The Graduate

I'm not sure where to start or even how to begin. You're not only my child, you're my best friend.

I remember your eyes as a youngster, the way  they shown so bright, and that smile of yours could cut through the night.

Each morning I'd wake you and help you start off the day. Each night tuck you in and together we'd pray.

When you started to school, time flew by so fast. One moment your in first grade and now the graduating class.

My emotions are so conflicted, I'm happy and sad. All of me is proud of you, yet part of me feels bad. 

Did I do all I could do to prepare you for life? Will it be enough to help you make the best decisions each day and night?

It is at this point I must release my hold. I'll let the Lord take over, for really, He was always in control.

I'm not sure what your future will hold, but I'm certain of two things if I can be so bold.

The first is I'm certain that God has a plan. He will prosper you, while giving you a future that will come from His hands. 

My second certainty is that you are filled with potential to be great in this world. But it's up to you to fulfill it, of this I am sure. 

In closing let me say I am proud of you and I thank God for the person you have turned into. 

Now graduate full of pride my child, with your eyes ever so bright and your  beautiful smile that can cut through the night. 

God Bless,

Coach P

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

Where I'm From

I have had the opportunity to travel around the US from North to South and East to West. There are many states I've yet to see, but I've been fortunate enough to cover a lot of ground over the years. On a few occasions I've also been able to travel outside the US borders and visit other countries.

What I have learned during these travels is that each place has is own natural beauty, in it's own unique way. I've also learned that every area I've had the opportunity to visit has some awesome people occupying the land (along with a few not so awesome people, as it is in life). 

Okay, here is a personal secret... I really love the ocean, the sun, and the beach. I'm pretty sure I could be a beach bum for while and it would suit me just fine. But where I'm from, we don't have an ocean view and the only beaches are on the shores of creeks, farm ponds, and lakes. That being said, I think those beaches are beautiful too.

Fishing at the creek with my family. 

You see, I grew up in Oklahoma and now live in Kansas, the heartland of America. The Midwest is my home and I'm proud if it. 

This thought about growing up in the Midwest landed in my brain and built a nest there after reading a great blog post written by my good friend Michelle Terry (Read her blog post "Flyover States" here). 

After reading what Michelle so deftly penned, I felt a great sense of pride in the Midwest, my hometown, home state, and all the other Flyover states she mentions. 

It is in these areas of the US that The Lord forged me into the man I am today. He has done this by virtue of working with my hands, playing sports, going to school, and attending Church, all right here in the Midwest. These are a few of the activities and values that we cherish in the heartland of America. The land where my people are from and the land I call home. 

Below is an excellent song by country music artist Jason Aldean. I admittedly don't listen to a lot of country, but I do like it. I mean, I'm from small town Oklahoma where everyone little bit country.

This song does a great job explaining how we feel about our part of the country here in the flyover states. Click on the video below to watch and listen...

Now my question for you is this...

Where are you from and what makes your part of the country (or world) awesome? 

God Bless,

Coach P

P.S. If the Lord ever calls us to live in a tropical paradise, who are we to refuse? 

Don't miss "The Moment"

As a lifelong athlete, I've trained and competed more than the average person. When you are a competitive athlete, you are always training for the moment you get to compete and see how well you perform when it's time for Live Action (Yes, I just threw a Turtle man reference in there). You train for hours and hours just waiting for the opportunity to test yourself and hopefully succeed.

Coaching is not much different, except you aren't the one actually competing. Even still, you are helping your athletes train and prepare for the moment they get to lay it on the line and shine. Hour upon hour is spent working on technique, developing skills, imparting strategy, and improving their level of conditioning.  This is all done in preparation for the moment the lights come on and the action commences.

Tyson Toelkes enjoying the Big Moment!

Beyond the ball fields, mats, and courts, we spend our lives waiting for "The Moment" in one way or another. This might be the moment you graduate, get married, have a child, or get the big promotion at work. Our lives are spent in preparation for the special moments in life. 

What I want us to consider is the possibility that we may be missing the "The Moment" waiting on "The Moment." 

Life is full of awesome moments. These often happen when we least expect them, but we many not see their brilliance unless we learn to live in the here and now. 

I often tell my athletes... "We must enjoy the journey. Yes we want to achieve our goals, but the journey is just as important." The journey is the daily grind and it encompasses all the moments, big and small. 

Tyson Toelkes enjoying The Journey!

Today I challenge you to not only wait on the big moments in life, but to also live in the moment right now. Enjoy every step of your journey and realize that you are in fact living in the moment. Don't let your life pass you by waiting on "The Moment" only to miss it many times over. 

God Bless,

Coach P

Am I Wrong

Do you think and live outside the box? 

Do you have a vision for your life?

Do you think you can be something, for real?

Here is what I think...

Live outside the box! Most of you physically live in a box (your house), travel in a box (your car), work in a box (office or cubicle),  eat out of a box (your fridge), and sleep in a box (your bed). But your thought life doesn't have to be contained in a box. 

Develop a grand Vision for your life! If your vision for life isn't so big that is scares you a little bit, then think bigger! It is important to have a vision for your life and also the courage to see it through. 
"Where there is no vision the people will perish." -Proverbs 29:18 

Believe in yourself, believe in your ability, and most important believe that God has a great plan for you. You can be something, for real!
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

I love this song! 

Listen to it, think about it, and let it encourage you today!

God Bless,

Coach P

My Mom

You were the first person I knew when God formed me in your womb. 

I could hear your soothing voice and heart at the same time. This was not a chance meeting, our connection was Divine.

When I was a small child, you were always my best friend. Each day we would play, color, read, and write. Then each night we would say our prayers as you tucked me in.

All through my schooling you always had my back. You would take me to sporting events and never let me slack.

When I went away to college, I grew into a man. But I soon realized, a man still needs to hear his mom's voice and sometimes hold her hand.

Now I am married and have children of my own. The lessons that you taught to me are being passed on in my home. 

Each day I thank the Lord for choosing you to give me life. 

Mom you are my rock, my friend, and my guiding star. I'll always know your soothing voice and love your precious heart. 

God Bless You Mom and I Love You,

Chad 

http://youtu.be/NFRW4_46dJg

http://youtu.be/EpgvwCZuV1I

Keep it Simple

Never complicate what you can effectively simplify.

Maybe it's human nature, I'm not sure, but people often over complicate what can be so simple in life(I'm guilty of this from time to time as well).

I am a coach and this is something I often see...coaches over-complicating the teaching of their sport. They often do this with good intentions, but just end up confusing their athletes.

Trust me, it does your offense no good when your running back has the ball, but his lead blocker and linemen don't understand who they should be blocking because the scheme is so complicated. Don't get me wrong, it can be complicated, but should be taught in a non-complicated manner.

Your wrestler will have trouble succeeding if you teach him a multiple part set-up, takedown, and finish, but over complicate the manner in which you teach these components.

Being a longtime coach and teacher (also the son of a longtime coach and teacher), I believe we can teach complicated information in simple terms if we understand it well. 

This same concept can be used with every job, relationship, sport etc. It's not always easy to simplify, which seems like a contradictory phrase, but it's true. Sometimes it takes a lot of work to understand something in such a way that you can simplify that which seems complicated.

In the words of a pretty smart fella...

“If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself.” -Albert Einstein

God Bless,

Coach P

P.S. I am always trying to find the most efficient/simplified methods to utilize in various areas of my life, it's how I'm wired. What areas of your life do you tend to over complicate and how can you simplify in these areas? 

No Limitation as Limitation

Since I was a child I have loved martial arts. I truly appreciate the lessons that can be learned and applied to everyday life through martial arts.

One of my favorite quotes comes from famous martial artist/actor Bruce Lee. The quote is as follows...

This quote applies to my martial art theories, but even more important, it applies to life. What I want to address in this post is the second half of the quote, "having no limitation as limitation."

In essence Bruce Lee was saying that we need to stop using our perceived limitations as excuses. How many of us, me included, use a supposed limitation as an excuse for failure or maybe to never begin something in the first place?

In sports, the limitation and excuse may sound something like this...

I'm to slow, I'm not tall enough, He is stronger than me, etc.

In everyday life, the limitation and excuse may sound like this...

I don't have enough time, I don't have enough money, I don't know the right people, etc.

Everything listed above can be looked at as a true limitation and a valid excuse. But according to the great martial artist Bruce Lee, that doesn't let you off the hook!

Bruce Lee wants you to know that what you perceive as a limitation cannot be used as a limitation. You must find a way to succeed, despite the so called limitation. You have to stop making excuses and find a way to get it done.

This brings to mind some words of wisdom from successful business man and author Ron Reynolds "People will find a way to do exactly what they need to do." You see, when you really need to get something done, you'll find a way.

Both Bruce Lee and Ron Reynolds know that people have so many self imposed limitations. They have trouble succeeding or making necessary changes in life because they use these limitations as excuses. But ultimately people can choose to overcome the limitation and find a way to succeed. 

My challenge for you is this...

Decide today to take the limitations off your mind, rid yourself of excuses and find a way. Declare that you will no longer use your "limitations" as limiting factors in your life!

God Bless,

Coach P

P.S. As far as No way as way, this applies to my grappling theories. But in my personal life... I know the one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

Don't Give Away Your Power

I recently had a short discussion with my oldest daughter (7 years old) about dealing with situations that upset her.

The Fact that she's holding a K-State Football makes me need this blog post. 

During the school day she had an issue with a friend and it had her shook up. Later that day, at bedtime, she was crying and telling her mom all about the situation that happened at school. Mommy is very good at handling these issues and I'm normally happy to let her deal with them (I don't really understand girls. I know, big shocker right). But this time I felt I needed to share some advice that has helped me deal with issues over the years. This little secret works for everyone... young, old, male, female, it covers us all.

I said to my daughter "Can I tell you two actions I take when I start getting upset?". She said "Yes" and I shared with her the following...

Action 1: Pray when you feel upset. Ask God to help you and He'll hear your prayers.

"I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours." -Mark 11:24

Action 2: You must make a decision not to give away your power. You see, when you allow a person or circumstance to upset you, then you give them your power. When you give away your power, then that lends itself to anger, fear, frustration, etc. 

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." -2 Timothy 1:7

Utilizing these two actions is not always easy and must be practiced daily. The fact is, you can't always control your circumstances, but you can control how you react to them. 

Today, make a decision to keep your power despite your situation. Take action by praying and then deciding that you will not give away your power. 




God Bless,

Coach P


P.S. It takes guts to write this, because now my wife will hold me accountable. Oh man...

The confessions of an Okie Writer

Alright, I live in Kansas and have for many years now. That being said... I am an Okie (born and raised in Oklahoma) through and through.

Hanging out with my daughter in Pawhuska, OK. 

If you have ever been around an Okie, then you know that we say a few words funny and even have some words that are Oklahoma originals. Just like everyone else in the world, Okie's have their own unique accent and slang.

Here's one example of saying a word that sounds funny in an Okie accent: Ten

I lead workouts and often call out the repetition count to the group. When I say the word ten, apparently it sounds like tin. I don't hear the subtle difference, but the people in my group that start teasing me apparently hear it. (That's okay, I just make them do "tin" more reps.)

Here's one example of an Okie original word: Chesterdraws

One day we were moving furniture and I asked my wife where she wanted me to put the chesterdraws. She started laughing and said "What did you call this furniture?" (My wife is from Kansas)

She then informed me that the furniture is actually called a chest-of-draws. Well I have to admit, that makes more since. But to me, 'Ol Chester must have owned them because they are his draws. 

You want to know what brought this entire topic up? The word subtle. I was trying to spell it on my phone and couldn't figure it out. It went something like this...

Suttle, Suddle, dang it! 

I know it is a word and I know what it means. I also know how it sounds, so why can't I spell it close enough for auto correct to help me out? Then it hit me, it's because I'm an Okie and in my Okie accent the word is suddle. 

So I looked up the word (thank goodness for Dictionary.com) and found the word subtle. Then I thought "Ah, it has a b in it. Wait, that's stupid, who added a b to this word?"

Now that I've exposed my spelling weaknesses, let me defend other Okies. I'm certain that not everyone from Oklahoma is bad at spelling. But I am also certain that many people from Oklahoma have to convert words in their head from Okie to English at least every once in awhile. This is by no means a lack of intelligence, it's just that people from Oklahoma are bilingual. Yep, we speak Okie and English. 

God Bless,

Coach P

P.S. What words do you say that sound funny or are specific to your region of the world? Let me know so we can laugh together. 

Separate Your Courage From Your Conditions

"But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed." -Acts 27:22

Each of us experiences the ups and downs that life will provide as long as we are breathing(hopefully more ups than downs). What is of the utmost importance during each experience is that we keep up our courage. 

In the scripture above, Paul is on a ship headed to Rome as a prisoner awaiting trial. Paul was not on some comfy cruise just enjoying a vacation, he was in shackles for spreading his Faith. During this voyage to Rome a major storm hit and threatened the life of Paul and all those on board the ship.

During the midst of the storm, Paul let his shipmates know that their ship was going down, but they will all be saved. 

There are many lessons here for each of us to learn from Paul's circumstances and words. I'll just share a couple of them...

1. Storms will happen in our life and that's that.
2. We must keep our courage up, no matter what the conditions are that surround us at a given time.
3. God has us, even when things don't look great.
4. Do not place your Faith in the ship (your job, relationships, etc), place your Faith in the one who made the people that made the ship. 

"So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.” -Acts 27: 25-26

From the Shipwreck to the Island, God's got you!

Again, in this scripture Paul encourages his shipmates to keep up their courage, even though the ship is going down. 

Life isn't always rainbows and sunshine, neither is it always doom and gloom. Life provides both sides of the spectrum, but it's our job to keep up our courage. We must learn to separate our courage from our conditions. 

Today I urge you to take a look at your conditions and be of good courage. I also encourage you to place your Faith in God and not in your ship. 

God Bless,

Coach P

P.S. In Acts 28, God uses Paul's circumstance to help people and they in turn help him. We never know how God will use our circumstance to help someone else or to help ourselves. 

Photo Courtesy of Mae Rain Photo

The Girl Who Will

The Girl Who Can Will

You young lady are a shining star. When you walk into a room, it is filled with light. Your mere presence is like the dawning of day as it ends the night.

God has given you personality and heart the size of Texas. You possess a true compassion to help others, while seeking nothing in return.  This is a valuable gift from God that will allow you to make a positive impact upon all those you meet in this life.

You love to read, sing, and compete in sports. You’re smart as a whip and tough as nails, both traits handed down from your mother and father. Superior genetics passed on to their daughter!

Your goals are vast and you have dreams a plenty. The zest you possesses for life is contagious for all that have the privilege of crossing your path. These unique characteristics make you beautifully you, one of God’s greatest creations under His skies so blue.

I want you to know that you can be anything in this life you desire to be. You can be a pediatrician who heals, a teacher who helps, or maybe an author who writes her own books. Your mind is the limit so let it run free, you can be anything in this life you desire to be.

You young lady are the girl who can, no I take that back… You young lady are the girl who will!

May God Bless You and make His face to shine upon you all the days of your life.

God Bless,

Coach P

P.S. This is dedicated to Mya Thompson, my daughters Kate and Ally, and all the beautiful young ladies out there that will one day change the world!

Mya, the majority of these words are inspired by a text I received from your father Joel (my brother and best friend).