lipscomb College (now Lipscomb University) in the fall of 1982 to be an impact player. By the time he left he had become a force. I was able to witness one of the most amazing improvements of any player I have been around. He did it by sheer will power and hard work. Anyone that was around the Lipscomb program during that time period will tell you stories of how hard John would work on his game in the off-season. Each year he steadily improved. By the time his junior year came around he started to gain confidence and it all started to come together.



More impressive is that John was the consummate teammate. He thought about the team first and then about himself. He knew as he his game improved he still had to work harder than anyone else and he didn’t lose that edge. Coaches will tell you that when your best player works the hardest you have the chance to have a very good team. With John being our best player and our hardest worker we were able to win the NAIA National Championship in 1986.



Each year as a coach I try to get my players to think team first. It is an extremely difficult concept to instill into players and to get a group of individuals to care about each other. With John that was simple. He had no ego. That is why it was so easy for him to be around. John just wanted to compete and have fun. Playing on a National Championship team was a thrill for us as players. Playing with John was exciting because there were times during that championship season where he literally carried us on his back and led us to victories. As you see teams on television or in person you can watch how one star player can sometimes carry a team. That was how it was with John that one special season.



When I first learned that John was in critical condition in a hospital in North Carolina I started to think about John’s life. It made me think of what a privilege it is to be around certain people that are good in their craft and we take it for granted. I have been in the coaching profession for 20 years and to find someone that could be an All American for two years is not easy. On top of that someone that could lead their team all the way to a National Championship is even more difficult. Only one team gets to cut down the nets at the end of a season. It is an amazing accomplishment athletically what John was able to do on the court.

What has impressed me even more over the course of time is the humility that he had. I don’t ever remember it ever being about himself. Not a chest thumper. Not a “showboat” guy. He was just down to earth from Loretto, Tennessee. If you ever read anything about Coach “Bear” Bryant you would understand that Coach Bryant would have said about John, “his momma and daddy raised him right.” John got it. He understood what it meant to be part of a team. He was old-school in the sense that he enjoyed playing and competing just for the sense of being out there to play and compete. He didn’t need anything else. Not the gear or the bright lights. Just the purity of the game was what John was about. John is what we are missing in sports today. He is what every coach wants on their team and wants out of every player. If a coach gets it out of his or her best player then you have a chance to have a special team.

The Lipscomb family lost a special member this week. For those of us that got to play on the court with John we lost a special teammate and friend. Anyone that came in contact with John lost someone they would not forget. The Kimbrell’s lost a son and brother. We all lost someone special.

Thank you John for blessing us with your special life. We thank you for all the great memories. They are not sure if John had a seizure or heart attack when. Whatever the case he was in a coma for over a week before he passed away. Following his status with updates from family and friends every day made me think about his life. Over that period of time John you taught some things. You taught me why I like to coach and you taught why I like to have a chance to develop young men to grow up and become men. You also taught me to forget about myself and think about others. You also taught me to enjoy the simple things in life. You will be missed, but not forgotten.

Not many people are willing to give failure a second chance

"Not many people are willing to give failure a second opportunity.  They fail once and it's all over.  The bitter pill of failure...is often more than people can handle. ...if you're willing to except failure and learn from it, if you're willing to accept failure and learn from it, if you're willing to consider failure as a blessing in disguise and bounce back, you've got the potential harnessing of one of the most powerful success forces."-Joseph Sugarman

Blazers win opener vs. Wesley College

Blazers win opener vs. Wesley College click here

A lot of players made big contributions.

This week we head to Blue Mountain College on Thursday night (Nov.5) and play Pensacola Christian College Sat. night (Nov.7) for Homecoming at 6:00pm.

Also check out the link about our Free Basketball Clinic here Saturday Nov. 7 9:00am to 10:30am. click here

Stop thinking negative thoughts

"If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you
would never think a negative thought."
Mildred Norman,

Check out the article in Mississippi Sports Magazine on the 2009-2010 Blazers

Click here 

The Power of Habit

The Power of Habit

You may know me.

I’m your constant companion.

I’m your great helper , I’m your heaviest burden.

I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.

I am at your command.

Half the tasks you do might as well be turned over to me. I’m able to

Do them quickly and I’m able to do them the same every time if that’s what you want.

I’m easily managed , all you’ve got to do is be firm with me.

Show me exactly how you want it done; after a few lessons I’ll do it

Automatically.

I am the servant of all great men and women; of course, servant of the

Failures as well.

I’ve made all the great individuals who have ever been great.

And, I’ve made all the failures too.

But I work with all the precision of a marvelous computer with the

Intelligence of a human being.

You may run me for profit or you may run me to ruin, it makes no

Difference to me.

Take me. Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

Be firm with me and I’ll put the world at your feet.

Who am I?

I am Habit !

Guidance

GUIDANCE

"Regard your soldiers as your children, and they may follow you wherever you may lead.

Look upon them as your beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.

If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind hearted but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder,

Then, your soldiers must be able to liken to spoiled children. They are useless for all tactical purposes."

Sun Tzu Wu, Art of War 450 BC

Brian Tracy

"You have to put in many, many, many tiny efforts that nobody sees or appreciates before you achieve anything worthwhile."

Brian Tracy

Diana Nyad quote

"I am willing to put myself through anything; temporary pain or discomfort means nothing to me as long as I can see that the experience will take me to a new level. I am interested in the unknown, and the only path to the unknown is through breaking barriers, an often-painful process." ~ Diana Nyad

Love this quote

Love this quote “Viewpoint is the deciding factor as to how you experience life.” Dick Stephens

Alumni Game

 

The current Blazers beat the Alumni Saturday night by the score of 98-95. We have a lot of work to go on the defensive end.

It was good to have some of the former players back in Rugg Arena. The turnout was good to see the game.  We are all ready for the week ahead.

We have one more scrimmage vs. a Junior College during the middle of the week. On Saturday we open at Wesley College at 3pm. Our women’s team plays at 1pm. Each time we have gone down to Wesley the last couple of years the games have been very tight.

Josh Sherer is the head coach at Wesley does a very good job with his team. He has a real heart and wants to minister for the kids that play for him. Come see us play.

Our home opener is next Saturday Nov.7 at 6pm vs. Pensacola Christian College during Homecoming weekend.

This is going to be an exciting year for the Blazers. We will be a work in progress the first part of the year as we try to incorporate the new players into our system. We would love to have your support.

Quote from St Francis of Assisi's

"Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received -- only what you have given: a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage." ~ St. Francis of Assisi's

Belhaven Basketball Oct. 23

Big night Saturday night and exciting upcoming Basketball camps.

I know there are good football games on tomorrow for you to watch, but also there will be a good BASKETBALL game in Rugg Arena.

Our current men’s basketball team plays against recent alumni at 7:00pm. Admission is free.

We are trying to promote our games on campus and around town.  You may see some of our players, the women’s team and our cheerleaders wearing the t-shirts you see attached on the email.

Our President, Dr. Parrott has a new book on leadership called The Longview. Very good read and you should be able to get it online.

Check out the blog for recent article on Larell Bailey our senior guard.

Belhaven Basketball News

Belhaven Basketball News and Updates

“Everything we are, everything we are going to be in the future, shows up in our actions every day."

E. R. Haas

Here at Belhaven College with our basketball program we want to instill in our young men the need to do the right things, the right way at the right time every day. This can be a hard concept, but we stress the idea to our players on a consistent basis. The goal is to make them understand they are at Belhaven for more than just a four year experience of school and participating in sports. They are here to develop habits which will show them “what they are going to be in the future by how they act every day” (E. R. Haas).

On October 20, 2009, we participated in our first scrimmage against a local junior college. It was a great experience for the guys to play against someone other than themselves. We did some things that will point to a successful season, but as a coach, I know we have a long way to go (a very long way to go).

On October 24, 2009 we will play in our Alumni game at 7:00pm.

The admission is free. This will be another test to see where we are as a team. Hopefully this can be one of many times you come to see our team play. This year’s team is a mix of veterans and newcomers. We have added a lot of new faces to the roster that I know should add some excitement and depth to the team. You can check out our roster on www.belhaven.edu and click on athletics.

Senior Spotlight Larell Bailey:

One of our veteran players is Larell Bailey from Little Rock, Arkansas. Larell is returning as a fifth year senior. Each year Larell has improved his game and developed himself into more of a complete player. He worked extremely hard to improve his work ethic and ability to play in more of an aggressive state-of-mind. This summer, Larell stayed in Jackson to improve his overall basketball skills. There were not many days he missed getting in the gym and putting in the time to make himself a better player. Larell has taken on the leadership role and will a big factor in helping our team succeed on the floor this season. I am proud of how far he has come as a person and a player.

I can remember watching Larell work out in a recreation center in Little Rock in the summer of 2005 soon after I took the job here at Belhaven. I thought he could be a good player in time and really thought that we got a steal in the recruiting wars.

Larell is on pace to graduate and I have confidence that he will one day make a good husband and father. He is loyal and has a good spirit about him. I am glad he is part of our program and for his sake and for our team I hope that he has a fantastic season.

Each of our players has a unique story. They all come from different backgrounds and different lifestyles. Hopefully, you can take the chance to get to know some of them this season. I always say everyone has a story; it just takes someone to listen.

Up ahead for the Blazers

Saturday October 31^st Belhaven Basketball opens at Wesley College. Women’s game at 1:00pm and men’s game at 3:00pm.

Saturday November 6^th Hall of Fame Banquet Belhaven College

Saturday November 7^th Free Basketball Clinic Rugg Arena 9:00am to 10:30am ages 5 and up

Saturday November 7^th Men’s Basketball home opener vs. Pensacola Christian College 6:00pm

Check our schedule on the website: www.belhaven.edu. Also follow us on the blog and: http://basketballandlife.blogspot.com/ and twitter: coachkelsey. We also have a Facebook page under Belhaven Basketball.

Have a great day and Go Blazers!

Belhaven Basketball Defensive Rules

Belhaven Basketball

Defensive Rules

1. Transition

2. Communicate

3. Stop the ball

4. Ball Pressure

5. Help

6. Shot Contest

7. Block out

8. Rebound

H. Jackson Brown quote

Handout we are giving out players today

WORK ON YOUR WEAKNESSES UNTIL THEY BECOME YOUR STRONG POINTS


REMEMBER THAT A GREAT EFFORT IS USUALLY THE RESULT OF A GREAT ATTITUDE



DEDICATE YOURSELF TO A MIGHTY PURPOSE



WIN WITH HUMILITY, LOSE WITH GRACE



IGNORE THOSE WHO DISCOURAGE YOU



WORK TO IMPROVE YOUR MORAL AND SPIRITUAL STRENGTHS AS WELL AS YOUR PHYSICAL ONES



REMEMBER THAT HOW YOU CONDUCT YOURSELF OFF THE FIELD IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS HOW YOU CONDUCT YOURSELF ON THE FIELD



TALENT IS GOD GIVEN---BE HUMBLE, FAME IS MAN GIVEN---BE THANKFUL,

CONCEIT IS SELF GIVEN---BE CAREFUL



DON'T ASK TO BE DEPRIVED OF TENSION AND DISCIPLINE--THESE ARE TOOLS THAT SHAPE SUCCESS



DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE, WHEN IT HAS TO BE DONE, AND AS WELL AS IT CAN BE DONE



REMEMBER THAT WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING TO IMPROVE, YOUR COMPETITION IS.



ALWAYS GIVE YOUR BEST



PRACTICE LIKE A CHAMPION



PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION

By H. Jackson Brown

Coach Larry Brown

5 Coaching points from legendary Coach Larry Brown

1. Care about the players


2. Want to get better

3. Get them to play hard

4. Play unselfishley

5. Have them play defense.

2009-2010 Basketball Schedule

2009-2010 Men’s Basketball Schedule



Saturday October 24 Alumni Game   Home   7:00pm

Saturday October 31 Wesley Florence, MS   3:00pm

Thursday November 5 Blue Moutain College    Blue Mountain, MS 7  :30pm

Saturday November 7 Pensacola Christian College    Home    6:00pm

Tuesday November 10 Wesley    Home    7:30pm

Tuesday November 17 Millsaps    Jackson, MS    7:00pm

Saturday November 21 Blue Mountain College    Home    7:00pm

Tuesday November 24 Union    Home     7:00pm

Tuesday December 1 Rust    Home    7:30pm

Saturday December 5 Union    Jackson, TN    4:00pm

Friday December 18 Blue Mtn. (Coaches vs. Cancer Classic)    Home    8:00pm

Saturday December 19 Trevecca (Coaches vs. Cancer Classic)   Home    6:00pm

Monday January 4 Mississippi College     Home    7:00pm

Thursday January 7 Dillard*    New Orleans, LA    7:30pm

Saturday January 9 William Carey*    Home    7:00pm

Thursday January 14 LSU-S*     Home     7:30pm

Saturday January 16 Mobile*    Home    7:00pm

Thursday January 21 Loyola*    Home    7:30pm

Saturday January 23 SUNO*   New Orleans, LA    7:00pm

Monday January 25 Spring Hill*    Home    7:30pm

Thursday January 28 Xavier*    New Orleans, LA    7:30pm

Saturday January 30 Tougaloo*    Jackson, MS    7:00pm

Thursday February 4 LSU-S*    Shrevport, LA    7:30pm

Saturday February 6 Dillard*    Home    7:00pm

Monday February 8 William Carey*    Hattiesburg, MS   7:30pm

Thursday February 11 Xavier*   Home    7:30pm

Saturday February 13 SUNO*   Home    7:00pm

Thursday February 18 Spring Hill*    Mobile, AL   7:30pm

Saturday February 20 Loyola*    New Orleans, LA    5:00pm

Thursday February 25 Mobile   Mobile, AL    7:30pm

Saturday February 27 Tougaloo*    Home   7:00pm

Tuesday March 2 GCAC  Tournament TBA

Thursday March 4 GCAC Tournament TBA

Saturday March 6 GCAC Tournament TBA

Tuesday March 9 GCAC Championship TBA

March 17-23 NAIA National Tournament Kansas City, MO

John Wooden's Strategy to Find Happiness...

John Wooden's Strategy to Find Happiness...
1. Promise yourself that you will talk health, happiness, and prosperity as often as possible.
2. Promise yourself to make all your friends know there is something in them that is special and that you value.
3. Promise to think only the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best from yourself and others.
4. Promise to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
5. Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
6. Promise to forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements in the future.
7. Promise to wear a cheerful appearance at all times and give every person you meet a smile.
8. Promise to give so much time improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
9. Promise to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit trouble to press on you.

every day gets us closer to the season

Our opener is Oct. 31

Working on ideas for our media guide cover. If you have any really neat ideas of concepts send them to me.

I am compiling a list in my mind and on paper, but I'm open to new and creative ideas.

Good part of coaching

One of the best parts of coaching is watching your players give an all out effort.

The chance to see them when the light goes on and they get the concept that hard work brings results.

When you can get a team to buy into to working hard you have a chance to have a good team.

We are not close to that point yet, but it is a goal and objective we can strive to attain.

If players understand that hard work will bring them results and attitude can carry them far they have some of the mental aspects covered.

You have to have the mental as much as the physical in college athletics.

What do coaches look for?

As we start a new season I am struck by the thought of what coaches look for in their players. It comes down to the same thing that parents, teachers and employers look for and want to see:

1. A listening ear.

2. A great attitude.

3. The ability to serve and look out for others.

4. Finding ways to improve and help others improve.

5. The ability to work hard every day whether they feel like it or not.

6. The unflinching desire to never give up regardless of the circumstances.

Fairly tough stuff, but it makes a big difference if you can follow these six points. You want to make a big impression on your coach then do these six things day in a day out and the coach will take notice of you.

New info from All pro dad

The 8 Laws of Leadership


Dr. William Cohen in his book, The Stuff of Heroes, writes that the eight universal laws of leadership are:

1. Maintain absolute integrity.
2. Know your stuff.
3. Declare your expectations.
4. Show uncommon commitment.
5. Expect positive results.
6. Take care of your people.
7. Put duty before self.
8. Get out in front.

first practice

We start the season each year by scrimmaging 4 on 4. We will do that for the first two weeks of the practice season

Today we played a round robin schedule and played games to 15. The second round we played games to 20

The energy was good the first hour then it began to drag the second hour. With 20 players right now we have to many guys looking around and not taking charge. Leadership will be critical for this years team.

Each day our players have to prove themselves. They have to be tough enough physically, mentally and emotionally. It will be interesting to see how the first week goes.

MyVerseToday.com - subscribe to get help from God

MyVerseToday.com - subscribe to get help from God

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Chapter 5

5. Get on the right bus

In the summer of 2005 I had the enjoyment of working a basketball camp at Duke University. My son attended the camp and I worked as a camp coach. We had a blast as father and son staying in the dorm, eating in the cafeteria together while getting to be part of a prestigious basketball camp.

Mike Krzyzewski (“Coach K”) is the head men’s basketball coach at Duke University. While coaching there he has had enormous success. In addition to winning three NCAA National Championships he also led the Men’s Basketball team to the Gold Medal in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. After lunch each day Coach K would speak to the entire group of campers (about 600) and coaches each day in their main basketball arena, Cameron Indoor Stadium.

He told a story during one of those talks from his childhood that left a lasting impression on me. It is completely aligned with making the right choices. When Krzyzewski was making the transition from junior high to high school it meant he would also be going to school in a new location. The junior high and high school were not located in the same area. This meant for him he had to take a new path to school and this meant a new bus route. He grew up in the inner city of Chicago and had to take a city bus to school not a school bus. It struck a chord with me because my mother had to do the same thing by taking the city bus to school growing up in Detroit on Six Mile Road. I can remember my mother telling me stories about her youth and how she would take public transit to get to school in the morning and then back home in the afternoon.

Taking a city bus would involve getting a certain bus for one leg of the trip then transferring to another bus for another part of the trip to his final destination. As he was heading out the door for his first day of high school, his mom called out to him and said, “Make sure you get on the right bus, Mike.”

He rolled his eyes like most high school kids when hearing something from their parents. The thought went through his mind “I know how to get on the bus get to my school.” To him he was responsible. He had it planned out and knew where he was going.

Coach K told the campers that is not what his mother meant. She was trying to get across much more in that simple statement. The important part to her was he got on the right bus by hanging around the right people and doing the right thing. The temptations in high school were going to be more intense. The consequences would be deeper. She was telling him to make the right choices by getting on the “right bus.” She made sure he knew that some people drive the bus to the wrong place and get themselves and others in trouble.

We choose our bus every day. Sometimes when you are in a big city or if you have ever ridden a bus on an out of town trip you make sure that you get on the correct bus. At big events when there a lot of buses in the parking lot each bus has a small sign on the front which designates who that particular bus is for. Either by group or possibly by letters of the alphabet the buses have a way of being organized so the people coming in on the bus ride out on the same bus. Otherwise it would be mass confusion.

It is the same for us. You must know your bus and what bus you belong on for your ride. If you get into a situation and you quickly realize you are around the wrong people and on the wrong bus it is time to get off the bus quickly. Don’t wait around. Get off the ride immediately. You can fall into a trap by waiting to see if the bus ride gets better. It doesn’t get better. You just get used to it and soon you are just as involved in things you know are wrong. That’s why it is so important to stay on the right bus.

One of the difficulties in growing up is getting on the right bus. If you had to make a list of:” Top Ten important things to do in life” choosing your friends like we discussed earlier would be on that list. If you ask older people with wisdom and insight they are going to tell you to be careful who you hang around. This is where it gets difficult. When we are in our teenage and young adult years we can get very protective and argumentative with other people about our friends. This argument can especially be heated if this dispute happens to be with our parents or guardians. We will want to stick up for them if someone is talking ill about them. If someone says that they are a bad influence or they are a “bad apple” we can get very defensive.

We lose sight at a young age the people that are part of our family or that are close to us want the best for our lives. They want us to be around the best influences possible. Anything less than perfect and your parents aren’t going to be pleased. That’s an extreme, but you get the point. They want you around positive influences in your school, in your church, in your neighborhood, on your team and anywhere else that you will be around people your own age.

A fear of most parents is their own kids will get messed up with the wrong crowd. So if you feel like your parents are freaking out you can understand that nearly every parent comes from the same point of view. They are going to be more judgmental about the kids you are with than other kids. Young people that you don’t come in contact with or your parents are of no consequence to them. They don’t show up on their radar so they are not worried about them.

Your parents are only concerned about the ones you are with on a daily or regular basis. Give them a chance to voice their opinion. Instead of letting become an argument hear them out. Then explain what you like about the friends you have and be able to defend why they are a good influence. If you can defend their positive influence on you then your parents should be able to rest a little bit easier.

You must understand they will always want what it best for you and sometimes that can cloud their judgment. Even so, they might have some good points to make and can keep you out of some trouble down the road if you give your parents the time to share their concerns.

Every transition in life you make and even every situation you are in now ask yourself the following questions:

What is the bus you are getting you on?
What are the people like on that bus?
What influence and what bus are you driving?

Write down on a list the positive qualities you have.
Put down on paper the things you do well and the parts of your personality that will draw other people to you.

Then write on the list the negative qualities about other people that you want to stay away from in your life.

Figure out how to lead others with the positive parts of your personality and how to avoid getting on the wrong bus by hanging around the people that you know have a negative influence on your life.

The buses you ride in life will take you where you want to go and those buses can take you to places that can get you in trouble. Make sure before you get on the bus you know where the bus in going. Remember Mrs. Krzyzewski’s words and probably your parents words, “Get on the right bus.”

Proverbs 12:26
“A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

"You are the same today that you will be five years from now except for two things-the people you meet and the books you read."

Charles “Tremendous” Jones

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail. “
Ralph Waldo Emerson

All Pro Dad article on time together

I know that you see a lot of stuff from All Pro dad, but here is an article worth the read.

All Pro Dad article on time together

Very good story on how a family found time to spend together.

Hebrews 12:11

Hebrews 12:11
No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteouseness to those who have been trained by it.

This verse is for me. I don't like discipline on myself. I also see that other people don't like to have discipline especially if it is not in their best interest.

My college coach, Don Meyer, used to always say in basketball parents want the best four players on the floor along with their child. I have found that parents want discipline for 99% of the kids, but just make sure it is not for their kid. That is why high school teachers and coaches are so frustrated today. It's not the kids, it's the parents.

People talk about how different kids are today. Kids are different because the parents are different and have failed to discipline it is as plain as that.

Too much TV write up from All Pro Dad

Each and every parent knows the danger of too much television for us and our kids. We have read the studies and heard the reports.

Here is one more article to help you understand why finding alternatives other than television is important in our day of raising you kids and raising today's "screenagers" (teenagers).

Click on the article below to find out more about the dangers of too much television in your home and some other options.

All Pro Dad article

Article on sports by George Vecsey

Keeping up with the times. This is a good read by George Vecsey from the NY Times. How we have let Sports become its own rule and how we as a society let things slide when dealing with our one time heroes.

New York Times article by George Vecsey Sunday August 23, 2009

"When Sport Becomes a Rule Unto Itself"

Michael Jordan quote

"I am success because I have failed more times than anyone in
history" Michael Jordan

Extraordinary things doing well

"Excellance is doing ordinary things extraordinary things well"

John W. Gardner

Great thought

We have been preparing hard for our players to come back to school. We have tried to improve our locker room and greatly improve our study room for our players. I have enjoyed doing the things that can help our players succeed down the road.

Here is a great quote especially for me because I worry too much about myself,

“Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but how we react to what happens; not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst…a spark that creates extraordinary results.” Anon.

Thoughts by

Nothing better in life than watching the joy of kids eating ice cream and running through sprinklers

I am not sure if there is a greater joy in life than watching kids on a hot summer day eating ice cream and running through water spriklers. Yesterday at Coolidge Park in Chattanoog, Tennessee I was able to watch my own kids and my nephews and nieces enjoy a great summer day.

The days of summer make you realize how great life can be.

Contest Winners July 30, 2009

Hot Shot Contest Winners

Rashia Sumlar
George Dew
Brady Black
Sophie Hays
Trae Muse
Daniel Marcum
Gabe Watson
Patrick Geary

8 Way Lay up Contest

Kendra Hobson
Elijah Thomas
Sydney Hays
Carson Odum
Andrew Jakab
Josh Hankins
Luke Little
Josh Bennett

Double Threat (Layups and Dribbling)

Rashia Sumlar
Tres Paul
Jacob Lewis
Meredith Johnson
Andrew Jakab
Demarques Smith
Josh Hankins
DH Dew
Mike Malone

Dribble Tag

Keiara Haygood
Jamarcus Davis
Ginny Dyess
David Westbrook
Josh M.
Gabe Watson
Matthew Myers


Free Throw Champions

Rashia Sumlar
Forest Hutcheson
Amanda May
Malcolm Brown
Cameron Toney
Nate Day
DH Dew
Kyle LeDuff
Marshall Hodge


Bank Shooting Champions

Kelsey Hubbard
Elijah Thomas
Owen Duncan
Dierrah McInnis
Jaylan Hill
Steven Irby
Josh Hankins

Gotcha Champions

Kendra Hobson
Walter Johnson
Brady Black
Carson Odum
Trae Muse
Jarrett Watson
Patrick Geary
Aaron Thomas

Best Attitude

Kayla Hubbard
Victoria Haygood
Ashley Whitley
Reese Ragnad
Cole Maloney
Kaylee Ashford
Harrison Partridge
Josh Hanksins
Denton Garvey
Matthew Jones

Blazer Award

Christa Sumlar
Ashley Boyington
Evan Williams
Cameron Boyington
Reshard Taylor
Anthony Pearson
Sam Ciacio

Cookie of the Day Winners July 30, 2009

George and DH Dew

Kayla and Kelsey  Hubbard

Sidney and Sophie Hines

Francis and Kyle LeDuff

Campers of the Day Wednesday July 29, 2009

Daniel Marcum

Elijah Thomas

Jordan Whitington

Cameron Toney

Skylar Taylor

Patrick Geary

Ashley Whitley

Luke Little

Campers of the Day Tuesday July 28, 2009

Steven Irby

Kierra Haygood

Daloin Richmond

Sophie Hays

Gabe Watson

Sidney Hays

Eric Thomas

Carson Odom

Campers of the Day Monday July 27th, 2009

BJ Hubbard

Walter Johnson

Andrew Jakab

Dylan Hill

Kyle LeDuff

DH Dew

Rasheia Sumler

Trae Muse

Book "Transitions for a Young Adult" completed

The hard part of getting the book written has been completed. Now I search for an editor and publisher. Pray that we can get this completed soon. It is an exciting project and I have no idea what is next or around the corner. Thank you for the prayers.

Camp starts Monday and we are looking for a great group

The last week of the summer usually brings in our largest group of the summer. We hope to have a great week of camp. If you have not signed up yet you can still do online or bring your brochure Monday between 8:30am and 9:00am. Call 601 968 5936 if you have any questions

Winston Churchill

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

Winston Churchill

A parent's job

A Parent’s Job


A Parent’s job is endless. A parent’s job comes without a description or requirements. A parent’s job does suggest that you keep your child out of the potholes of life. By handling down you stories and experiences you can diminish the roadblocks your children will race.


A parent is not able to keep his or her child our of every sinking hole or deep pit. You can help them take a step over puddles and maybe even avoid major disasters by simple guided steps

Video clip on Finishing Strong

http://www.ncfinishstrongmovie.com/4

What's the biggest problem we face?

Check this out from All Pro Dad's daily email message:

In the 1930's, when The Times of London asked Britain's leading intellectuals what they thought was the biggest problem in the world, author G.K. Chesterton sent back a quick postcard response saying, "I am." He was on to something.

Basketball Award winners June 18, 2009

Great week of Belhaven Basketball camp. Thanks to our main gym coaches John Aiken and Keke Gray. Also our counselors Mallory Hammock, Larel Bailey, John Toor, Tensely Cowan, Jordan Ainsworth, Andrew Forester and Hadley Kelsey

Award Winners

Olivia Woodward-Best Effort
Carmen Carter-Bank Shooting Champion/Double Threat Champion
Mollie Keys-8 way layup/Gotcha Champion
Laura Leigh-Blazer Award
Elise Kelsey-Free Throw Champion

Anna Daniels-Hot Shot Champion/Bank Shot Champion
Jamie Crout-Dribble Tag Champion/Gotcha Champion
Marisa Wetzel-Blazer Award
Natalie Counts-3 Point Champion
Anna Belle Butler-Free Throw Champion

Kyle Michel-Bank Shooting Champion
Chandler Welgos-Free Throw Champion
Anaya Martin-Best Attitude
Jacob Greenwood-Hot Shot Champion
Matthew McKee-8 way layup Champion
Joseph Perkins Gotcha Champion
Will Burns-Blazer Award
Jackson Travis-Dribble Tag Champion
William Jones-Best Attitude
Christian Kingdom-Blazer Award

Deon Travis-Hot Shot Champion
Gabriel Watson-8 way layup Champion/Gotcha Champion
Justin Lairy-Double Threat Champion
Kenneth Ndeble-Dribble Tag Champion
Madison Klein-Free Throw Champion
Noah Greenwood-Bank Shooting Champion
Kiarri Little- 3 point shooting Champion
Carson Banks-Best Attitude
Kevin Michel-Best Attitude
Malik Shavers-Blazer Award
Jaden Ebner-Blazer Award

Jarrett Watson-8 way layup Champion/Dribble Tag Champion
Chris Oliphant-Blazer Award
Erskine Spiller-Best Attitude
Laveedt Body-Hot Shot Champion
Keiphton Lampley-3 Point Champion
Xavier Hall-Gotcha Champion
Willis Finley-Blazer Award
Justin Moore-Free Throw Champion/Bank Shooting Champion

John Thomas Kerr-Best Attitude
Franklin Miskelly-Free Throw Champion/Gotcha Champion
Dominic Sanderson-Hot Shot Champion/8 way layups/Dribble Tag Champion
Jay Stirgus-Bank Shooting Champion
David Huang-3 point Champion
Kobe Daniels-Best Attitude
Grant Robinson-Blazer Award
Kyle Colson-Blazer Award
Ben Jones-Best Attitude
Daniel Kerr-Best Attitude
Matt Carter-Blazer Award
Thomas Miller-Blazer Award

Basketball Campers of the Day Wednesday June 17, 2009

Campers of the Day Wednesday June 17, 2009

Jay Stirgus
Joseph Rein
Jarrett Watson
Carmen Carter
Annabelle Butler
Jacob Greenwood
Jaden Ebner
Drew Travis

Jansten's Gift by Pam Cope

You have to get the background on this story. Check out the youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvNeHKec9k4

and also the author's website:

http://www.touchalifekids.org/

We talk to our team constantly about not taking things for granted. This video, this book and this website do a great job sharing how we can't take these for granted. Here is a link to the New York Times article that was part of Pam Cope's journey

Basketball campers of the day June 15

Basketball campers of the day June 15

Jamie Crout
Jackson Trout
David Huang
Laveedt Banks
Justin Moore

Have no fear

"Fear is an insidious virus. Given a breeding place in our minds it will eat away our spirit and block the forward path of our endeavors."


 James F. Bell

From the Charles R. Swindoll Man to Man daily devotional calendar

Let's learn how we can cope with anxiety today....Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and we will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Basketball Camp

As always those interested go to our basketball camp link to register for our exciting, challenging and fun basketball camp.

You will learn new skills, be challenged in how to have the proper attitude and have fun each day.

We hope to see you next week. Camp is from Monday June 15 to Thursday June 18.

Check out the blog for past camp winners and neat articles for you and your parents.

Coach Kelsey

25 characteristics of a husband who truly loves and serves the needs of his wife

25 characteristics of a husband who truly loves and serves the needs of his wife
By: Dr. Robert Lewis


1. Includes his wife in envisioning the future.
2. Accepts spiritual responsibility for his family.
3. Is willing to say "I'm sorry" and "Forgive me" to his family.
4. Discusses household responsibilities with his wife and makes sure they are fairly distributed.
5. Seeks consultation from his wife on all major financing decisions.
6. Follows through with commitments he has made to his wife.
7. Anticipates the different stages his children will pass through.
8. Anticipates the different stages his marriage will pass through.
9. Frequently tells his wife what he likes about her.
10. Provides financially for his family's basic living expenses.
11. Deals with distraction so he can talk with his wife and family.
12. Prays with his wife on a regular basis.
13. Initiates meaningful family traditions.
14. Initiates fun family outings for the family on a regular basis.
15. Takes the time to give his children practical instruction about life.
16. Manages the schedule of the home and anticipates pressure points.
17. Keeps his family financially sound and out of harmful debt.
18. Makes sure he and his wife have drawn up a will.
19. Lets his wife and children into the interior of his life.
20. Honors his wife in public.
21. Explains sex to each child in a way that gives them a wholesome perspective.
22. Encourages his wife to grow as an individual.
23. Takes the lead in establishing sound family values.
24. Provides time for his wife to pursue her own personal interests.
25. Is involved in a small group of men dedicated to spiritual growth.

Habits

"Men don't really decide their future, they decide their habits and their habits decide their future."

It is amazing to me that in all my years of coaching I have never seen a player that refused to work to hard in the off-season was rewarded during the season. It is interesting how hard players work when no one else is around.

You can see how bad players want it when no one is looking. Hanging around a campus, a weight room or gym in the summertime you get to see different athletes from different sports. It usually is true that those who pay the price are the ones rewarded in the season.

If you can not find the time and effort to work at your game and your physical conditioning in the off-season how can you be expected to be rewarded when the season is heating up? While watching the NBA Finals you have to think that these players have been going full speed since the beginning of October. They have had to be in tip top shape. Mentally they have to be there. Emotionally they have to be even keel for their teammates. Physically they must stay at their peak in order to compete with the best of the best.

As far as your habits go you will either form them or they will form you. It is one or the other. There is no in between. Either you are going to work hard or you are not. Either you are going to pay the price or you are not. Either you are going to be mentally, emotionally, physically at your best when your best is needed or you will not. It is plain and simple.

When it comes to competition you have to be at the top of your game in order to compete. If you want to be successful and reach your potential it takes an all out determined spirit. Not a half-way committed effort. I have yet to see the person put in a 50% commitment and get anything out of the effort. You have to dive in and it starts with your habits.

If I could teach my players and young players anything it is that if you want to experience the joy of winning you have to experience the habit of discipline. If you can not master the habit of discipline you can not master or ever reach your potential in athletics. It is just not going to happen.

I see talented players all the time waste their talent all the time because of an inability to stay disciplined and develop the right habits. I see players dying to apply their strong habits, but just don't have the talent. To be able to combine both is a unique gift. When you see both (LeBron, Kobe) it is amazing to watch. That is why we marvel at the great ones so much. They only come along so much. It is great if you want to practice all day long and work at your game all day long. It is great if you are super talented and have freakish athletic ability. Those two apart from each other are not a big deal. Combine them and we will pay what ever the price to watch. We will stay up late. We will get up early. We will tell all of our friends we saw you play. If you combine the both (talent and hard-working habits) we will do whatever it takes to watch.

Separate they don't mean as much. Even having proper habits without talent is a big deal, but it still can not compare to mixing it with talent.

I shudder to think of the wasted talent that occurred because of the people that would not exercise proper habits. I feel for the ones that had those incredible habits and would pay whatever the price, but just did not have the talent.

The thing is we all have a talent we just don't know what that talent may be or we refuse to acknowledge we have a talent. Oh, we have one alright we just are too scared to admit that we have one for the great fear that we may be called to use it one day. That one day we may be called on to be great. What happens when someone’s expects greatness out of us? Can we rise to that occasion? Can we be there for that one moment? Some of us get too scared when that moment occurs and we would rather hide behind the curtain or stay on the bench.

If I don't go out on the stage or out on the field or on the floor no one will notice if I am a failure of not. They will not even notice me at all. I can go another day without being seen. For some it is better to be never seen than to have never tried. How sad that is that we let ourselves get to that place.

Never hide behind the stage. Never hide on the bench or on the sideline you never know when your opportunity be the inspiration for someone is there. You can be the push that someone needs to get them started on a great life. You may be the spark that starts a major movement or Spiritual awakening for the next generation.

Each of us has inside of us untapped potential that is usually never ever used. As a coach I see it year after year. Kids come through the program and you can not get them to see the light until it is too late sometimes. They don't catch on until they have used up their eligibility. Once they start to get a grasp of what it is all about is when it is the time someone takes up their shoes and gives them to someone else.

May you never be the kind of person that someone can say he/she was so talented and they just never realized how much they had. Dig has deep down as you can to get as much as you can out of all that you can. Be Blessed.

Quote for teachers, coaches and parents from Benjamin Franklin

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."— Benjamin Franklin

Quote from Winston Churchill

"Continuous effort — not strength or intelligence — is the key to unlocking our potential."— Winston Churchill

What you think about you bring about

"Only one thing registers on the subconscious mind: repetitive application -- practice. What you practice is what you manifest." ~ Grace Speare

Happiness depends on.....

"To a large degree, our success and happiness in life depends on how much people like themselves when they're with us."— Joe Caruso

Super information from All Pro Dad

20 tips for creating a family-centered lifeBy: Bryan Davis


Do you have a family-centered life? Review the list below and add your own thoughts in our Comments section.
1. Mom and Dad have a consistent date night alone together at least once a month
2. Dad has scheduled one-on-one time with each of his children at least once a month
3. Entire family gathers for dinner at least 3 times a week
4. Dad texts, e-mails or calls each of his children at least once a day
5. A monthly family home video night
6. A monthly family board game night
7. Saturday chores are done with the kids helping
8. At least once every three months, Dad brings lunch to school for his kids
9. Dad prays with each of his children before they go to bed each night
10. Weekly church attendance
11. Three TV shows per week are watched by the entire family (with commercials muted)
12. Dad's job does not keep him working a lot of late nights or weekends
13. Entire family has at least one week of vacation time together per year
14. Mom and Dad attend at least one marriage strengthening conference per year
15. Family attempts camping at least once a year
16. Dad attends or coordinates a Daddy/Daughter Dance (here's how)
17. Dad personally knows all of his children's teachers and is involved in the PTA
18. Dad's time with his buddies more often than not includes everyone's kids
19. More family activities are planned outdoors than indoors
20. Dad honors his own parents

Camp Photo Week #1

Camper Awards for Camp June 1-4

Cookie of the Day Winners
Olivia Jones, Akil Strawder and Karimah Strawder

Emone Fisher-Bank Shot
Alexis Brown- Free Throw Champion
Karimah Strawder-Dribble Tag/Gotcha Champion
Cydria Gray-Best Attitude
Brett Prather-Hot Shot Champion
JJ Rivers-Gotcha/Double Threat Champion
Trae Muse-Best Effort
Jalisia Lipsey-Double Threat Champion
Alexius Washington-Best Effort
Mary Katherine Miller-Free Throw Champion
Ashleigh Fagan-Bank Shot Champion
Sara Jo Housley-Camper of the Day
Sunny Armstrong-Best Effort
Elise Kelsey-Best Effort
Jamari Donelson-Free Throw/Hot Shot Champion
Napoleon Collier-Hot Shot/Lay-up Champion
Olivia Jones-Dribble Tag/Lay-up Champion
Jakobe Cunningham-Best Effort
Marisa Wetzel-Best Effort
Alexia Brown-Best Attitude
Christopher Farrish-Bank Shot Champion
Reed Collins-Gotcha Champion
Grace Watts-Double Threat/Dribble Tag Champion
Akil Strawder-Hot Shot Champion
Jarod Robinson-Free Throw Champion
Ryan Baker-Dribble Tag Champion
Jarrett Watson-Ultimate Gotcha/Best Attitude
LeAustin Green-Hot Shot Champion
Xavier Hill-Bank Shot Champion

Article on on golfer Erik Compton getting heart transplant and competing on the PGA tour

http://://www.daytondailynews.com/dayton-sports/high-school-sports/chaminade-julienne/former-cj-athletes-heart-saved-life-of-pro-golfer-151765.html?page=3

I want to be a validator

I think I am gifted to be a validator, but I left life get in the way. Great little video on how to encourage others on how to encourage others and how others need that smile and pat on the back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao

Camper Award Winners June 4, 2009

Joseph Perkins - Best Effort
Kaitlin Mapp Best Attitude
Isaiah Whitlock Best Attitude
Fione Kitchens Best Attitude
Jonathan Williams Hot Shot
Leaustin Green Hot Shot & Gotcha
Jarrett Watson Ultimate Gotcha
Graham Hodge Best Attitude

Basketball Campers of the Day June 3, 2009

JJ Rivers
Evan Lennep
Akia Washington
Samuel Brown
Karimah Strawder
Jamari Donelson
Alexis Brown
Bryce Penn
Jalisia Lipsey

Great article on John Toor

http://www.belhaven.edu/news/200607/JohnToorStory.pdf

Campers of the Day June 2, 2009

Campers of the day June 2, 2009
Olivia Jones
Sunny Armstrong
JJ Rivers
Brett Prather
Jared Robinson

Campers of the day June 1, 2009

Xavier Hall
Akil Strawder
Chris Farris

Each received a special gift from the Phoenix Suns

Great first day of camp

Being wise

My players like to raze me from time to time for reading from the book of Proverbs each day before practice.

Our slogan has become "Be wise".

When a situation comes up and you are not sure what to do "Be wise".

Here is a great verse from Proverbs 24:5 "A wise man has great power and a man of knowledge increases strength"

Guarantee

Nothing is guaranteed in life except the unexpected

Answers to the questions

The day you think you have it all figured out is the day they change all the questions.

lost days

• "Lost days are just that; lost. You can't get them back no way, no how. Enjoy the day you are in and the people you are with."

My mom had a life well lived

My mother had a life well lived. She was many things to many people. To me she was an incredible cook. I can’t remember ever leaving anything on plate after one of her meals. I think part of that had to do with having two other brothers, part of that is I loved to eat and partly she was such a good cook.

If you had to ask me what she cooked best I would not be able to choose. It would be between her blueberry pancakes, French toast (she could put just the right amount of cinnamon in the mix), coffee cake, oatmeal raisin cookies, spaghetti and meatballs (for a long time my all time favorite), stacked enchiladas, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, Mississippi mud pie and she always had the best gravy for our meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I was spoiled because she was such a good cook that even when I got older I loved coming back home to get her cooking or to have her come visit knowing she would bring something down that I liked. Once she moved to Ooletwah, TN it meant she was closer to the Little Debbie plant which meant more Little Debbie treat especially from their discount store.

She was the kind of parent that we need today. Since she was an educator (she received her doctorate for The University of Tennessee) so took the sides of the teachers and coaches. As kids my brothers and I couldn’t blame the teachers like kids do today. She knew better and we knew better than to try that trick on her. Too bad more parents aren’t like that today, but that is the problem with our kids is that the parents make things too easy their own kids. They take the side of the kid and place blame on the coach or teacher.

Now my mom would think we could do no wrong and believed in us, but when it came to school and doing the work we had to do the work. I can remember her coming home from a Parents Teacher conferences and walking down the hall toward my bedroom and I knew I was in trouble. I could hear the words coming out of her mouth. She already had heard from the teacher and was taking the teacher’s version (which was 99% of the time the truth). I would try to fake being asleep and thinking that if I can fake it till the morning maybe she will forget about everything. No chance with her. I would get the lecture about how you were to act in class and how you were to show respect for your teachers. My brothers and I could talk our ways out of a lot of things with a lot of people, but not my mother. She knew the game and wasn’t going to be fooled by her own sons.

We didn’t get much by her. Maybe my brother and I liked the decorations in the administrator’s offices or spent some much quality time with the assistant principals and principals that we decided to go into education. Not sure that is the reason as much as it was my mom being in education. I think my younger brother and I thought when people said “open door” policy we would take it serious and get called in quite often to the front office. Back then we had corporal punishment. I would still take that versus today when they give kids work detail and make them come early for an hour and stay after school for an hour. I took the punishment gladly because I realized whatever they caught me for was probably only half the stuff I could half been caught for doing.

My brother got smarter and went to a public university and I think he stopped getting into trouble. I went to a small private college and didn’t get the memo and kept getting in trouble. Neither one of us did anything malicious; we were just not too smart. One of us was told he could graduate from our high school with the agreement we were to never set foot on the campus again. I won’t say which one of us it was, but he is two years younger than me. That’s all I am going to say about that.

My mom truly believed in us even when we messed up big time. She had that unique ability to believe we could do anything. She supported us and didn’t put down any crazy dreams we might have or talk about. At critical times in my life she gave me key advice that got through some tough transitions.

She was a very good mother and good wife to Dale, but her true calling I think came in her being a grandparent. Over the years countless times she has been there when we needed here for one reason or another. With the crazy travel of my occupation it made for some difficult times to find someone to watch our kids. She was so willing to drive and meet us to get the kids and bring them back to Chattanooga. She would come and stay with us or stay with the kids. Our kids spent more time over the last couple of years in Chattanooga than I did. My parents were known at our churches and in our schools wherever we lived because they came to see us so much.

It wasn’t anything for at one time or another for each of our four children to cry out “I want my Nana!” when being punished for something. My daughter, Elise, even called her on the phone once to see if she could bail her out of some trouble. My mom wasn’t going to bail out her own kids, but her grandchildren were a different story. That is the area where she shined. She spoiled them and I mean that in a good way. She loved them so much and they loved her back. They really cared about her and I worry how her passing away will affect them in the long run. Some summers they would spend as much time with their grandmother as they would with us. Looking back that is ok and I know they loved it also.

Once while Edie and I were teaching high school in Atlanta we left for school one bright sunny spring morning. We usually took two cars even though we were at the same school because after school activities for each of us may differ. About 10 minutes before the end of my first period class I get a note from the front office and it says “Elise is at home”.

We had left Elise at the house that morning. Well Elise didn’t call Edie. She didn’t call me. She didn’t call school. She called Nana. She didn’t know the other numbers, but she knew Nana’s number. Instead of being able to contact us at a school three miles away she called Nana two hours away. Nana called the school and they contacted me. Not one of my prouder moments as a parent, but I know deep down it made my mom feel good. She was worried about Elise until we got there, but knowing my mom she felt good that she was needed.

She had a well lived life. We have asked for a miracle and for God to remove the cancer from her body. That did not happen, but I am grateful for the time we had with her. Yes, I would have liked to see her live a lot longer and get to have seen great grandchildren. I will thank and praise God for what He did give us. The mother, wife, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, cousin, friend to so many that he did give us was blessing that has left an impression we will never forget.

Not sure I will ever eat blueberry pancakes, oatmeal raisin cookies, spaghetti and meatballs and a lot of other things and not think of her and I guess that is ok. OK with me that God blessed us with her life and that she made an impact on so many. Thank you God for giving me a mom that loved me unconditionally, that was tough on me, that believed the best in me, that thought my own kids were great and carved out as much time as possible to spend with us over the years. Now that she is gone she will be greatly missed, but we do have very good memories. We wish for more, but thankful for the life you gave her and the time you gave her here on earth. Like most we never thought this day would come. It is hard to swallow and hard to fathom, but with your strength Lord we will make it through.

Faith and healing

"The same faith that saves us; is the same faith that heals us, provides our needs, and prospers us." Dr. Larry Hutton

I John 1:9, I Peter 2:24

character quote

Character is much easier kept than recovered. Thomas Paine

"There is no success without sacrifice" John Maxwell

"There is no success without sacrifice" John Maxwell

Sacrifice for athletes is in the off-season. That's where players are made. Our success comes down to how much each player wants to sacrifice.

The trials of life

“The trials of life…..” I heard those four words the other day at the start of someone’s message. Probably credit needs to be give where credit is due. I think it was my pastor’s sermon, but not 100% sure. The danger of admitting that it was my pastor gets me in trouble because it means I had a short attention span that day.



Immediately after hearing those words my mind immediately began to wander. I repeated those words and kept thinking of how to end the statement. I don’t want to admit not being able to pay attention during church, but I guess we have all those moments.



I have been repeating the words “The trials of life….” over and over in my mind. Each time I add something to the end of the phrase, but nothing earth-shattering. No great end to the quote that can make it stick for years to come. All I do think is how many different thoughts go in and out of my mind. Not knowing how to eloquently finish the phrase I would love your input if something stirs your heart or if you God gives you wisdom. “The trial of life……..”



I catch myself repeating the phrase when I am in those still moments. Those moments of walking down the hall at work or walking around the hospital floors.. My mind has been a blur over the past week. I have been to Starkville (MS), New Orleans, Clinton (LA), Nashville (TN) and Chattanooga (TN). Tuesday night I attended an appreciation for my college coach, Don Meyer, and it was an amazing night that I will share in another email. His story is an amazing testament to strength and determination.



Also over the past week I have lost count of how many friends and family that are either having serious money problems or going through the loss of a job. Blur, blur, blur. Things have gone by fast and I have lost count of the people that are going through a trial in their own life right now.



I bring that up because we just completed a basketball season at Belhaven that was very successful. We were ranked as high as #19 in the country at one point in the season. We got off to a great start before conference play. Our team won more games than Belhaven has won since 2000. Our Belhaven team advanced to the semi-final of our conference tournament which had not been done in a long time.



Recruiting has gone very well and we have been very blessed to sign a recruiting class that is as good on paper as we have had since I have been at Belhaven. My assistant coach, John Aiken, has worked tirelessly and has made me work harder going on the road to see players. With Coach Aiken’s efforts we have what we feel is an outstanding class of young men and basketball players.



People know that a recruiting list on paper is much different than the team you can put on the floor. Still, all in all things have gone well and we are excited about our future with this team.



“The trials of life……”



The trials we go through do teach you lessons that you can not learn in school. As I have conversations with people and hear their stories I try to encourage as much as possible.



The trials of life can be with family, professionally or inner conflict. Whatever the case the trials will teach you more about yourself while you go through the difficult time than any book, speech or seminar.



While in Chattanooga I spent time visiting my mom in the hospital. She has been in and out of this hospital for quite some time. We fear the cancer has spread and now is affecting many parts of her body. When you are with someone that is as sick and depleted as she is right now it does make you think of what is really important.



The successful past season doesn’t have as much importance as her having good health. Having another difficult time myself with allergies this spring doesn’t have as much importance. Worrying about the little things in your job that can drive you crazy doesn’t have as much importance. The praise of others doesn’t have as much importance. The recruit you went after all year long and lost out on (or that you signed) doesn’t have as much importance. The game lost on a last second shot doesn’t have as much importance. The house being perfect doesn’t have as much importance. The yard looking as good as possible doesn’t have as much importance.



I have learned that “The trials of Life” happen every day to someone that is in our circle of influence. We can choose to be an encourager or can be someone that rains on their parade.



When you watch someone losing their health right before your eyes it is humbling. When you watch someone getting beat by cancer it forces you to look somewhere other yourself and your own pain.



When you hear of others that are losing their jobs and they don’t know what to do it makes you less of a complainer. You worry less about whether the A/ C works in your office or your computer freezes up. When you are aware of people that are having a hard time making ends meet financially it takes away your desire to buy things that you don’t really have to have.



As a family we have been given notice that my mom may not have long. She had been fighting and will continue to fight. I was fully aware when I left last week that it may be the last time I see here. I hope and pray she can stay in the battle, but the doctors have been honest and told us the chances. Right now it does not look good. We need prayers and we need a miracle for her to be healed.



This past Sunday after much prayer my mom had a good day. She actually had the pain in her stomach go away for the first time in a long time and she was able to walk a few more steps than she usually does. It still may have not been a long walk and it was with assistance, but it was better.



After all the prayers she was fortunate to have a good day for the first time in a long time. Even after getting the bad news of how long she had, she was able to enjoy that one day of feeling better. The trials of life will teach you more about yourself than you can ever imagine. The trials of life will also bring great victories. For my mom to have one good day is a huge victory. Even if it the pain in her stomach goes away only for a short time we will continue to pray that she gets healed.



It was truly amazing how after getting a bad report from the doctor that exactly one day later she had that good day and less pain. We actually had a chance to rejoice and be thankful. No matter what happens God has shown us through this trial of life that He is who He says He is. God also has shown us in great power we must remain strong. Just to have such good news after receiving such bad news gave us the hope and appreciation of how God is faithful and He hears our cry.



Whatever trial you may go through I pray you lean on the only one that can give you strength. That is the Lord, Jesus Christ. He has the power and the absolute might to take the pain away and give you peace.



The hospital my mother is in happens to be the same hospital my brother was in when he died 25 years ago. It is tough walking down those halls and driving to the same parking area, but you have to ask God to give you strength. You can kick the ground and be upset or you can realize you have a gift and that gift is that particular moment. You need to make the most of each moment.



I also watched coaching friend of mine, Robert Scott, go through the same pain as my mom is going through. He died in May of 2001 after a 9 month battle with stomach cancer. Seeing those vivid images again of how much pain he had to endure is tough. Going back through the difficult steps he had to take is not pleasant. It hurt to see him in pain. Watching my mom go through the same situation is very difficult. I know that God’s plan is better than any plan we can come up with on our own, but it still is hard to deal with at times.



I pray that you take each day and you are thankful. It is in times like this that we reflect and think about different aspects of our own lives. I am deeply grateful that God has given each day that I do have. I would love to have my brother still around, to still have Robert Scott around and to have my mother back in good health. Whatever trials God sees us through we are usually better on the other side. It is excruciating and it hurts, but it is comforting to stay in His grip.



My mom, Marlene Bradshaw, has a lot of people praying for her right now and one more person wouldn’t hurt. If you are reading this please pray for her right now



I hope that things are well with you and you lean on the Lord when you face the “Trials of Life.”

Quote by Larry Bird

"A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals."
Larry Bird

Great quote for coaches and parents

"I've come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the gym. It's my daily mood that makes the weather. As a coach, I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or de-humanized."

Grace McDowell...Head Women’s Basketball Coach Frisco, TX... Liberty HS

What to look for in a prospective player

As college coaches we are constantly referred players for our program. By coaching for 20 years in the profession I will tell you that coaches look for things in prospective student-athletes.

I refer to these as the 4 A's

1. Academic perfomance in class and on standardized tests

2. Athletic ability

3. Attiude

4. Ability to take instruction

Lowell Thomas quote

"Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can."~ Lowell Thomas

How to get Back Up after a defeat (loss, illness, broken relationship, dream, finances, meltdown, etc.)

How to get Back Up after a defeat (loss, illness, broken relationship, dream, finances, meltdown, etc.)
1. Pray for wisdom
2. Pray for strength
3. Pray for friends
4. Pray for forgiveness
5. Pray for a new start
6. Pray for balance
7. Pray for attitude
8. Pray for the ability to help other
9. Pray for joy and wonder
10. Pray for your story

10 Qualities of a Successful Coach

The qualities of a successful coach
1. Communicator
2. Listener
3. Open minded
4. Loyal
5. Sees the big picture
6. Finds the positive spin
7. Thick Skinned
8. Understands team concept
9. Passionate
10. Doesn’t worry about the time spent but the time invested

Worry wastes time

"Worry wastes time, steals energy and prevents you from accomplishing your goals. There's no reason to worry about something you can or can not fix."

Appropriate quote

Heard someone say this statement,
"Life is Messy."

Even when we want things to go well on our path we still have to realize that there will be steps along the way that are not pleasant. It's how you deal with those messes that determines your happiness.

Three things each person should do

1. A person must be authentic, no masks.

2. Act with Honesty and Intergrity, don't be a cheater.

3. Be truthful in all things, even when we sin and make human mistakes

Great story about Michael Jordan

This is from James Malinchak on one of his recent emails. Mr. Malinchak does a great job of explaining Jordan's discipline and ability to prepare.

Picture this...its Game 7 of the NBA Finals and your team is playing on the road at your opponents place. There's 00:01 second left on the clock and your team is losing by 1 point. You're at the free-throw line to shoot two shots - this is literally win or lose time and the ball is in your hands. If you make both free-throws, your team wins their first ever championship. If you miss both, your team loses the championship.
How would you feel?
Would you be nervous? Would you be distracted by all of the opposing fans screaming, stomping and waving their hands trying to rattle you and break your concentration? How do you handle an uncomfortable situation like this?

That's the exact situation I posed to basketball legend Michael Jordan when I spent 4-days with him. Me, Michael and about eight others were sitting around talking and I asked him that exact question after describing the above scenario: "Michael, how do you handle an uncomfortable situation like this, whether it's in basketball, business or life?" After asking it, you could literally hear a pin drop as we waited for MJ's answer. I thought he would say something like he would try and focus on saying positive affirmations, thinking positive thoughts, etc.
However, Michael replied by saying, "That's easy! That situation wouldn't bother me because I would have already disciplined myself to make sure I had already prepared for success in that, or any other situation!"

WOW!
Not the answer I was expecting but it's very profound when you think about those two words that most would simply skim over: (1) Disciplined; and (2) Prepared.

Most people are not DISCIPLINED to PREPARE themselves for success! It was stated best by Sun Tsu in The Art of War: "Every battle is won before it is fought!" Every speaking, writing, training and coaching business-battle should be won BEFORE you encounter it.

Two key words: DISCIPLINE and PREPARE! I've found those two words are what separate the successful person from the mediocre person.

The Power of Self Discipline

"THE POWER OF DISCIPLINE" by Brian Tracy
“Self-discipline is the key to personal greatness. It is the magic quality that opens all doors for you, and makes everything else possible. With self-discipline, the average person can rise as far and as fast as his talents and intelligence can take him. But without self-discipline, a person with every blessing of background, education and opportunity will seldom rise above mediocrity.” – Brian Tracy

Why are some people more successful than others? Why do some people make more money, live happier lives and accomplish much more in the same number of years than the great majority?

I started out in life with few advantages. I did not graduate from high school. I worked at menial jobs. I had limited education, limited skills and a limited future.

And then I began asking, “Why are some people more successful than others?” This question changed my life.

Over the years, I have read thousands of books and articles on the subjects of success and achievement. It seems that the reasons for these accomplishments have been discussed and written about for more than two thousand years, in every conceivable way. One quality that most philosophers, teachers and experts agree on is the importance of self-discipline. As Al Tomsik summarized it years ago, “Success is tons of discipline.”

Some years ago, I attended a conference in Washington. It was the lunch break and I was eating at a nearby food fair. The area was crowded and I sat down at the last open table by myself, even though it was a table for four. A few minutes later, an older gentleman and a younger woman who was his assistant came along carrying trays of food, obviously looking for a place to sit. With plenty of room at my table, I immediately arose and invited the older gentleman to join me. He was hesitant, but I insisted. Finally, thanking me as he sat down, we began to chat over lunch.

It turned out that his name was Kop Kopmeyer. As it happened, I immediately knew who he was. He was a legend in the field of success and achievement. Kop Kopmeyer had written four large books, each of which contained 250 success principles that he had derived from more than fifty years of research and study. I had read all four books from cover to cover, more than once.

After we had chatted for awhile, I asked him the question that many people in this situation would ask, “Of all the one thousand success principles that you have discovered, which do you think is the most important?”

He smiled at me with a twinkle in his eye, as if he had been asked this question many times, and replied, without hesitating, “The most important success principle of all was stated by Thomas Huxley many years ago. He said, 'Do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.'”

He went on to say, “There are 999 other success principles that I have found in my reading and experience, but without self-discipline, none of them work.”

Taken from Simple Truths website to pass out to my players

John Croyle

These are notes from a talk from John Croyle who runs the Big Oaks Children home in Gadsden, AL
Four things he tells the kids that come to his ranch (www.bigoakranch.org)
1. I love you
2. I will never leave you
3. I will stick with you
4. There are boundaries

They all ask do you really love me?

The mark of greatness-loving someone else

What a kid hears repeatedly he will eventually believe it

Do you impact or inspire

Four options you have with kids and your gifts
1. Invest
2. Spend
3. Waste
4. Hoard
The first has eternal value the rest have no eternal value

Croyle wants his kids that come and live at the ranch to be able to say "There was a day I knew he believed in me."

Kids also need:
Emotional support
Trust
Security

German Proverb

"When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; When health is lost, something is lost; When character is lost, all is lost!"
German Proverb

Quote by Micheal Jordan

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” Michael Jordan

Most of the information I have read about Micheal Jordan was that he constantly worked hard enough to get ready for the big moment. He knew it took hours and hours to prepare to get ready for that moment to shine.

We talk to our players all the time about setting themselves up for success by how hard they work in the classroom and on the court.

How much do you expect of yourself?

6 ways to embitter your children

This is off the All Pro website:

Six ways to embitter your children

Author William Hendrickson suggests there are at least six ways a father can embitter his children:

1. Over-protecting his kids
2. Favoring one child over another
3. Constantly discouraging his children
4. Not letting his children be unique individuals
5. Neglecting his kids
6. Bitter words and physical cruelty

Go home tonight and ask each of your children which of the 6 you could improve most on and listen to what they have to say. You may not mean to be over-protective or playing favorites, but perception is reality to kids.

Don't let the fruit of bitterness grow on your family's tree. Nip it in the bud.

Leadership

"Skill in the art of communication is crucial to a leader's success. He can accomplish nothing unless he can communicate effectively."

Norman Allen

How true! Have you ever noticed certain leaders have that unique ability to communicate their thoughts and directions clearly and effectively? Then there are those that try hard to communicate, but for whatever the reason don't have the gift to communicate their thoughts.

I try to study the great communicators and find little secrets and ways to learn how to make myself a better communicator.

It usually comes to being clued into the audience and if they are listening. The other thing is can you get your listeners to move once you give communication?

Chuck Swindoll quote on leadership

"Anyone who influences others is a leader."
Chuck Swindoll

I love to read and listen to Chuck Swindoll whenever I get the chance.

Lately I have been downloading his podcasts.

You can go to www.insightforliving.com to download his both sermons and his Bible studies.

john Wooden quote

"many things are essential to have peace of mind. One of the most important is faith, which cannot be acquired without prayer. — John Wooden

"Ten Questions God is not going to ask a Coach"

"Ten Questions God is not going to ask a Coach"
By Dave Bliss

*Dave covered these ten questions at the FCA meeting for coaches at the NCAA Final Four in San Antonio in 2008.

1. God will not ask how many wins you had, but rather how many souls you saved?

2. God will not ask you how much money you made, but rather how did you use this money he gave you to further the Kingdom?

3. God will not ask you how many tournaments or trophies you won, but rather if you compromised your character to win them?

4. God will not ask how popular you were, but rather if you pridefully sacrificed your important relationships to gain the approval of people you never knew.

5. God will not ask if you were a head coach or an assistant, but rather did you use the talent He gave you to the best of your ability every day, without complaint.

6. God will not ask about your car, your clothes, or your house, but rather have you prepared for eternity without any of them?

7. God will not ask you what they said about you on ESPN after a win, but rather what He will read about you on Judgment Day.

8. God will not ask you what you got out of coaching, but rather how you used this gift to encourage other coaches.

9. God will not ask you why you sinned, but rather did you accept His provision for your sins, His son Jesus Christ?

10. God will not ask how it took so long sot sek salvation, but rather welcome you to a mansiion in Heaven.

*All coaches are looking for an EDGE! the EDGE comes from developing an close relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Great Quote on Grace

“The foundational principle of grace is that God’s kingdom priorities arecompletely inverted from those of the world. God’s plan is to magnify Hissaving mercy and grace not through human strength but rather through itsweakness…The gospel of grace would remind us that we can’t be used until weoperate not out of our own strength but in weakness, as we depend on Christ’s Spirit to show the reality of the cross.”
Paul Kooistra

"Celebrate Growing Older"

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio "To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words' In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."