Love and Leadership, by Chris Boleman

It’s easy to get caught up in all kinds of things,
So listen closely to what this message brings.

And leadership experts have all kinds of theories,
But in the end, I can state this very clearly.

Leading from the heart is what it’s all about,
That’s for sure, I have absolutely no doubt.

Leadership is love, relationships, and caring,
That’s the story I am interested in sharing.

So read all the books and learn all you can,
Acknowledge the experts and give them a hand.

And all their details will make you stronger,
To help you be a great leader so much longer.

But never forget the power of leadership love,
Trust me, it will take you far, far, far above!

This Cowboy’s Perfect Christmas, by Chris Boleman

He was up well before the alarm, just like any other day,

Sippin’ coffee and readin’ his Bible seeing what it had to say.

This cold morning’s routine is simply more of the same,

Even on Christmas day, feeding livestock was today’s game.

So off he and Ol’ Blue went to handle the day’s chores,

He’d have to break ice, and that would take him at least ‘til four.

And as he drove around making sure everything was fed,

The thought of a joyous Christmas went through his head.

He reflected on all the folks celebrating together as one,

Comfortable knowing he preferred this life to that kind of fun.

So he just smiled to himself because he really was content,

Managing this historic ranch; well, he had nothing to resent.

Because he just loved being on this ranch and being outdoors,

These are the moments he knew that any other work was a bore.

And as he leaned over the fence watching the day turn to night,

He just hoped others understood why to him, this just felt right,

Of course, the day’s chores all took longer than he thought,

But that didn’t stop him from grilling that ribeye he’d bought.

When it was ready, he sat down at the kitchen table with Ol’ Blue,

After all, it was bitterly cold out there, so he got to stay inside too.

Back to his Bible he went petting Ol’ Blue as both watched it snow,

Another year, another calf crop, another Christmas was about to go.

To this old cowboy, this was another perfect ranch day and night,

And he is so thankful Jesus Christ pulled him from dark to light.

Then, he looked to his left and there walked in his lord and savior,

Saying, “Sir, you’re now in heaven and this is your ranch forever.”

Underdogs are loved and revered by just about everyone,
Something about rooting for them is just so much fun.

Is it because we get tired of seeing the same team win?
Because that is what seems to happen again and again.

Or is it more than that? Is there something different there?
Is it about a unique, overachieving team that makes us care?

There is just something cool about a team reaching new heights,
They’ve got that extra toughness, competitiveness, vigor,and fight.

You know the teams, where no one saw their success coming,
But they get on a streak, as all the naysayers come running.

Then they tell you why they are winning (like they have known),
When really it is the team and their confidence are what’s grown.

Because with underdog teams, success begins to breed success,
And the constant motivation keeps them at their very, verybest.

We love them because we’ve seen them down and counted out,
As fans we gave up on them, thank GOD they didn’t just pout.

We see them rise up again because of determination and resiliency,
That’s why when they win, we talk about how they have made history.

So that is why we love the underdog, or at least that’s what I think,
They help us realize there’s hope when our current situation stinks.

Look on the Bright Side, by Chris Boleman

Just look at the brightness of that daylight sky,
Don’t worry about what is next or even why.

Just appreciate the beauty of the majestic rainbow,
Embrace the moment; forget about tomorrow.

Appraise the flowers; the colors it brings to the eye,
Enjoy it for what it is; it will quickly pass you by.

Soak in the atmosphere and nature’s sounds,
A quiet, crisp, peaceful sunrise; birds all around.

The angelic morning kiss from a loving spouse,
Before the daily noises emerge from this house.

Each moment in time has two uniquely different sides,
Promise me you’ll choose the bright one; enjoy the ride.

Is It?

By Chris Boleman

I often hear people say, “it is what it is.”
But I sure hope it’s so much more than this.

In my opinion, it’s really what we make of it,
Taking advantages of life or do we just sit?

I think too many people really do just sit,
They would rather complain or throw a fit.

The best folks attack problems as best they can,
Learning and doing in an effort to be a better man.

Others sit on the sidelines watching it ALL go by,
Making snide remarks about the hard working guy.

Then they want to ask why failure seems to finds them,
Asking why not that person over there or her or him?

I really wonder why they have not figured this out,
While others pick themselves up, they sit and pout.

For them, “it is what it is” is simply a perfect fit,
For others, hard work, dedication, and some whit.

But they don’t see it because they criticize others,
Is there any reason to discuss these folks any further?

by Chris Boleman

You’ve been waiting your whole life to get out of this place,
All buckled up, off you go, jumping in the real world’s race.

You just graduated and the whole world is in front of you,
This is a fresh start, out with the old, replaced by the new.

With that cap and gown casually tossed in the back seat,
Hopefully you’ve learned from your mistakes, no repeats.

You put that old car in drive and the next chapter begins,
Looking through that windshield for your life’s next wins.

Aww, isn’t that view through the windshield so very bright?
It sure is a big ol’ world out there, no apparent end in sight.

Its that time to dream, set goals, and dare to visualize,
But listen for a minute and take this old-timer’s advice.

Notice mirrors to the left, in the center, and to your right,
No matter how far you go, those mirrors are never out of sight.

They remind you who you are and how you got to right here,
They are there to offer courage when you have doubt or fear.

Or maybe they are there just to keep your ego in check,
They can get you back on point when your life is a wreck.

They represent your foundation, your ethics, and your values.
And even those very special people that clearly impacted you.

They are a reminder of your family, church, school, and town,
They could be just what you need when you are feeling down.

Glance through the mirrors so you see the folks there with you,
Those are the folks that help your push forward or pull back too.

Now, you do need to look through the windshield and dream,
Just remember those mirrors are there to remind you of the team.

Such as life as this ol world goes round and round and off you go,
Those three mirrors are there no matter if you move fast or slow.

You see, they serve as your life’s check-point to help you steer,
And never forget, “all those objects are closer than they appear.”

The Greatness of Moms, by Chris Boleman

Ever wonder why they are great?
We all have one, so we can relate.

They are there after a bad date,
Calm us down when we are irate.

Cook our favorite dinner plate,
Embrace our own soul mate.

They see passed our bad traits,
And are so patient, willing to wait.

This is purposeful, its sure not fate,
Just a couple of reasons moms are GREAT.

Monday is a GO, by Chris Boleman

MONDAY is here so be ready to go,
Attack the day like the very best pro.

You must decide to tackle it head on,
From the start; even well before dawn.

Brew the coffee and make it stout,
Feel free to let that alarm clock shout.

Whatever you do, don’t hit that snooze,
That’s the first step of defeat, you lose.

Get to work with a smile on your face,
Log into your email and lead the chase.

While they discuss their weekend’s play,
And some tell how they dreaded this day,

But you’re ahead, off to a start that’s great,
This is how YOU determine your own fate.

If this doesn’t work, there’s one thing to say,
Remember, FRIDAY is only four days away.
 

HAPPY EASTER!

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The Finish Line, by Chris Boleman

Well, I guess this really is my life’s finish line,
Its kinda weird; seems like it got here in no time.

The doctor clearly said I didn’t have very long,
He’s the expert so he was right and I was wrong.

I was very fragile, weak, and so deathly sick,
Now I’m here and don’t need my walking stick.

These bright colors are like no other I have seen,
Compared to the hospital, those colors were mean.

But these colors are simply impossible to describe,
They offer indescribable comfort and a peaceful vibe.

And all these people; they act like they know me.
They line both sides of the path as far as I can see.

They look familiar, but younger and so at peace,
Their genuine smiles are welcoming to say the least.

They’re waving me on in unison; kinda like a cheer,
For the first time I feel no worries, stresses or fears.

I just can’t get over how great I feel as I continue on,
It sure feels like heaven; I just hope I am not wrong.

I am now at this path’s end with these folks now behind me,
I look up and see a face as I feel a most comforting breeze.

A question comes from above asking if I believe in him,
A look back making sure he is talking to me and not them.

Their full love and encouragement are perfectly clear,
I fall to my knees shouting YES as I wipe away tears.

I am then embraced and I realize he really is forgiving,
I now know this isn’t the finish line; it’s just the beginning.