you are what you think you are…

Max Lucado’s writing has touched my life for many many years and seems to show up when I need it the most. The following was sent to me by a dear friend yesterday – and even though I know I’ve read it before, it could not have arrived on my ‘doorstep’ at a more appropriate time. Thank you Joey (and Max)…

“Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It’s OK to stumble… . I will get up. It’s OK to fail… . I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Today I will make a difference.“

1985 – Max Lucado

great sports quotes…

• “I’m  working as hard as I can to get my life and my cash to run out at the same  time. If I can just die after lunch Tuesday, everything will be  perfect.” ~~Doug Sanders, professional golfer
• “All the fat guys watch me and say to their wives ‘See, there’s a fat guy doing okay. Bring me another beer.'” ~~Mickey Lolich, Detroit Tigers Pitcher
• “Last year we couldn’t win at home and we were losing on the road. My failure as a coach was that I couldn’t think of anyplace else to play.” ~~Harry Neale, professional hockey coach
• “When it’s third and ten, you can take the milk drinkers; I’ll take the whiskey drinkers every time.” ~~Max McGee, Green Bay  Packers receiver
• “I found out that it’s not good to talk about my troubles. Eighty percent of the people who hear them don’t care and the other twenty percent are glad you’re having  trouble.” ~~Tommy LaSorda, LA Dodgers manager
• “My knees look like they lost a knife fight with a midget.” ~~E. J. Holub, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker regarding his 12 knee operations
• “My theory is that if you buy an ice-cream cone and make it hit your mouth, you can learn to play. If you stick it on your forehead, your chances aren’t as  good.” ~~Vic Braden, tennis instructor
• “Blind people come to the ballpark just to listen to him pitch.” ~~Reggie Jackson commenting on Tom Seaver
• “When they operated, I  told them to put in a Koufax fastball. They did – but it was Mrs. Koufax’s.” ~~Tommy John N.Y. Yankees recalling his 1974 arm surgery
• “I don’t know. I only played there for nine years.” ~~Walt Garrison, Dallas Cowboys fullback when asked if Tom Landry ever smiles
• “We  were tipping off our plays. Whenever we broke from the huddle, three backs were laughing and one was pale as a ghost.” ~~John Breen, Houston Oilers
• “The film looks suspiciously like the game itself.” ~~Bum Phillips, New Orleans Saints after viewing a lop-sided loss to the Atlanta Falcons
• “When I’m on the road, my greatest ambition is to get a standing boo.” ~~Al Hrabosky, major league relief pitcher
• “The only difference between me and General Custer is that I have to watch the films on Sunday.” ~~Rick Venturi,  Northwestern football coach
• “I have discovered, in twenty years of moving around the ball park, that the knowledge of the game is usually in inverse proportion to the price of the seats.” ~~Bill Veeck, Chicago White Sox owner
• “Because if it didn’t work out, I didn’t want to blow the whole day.” ~~Paul Horning, Green Bay Packers running back on why his marriage ceremony was before noon.
• “I have a lifetime contract. That means I can’t be fired during the third quarter if we’re ahead  and moving the ball.” ~~Lou Holtz, Arkansas football coach
• “I won’t know until my barber tells me on Monday.” ~~Knute Rockne, when asked why Notre Dame had lost a game
• “I tell him ‘Attaway to hit, George.’” ~~Jim Frey, K.C. Royals manager when asked what advice he gives George Brett on hitting
• “I learned a long time ago that “minor surgery” is when they do the operation on someone else, not  you.” ~~Bill Walton, Portland  Trial Blazers
• “Our biggest concern this season will be diaper rash.” ~~George MacIntyre, Vanderbilt football coach surveying the team roster that included 26 freshmen and 25 sophomores