Repellent or Magnet??

I walked into a classroom today and something on the teacher's desk caught my eye. It was a can of aerosol "something" that was covered in paper with a handmade label titled: Student Repellent. It even had the skull and crossbones on it.

There may be a story behind it that everyone in the classroom knows. And there may not be.

I don't like it. I think it is inappropriate. For the record, I feel the same way about the pottery jars you can buy that say "Ashes of Naughty Children".

Student repellent? Is that the message we really want to send to kids? Especially kids who are surrounded by adults that may or may not care about them.

As I reflected on the mental images this can stirred up within me, I thought: "I don't want ANY child to think that I want student repellent...instead I want to be a student magnet."

And I want my own children surrounded by people who are student magnets.

My mind drifted to an experience I observed last night. I attended the Mr. R. High School which is a "pageant atmosphere" for senior guys at DS 2's school. He was one of the 11 contestants. Mr. M., who is the senior class sponsor, and DS 2's reason for wanting to go into education, was there. Throughout the night, he was running around making sure everything was running smoothly for this "show". He also participated in the talent portion with two of the guys.

The first guy was displaying talent that was "up Mr. M's alley." He was doing Science magic tricks of sorts. Mr. M was the assistant for the demonstration. Since he's a Science teacher, I suspect it wasn't any sacrifice to stand up there and play with the chemicals and stuff. The second guy, though, he was doing a mock wrestling match. Mr. M was the opponent. It was funny and, I suspect, NOT up Mr. M's alley. But he obviously went all out for this student.

Later in the interview with the finalist, one student gave this teacher and his classroom kudos. Some kids simply wouldn't do that. And even the ones who would credit teachers and classes, have teachers they would NEVER mention.

Mr. M is a student magnet. I think he genuinely likes kids. I, for one, am glad.

Are there some students with whom it's hard to connect? Sure. Still, in every circumstance I think educators have a choice: Repellent or Magnet?

I choose magnet.


{For the record, DS 2 did NOT win the title...but he's still "Mr. R High School" to us and he made us proud!}

I hate it when....

• people strong-arm their way into things in which they have no business
• people play passive-aggressive to get their way
• people smile while twisting a knife in someone's back
• people are downright mean and rude
• we can't all get along and play nice in the sandbox
• people are hurt by the actions of others

I know that I "choose" how to respond....but it really puts a cramp in my day!!

It's Primary Election Day Here...

I really don't normally "do" politics. I confess that I TRY and listen to the candidates, and I NEVER vote for anyone that I haven't heard about. It bugs me that people might vote because they saw someone's sign on the side of a road. I'm just not able to throw myself 100% behind any one candidate. This makes it VERY hard for me to decide.

Yesterday, on the radio, the talk show host (I mentioned below) said it's like you want to take a bit of each one and stir it together into one. Yeah, me too!

We are also voting on a very important amendment here in Florida. I KNOW what I'm doing about that.

In a few minutes I'll go to the polls. I've narrowed myself down to two candidates. I have prayed. I have read. Now, I have to hit the final button.


Even though I'm torn, I am eternally grateful that I live in a country where I get to help decide what happens. It's important to me. At least tomorrow I'll know that I did do my part torn or not. And soon, it will all be narrowed further for me to consider the "big election". I'm pretty sure I'll still be torn.

Site Meter Says....

I get "35 visits a day". I realize that's a meager number compared to what some of you get. Still, I love my little corner of the blogosphere.

This morning our Christian radio hosts were talking about their blogs. They, like most bloggers I know, were talking about, and comparing, their comments. Right now,Carmen has less than Bill overall. I'd link to the third host, Dave's blog, but it seems that he is boycotting posting. SOOOOO....if you have a chance, would you go give Carmen some "bloggy love"?

She has a great post sharing about Matthew West's visit to our area last week. But don't miss her post about "to Clip or not to Clip" just below it.

Enjoy...

(And, of course, you can go visit Bill's blog too while you're at it!)

Book Review: Elvis Takes a Back Seat

On a recent visit to our local Christian bookstore, I decided that I needed something "new" to read. It's not like I don't have a TON of books sitting in my "to be read" stack, but I wanted something to jump off the shelves at me.

This book did it.

The title and the cover caught my eye, and this sentence from the back cover sealed the deal:

Determined to fulfill her husband's last request, Claudia McIntosh is hauling a three-foot bust of Elvis Presley in the back seat of a vintage Cadillac from Dallas to Memphis.

The blurb goes on to explain that she is joined by her eccentric aunt who actually knew the King of Rock 'n' Roll. They find themselves in the company of a friends' daughter, a temperamental teen.

Let me tell you, I have enjoyed this book from front to back! It made me laugh and cry as I pictured each step of the journey these three women take to return this mysterious bust. And of that journey, Ellis' character Claudia notes:

At the beginning of our journey, I thought we three were as different as the seasons. But now I realize even the seasons are connected and dependent on one another.

I love the reminder that we really DO need to depend on each other to take each step. And more importantly, we must depend on God. We are not alone.

Ellis does a fantastic job of incorporating faith in this story in very real, manageable chunks. It's not so overt that it's a turn-off. Nor is it contrived and stiff. I mean these women find themselves in bars, dealing with such topics as unplanned pregnancies, early death, hidden secrets, suicide, wrestling with faith and uncovering lies. In essence, these are three generations of women meeting real life with real emotions head on.

I like the review on the back that calls this book, "..a fun, deep, unexpected book."

On a light note, I loved the trip down memory lane. There are plenty of Elvis facts woven throughout along with reminiscing of the 60's, 70's and 80's. For me, this was one of the things that kept me reading...despite the fact that I've never been to Memphis or had an overt interest in the "king"!

I want to encourage you to read this book. If you lived through the "Elvis era", have wrestled with heartache and loneliness, enjoyed life in the 60's, 70's and/or 80's, have walked on the wild side, stuffed emotions, or dealt with skeletons in a closet, you just might find yourself in there.

I know I did.


{Note: Another thing that drew me to this book is that Leanna Ellis, the author, is from my brother's hometown of Keller, TX. You can visit Leanna Ellis' website and blog and learn more about her book here. It's well worth the visit. I am adding this to my Google Reader right now.}

One more "Bagger" follow-up...

I got a call from the manager of our local grocery store today. He said, "You wrote in about Ed, right?" I told him that I did indeed send a note to their corporate office telling about a great experience my DS and I had last week and I hoped that was the right person because I didn't know his name. The manager assured me that the cashier helped to piece it together and they also confirmed it with Ed. It seems that Ed is going to receive recognition from the corporate management and may also receive a small bonus of some sort for his contribution to customer service. Isn't that wonderful?

Again, I am reminded that I am often quick to let people know when I've received the customer service shaft in places...but I forget to say "thank you" for the ones that DO go the extra mile. I need to acknowledge the good much more than I do for all the "Ed's" in this world.

It's so nice to know the rest of the story, isn't it?

Photo Hunt: Old Fashioned

This shelf was my great Grandmother's. It was made by my Grandfather's Dad in about 1935 and was used to hold all of his cigarette rolling material....and later on was hung in my Grandmother's kitchen for storage. On it, you can see a pecan bowl made by my DH's Grandfather many years ago..not sure it qualifies as "old fashioned". On the bottom shelf, you can see an old milk bottle and a cow drinking mug.

Here's the code to get the blogroll and play along: Here's the code to get the blogroll and play along: PhotoHunt

Miscellany

My DS 4 is sick today. He has a fever and a sore throat. My throat was burning up this morning...ugh.

We are hoping for speedy recoveries and minimal interruptions.

DS 2 pulled an all-nighter last night. He had to finish the program for the Mr. R(insert high school name here) Contest at his school.

DS 3 is busy busy busy with homework. He and I worked out last night at the Y. His knees are bothering him. I certainly hope that he doesn't have knee trouble...with his height it's certainly a possibility.

DS 1 is up and off to school early this morning.


And DH is leaving for Texas again this weekend.

Just another "semi-normal" day in our lives.

I'm Flattered AND Seeing 'Pink'!

Today I received a call from my DS 2 and he said, "I showed people your blog today."

My reaction? "Um, why?"

He replied, "You know the post you wrote about the bagger? It brought tears to my eyes when I was reading it. So I showed it to my teacher, Mrs. B."

He continued to tell me how cool he thought that event was and how he shared my blog "around". I thanked him and agreed that the grocery store event was pretty neat.

After I hung up with him, I thought: "How many 18 year old BOYS (especially boys) would a) read their Mother's blog AND b) share it with their teachers and friends despite its faith elements and the fact that it shares our crazy lives?"

I am fairly certain the answer is "Not many."

So, I'm flattered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On another "raising males" note...tonight all my boys and DH were in the living room having a conversation. DS 2's GF was there as well. Remember I just live here sometimes.

Anyway, DS 1 started asking very scientific questions about seasons, the Tropic of Cancer, Earth's axis, and such. All the guys got into the discussion and I listened a bit, then I looked at E (DS2's GF) and said, "Do you and your sisters sit around and talk about this kind of stuff?" She said, "Absolutely NOT! We talk about clothes and colors and stuff like that." Then she started talking to me about the latest celebrity news.

I told her "Now you know why I need want my pink room!" She and I continued to discuss (and plan) my room while my guys discussed Global Warming.

You've gotta love having a little more estrogen around here!

Wordless Wednesday: The Birthday Boy

A Muesday or a Tonday....

I don't feel like it's Tuesday...this is because we had yesterday off for MLK day.

Our weekend was busy busy busy! Here are just a few things we did in our family these past four days (not necessarily in order):

* Two workout sessions with the trainer (one Friday and one Monday)
* Attended my water aerobics class
* Held a mini-birthday party for DS 4 and five of his friends---nothing fancy, just pizza and cake
* Attended two soccer games for DS 4 (one win and one loss)--one on Saturday and one on Sunday
* Church
* Went to see National Treasure with DSs 3 and 4 (an EXCELLENT movie)
* Welcomed DH home after being in Texas for 13 days
* Sent DS 2 and DH to MI only 12 short hours after DH came home
* Went to visit my family in Tampa for dinner on Sunday
* Went to the dentist
* Read a little of my new book
* Uploaded a ton of pictures that needed to get on the web and not exclusively on a computer that has crashed once
* Watched one and one/half of the playoff games...and thought about who to root for in the Superbowl
*Welcomed DH and DS 2 back home again after a freezing two days in the Michigan tundra!

See? We've been BUSY! Now you know why today is either a Muesday OR a Tonday....It'll take me a few days to recoup for sure...

An Open Letter

Dear Mr. Grocery Bagger Man,

I know you were hired by our largest grocery chain to bag groceries despite your disabilities. In fact, this chains hires many people with disabilities as part of its service to our community. I also know that many many people probably look at you and think about all the things you "can't" do. In other words, they see you as a limited man.

Today, I want to encourage you, though. For I see you as a huge bundle of possibility and promise. For today you were my 9-year-old's biggest blessing.

When we piled all the groceries on the belt and you saw his birthday cake, you immediately noticed him. My little man. You sang to him with great gusto...and even used his name! (Thanks to that cake.) You talked to him about the exciting event that will happen for him later---his "mini-party". You even noticed his soccer shirt and offered to come play soccer at the party with him and his friends.

And then, you did the unthinkable.

You reached in your wallet and handed this nine-year-old boy that you do not know a dollar and said again, "Happy Birthday!"

Your possibilities are endless! You have a great capacity to bless people and to make them smile.

This Mother is glad our paths crossed today! For you reminded me just how simple it is to put a smile on someone else's face. I mean he was beaming just from the song...but you even went an extra mile to make him feel so special.

My son and I said a special prayer of thanks for you and your blessing today. We asked God to send you a special blessing in return.

Thank you,

A Grateful Mother

Happy Happy Birthday!

He's Nine Today....











I love you, DS 4!

When they are disappointed...

Parenting is such a delicate thing. I mean we want them to learn lessons and understand that life is not always fair, right? But then when the rubber meets the road, it's darn hard to watch.

One of my boys is walking through a small season of disappointment. It's not something that will last forever. It's not "the end of the world"--though I am certain there are moments when it feels that way. It's just one of those things that is WRONG and we can't fix it.

Last night as I watched him and his response to it, I realized THIS is why there are helicopter parents. I don't think it's that the parent makes a conscious decision to butt into every situation and try to "fix it" for his or her child. I don't think it's that the parent believes that their child should NEVER experience disappointment or pain. I think it has more to do with a warped sense of love.

I would LOVE to ensure that my boys never fall. I would LOVE to be sure that no one ever treats them unfairly. I would LOVE to be certain that they always are successful and make it to the top. I would LOVE to be the person that takes on that pain and hurt for them.

And once again, my thoughts turn to our heavenly Father who must "want" to be a helicopter parent and swoop in every time the path we are on twists and the decisions we make go awry. Rather than making us His puppets, though, He gives us each free will to make decisions and choose directions. And then, with the utmost of love, He ensures that we know:

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my
enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the
days of my life,
and I will dwell in the
house of the LORD forever.

Likewise, I think we, as parents, need to assure our children:

When you walk through the valleys, God will be there with you...and so will we. We can't promise you'll be able to just "transport" yourself out of the valley without bruises or pain. We can't always jump in and fix things, although when we can, we will. In fact, we don't want you to think that's the way things work...sometimes you have to go through tough times. But, just like our Heavenly Father,we will be there to pick you up when you fall and help you when you hurt.

Because we LOVE you!

Lessons from the Backyard

It's a lazy Sunday afternoon here. We're watching football and resting up for the week to come. A few minutes ago, I was stirred by loud racket from my backyard. It was coming from these two noisemakers:

These are Sandhill Cranes. They are taller than me, and when they want to "talk", they make a lot of noise. As I watched and listened, and snapped some photos, I found myself thinking:

They are a lot like people. We squawk and make what we think is meaningful noise, but much of it is simply useless.

I want my words and the noise of my life to be meaningful for me and for those around me.

And I was reminded of the words our pastor shared at church this morning from scripture:

All of us know something about this subject. But knowledge makes us proud of ourselves, while love makes us helpful to others. 2In fact, people who think they know so much don't know anything at all. 3But God has no doubts about who
loves him. (I Corinthians 8:1 - 3)

And later in that same book, we find this verse:

What if I could speak all languages of humans and of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. (I Corinthians 13:1)

And as I stare at the birds some more, I whisper a prayer---

I know that my words are just noise until I mix them with love and understanding for those around me. Help me to remember that no one cares how much I know until they know how much I care.

Lord, this week, help me choose LOVE!

You've Got To Have Friends...

My sweet friend, Suzi, came into town this weekend from Indiana. We used the opportunity to host a "girls night" out for friends and colleagues. We had a GREAT time! These are people I either currently work with, or have worked with in the past, and who all know Suzi.

It was a nice relaxed evening for all of us. And one I hope to repeat very soon.

As the ladies visited with my boys, we realized that four of them had taught DS 3 and a few of them have not seen him since he was shorter than them! So they took the opportunity to tell their favorite DS 3 memory. I'm sure he loved sitting with all those women listening to stories about his childhood.

Here they are showing how DS 3 is taller than all of them. From left to right is Brenda (First Grade), Christine (Kindergarten), DS 3, Sandy (Third AND Fifth Grade), and Suzi (Second Grade). The only elementary teacher "missing" is John, his fourth grade teacher who does still work at my school.

Thank you all for being part of his village...and thank you for being my friends!

An Old Song with a Timeless Message

When I first began my faith journey, there was a song by Christian recording artistEvie that spoke volumes to me. It recently resurfaced on Selah's Greatest Hymns CD coupled with "I Need Thee Every Hour". I love the words and I'm certain most people in the blogosphere haven't heard it...so I thought I'd share it today as it's rolling around my head:

When I think I'm going under, part the waters, Lord
When I feel the waves around me, calm the sea
When I cry for help, oh, hear me
Lord and hold out Your hand
Touch my life
Still the raging storm in me

I Quit Again Today...

This is not the first time, and while I'd like to think it IS the last, the truth is, it's probably not.

I quit.

I said "yes" to something six weeks ago that would require me to be out for several nights and an entire weekend between now and March. At the time, it sounded like something I could add to my plate and do well. It was, after all, "ministry." I confess, though, that I often bite off more than I can chew. {I know that may come as a total shock to those of you who know me.}

I am a "yes" girl. I say "yes" and THEN I start to think about all the implications. I even prayed about this one. But I am fairly certain that I put the words into God's mouth. I mean I probably said, "Lord, I'd like to take part in this opportunity, OK?" Think about it. If you have a very full plate, and you pray, isn't it your tendency to not REALLY slow down and listen for an answer? Or maybe to misfire the question? Or to create your own answer by putting words into God's mouth?

For me, it's a cycle that I've repeated many times and in many ways. Today as I sent the email to tell the person that I would not be able to participate in this opportunity, I felt free. Fresh. Sitting with a clean slate. Ready to actually DO whatever it is that GOD would have Susan do...not what Susan would have Susan do.

When I really reflect, here's what I know:

I want to listen more and talk less.
I want to relinquish control and follow His will.
I want to prioritize and stick with it.
I want to be sure that my family knows they are, and always will be, FIRST (after God)!
I want to do the things that God sets before me and not chase after every "good thing" that comes along.

Yes, today I quit....but maybe, just maybe, I've just begun....

Bummer...and a Blessing

It seems every team I pulled for this weekend lost! Oh well, some weeks are like that.

Last night was crazy here at my place. DSs 1 and 2 had friends over for the game....so my house was filled with teens on a school night!

As I have said before, I wouldn't want it any other way. I love it that they are comfortable enough to come eat our food and recline on our couches.

In a funny way, while my team lost...I think I won.

Goooooooooo

BUCKEYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday Seven

In some ways it's hard to believe that it's 2008! Time really DOES seem to fly as we age, doesn't it? As I think about this new year, and the one that just past...I can see so many reasons to count my blessings. It's in that spirit that I share this week's Sunday Seven...

1. DH is beginning his second year of coaching and consulting with churches around the country. He took off again today to start the busy first quarter of the year. I am thankful that there is enough work out there to keep him going and that he is able to do something that is his passion. And I'm so thankful that he works so hard to provide for his family.

2. As most of you know, DS 1 is leaving on April 28th for Basic Training and AIT. He has recovered well from his surgery and is focused on this next step in his journey. It's fun to watch him enter this stage of his life as a well-rounded young man. I love the way that he's willing to consider his options as he makes decisions...then he sets his sights on his goal and goes for it. Yet, if something doesn't seem "quite right"...he's willing to consider other options. That drive mixed with flexibility will take him far.

3. DS 2 is facing the last few months of his busy senior year. To say that he lives life to its fullest is really an understatement. He's absolutely one of the busiest people I know. He'll be my second "chick" to fly from the nest this year...but I am excited to see what is in store for him and his future. Heaven knows he'll have enough time to think about it as he's FREEZING in Michigan!

4. DS 3 is more emeshed into flying than ever! He is setting long term goals for himself even at his young age (13). Because he has always been my low-emotion child, it's so neat to see him LIGHT UP about this pursuit. It seems that there may even be a smaller learning community that is geared toward aviation at his high school next year...how cool is that???

5. DS 4 is growing everyday. Of course, he wants to keep up with his big brothers. He is so full of compassion for others, that I can't wait to see how God uses that gift in his future. I'm thankful for his zest for life, because it keeps us ALL on our toes!

6. Having our extended family so close is also a blessing to us. It's been fun to see Don's brother and his family more this season. We know that more than anything, our family is most important. We are thankful for those moments they extend us grace when time goes by that we don't see each other...but we are even more thankful for the precious moments that bind us even closer than ever.

7. Most important, I am thankful for my faith which sustains me each and everyday. I fall. I don't always seek the growth that I'm sure God has in store for me. And I miss the mark over and over. Yet I am so thankful that HE LOVES ME! His Grace truly is amazing! As I said in my New Year's post: I am so glad that I have that rear view mirror perspective that helps me see those moments in my journey that have brought me to today.

I pray that as you consider your own new year and your own Sunday Seven, that you find all those ways that you are continually blessed!

Book Review: Schooled

I finished my second book of the new year today. I picked it up quite by fluke yesterday and have to say it was a fun distraction for me! This book is published by Hyperion Books and is geared for the middle school crowd.

You might be asking yourself just HOW it fell into my hands? Yesterday I was headed to the gym and looking for another book I am currently reading to while away the minutes on the ellipticle. I couldn't find the current title, so I picked this book up from a pile of potential reads that I've made for DS 3.

After reading this post at Lauren's, I reminded myself that I REALLY want to read more adolescent literature. I'm VERY out of the loop in this area and thought now is as good a time as any to get started. If you have a teen or tween, you may want to check out this website: Teen Lit Review for some Christian perspective on current titles.

Schooled is a book written about a 13 year-old boy, Capricorn Anderson, who has been raised by his Grandmother who is a hippie "stuck in the 60's". She is still living alone in a former commune and has home-schooled her grandson as she sheltered him from the world. The story takes place as she is injured and he's suddenly thrust into a local middle school and experiences total culture shock because his hippie lifestyle collides with that of eighth graders in 2007. It is a very realistic look into the culture and "pecking order" that exists for students in middle school and deals with bullying and peer pressure quite well.

Throughout the story is woven the important message of being true to yourself. Ultimately, I think you could sum up Cap Anderson (and this book) in one Beatles' song phrase: "All You Need Is Love".

Photo Hunt: Delicious

Warm Chocolate Melting Cake was on the menu every night of our cruise...and I could have eaten it EVERY NIGHT! It's DELICIOUS!

Here's the code to get the blogroll and play along: PhotoHunt

Moving Furniture

I live in a house with FIVE males. And, as DS 2 reminded us yesterday, their testosterone levels peak in the later teens....so that means that at least three of them are at peak for muscle-building, grunting, and developing and excercising all their primal instincts. Whatever!


For anyone who lives in a "pink" estrogen house and has no idea what I'm talking about, there are moments when you just have to push back the furniture and let them wrestle. I've watched many matches in my living room over the years. They roll. They grunt. They breathe heavily. They wait for someone to tap. Sometimes they roll into the boundaries of my tables, couches, and curio shelves. It's in those moments that I whince! Luckily most of my things have survived unscathed by their "moments on the mat".


Have I told you lately that I NEED a "PINK" room?????


Today while listening to the match in the next room with four of my guys, I found myself wondering for the hundredth time: "What's the draw?" "Why would perfectly sane human beings want to roll around with one another on the ground facing possible aches and pains?" "Can't they just STOP?" "It's all so unnecessary!" "PLEASE somebody TAP before someone gets hurt!"

And suddenly I had a new picture in my head:


We ALL have occasional wrestling matches...those moments when we engage in a struggle for power or control over someone or something. It doesn't matter whether we're estrogen-riddled or testosterone-laden.

I wrestle against things every day. Sometimes I win and sometimes I don't. And I get bruised sometimes. What I often "miss" though, is that someone has "moved the furniture" back for me so that I don't get badly injured. Most of the time, the match is unnecessary, but it's MY effort to gain control over someone or something....

I can picture, God, the mover of the furniture, sitting there saying:

"What's the draw?" "Why would a perfectly sane human being get into THAT power struggle and possibly face aches and pains?" "Can't she just STOP?" "It's all so unnecessary!" "PLEASE TAP before someone gets hurt!"

I'll keep moving the furniture when my guys are in their matches for fun....

I'll give praise for my Father who moves the furniture for me!

And I'll work on TAPPING sooner!

Book Review: Quiet Strength

Yesterday I finished the book Quiet Strength by Coach Tony Dungy. I have been wanting to read this book since it came out. I finally got it and finished it all in a 24 hour window!

Before I review, let me say that I have followed Coach Dungy since he started coaching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He and his family had quite an impact in the Bay Area both through football and the faith arena.

I was struck, as was most of our community, when his son, James committed suicide two years ago just before Christmas. And while it was a sad sad event. In the midst of the tragedy, the Dungys created a platform for this man (and his family) to share their incredible faith with the world.

Then, last year the Colts won the Super Bowl. And in the midst of this HUGE triumph for Coach Dungy and the team, he again used the platform to proclaim his faith especially during the post-game celebration.

So, the book already had accounts of things I remember well: the hiring by the Buccaneers, the first time in years that they made it to the playoffs, going from a team that couldn't fill a stadium to one that had sell-outs game after game. And I remember the day the man was fired when they didn't win the final playoff game.

The book also tells about Tony's roots of faith and family. He describes being raised in a home where education was valued and practiced. He shares again and again some of the twists and turns his own journey has taken him.

The theme I love throughout the book is one he uses when he coaches..."stay the course. Do what you do." He talks a lot about the way teams often have knee-jerk reactions when they are playing a higher-ranked opponent or a difficult game. And while you DO occasionally have to make adjustments, he abides by his belief that if you stay the course and do what you do, you'll win in the end.

His message to the Colts at the first season meeting a few years ago was, "Be patient. Keep doing the ordinary things better than anyone else. Be uncommon. Do what we do."

He also shares the important message that it's not all about football. I'm sure there are many football players, coaches, and even fans out there who might disagree. But Tony simply believes that football is not the thing that defines him. Sure he loves it. He plans to keep doing it as long as God has him there...but it's clear that if he were called away from it, he'd go.

If you are not a football fan, this book may be more difficult for you to read. If you like the sport at all, and especially if you are at all familiar with this man, I highly recommend the book.

And whether you ever read a page or not, may I encourage you in the words of Coach Dungy to "Stay the course...and do what you do."