Playing in the snow these past two days with my wife and daughters brought back so many memories from my childhood. Memories of playing football in the neighborhood with all of my friends until somebody got hurt. We were rough! I can’t remember making any snow men being built but we had a lot of snow ball fights. I had a good arm and was really accurate so I enjoyed that the most.

For the first time in a long time, this week I was able to step away from my Blackberry and walk down the street with my family and simply enjoy the snow. I was able to hold my three year old until she feel asleep in my arms. I was able to experience the same free spirit that I had as a child.

These past two days while playing in the snow has reminded me to enjoy life. I allow so many things to distract me from enjoying all of the blessings around me. Being locked in the house allowed me to realize that I have prevented myself from enjoying the simple yet rewarding things that life has to offer like eating a bowl cereal while watching cartoons. I loved watching Tom & Jerry back in the day!

The snow will be gone soon but I have several photos that will remind me to simply enjoy life in 2011.

As expected, the temperature drops really low in the winter.  For the first time in a long while, we even had a white Christmas in Atlanta.   It may be cold outside but the hearts of Atlanta have really been warm.

L.E.A.D. has received a wealth of blessings from familiar supporters as well as unanimous individuals this winter.  As an organization, we are increasing the number of families that we are serving in 2011.  Support is crucial in order for us to carry out our mission.

Supporting L.E.A.D. in a major way can be done with time, professional services and/or recurring financial donations.  The young men that L.E.A.D. serves have committed to achievement in Academics, Athletics, Service and Exposure.  For their sacrifice, they are now in a position to access college and Transform Their Community.

In Georgia, 43% of African American males are graduating from high school.  Since 2007, 100% of L.E.A.D. participants have accessed college because of warm hearts like yours.

With each passing year, I become wiser as a father, husband and founder of L.E.A.D.  Wisdom often comes from mistakes made.  That’s why I love the New Year.  The New Year cleans the slate and allows redemption.

Be ready for an aggressive push by L.E.A.D. to get more African-American males in college through baseball.  A 34% graduation rate of black males from Atlanta Public Schools is unacceptable but we are all working together for a positive change.

2010 was great for L.E.A.D., but with each year, God has blessed us beyond our request.  I’m claiming success for L.E.A.D. and Atlanta in 2011.

The difference between being ordinary and extraordinary is simply doing a little extra.  Jason Heyward is a great example of an ordinary person doing extraordinary things.

Jason provided a weekend for our Ambassadors that included getting haircuts followed by a visit to Lenox Mall where know one left empty handed.  The next day, Jason treated us all to the “Waiting For Superman” documentary.  After a great movie, we discussed it over some good food at Applebee’s.

Our Ambassadors had an exclusive weekend with Jason that they will never forget.  It was empowering in addition to being fun.  Our Amabassadors said it best, Jason is just an ordinary person that does extraordinary things.