A real leader is not by title or position or name or prestige. I believe the first requirement of a great leader is that he or she must be a problem solver. What good does it do to call yourself a leader if no one is following?

An example from my teaching days was the “lipstick story.”  The GIRLS restroom at the end of the Freshman Hall was a point of frustration. Every day after lunch, the mirror was full of lipstick prints in every color under the sun made by ninth grade girls. Each of the teachers suspected who it was but we could never catch them and prove it. We took it all the way to the principal and superintendent because visitors to the school also used that restroom. So the issue was pondered all the way from the top down and NO ONE could stop the mirror kissing! But there was one “leader” they hadn’t consulted – the custodian!

He said, “Bring in those little girls you suspect and I will promise you they will never kiss that mirror again.” When the girls were gathered in the restroom with the teachers, Custodian Fred began his demonstration. “Now you girls watch what poor old Fred has to do to clean these mirrors, and I believe you will never mark them up again!” With rolling eyes and yawns the girls watched on. “Now see this squeegee old Fred has to use. Every day I have to dip it in the toilet and then wash down those mirrors. Then I have to dip it again in the toilet and wash them down again.” Problem solved.  All we knew was that Fred was the best leader and problem solver that day. The mirrors were never kissed again.

As a radio and TV talk show host for ten years, I have had the honor of interviewing and meeting everyone from rock stars to movie stars, authors and business leaders, from prisoners on death row, to the President of the United States. I have found a common thread that I propose to you is a necessity for one to be a great leader: THEY HAVE ALL HAD STUMBLING BLOCKS IN THEIR PAST – JUST AS YOU AND I HAVE HAD, BUT THEY HAVE LEARNED TO USE THEM! I didn’t say they overcame them; I didn’t say they got rid of them; and I didn’t say they just  put them  behind. Successful people have learned to USE them. WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN HURT THE MOST IS WHERE YOU WILL BE USED TO HELP OTHERS THE MOST. Even the book of Genesis tells us “What the enemy meant for harm, God intends for good!”

I have come to believe that the greatest of leaders have become great leaders – not in spite of their past stumbling blocks, but BECAUSE of them! They have learned to not waste the pain! They have a code of ethics or book of rules they have learned to follow. What is your “book” so to speak? We know the all time best seller is the Bible. Moses was given the 10 commandments to use in his leadership of the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. But as he came down the mountain and saw them worshipping a golden calf they had made, in anger he threw down the stone tablets and they broke! Then God had to give them to him all over again! They spent the next 40 years wandering around the wilderness when it should have been a two-week journey to the Promised Land. How many of us have wasted year after year because we didn’t follow our own rules? Once they are established, we can choose to ignore “the rules” or break them… but we may not be able to enter the Promised Land either! I want to live in the Promised Land, today! Life is too short not live it to the fullest.

As I came to the next point in my speech, I then redirected them back to the image of the stumbling block. The best leaders remember as many of their own stumbling blocks as possible and build on how they have overcome them in the past. Every time you have climbed the mountain, you must come back to the valley and lead someone else upward. Every time you do this, you get to visit the mountaintop again. But you can’t stay there – that’s what makes a great leader great!

So travel with me back down the mountain to the valley of your past stumbling blocks. Some of you may have been pretty good kids, from good families, following the rules. You may not have as many stumbling blocks in your past as some of us. When I finally began to face my past, it wasn’t really by choice, but desperation. And so I have found it to be so with others heading upward.

As a chubby child, I reached 250 pounds by the time I graduated from high school. I now have lost 100 pounds and help others with weight loss – stumbling block to stepping stone. As a troubled teen I overcame drinking, drugs and running away. I became Teacher of the Year and helped build an Alternative School for wayward teens – stumbling block to stepping stone.  T.S. Eliot said, “The hardest of all virtues to attain is humility; nothing dies harder than the desire to think of oneself.”

The older and wiser I grow, the more I realize it truly is better to give than receive. Helping others grow and achieve, and turn their stumbling blocks to stepping-stones is life’s greatest reward. And to whom much is given, much is required. I have been given so much by others through the years, if I have anything to do with it, I will keep giving until the day I give out. Either way I am blessed.

Dr. Debra Peppers, a professional speaker for 25 years, was one of only five inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame upon her retirement from Lindbergh High School. A member of the National Speakers Association, she has traveled to all 50 states and 60 countries teaching others that if she can go from being a 250-pound high school dropout, to Teacher of the Year there is hope for every child and adult. For info, visit www.pepperseed.org

I realize there is a slight history for her concern. I remember I called her from California when I was in the big 6.8 Northridge Earthquake when 50 people were killed. Also, we called during the 200 mile per hour winds of Hurricane Camille Category 5, when we were on the Gulf Coast that summer. We also let my parents know, though be it after the fact,  when leaving for Australia, I was bitten by a brown recluse. In addition, we were in a typhoon in China, robbed in Jerusalem, slept with jackals outside our tent in the Kalahari Desert in Africa, and in a near plane crash in Hong Kong. But I also know events happen right here at home. None of my 15 car wrecks were out of the country. As a matter of fact, three of them were in my own garage. We were in Tennessee when our fishing boat was grounded on a rock during a lightning storm, and both the huge floods of 1993 and 2007 were right in our own back yard – literally!
Yes, I have given my parents reason to be concerned at times throughout my life. But now that they are in their late 80′s the last thing I want them to do is worry about me! But usually, it is the first thing they do. I thought that surely, as many cruises as my family has been on through the years, Mom would never worry about the upcoming cruise my husband and I were about to take for our 40th anniversary. After all, we took my parents to Greece on their 50th, and to Ireland on their 60th, and to Panama through the Canal for their 65th. We are already planning their 70th in 3 years! So surely a cruise from Barcelona, to other ports in Spain and Italy, and then to the Canary Islands and Morocco wouldn’t concern them. OK, we didn’t exactly tell them we were going to Morocco, just Casablanca.

Then came the frantic telephone call from my mother. “Did you see on the news that ships in Spain are all sinking?” I calmly replied, “Just one, Mom.” She of course screeched, “But it could have been yours if you hadn’t moved the date back two weeks!” Through gritted teeth I reminded her, “But we did Mom!” So now, as they are heading to Florida next week,  I certainly have more reason to worry about them and simple things like falling, getting lost, being homesick, or having a medical emergency. After all, St. Luke’s Hospital has been their second home this past year. But I vowed to them not to worry if they wouldn’t worry about us.  I had invited them to accompany us but Mom said that Daddy couldn’t fly for 16 hours.

So watching the news and the sinking ship again, it reminded me of a famous quote regarding the Titanic. There was an article in the newspaper back then before it made its ill-fated maiden launch saying, “Even God couldn’t sink this one!” As a believer, I know these are called “Acts of God” but I do not believe that God  actually causes such tragedies. Scripture tells us “It rains on the just and the unjust alike.” Tragedies do happen; and I do know He can use such occasions to admonish and perhaps even chastise us at times.

But my parents know that as a professional speaker, I have traveled with my husband all over the world motivating and inspiring various groups. She was so excited when I told her I would be speaking to a professional women’s association in Rome – that is, until she saw the Italian ship sinking. I just thank God it wasn’t during the time we were originally scheduled to be there or she probably would have been on the first flight over to look for me!

By sharing tragedies and near tragedies of my own life, I hope in speaking to help others put things into perspective. By telling of my early life story of “Troubled Teen to Teacher of the Year” and “Hall of Shame to Hall of Fame” I remind others that in all situations there is hope that some good may come out of tragedy. My topic this Saturday is “Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones.”

As a 30 year educator I have seen children, teachers and whole families live through the unthinkable. For instance, speaking in a school near Joplin last fall, the school was late opening because of the huge tornado that had blown buildings completely apart. But the people I met were stronger, more appreciative of what they had, and certainly more generous with others. What is there about the human spirit that we become so complacent and nonchalant during times of prosperity that it sometimes takes trials and tribulations to bring out the best in us?

Many of you may be facing stumbling blocks in your own life; some may have more of a Mt. Everest to climb. In my own family when we are facing illnesses,  financial difficulties or even the loss of a loved one, it has invariably pulled us more together as we lean on one another for comfort and strength.  On the other hand, there are times when we all may feel as if it is just easier to give up than to try to go back and re-build.  I know that when I was a troubled teenager, my parents would lie awake all night wondering where I was; they always dreaded that phone call that might come in the middle of the night. I certainly don’t want them to worry now that I am an adult; but I suppose that’s just what moms and dads do, no matter what their age.

You may be facing fears and worries, physical challenges or health issues over which you have no control. My message of encouragement to you is the same as I still use daily: begin each day on a positive note. Thank God for the new day, for the season, for loved ones and anything else that is good in your life. Release all the unforgiveness, hurt, anger, and any problems over which you have no control. Remember the serenity prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Find someone to help each day, and then end your day on a positive note by a hug or call to a loved one, a note to a friend, and a prayer of thanksgiving.

From one who once hated her life, to one who became the most positive and joyful person you could imagine, take it from me, anyone can change  – if they want. And they must be willing to seek help if necessary. In the midst of  storms, earhtquakes, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes, there is something sweet about overcoming. And besides, just think of all the stories we’ll have to tell! So every day, turn those stumbling blocks to stepping stones. I am sure when we return from our cruise we will have faced plenty of both. And once again, I am so excited to make new friends from every country we visit, especially where I will be speaking to professional women in Rome. Speaking of stumbling blocks, I do hope they speak English! Ciao!

Dr. Debra Peppers, a professional speaker for 25 years, was one of only five inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame upon her retirement from Lindbergh High School. A member of the National Speakers Association, she has traveled to all 50 states and 60 countries teaching others that if she can go from being a 250-pound high school dropout, to Teacher of the Year there is hope for every child and adult. For info, visit www.pepperseed.org

For a couple of years now, my husband Bud has been wanting desperately to return to his roots – the South. Every day or so I hear about his yearning to be fishing, swimming and sitting outside where it never snows. Now we have indeed had a few bad winters here in our 40 years of marriage. I will admit to that. But one that I especially recall was the winter of 1977. I specifically remember because my husband is from Mobile, Ala., right on the Gulf Coast, where we lived our first year of marriage. Even so, I still called Missouri “home.”

So when Bud was offered a position as a chemist in St. Louis, and I was hired by Lindbergh School District in 1974, we were both excited to move to beautiful South County. Having lived that past year on Alligator Bayou in his parents’ summer house near Dauphin Island, we could watch the shrimp boats (and alligators) in our own backyard.

Naturally, I thought the ice and snow of our first winter back in St. Louis would be culture shock for him. But Bud loved it. Notice I said loved in the past tense. We sledded, slid, shoveled and skated through the first few snowy winters, coming in occasionally for the proverbial hot chocolate by the fireplace. We were in our early twenties and couldn’t understand why everyone didn’t want to play out in the snow.

Then came 1977. From Jan. 15-19 that year, we had five straight days below zero degrees. The snow had become crusted and dirty, schools were closed, cabin fever set in and tempers flared. By spring though, much was forgotten and life was again good. We chaperoned the senior trip to the Bahamas that year and kept up with the 200 Lindbergh “kids” barely younger than we were.

That was 35 years ago. Through the following winters, Bud’s blood has gotten thinner and he spends as little time as possible outdoors in the cold. Even through the years of our 50s, I continue to love the snow and cold, even looking forward to a white Christmas.

However, after this week of springtime in January, more than ever, Bud is dreaming of the Gulf. Daily he talks of retiring to a house on the ocean or a lake where he can step out the back door and fish, just as he did the first year we were married. I told him that it’s all in his mind and that this week’s weather is a reminder that once again spring will be busting out all over St. Louis; so he should just enjoy this mild season while we are still experiencing it!

As we sat out on our deck, I pictorily detailed the beautiful two acres behind our house in South County, where we have a front row view of the deer, owls, wild turkey and redbirds, which I reminded him are even more beautiful when contrasted against sparkling white coated trees. He then drags out a southeren fishing catalogue to pictorily detail for me the sand and greenery, with watery blue pictures of large-mouth bass saying, “Move to the Lakes of Florida – just minutes from the ocean.”

We have friends who recently sold everything, packed up and moved south. However, we have other friends excited to retire to the slopes of Colorado. If joy and contentment is really a state of mind, then we should be able to live anywhere and love it. Yet, I remember the 100 humid degrees of Alabama in July, while Bud remembers fishing on the bayou. I think of the sledding parties on Art Hill, bonfires and ice skating under the crystallized branches in Forest Park. Old man Peppers never wants to see snow and ice again. So what do we do? Live in two different locations after 40 years, or live in the state of confusion?

Being the eternal optimist I have learned whatever state I am in to be content. I will probably eventually go along with the move to the South, at least for a few months in the winter. All I can say is that this week when I was skipping and playing in the front yard with our dog, I would have been doing the same had it been in the snow! Bud reminded me this time last year he was sitting inside by the fire looking for property in Florida. And if we hadn’t had this “fluke of a week of springtime weather” he’d probably be doing the same.

So I continue to listen to his rants and raves and in all probability will indeed start heading south with the other geese and snowbirds one of these days. But when both the heat and humidity soar above 90 degrees down south, I might be sitting there with him, but you can bet one thing for sure, I won’t like it. So I will be pulling out the winter sports magazines, and instead of dreaming of a white Christmas, I will remind Bud that during a momentary state of confusion, he promised I too could return to my roots in the beautiful state of Missouri, where we once had summer in January!

Dr. Debra Peppers, a professional speaker for 25 years, is one of only five inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame, which followed her retirement from Lindbergh High School. A member of the National Speakers Association, she has traveled to all 50 states and 60 countries teaching others that if she can go from being a 250-pound high school dropout, to Teacher of the Year there is hope for every child and adult. Her web site is www.pepperseed.org.

My Pastor, Dr. Bryan Cutshall, decided to investigate some of these, just to see if there was really any historical or religious significance to some of this.

Could there possibly be any truth to the red-suited fat guy we call Santa Clause? He found that actually, there is! Saint Nicholas of Myra was a fourth century bishop who traveled throughout Asia Minor giving gifts to orphans and widows. He was known as the “bishop of charity.” He wore the standard bishop’s robe of his day. It was red, representing the blood of Christ, and trimmed in white fur because it was a wintery climate. The white of the old bishop’s robe represented the purity of Christ. As was customary for bishops in his day, his transportation was a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

Does any of this sound familiar? Saint Nicholas was indeed a real man who spent his life helping the poor, especially orphan children. One interesting true story to his credit is the story of a farmer who couldn’t pay his debts. The farmer was scheduled to sell his three daugh­ters as slaves to pay his creditors. Each evening in a fourth-century wintery climate, the people of the house would take off their socks and hang them by the fire to dry. Saint Nicholas walked behind the house that was dug into the ground and dropped a gold nugget down the chimney. He hoped the farmer would find the gold nugget and pay off his debt. Instead, the nugget bounced into one of the stockings hung by the fire to dry. The next morning, when putting on her stockings, one of his daughters discovered a miracle in her sock. News of this spread quickly and many checked their stockings each morning to see if good fortune had found them. Hanging stockings by the chimney to dry—a once dreaded chore—became exciting because now there was a new hope.

I have often wondered myself why we have Christmas trees? I used to just think, “I guess it’s tradition.” But my Pastor asked us to consider the origin of the words to an old German song,”0 Tannenbaum, 0 Tannenbaum, how lovely are your branches.” The church began to use various types of symbols to celebrate the Christ-mass. In A.D. 680, Saint Boniface, a German bishop, was walking through a field in the dead of winter. He noticed that the trees, grass, and other plant life were leafless and lifeless. Suddenly he saw an evergreen tree. It was the only tree in the field that looked alive. He also noticed that the tree formed an arrow pointing upward. This prompted him to fall on his knees and worship. Since it was impossible to bring everyone to the field, he decided to bring the tree to them. He took this magnificent symbol of life back to the church to illustrate how God brings life in the midst of winter. His sermon was the talk of the town, and his object lesson would soon change history. For months they talked about the ingenious “tree” sermon.

Having taken six years of French back in my school days, I remember a little of my parallel Latin and Italian roots. But I didn’t know why we call our Christmas songs “carols.” My Pastor found that the “carolare” was performed during celebrations and festivals, especially during the Christmas season. Italian shepherds would come from the hillsides into the towns and dance the carolare at Christmas to spread joy from house to house. It was a favorite holiday event for most of Italy. As time went on, people began to write lyrics to the music describing the dances. These verses became the first Christmas carols. The streets were filled with music, dance, and festivity about the Christ child who was born in a manger to redeem mankind.

So whether you are Christian, Jewish or none of the above, at least historically there are some answers to the traditions of Christmas. For me, it is a Holy Day and that is why I choose to still say, “Merry Christmas.”

Dr. Debra Peppers, a professional speaker for 25 years, is one of only five inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame upon her retirement from Lindbergh High School. A member of the National Speakers Association, she has traveled to all 50 states and 60 countries teaching others that if she can go from being a 250-pound high school dropout, to Teacher of the Year there is hope for every child and adult. Her web site is www.pepperseed.org

Oh how I wish I could have known when I was young, all that I do now. The insight, wisdom and discernment I now have about people, family, our planet and my own existence has finally been put into perspective. The first line of Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life says it all: “It isn’t about you.” My life had always been about me! I would pout if I didn’t get what I wanted, when I wanted it. I would cry if I didn’t get my way. I had no sense of delay gratification and I was true to the image of growing up in the “Self-Centered Sixties.” If it felt good, do it. My motto was the same as Solomon’s, “Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.”

Interestingly when I picked up a copy of the Bible one Christmas, I found Solomon was the richest and wisest man on earth. That certainly wasn’t me. I was in my twenties, broke, hated the world, hated Thanksgiving and Christmas except for all the eating and drinking. Who would it hurt if I ate and drank myself to death? And believe me, I was close to doing just that! But Solomon had one thing he finally found in life as a great revelation: vanity, vanity, vanity, all is vanity. There is nothing new under the sun. How depressing! Intigued as to why he would later be deemed the wisest man of all time, I searched further. It seems when he had built all the gold temples he wanted, married all the women he could handle and ate, drank and was merry, just as was my motto…he still hadn’t found fulfillment, true joy and peace. He had verything, and yet was miserable, until he turned to God and asked for only one gift – wisdom.

It was at this time of the year 2000 years ago that wise men followed a star – the star of Bethlehem. In a remote little village in Israel, the history of the world was about to forever change. It was thirty something years ago that I too followed that star that led to the one thing missing in my life – the only thing that could bring true peace, joy and fulfillment. Christ became more than a swear word to me that year. I had nothing to lose so I gave Him a try.

I didn’t see a burning bush or hear thunder and a loud voice. But as dry old scales seemed to slowly fall off of my eyes, it was as if I could truly see for the first time. I too had asked for wisdom. And I began to read the love letters of old that were contained in the world’s best seller – the Bible. I read the Christmas story and I began to see what I had been missing. The unconditional love of parents and grandparents was as close as I had known to real love. But even they couldn’t fill that empty place inside of me. Even they couldn’t help rid me of insecurity, hatred, anger, jealousy, pride and envy. But with God’s love, I slowly began to change.

Most people noticed the exterior change first - the 100 pound weight loss, the smile, the new cleaned up language and habits that subconciously came about. I was a new creation – a new person! And it was no longer about me. No one was more shocked than I was. This former high school drop out became a teacher! And for the first time I experienced real love. God gave me a wonderful husband – the love of my life, and I truly learned to love others – family, friends, students, even strangers ,  just as I was loved, unconditionally.

This season is about just that – love. Everything else follows, but if you have not love…you have nothing.  First Corinthians 13 says it all:

“Although I speak with tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to be sacrificed but have not love, I gain nothing.

“Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude. It is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes; love never fails. Although the prophecies and tongues, they will cease; man’s greatest knowledge too, it will pass away. For we only know in part until the Perfect comes. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became grown, I put childish ways behind me. For we only see as through a glass dimly, but one day we shall see Him face to face. Then shall we know Him even as we are known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these,  and to all of us . . . is love.

By the way, this is indeed now the most wonderful time of the year – my favorite!

Debra Peppers, a professional speaker for 25 years, is one of only five inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame upon her retirement from Lindbergh High School. A member of the National Speakers Association, she has traveled to all 50 states and 60 countries teaching others that if she can go from being a 250-pound high school dropout, to Teacher of the Year there is hope for every child and adult. Her web site is www.pepperseed.org

Last week one of my best friends from high school died unexpectedly.  Her daughter came home and found her. Many of us have all been in a state of shock in one way, but in another way no one was really surprised. As teen-agers Jan and I had run away together, got kicked out of school together, partied together, attempted suicide together, and because of the love and desperation of our parents, went to psychiatrists  separately. Neither of us grew or changed from that experience.

I went on to college to party; Jan got pregnant. We both hit our independent lows but at least kept moving on. For me, faith became the big change agent in my life. I tried to tell Jan how much of a change I had gone through and how I had truly found happiness for the first time in my poor miserable existence. But she didn’t want to hear about it and said it wouldn’t last. Twenty years later she accused me of trying to preach to her. I am sorry now that I backed off because I saw her deteriorate through the years and knew there was nothing I could do about it.

Later, she went on to college and became a nurse; I got married and became a teacher. Although we parted paths through the years, we saw each other at occasional hometown and school reunions.  Every time I would ask her how she was doing, she would fake a smile and say, “Still miserable. But don’t preach.” So I didn’t. Tomorrow my brother Duke will preach her funeral, and her daughter who looks and talks just like Jan did, will cry along with everyone else for a life so discontent.

When you think about the fact that we as Americans are in the top 5% of the world financially, why is it that we are so ungrateful? Most of us have everything we need, whether we have everything we want or not. Having traveled in over 60 foreign countries, many of them third world countries, I am shocked at how I sometimes meet some of the happiest people in the slums of such countries. What makes the difference? I truly believe it is because of what I love to call an attitude of gratitude. I was one second away from death when I felt like somebody hit me over the head and the scales dropped from my eyes. I was so grateful I didn’t go through with it, suddenly grateful for my family and friends and found myself thanking God for the first time in many years!

Jan came from a wonderful family. Her father was a Doctor and her mother was nurse. She and all of her siblings were college graduates. She had married, moved to Texas, and her daughter was the love of her life. She was smart, funny, kind, and would give anyone literally the shirt off of her back. She chose nursing as a career to help others. But Jan couldn’t help herself. She never got past her inner hurts and wounds, her insecurities and her state of discontent. She was grateful for certain things, but not grateful for the gift of life. She didn’t live in an attitude of gratitude. There is a saying that “whatever a person believes determines what he does.” Jan was the first to admit she had tried everything in this world to be happy, but had never developed an attitude of gratitude.

We are all guilty of blaming others; many times with due reason. We have also all been guilty for hurting others, often without due reason. But life is too short and way too fragile to not live every day in forgiveness and gratitude, in a state of wonder,and  in a spirit of reverential awe.

Yes, we celebrate Thanksgiving once a year with family and a big fat turkey in honor of our forefathers, our country and our many blessings. But if we live with an attitude of gratitude we can celebrate 365 days a year, until that last dying breath, which will also be one last breath of thanksgiving,  as we step into an even more glorious place where we truly experience thanks-living!

Debra Peppers, a professional speaker for 25 years, was one of only five inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame upon her retirement from Lindbergh High School. A member of the National Speakers Association, she has traveled to all 50 states and 60 countries teaching others that if she can go from being a 250-pound high school dropout, to Teacher of the Year there is hope for every child and adult. For info, visit www.pepperseed.org

Today, that mother of Pam sat with her husband in front of us at church. The reason is because they were attending the “dedication” of Pam and her husband Ken’s two little girls, Sarah and Molly. After the beautiful service, we went to their house for brunch and celebration. Yes, we reminisced about those trying teen years, when we didn’t know if Pam was going to make it! Not only has she made it, she is a teacher now helping other young people just as I had the opportunity to do. What a blessing and fulfilling affirmation to see the result of a mother’s tears and prayers and faith that  Pam would make it – just as my mother had done for me. Every time I speak at an event and my 88 year-old parents are with me, everyone wants to talk to them to see how they made it all those years! Pam’s mother and father still say it was worth it all when they have two of the most beautiful little granddaughters.

If you are like I am, you may have made a declaration “to change” a certain aspect of your life a thousand times before, and when you are truly dedicated, you usually succeed. I love the word itself as Mr. Webster defines it: “devoted to a cause, ideal or purpose; to set aside for sacred use.” He gives a synonym of zealous. When I think of all the things in my past I have thought I was dedicated to, I think it was more of a wish list. Whether it was the decision to lose weight, look for a new job, get more sleep, exercise, spend more time with family, or numerous other things, we only do what is really important enough to us to make a change. Pam and Ken and the girls have been coming to church with us for a year now, and today’s dedication was really important to them – and to all of us! But I believe sincerely that no matter how much you wish and dream and think about changing, you have to be truly ready to dedicate your time, emotions, money and even yourself toward that very thing.

If you are at a place in your life where you seem to have no motivation or determination left, or if you have been falling on your face before God in desperation because you have no other options left, it doesn’t matter. If you decide something is really worth devoting yourself to doing, and if you are willing to be made willing, to receive help in actually putting action to your desires you have to believe it can be accomplished! That is faith – not just hopes and thoughts and dreams, but real substance with planning, implementing and letting others who have gone before you help and inspire you! Preparation is half the battle, but soon you still
need dedication, perseverance and faith.

In the story of David and Goliath, David was a child and Goliath was a huge giant of a man who had killed hundreds of other “giants.” Little David was not successful because he was a great warrior, experienced or even just determined. He was confident because he had already dedicated himself to God. David could envision what God wanted and listened constantly to that “still small voice”. He didn’t wear the battle gear of others though they urged him to do so, or even choose the same weapons. He was unique and individual in his approach, as it was given to him by the One to whom he was dedicated. His brothers and King Saul had tried to dissuade this
young shepherd boy from even facing Goliath. But we are told of his dedication and constant listening to God. When you know that you know that you know you are meant to do something and you are dedicated to seeing it fulfilled, it doesn’t matter what obstacles or challenges go before you.

We can’t keep doing the same old thing and expecting different results, but if you want what you’ve never had, you have to do what you’ve never done. Find somebody who is successful at what you hope or dream of, and accept their help as you dedicate yourself to the goal. Pam’s mom reached out to me twenty years ago because I had been such a troubled teenager myself. We had no idea Pam would also become a teacher and end up helping others. But we had faith, we set goals, we had plans and we were dedicated.

My husband and I often meet with our Pastor and his wife when we are at a crossroads for decision-making in our business or personal life. There is also nothing wrong with seeking advice and counsel from friends and professionals. But check their own lives and lifestyles and make sure they are successful, or it will just be the blind leading the blind! And they make take you over a bigger cliff.

Be sure to look for confirmation both in open as well as closed doors. I never want to settle for mediocre when I could have had the best! I have fallen for “fool’s gold” too many times, and I am ready for the real deal. I want to achieve and be the best I can be – and help others along the road. I told God a long time ago to take me out of my comfort zone and even out of what I thought was best for me
at the time. With Thanksgiving around the corner, I am so thankful I didn’t go on the path I wanted as a teenager; I am so glad I didn’t marry that first guy I thought I couldn’t live without; I am grateful I didn’t pursue the first job I could have had; and I thank God for a new chance and new beginning every day of my life. Dedication – what a great preface to Thanksgiving.

Debra Peppers, a professional speaker for 25 years, was one of only five inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame upon her retirement from Lindbergh High School. A member of the National Speakers Association, she has traveled to all 50 states and 60 countries teaching others that if she can go from being a 250-pound high school dropout, to Teacher of the Year there is hope for every child and adult. For info, visit www.pepperseed.org

Like wars, competition is always about winning. Isn’t it? It certainly was this past weekend here in St. Louis.  Of course it’s about winning. Then why does the old adage remain, “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” In the end, both are true. There are rules, there are umpires, you need to be a team player as well as outstanding
in your own field (pun intended.)

Certainly it is great to be on top, the leader, the one in the winner’s circle. But when odds are down and you have little or no chance of winning or succeeding, how do the real  winners stay motivated,
inspired, and challenged? How did the St. Louis Cardinals come back against all odds to win the World Series this year? We have
all known friends and family members who see the glass as half full or half empty. We, as well as others we know, tend to be more of an optimist or a pessimist. Many say that how we react during a crisis is the true measure of our character. The Chinese word for crisis explains: “The top part of the Chinese Ideogram for ‘Crisis’ is the symbol for ‘Danger’: The bottom symbol represents ‘Opportunity’.”  When you come up against a roadblock or find yourself in a crisis, which do you see – a danger or an opportunity?

When legendary Dallas Cowboys Roger Staubach was a boy, his first love was baseball. He said that nothing pleased him more than coming to bat with two players out and runners on second and third base: “I looked at it as an opportunity.”

Many of us also love personal challenges, accomplishments, and of course winning. But when you are flying solo, you have no one but yourself to congratulate or to blame when you succeed or fail. But what about when you are depending on so many other people who have also been part of your teams’ “losing record?”

For the Cardinals, winning the 2011 World Series was too implausible,
so improbable, and very unthinkable. With massive losses, injuries, and problems back in August and September, four elimination games in the postseason, and twice being down to their last strike the night before, the St. Louis Cardinals are the World Series champions. Was it luck, circumstances or just a fluke? Did they really see this crisis as an opportunity?

The journey began in the spring with a needed star pitcher’s elbow out of play, an unsuccessful contract negotiation, arguments among the fans, and dwindling attendance as the season progressed. But last
Friday night, with a downtown St. Louis celebration lasting into the wee hours, no one even remembered that  there had been such crises at every turn of the game. Instead, over 47,000 fans jammed into the stadium, with what seemed like thousands and thousands more outside the park — in Ballpark Village, in  the streets, and even atop the nearby parking garage. St. Louis was united in brotherhood: for in winning, we were all Number One! More than eight months of ups and downs certainly paid off, spilling out all over the city and the whole state in a constant sea of red camaraderie. Were we really part of “The Team – the winning factor?” General manager John Mozeliak said, “When you play in a city like this, where we have the greatest fans
in the world, they come out every day and they allowed us to do what we did this year, so I thank all of them and all our employees, because without them, we wouldn’t be standing here.”

What would it have been like though if we had not won? It
certainly wasn’t expected. We fans found it all as incredulous as the players did. Did we really support “our guys” when they were many games out? Why wasn’t the stadium overflowing back then?

It all comes back to winning. But this time, it wasn’t just about being far above the others – we weren’t. It wasn’t just about the supportive fans or the magnificent plays by Freese, Pujols and Berkman.  They all had “bad nights”, mistakes, errors, wrong calls, strike-outs. I believe what has kept my dad coming back and watching every Cardinal game for over eighty years, is NOT whether they win or lose but it IS how they play the game. We use words such as character, integrity, teamwork. We get to know the players and their families. We know who was a “hometown boy” and who has a charity and ministry. We also watch how all of them react after a loss – when they are not winning.

I believe that this is where we really excelled this year, beginning with the man at the top, Tony La Russa. This future Hall of Fame Manager, as well as “his men” gave credit to the team, to the fans, to one another, to their families, to St. Louis, and many of them to God. None of these great players took credit for themselves, even the MVP of the Series, David Freese said, “I’m not much into personal awards. It’s all about the team.” If we took that approach to our families, our schools, our workplace, our government, our churches, our nation, our world – maybe a World Series could be won by all.

The older I get, the easier it is to make excuses for not losing weight, not feeling well, not eating healthily, and not exercising. And guess what! I know many of you reading this can relate in your own way!

As one who used to weigh 250 pounds and had 200/150 blood pressure, it is easy to rationalize why it is still so hard for me to lose weight. All of us have our tempters, such as those dreaded office parties, carry-ins, family get-togethers, eating out, and Girl Scout Cookies! Then I say, “At least I am not as bad as I used to be.”

Last week I just happened to hear a pastor preach on a topic NO preacher is supposed to even mention – the sin of gluttony! I felt so guilty because I realized what a hypocrite and failure I am, I headed straight to the buffet lines. Although I have kept 100 pounds off (give or take 10 or so depending on the month) I know I need to lose another 20 and keep that off as well. So I re-joined Weight Watchers which allows me to eat all the fruit and vegetables I can eat. It’s really hard even for me to binge on papaya, pears and brussel sprouts.

As a traveling professional public speaker and trainer, I eat out at restaurants more than I eat at home. My husband and I just returned from speaking in Kentucky where we had buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner for the whole week. Then we sampled every dessert at the conference and I returned with the promise to start another diet again next week! I know other “foodaholics” understand my plight and can relate when I declare that I am no different than an alcoholic, or a drug addict knowing how hard it is not to cave in to the pressure of circumstances.

Finally, I returned to my own book that I had written a couple of years ago and read my words on the spiritual side of overeating. The Apostle St. Paul said our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. He admonished us to “bring your body under submission and present ourselves as living sacrifices, without spot or wrinkle!” Believe me, eating broccoli and grapefruit while everybody else is sinning with chocolate and whip cream pies, is indeed a “living sacrifice” for me!

When I was in my twenties and had first returned to church,  I had collected over 100 scriptures all dealing with food, and overeating and giving in to temptation, focusing on the scripture that all things are permissible but not necessarily edifying.

Then Paul even says, “You have made your stomach your god.” Ouch!

I can blame my Mom’s side of the family for my “fat genes” or circumstances for tempting me, or “old age” for not exercising. But I truly want to be healthy, full of energy and live another forty years enjoying life, people and traveling to exciting places. If my Mom, age 87, can get down on the floor and play with all the grandkids and great-grandkids – so can I!

With a winter cruise to Spain and Portugal on the way, once again I ask, “Why weight?” I have stocked the fridge full of healthy foods, I walk daily, and even got out my pilates DVD. I  increased my regular time of prayer and scripture reading because I found if I feed my soul first, my obstinate body is much more likely to obey.

The following is from my book, “It’s Your Turn Now,” and I am following my own advice for the umpteenth time:

• Begin a healthy lifestyle routine (eating, exercise).
• Forgive yourself and others for the past.
• Begin to speak only what is good and edifying!
• Seek to help others who need help.
• Take full responsibility NOW; the past is over!
• Start each day with a clean slate — for self and others!
• Stop the mind games and traps you know will tempt you.
• Practice the balance of activity and resting.
• Ask others to help and hold you accountable
• Seek professional help if needed
• Continue in prayer and scripture reading!
• One of my favorite scriptures is, “HE MUST INCREASE; I MUST DECREASE!”

I am committed to reach my goal weight by Christmas. If not, would somebody please just have me committed?  I promise not to ask,“Why weight?”

Debra Peppers, a professional speaker for 25 years, is one of only five inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame upon her retirement from Lindbergh High School. A member of the National Speakers Association, and radio and television host, she has traveled to all 50 states and 60 countries teaching others that if she can go from being a 250-pound high school dropout, to Teacher of the Year there is hope for every child and adult. Her web site is www.pepperseed.org.

St. Louis is one of those “fever” towns, except for those who either just don’t get it, or just don’t care. That’s my friend, Lynne. Everybody, I mean everybody, becomes a fan during the play-offs – and especially during the World Series! Not Lynne. She sees it as a perfect time to go grocery shopping, or to have the mall to herself while all those “fools” are watching the game.

I don’t understand. Lynne and I have been friends since we were toddlers. Our dads played baseball together in school and on an old town team all the time we were growing up. Admittedly we had more fun playing hide-and-seek under the bleachers; but eventually there comes a time when you begin asking questions and want to know what all the screaming is about. Not Lynne. When our brothers played Little League and High School baseball together, I became pitcher on Girl’s Softball Team and loved it. Not Lynne. It wasn’t that she was a prissy, “girly girl” – she just wasn’t interested. She loved reading, and would rather read about it than watch it! Go figure.

Lynne married right out of high school and she married a farmer, also not a baseball fan. Lynne and Bill had boys – no girls. Hunters, fishermen, readers. No baseball players. Through the years our friendship remained solid – so did her baseball apathy. Through years of great seasons, World Series and new stadiums, Lynne was consistently never present. Names like Hernandez, Torres, Ozzie, LaRussa and Pujols mean nothing to her… well, maybe Pujols.

So here we are, having gone from Wild Card to World Series, the whole city a sea of red, amidst squirrel tails and cardinals, and Lynne is going to visit her mother out-of-town! She said that there wouldn’t be too many cars on the road. And besides, all of her friends were going to the game or having Game Watch Parties, so there really wouldn’t be anything to do. Seriously? People are paying thousands of dollars for tickets! Pennants, T-shirts  and memorabilia are selling like Ted Drewes Custard on July the 4th. I even had tickets fo a game earlier in the year and invited her to just come and experience the phenomena. . “Thanks,” she said. “But I am really just not interested.” But now we are heading to the World Series and she doesn’t even care! Kids care. Old ladies care. Even my dog is sporting a Cardinals shirt. And she is at her mother’s reading a book!That’s unpatriotic – even bordering on sacrilegious. After the play-offs hit, even non-sports enthusiasts are supposed to become enthusiasts. It’s the American thing to do. I told her, “You know, Baseball, Mom and Apple Pie!” She assured me that she and her Mom would make an apple pie and watch Phantom of the Opera on DVD.

So here we are, Sunday night’s game to determine if we get to go to The World Series. It’s the seventh inning and we are ahead of Milwaukee 11-6. I just couldn’t resist calling her at a commercial break. Surely she would want to know that we were winning! “How ’bout those Cards,” I mockingly  scream into the phone. To my utter surprise she roars back, “YES! Cards!  Canasta or bridge? I’m just so glad the World Play Offs are over!”

Cards, anyone? Sorry, I’ve got a fever.

Debra Peppers, a professional speaker for 25 years, was one of only five inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame upon her retirement from Lindbergh High School. A member of the National Speakers Association, she has traveled to all 50 states and 60 countries teaching others that if she can go from being a 250-pound high school dropout, to Teacher of the Year there is hope for every child and adult. For info, visit www.pepperseed.org