Experiencing Peace, Unity, Community, Love, Hope & Everlasting Life Through Giving

Recently I visited Hephatha Lutheran Church for a Wednesday, Lent service and dinner.  I was exhausted let me tell you and committed.  During the service, we were invited to the front for prayer and pastor asked me to read a long time prayer from my childhood.  She recently emailed me, thanking me for coming and reading what she had placed in my hands.

The following is my responds to her email and the prayer.

What's interest me the most about last night, is that I absolutely love that pray. " Where there is doubt faith, disparity hope, darkness light, sadness Joy".

My favorite part is," O father, grant that I may not so seek so much to be consoled as to console.  To be understood as to understand.  To be loved as to love".  

You know pastor, sometimes I feel as if I have it all, the world in my hands. " For it is in Giving that we Receive, Forgive and be Forgiven".  

As you so cleverly once said, lets practice for eternity, here, WITH EACH OTHER on earth.

Thanks for the opportunity to give.

LORD MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT OF YOUR PEACE.  

WHERE THERE IS HATRED, LET ME SO LOVE. 

WHERE THERE IS INJURY, PARDON,

WHERE THERE IS DOUBT, FAITH. 

WHERE THERE IS DISPARITY, HOPE.

WHERE THERE IS DARKNESS, LIGHT.

AND WHERE THERE IS SADNESS JOY.

OH DIVINE MASTER, 

GRANT THAT I MAY NO SO MUCH WANT TO BE CONSOLED AS TO CONSOLE.

TO BE UNDERSTOOD AS TO UNDERSTAND.

TO BE LOVED AS TO LOVE..

FOR IT IS IN GIVING THAT WE RECEIVE, 

IT IS IN PARDONING THAT WE ARE PARDONED.

AND IT IS TO DIE THAT WE ARE BORN INTO ETERNAL LIFE..

AMEN

PN COED FLAG RUGBY SOCIAL & HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Time: A nonspatial continuum in which events occur in apparently irreversible succession from the past through the present, to the future.

"Time flies when you're having fun" is often quoted by yours truly.  I can honestly say I'm having fun doing what I do; creating opportunity for myself and others.

This past Saturday, December 20th, 2014 PeppNation SLC hosted it's second annual Coed Flag Rugby Social, @Hephatha Lutheran Church Gym, Milwaukee WI.  Student Athletes, ages 7-14, throughout Wisconsin gathered to participate in this fun filled day event.  Rugby, Arts and Crafts (Holiday Cards), Rugby Film Review and PeppTalk {Civil Conversations around respect].  Community were among the many topics our guest engaged conversation.  I'm thankful to all our participants, parents, volunteers and spectators for their attendance.


24 games, 450 + points scored and lots of community was what this day was all about.  Teams of  mixed race and genders, playing with students other then their norm.  Seems so basic and the impact is breath taking to say the least.  I witness, leadership unlike I've ever seen before.  There was much skill level volatility on each team and celebrated their victories and evaluating, and improved upon their shortcomings as one unit, each and every game   There are two definition of Community displayed Saturday; 'A group of people having common interest, which I believe we demonstrated wonderfully, and A group viewed as forming a distinct segment of society'.  For example

The Community of Educated People
The Community of Civil People
The Community of Athletic People
The Community of Positive People
ALL OF THE ABOVE, WE ARE!

We've wrapped up 2014 PNSLC programming in stellar fashion and looking to have an even STRONGER 2015!  Happy Holidays PeppNation! I thank you all for your support and time.  We're in it to win it..  This is our journey, I didn't get here alone and together we will prosper.

One Unit, One Team, PeppNation

TIME TO GET BACK TO IT: FACE THE WORLD

Blogging has always been apart of my world, but for the moment my work and conversations have been face to face, rather than the FACE THE WORLD approach/opportunity I began some 3-4 years ago.  Blogging allows for people from all over the world, friends, family and novice (Future Leaders) alike to experience my life, my world, through my own words/lens.

CULPEPPER'S DREAMS AND GOALS ARE REALITY, has taken a slight turn in it's direction and purpose, and the focus is now more then ever, others.  My current Dreams and Goals are around the success of others, witness young people achieve their own DREAMS AND GOALS through the work and efforts of many, under the guidance of PeppNation, PN Sports Leadership Camps, Academy and PeppNation.org (The Village).  I plan to be partially responsible for 10s of 1,000s of students and student athletes alike who aspire college, go to college and graduate from college; learn trades, do trades and inspire and create trade jobs.  Those 10s of 1,000s once will then be responsible for leading others in the same manner which they were once led, while following the direction of former graduates and current business professionals.  You see, mentoring never ends...  There is always someone whose experience something, you haven't and eventually will; and those following who will experience things you already have.  Imagine if we all helped each other, teach each other and lead one another what this world will look like.

I want to create a global organization, with brand recognition that of McDonnell's and NIKE.  PEPPNATION WILL ONE DAY BE A HOUSE HOLD NAME, mark my words.  Currently we're serving roughly 500 participants here in Milwaukee, WI and the brand has been equally successful in NYC, ATL GA and soon Detroit, MI, Duluth, MN and Santa Rosa, CA.  Who doesn't want leadership and prosperity for their community?  Developing Youth Through Athletics & Extra Curricular Activities.  We must stat and believe that all things are possible, "I am human and nothing human is foreign to me" Maya Angelo.  Hard work pays off and those who work hard get PAID!

We've rapped up our first 13 weeks of Fall/Winter programing this week, and now it's time to begin selling in programing to other interested schools & community based organizations for 1st Quarter 2015.  This quarter concluded with our Flagship Coed Indoor Flag Rugby Cup, Saturday, November 22; learn more @peppnation.org.  Saturday, December 20th, PeppNation will host a Coed Indoor Flag Rugby Social @Hephatha Lutheran Church, 1720 W Locust, Milwaukee, WI; All ARE WELCOME.

My personal goal is serving 20 - 50 schools and CBOs, 2014 - 2015 school year calendar + summer camps; this fall we were @9.  I would like to Gross $100k + in fee for service, $250k + in grants and donations and $100k in sponsorship dollars in 2015.  Contributing to education, athletics, housing and the economic growth in communities we serve, both in person and online.  Long way to go and I'm confident we'll get there.

Happy Holidays to you all and stay tuned; much more exciting work to be done and children/young adults to serve.  If PeppNation can be successful in Milwaukee, WI, we can be successful anywhere in the world.

Recap of my Rugby Journey this year

The picture show my journey Rugby.
-California, with Santa Monica Dolphins. 

-Chicago for USA 7's Combine

-Signed with Chicago Lions

-Played in Beach 5's tournament with Milwaukee

-Back to Chicago Lions

-Opportunity presented to play with Atlanta for nationals.  Denied by USA rugby committee.

- Cleared from Lions

-Signed with Milwaukee Rugby 15's

-Played in Rugby league Championship game with NY Wild Cats

-Met with Play Rugby USA

-Back to Milwaukee with 15's club

-Signed with NYAC Rugby Club in NYC

PeppNation: NFL Campaign Goes Social in 2011

It is January 10th, 2011, and Peppnation has been active for 10 days. Can you believe it? I sure can. We've been working very hard to make sure our message(created by my social media team and I) is heard across the world. "It's all football, all Pepp, all the time!"

Many have sent in videos and we are greatly appreciative of that. It's 2011 and we are a mission to do what we want to do-play in the NFL. I used to say "do what you have to do so you can do what you want to do." It was a phrase that I heard Denzel Washington say a couple of years ago. Now, I just say, "do what you want to do."

There's no limit to what is or isn't possible. This is what I hope people who come into contact with my words, video and story take away. I do not want people to know that Brandon Culpepper, or rather "we" are going to play in the NFL (if you are a part of the team then you're a part of the journey), butpthat anything is possible when you put your mind to it. Put your pedal to the metal, and don't look back. I am hoping that my pursuit to accomplishing my dreams will encourage others to do the same.

Example: Ted Williams, the man with the golden voice who was homeless for 2 1/2 years. He became a YouTube sensation overnight and is now a new voice for the Cleveland Cavaliers. You can't tell me that God isn't good, and that miracles don't happen because they do every second of our lives. Are you ready for your miracle? Having fun? Living Life? Doing what you want to do? If not, ask yourself why, and while contemplating this question, go on over to Facebook and join the team! I am certain that the energy over there will put a fire under you to start to prepare for your "miracle, moment of luck or whatever you choose to call it." As they say, Luck is when Preparation meets Opportunity.

Also make sure when you join, tell us about your favorite football news and your hopes and dreams for this year. Let PeppNation know what you would like to get paid to do. You never know who may be reading your post! Sometimes all it takes is for you to speak your miracle to get it working in your life.

Thursday 9/30/10

It seems like forever since I have posted on this page, sometimes running around training, working and the acts of everyday life gets the best of you. Well now its time to settle down and recap on whats been going on for the month of September 2010. I have spent lots of time on the track and in the gym, getting bigger, faster and stronger; and helping others do the same. Part time working at a restaurant here in Atlanta called the Collonade, it pays the bills for now. Obviously not what my dream job is and I agree it's not what I'm suppose to be doing. It's funny because every time I have a server position, I always get comments like "you shouldn't be doing this job" from the guest and they are right. I simply tell them I'm just paying the bills for now, but I always wonder what it is that they see in me besides my size and smile that makes me seem out of place. Whatever it is I agree with them 110%.

I'm looking forward to the change and the job that best fits me, football :). We have been doing lots of filming this month also and along with the personal training I have been doing on the side I have kept myself busy to say the least. Teams have remained in contact with me and I'm looking forward to getting back on the field, playing ball and doing what I do. I'm a living witness that dreams can become your reality, you just have to believe; because your never to old to dream.

"A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and make them sure"
(Proverbs 16:9)

Today I encourage you to search your heart and allow those God-given dreams to surface. You know the dreams that won't go away. You may have had it for years, but you still can't let it go. In fact, you may have tried to let it go, but it wont let go of you; yeah that one. God place those Desires which in Latin means "from the father", inside of you for a purpose, and He's going to use them to direct you into the destiny He has in store for you!

Joel and Victoria Osteen

ENJOY LIFE

It's been little while since I have posted a full on post of whats going on in y life. Coach Williams in amazing, my speed is drooping everyday. Fatsos is still my sponsor but I am no longer there; and I have a new part time job at a restaurant called the Collonade.

I'm still patiently awaiting the phone call of my life, the call from any given team that brings my dreams to reality. I mean teams have been calling throughout the National Football League, but none as of yet not including the Bills from last season offering me the opportunity of a life time.

Beside all that, life is good family. I mean I'm doing some personal training on the side, still building my web page brandonculpepper.com and enjoying life. I have been in the weight a lot lately, building my strength and maintaining size and speed. It's amazing how much faster I am now, at 20lbs heavier. I'm not as big as I was in college but my strength is getting there.

Or family reunion was last month, I flew to Wisconsin and my mother and I drove to Arkansas; and Boy was it hot. Don't get me wrong it's hot in Atlanta, but in the country of Pine Bluff Arkansas that heat is no joke. It was good to see all my great uncles and cousins and most importantly my mother. My dad had a birthday on the 13th of August and is recovering well from his eye surgery in July; and if my family is good then so am I.

I'm not stressing about football because it's a game and I enjoy playing it. It's not a weight on my shoulders anymore and I know without a dout, when my opportunity arises I'll be ready.

What A weekend

This weekend started out as most do in my life, with adventure and by the end of it stories to be told. Friday I participated in the AAG Foundation Celebrity golf event in Suwanee GA. My team although somewhat new to the game performed very well. Unfortunately I have what you call a slice in my swing and when I drive the ball you can guarantee two things, its going far and its heading towards the right (this is what a slice is). We played at the Bear's Best Golf course which in my opinion is something for all to see that play the game of golf. This is a Jack Nicklaus golf course and he designed it to feature 18 of his favorite holes from around the world, like I said it's a site to see.

The Celeb list included, many former and active athletes from around the world; Jim Brown, Hank Aaron, Ray Lewis, Reggie McNeal and many others. To say the least I had a blast and this was a great way for me to network with those in my profession. Unfortunately my team only played nine holes, if you know anything about Atlanta this summer, you know that it's hot and we were out there cooking like labor day BBQ LOL!!! I finished 10 over par for the first 9 holes, wasn't to bad for someone who hasn't Golf in about 3years.

There are times when I find myself doing too much and not getting the proper rest to perform at the top of my ability. My strength coach and I had a killer leg workout on Wednesday of last week, Thursday wasn't too, bad but Friday was a beast. Every hole felt like a mountain climbing expo with 400lbs on my back, but we made it through. The following morning 9am, I had a track workout with my speed coach, it was no joke either. I took my time to warm up, lots of stretching and quick movement to get that soreness out from the day prior. Although legs were a bit heavy I performed well, running a 4.29 sec flying forty, recording 1.3's and
1.4's 10 yard dash and a 18 sec 150 meter sprint. Every week I'm seeing improvements in my speed and I thank God and coach Williams for my success, were almost to our goal ladies and gents. 4.29 sec, NOW THAT"S FAST :)

Following my workout from 9-11:30am, I headed out to Cummings GA for a Rugby Tournament, this is where the doing too much comes into play. We get there and it is packed, Rugby players young and old, girls and boys playing to get the prize. I was only allowed to play in one match thank God (IT WAS SO HOT) and only the second half of that one, but still I recorded a tri (touchdown) and a hand full of tackles. This was a 7's tournament, less guys on the field then a regular Rugby match
(15) and less time, but same field size and much further to run. By the end of the night, 7:00pm during the social (every Rugby Match has socials, parties where opposing teams drink and socialize) I was ready for bed. What a weekend and what a great time.

What Is New

Hey ladies and gents, I know I have been MIA when it comes to my blog, but lots has been going on the last few weeks. No I haven't signed with a team yet, but I have had a number of successful workouts. Just got back from LA, Cali. where I worked out for the Las Vagas Locos a UFL team. I also did some much needed training under the sun in Santa Monica. A place I have come to love, beautiful place and beautiful people (Santa Monica). My web page brandonculpepper.com is almost complete as well as the videos for my page and ustream account (culpeppernfl). I'm very excited about that release so please stop in from time to time and see what's new. I have attached two videos to this blog, just giving new flip cam a test run. Coming soon: brandonculpepper.com brandonculpepper.mobi brandonculpepper.tv brandonculpepperfoundation.org Running now: youtube: culpepper55 ustream: culpeppernfl twitter: culpeppernfl

Great Workout

So I was under the impression that I would be in Rookie camp this weekend, but the three teams that expressed the most interest in me never called me in. My agent insisted that I remain calm and my time is near and she sent me to a workout with an Canadian Team (CFL) the Edmonton Eskimos. I performed well in the workout, being tested in my 40 yrd dash, short shuttle, L-Drill and One on Ones. The coaches seem to like me and I made a good impression on them, all and all I'm happy with my performance.

I don't know a hole lot about the CFL, but what I do know is that it's football; a sport I love to play and I play it well. Angela (my agent) is still in conversation with a few teams in the National Football league, I have two workouts with the UFL and I'm preparing myself to play no matter what league I'm in. Thanks again for all your lave support and prayers and only time will tell where we will be, stay tuned.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

So my manager at my part time job, Fatsos in Decula GA, sends the Saints my contact information Sunday November 29th 2009. They called back Tuesday and said they have seen my blog, facebook and know a little history about me. This was an exciting moment for me; I mean this team is undefeated and they are checking me out; I was ready to go. Initially I had planned to go there on Thursday but actually didn't make it until Friday; everything happens for a reason. This was a short week for the Saints, played Patriots on Monday then traveled to Washington Saturday for a win today against the Redskins. They told me that because I couldn't make it down until Friday maybe I should wait, I decided to drive to New Orleans anyway. Through this Journey, I have learned that your word is everything and because I said I was going, there was nothing that was going to stop me. Things come to those who wait, but those things left over by those who hustle.

Tennessee Titan

What a great trip, were going to get signed baby and im sticking to that. Tennessee was awsome. Once I figure out this HTC phone I have, I'm going to upload the pics that I took. When I arrived in Tenn. I had a moment to check into my hotel and get prepared for my meeting with player personnel. Each team has different ways that they do business, the Titans in particular (just like many teams) do all their player scouting through player personnel. Brandon Taylor is the assit director of player personnel and the guy who I was scheduled to meet with. While waiting for him in the "Matrix" like lobby (pictures), I decided to say a prayer and give thanks to my creator; while waiting a guys sits his things in front of me and said hello, i responded and continued in player. When he returned I introduced myself and he did also; Reggie Plesant, team chaplin. I explained to him why I was there and what my intentions were for their team; he told me God bless and good night. I thought that was awsome too. Soon after Brandon walks over, we talk about my experince and love for the game. After 25-30 Brandon said to me we will contact you mid to late November and that made me feel great.

After meeting with Brandon Taylor, I met with a young man name Jerry Childress. Mr. Childress is in his late 60's mid to early 70's and he works security for the Titan. he told me i have only known 2 guys to come in here requesting a job; your one of them and the other is me. Mr. Taylor went on to tell me that's how he got his JOB. "I JUST KEPT COMING UNTIL THEY HIRED ME, YOU JUST KEEP DOING WHAT YOUR DOING KEEP GOD FIRST AND YOU WILL GET HERE." What is meant to be will be.

Got a chance to meet up with some hommies from high school, meet Vince Young and other Titans players. Just keep doing what you doing and you will get there and thats what I will do.

Culpepper