First Things First - by Kurt and Brenda Warner

What I loved MOST about this book was the faithful, down-to-earth, journey this family has made (and used for God’s glory – not their own)! Being a professional football player in this day and time is considered one of the most glamorous careers ever! Not only are they highlighted as “stars”, they are given a lot of power, prestige and influence. Being a person that enjoys education and learning, most often I find myself upset that professional athletes are so grossly over-paid (In my opinion) compared to educators (which are much more valuable for educating our children to change our world for the better). However, I must say how extremely excited I am to see this man (Kurt Warner) rewarded for his talent – because he knows what to do with the fame – HELP OTHERS (as we have been commanded by our Creator).

One of the many parts I enjoyed was when Kurt Warner informs us his Super Bowl ring is located under the family coach (he thinks). That is humility! He is a man who knows what’s important (and that’s CHRIST - NOT FOOTBALL!).

I admire what his family has done and continues to do to help others less fortunate. In my heart, I know God placed him in this world at this time for a specific purpose – to glorify Him and His Children!

I would like to personally thank the Warner’s for being good and faithful servants! I pray God blesses each and every one of you!

Some details about the Warner’s: Kurt and Brenda Warner met when she was a divorced mother of two, living on food stamps and putting herself through nursing school, and he was a college student. Kurt and Brenda married in 1997 and Kurt adopted Brenda's two children. Since then, they have added 5 more children to their family. After graduating from Northern Iowa in 1994, Kurt was signed by the Green Bay Packers, but was cut during training camp. He returned to Northern Iowa to work as an assistant football coach, working the night shift at a local Hy–Vee grocery store to support Brenda and her two kids, until he was signed by the St. Louis Rams in 1998. Kurt went on to lead the Rams in two Super Bowls, winning two NFL MVP awards (in 1999 and 2000). In 2008, Kurt joined the Arizona Cardinals, and led the franchise to their first playoff appearance in 10 years, and their first Super Bowl appearance. Kurt and Brenda are strong Christians, and the founders of First Things First, a foundation that promotes Christian values, helping the less fortunate, and encouraging others to put faith and family first. They live in Phoenix, Arizona.

Details from the Publisher: Kurt Warner is the two-time NFL MVP–winning quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals. Brenda Warner is an ex-Marine turned stay-at-home mom who collects coats for low-income kids and rocks babies to sleep at a hospital for chronically-ill infants. Together they’re the parents of seven, going into their 12th year of marriage, and founders of a foundation that helps disadvantaged children and families. Their formula for success? They put First Things First—family, faith, and giving to others—it’s their family motto, and it drives everything they do. First Things First is an honest, insightful, and entertaining look at life inside the Warner household. Kurt and Brenda speak candidly about their marriage, the values they are working to instill in their kids, things they’ve done right, mistakes they’ve made, the importance of giving back, and the legacy they hope to leave behind. Includes a 16-page full-color photo insert.

Photos are here! The beautiful drive from Blacksburg

The row of cars goes on and on and on.....

And on and on and on......

This was the view out of the sun roof....

See my speed....and the outside temperature (69 degrees)!

Breath-taking Mountain view....

Not sure you can see all the violet buds....beautiful!

FINALLY, smooth sailing....

One of my favorites...my sweet daughter, Kristina, journaling.

Beautiful mountains....

Finally, time for a nap....

What a wonderful trip! Praise God!

Photos coming.....

On the drive home from Blacksburg this morning, I ran into terrible traffic. There appeared to have been an automobile accident, which resulted in miles and miles AND miles of stop and go traffic. Rather than get upset and angry, I decided instead to focus on the beauty of the day (the sunshine and warm temperatures)! The view was absolutely breath-taking and the peace of the Lord covered our entire car! Soon the traffic was clear and we were on our way! What could have been a disaster, ended up being one of the most amazing days of my life!

Difference between Atheist, Agnostic, Infidel and nonbeliever

If you're curious too....

Atheist, agnostic, infidel, skeptic refer to persons not inclined toward religious belief or a particular form of religious belief. An atheist is one who denies the existence of a deity or of divine beings. An agnostic is one who believes it impossible to know anything about God or about the creation of the universe and refrains from commitment to any religious doctrine. Infidel means an unbeliever, especially a nonbeliever in Islam or Christianity. A skeptic doubts and is critical of all accepted doctrines and creeds.

Coach Wooden by Pat Williams (with Jim Denney)

I love reading biographies/autobiographies of great leaders. I figure if I “do” what they did, I should “get” what they got (or at least close to it!). The reason I like to read biographies of athletic coaches (especially college coaches) is because I am a mother. I am the mother of a son who is NOW 27 years old. But there was a time when he was a very young 18 years old – heading off to college (WITHOUT ME!). I want to know as much as possible about the leaders given the privilege to influence the lives of our youth (even if they aren't mine!).

Not only did I learn a lot about the principles of Coach Wooden’s all-around success (The 7 Principles that shaped his life and will change yours), but I was inspired by the MAN/FATHER/LEADER he was. I also learned what an amazing basketball coach he was (for those who don’t follow college basketball, he coached the UCLA Bruins for twelve years – ten of which ended as NCAA National Champions-a record unmatched by any other coach in history! He was selected number one on the Sporting News "Fifty greatest coaches of all time in all sports") and the numerous men he influenced!

Without giving away his “principles”, I thought I would provide some quotes from the book that stood out to me.

Tony Dungy states:
“He didn’t just coach teamwork and preparation and strategy. He coached character and attitude and ideals.”

A poem that Coach Wooden popularized:
“Talent is God-given: be humble. Fame is man-given: be thankful. Conceit is self-given: be careful.”

“Coach Wooden didn’t just teach basketball-he taught life. He taught the fundamentals of good character, integrity, a strong work ethic, and teamwork-all the qualities necessary to success in life.”

“Though he was demanding and put his players through rigorous workouts, he was never personally demeaning, he never disciplined in anger, and he never used profane language.”

Pat Williams (the author) states:
As one of Coach’s former student managers told me, “Here’s the deal with John Wooden: There was only one of him. The John Wooden on the practice floor was the same John Wooden in the locker room. The John Wooden in the locker room was the same John Wooden on the campus. And the John Wooden on the campus was the same John Wooden at home.”

“After spending time with Coach Wooden, I always wanted to take my “game” to the next level. After being with him, I always wanted to ratchet up my faith, my prayer life, my integrity, and my wisdom. I wanted to be more like Coach. I wanted him to be proud of me. I wanted him to know how much he meant to me and how much he had impacted my life.”

And finally, what Coach John Wooden wrote about his father, Joshua Hugh Wooden (the man who made a huge impact on his life!):
“Joshua Hugh Wooden died long before the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) won a men’s college basketball championship. Do I wish he’s lived to see me coach a team to a national title? Yes, but it wouldn’t have mattered so much to him. His priorities were different. Material things and public notice meant little. Education was important. Family was important. Outscoring someone in a basketball game, even for a national championship, had much less significance. Dad lived long enough to see me accomplish what was important to him. Nevertheless, he was responsible for the things that happened to me as a coach. Therefore, it surprises people that I received hardly any basketball instruction from Dad-no tips on jump shots, free throws, or anything else. He seldom attended games and was only slightly interested in results. His concern and guidance were deeper.”

Another thing that impressed me about this amazing man/coach were the “truths” he shared over the course of his life. They became known as “Woodenisms.” As a matter of fact, there is an entire appendix dedicated to the most memorable maxims. I thought I would list a couple of my favorites:

Character - Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

Praise and Criticism - You can’t let praises or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one.

In closing, Coach would provide his principles to others - especially the youth he encountered. I think I am going to do the same thing! Watch out America-Coach Wooden LIVES ON!

Available February 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Mountain Lake Resort

Sunday met our group with full force Spring beauty! The sun was shining brightly and the restoration of the soul was given to everyone in attendance! What a life-changing event! Many thanks to the Southwest region for hosting an unforgettable conference!

Mountain Lake - Home of Dirty Dancing!

Friday evening, after work, I made the trip to Blacksburg, VA to stay with friends. Saturday morning, I drove to Mountain Lake in Pembroke, VA (a short 15-20 minute drive) to attend a 4-H leadership conference. The sign on the way to the hotel reads "top of the world" - and they aren't kidding! You drive UP A MOUNTAIN, around many curves, for what seems to be an eternity! Finally, you reach the TOP - the beautiful location of Moutain Lake Resort. Several years ago, the movie Dirty Dancing was filmed here. I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness, reflecting on the passing of Patrick Swayze.

One tiny detail, one I WASN'T expecting, was SNOW!!!! It was truly coming down and as I neared the top of the mountain, my car engine began to rev a bit and I could feel a loss of traction. I was able to make it safely and enjoy a wonderful day of learning/fellowship/sharing! It was a fabulous day.