rachelbaribeau.com

As I tuck into bed tonight, I am giving thanks for such a phenomenal day. This morning I received a phone call saying we would be having a VERY special guest on Baribeau and Scarbo tomorrow at 2:15 CST (www.973thezone.com). If that wasn’t enough, GOD blessed me with an extraordinary month in another revenue stream/business I run.  (Nuskin.com).  Proof positive that hard work DOES pay off!!

I drove the work giving thanks to the ONE that makes it all possible.  I was anticipating every moment of coverage for national signing day. When the mics finally went silent (after four hours), my team at Baribeau and Scarbo and I agreed that it was the BEST show we’d ever done. It was truly a team effort and everyone killed it today. The old saying goes, “if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” I believe that with all of my heart, and today was a prime example. There is a sweet satisfaction in working hard and seeing the fruits of your collective labor.

I drove home marinating on the day, as I often do, and my favorite song ( Into the Mystic) came on. I was moved to tears ( the happy kind -as my grandmother says).

What a special end to a very special day.

P.S

Hug someone you love today. You never know when it’s GOD’s time to take them home. Appreciate every moment you have, and soak in the memories like  the sweet fragrance of  (blossomed) gardenia on a warm spring day.

GOD bless you,

Rachel Baribeau

Happy 2012, everybody! I hope this year is off to a good start for all of you. I am blogging from a train bound for New Orleans, Louisiana.

I am beyond excited for what 2012 holds. If 2011 was any indication, then hold onto your horses, because HE has BIG things in store, really, really big things.

I embarked on a new journey a little over a month ago. I started a radio show in Birmingham, Al. with Kevin Scarbinsky. The name of the show is Baribeau and Scarbo and we are on from 2-6 CST, Monday through Friday. You can catch the show at www.973thezone.com.

Many people have asked why radio? Why now? The only answer I have is that radio is a sickness. I jest, I jest. The real answer is I cut my teeth in radio MANY years ago, and the affection for the medium has never waned; in fact, it has grown.  So when the fine folks at Cox Media Group approached me, I couldn’t resist the offer. I am very excited to report that I am still with Fox Sports and Scout.com, as a video correspondent.

The turning of a new year is a time for reflection and also a time dream, scheme, plan and commit.

What are you dreaming off in 2012? No really, take a moment to ponder that question, and remember to DREAM BIG!

I read a quote once that said, “ Make no small dreams, there is no magic in them.”

I urge you in 2012 to make no small dreams, take the limits off of GOD, and let HIM show you HIS power and might in your life.

Will it always be easy? Surely NOT. But what worth having has ever been easy? And what satisfaction is there is there, long term, if you didn’t have to work or sacrifice to achieve something?  At least that’s how it works for me (Romans 5:3-5).

I will be traveling to Ghana in March to work at an orphanage. I can’t wait to see what HE does in that time and in my life after returning. If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation to support my trip, you can do so by donating at this link.

http://rachelbaribeau.com/blog/2011/12/14/rafiki-2/

GOD bless you!

Rachel Baribeau

Ever wake up and can literally feel the blood coursing through your veins? You feel so alive, that’s its almost unreal? That’s the way I feel this morning and most (not all) mornings, for that matter.

I awoke to a tweet from a friend in the business, it was out of the clear blue sky and it made my entire day (heck, my week, heck, my month). To know that I am respected by my peers is an amazing thing, and so vital in this business. Speaking of peers, I want to give a shout out to my Fox Sports/Scout.com family. I have recently started a new sports talk show in Birmingham, Al (97.3 or www.973thezone.com, 2-6  PM CST) and because I respect them so much, I’ve reached out to them when the topic is pertinent to what they cover. Let’s just say they have killed it at every turn. I am SO proud to be a part of that family.

Some of you are discovering me for the first time on twitter and the airwaves. I thank you for taking the time to visit this page, and listen on the show. I cut my teeth many years ago on the airwaves, and on the sideline in arena football. So my return to the airwaves is much like coming home. I am beyond fortunate to have a co-host like Kevin Scarbinsky. He is  respected newspaper man that keeps me on my toes. He reminds me everyday of the journalist I strive to be, and what I have  to do  to be that journalist. Funny thing is, I don’t think he is even aware of this fact. Pretty neat huh, how that works. We inspire people on a daily basis with our words and our actions. Who will you inspire today?

We have been SO fortunate to visit with so many great guest on the show. I have been particularly moved by Jarrett Payton, Anthony Robles, Marcell Dareus and coming on Friday, Eric LeGrand. What have I taken from them? That this life is we have been given is SO precious, and so hard at times, but if we hold tight and NEVER give up, we CAN achieve the deepest desires of our heart.

Yesterday we spoke to Jarrett about his father, Walter. Walter was famous for running hills and pushing tires while he did it.

Jarrett brought up a great point in his father’s memory. He asked, “where is your hill?”

That is what I will leave you with. Find your hill. Tackle it with gusto, integrity and joy. And I can assure you this, my friend, at the end of the day you can look in the mirror and be proud of the person looking back at you.

GOD bless!

Rachel Baribeau

Thank you CBS 42 for having me on as a guest at the Iron Bowl. I had  great time with Patrick and Jim!

What a blessing this day is. A beautiful day leading up to a beautiful event tomorrow night in Bryant-Denny Stadium. We’ve been busy at Fox Sports/Scout.com bringing you the absolute best coverage. I’ve also done 10 interviews this week for radio and television across the country. All eyes on Tuscaloosa tomorrow night, and that is beautiful thing. I feel so proud to call this city my home. Speaking of blessed, you have yourself a blessed afternoon, night and weekend!

Ever have one of those days/nights where you are just overcome with gratitude for the smallest things? Today it has been simple things like groceries in my cabinet and clean sheets on my bed. I can’t help but think of so many that go to hungry each night, and  lie down to sleep  on earthen floors, dirty sheets, or worse.

As I ponder these questions, I can’t help but reflect on the life of  Reverend Shuttlesworth. A civil rights activist that regularly put his life in danger to stand up to injustice. He was a target of the infamous Bull Conner; Bull on one end of the hose, and Shuttlesworth on the other (http://tinyurl.com/5rzll7k).

I am so inspired by this man’s journey, by his struggle, and by his ultimate victory in his quest for equality (although we have a long way to go).  I have always pondered my legacy and thanks to the good Reverend, it’s in the forefront of my mind, once again. I love the lyrics to the song, “Legacy,” by Nicole Nordeman.

I don’t mind if you’ve got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
And you can take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the “who’s who’s” and so-and-so’s
That used to be the best at such and such
It wouldn’t matter much

I won’t lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an “atta boy” or “atta girl”
But in the end I’d like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don’t have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It’s an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon
enough destroy

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

Not well-traveled, not well-read
Not well-to-do, or well-bred
I just want to hear instead
Well done, good and faithful one

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I want to leave a mark on things; I want to help people in their time of need, whether it’s a smile, a handshake, an atta girl or boy. I want to be that for someone, for many ones, actually.

I firmly believe you can make your mark anywhere. I am making mine by giving these young men a voice and a platform to be able to showcase their talents to colleges. I don’t need it, but when I hear back from a kid that a story really meant a lot, well, it melts my heart; It makes me want to do more, be more, and pay it forward, you guessed it, more.

Please keep me in your prayers as the Lord is calling me back to Africa in 2012, this time for a mission trip. I don’t know where, when, or how; but if it’s HIS will, it will be done.

Best wishes, blessings, and HAPPY FOOTBALL SEASON!

Today was one of THOSE days, and by those days I don’t mean a day where you just want to go back to bed and pull the covers over your head. I mean a day where you feel connected, useful, loved and willing and able to give love in return.

It’s Friday and it’s football season, so that means I’m watching a game on Friday night. This night it was Sumter-Central vs. John-Essex in Livingston, Al. Sumter-Central has a gentle giant named Darren Lake that is committed to Alabama. I was headed to check him out, but to also capture a very unique story.

Before I could leave town, I had some errands to run; tomorrow is NOT the day for errands in Tuscaloosa ( UA vs. Ark.). I stopped in RiteAide to get a prescription filled and encoutered a young lady with deep lacerations, stitches, and medical tape on one check. She looked a little tramautized, but other than that beautiful. As we stood in line together something  in me (GOD) told me to speak to her . I asked her what happened. She proceeded to tell me that she had been attacked her boyfriend’s dog, a normally friendly dog. Her boyfriend had to destroy his own animal after the incident. I can only imagine what this poor girl had gone through, but I sensed more than an ear, she needed reassurance. I told her how beautuful she was, over and over. Soon a sweet soul behind me joined in. We both recommend vitamin E and no sun. The victim told us she used to do pageants ( turns out we all three did) and she was worried if she would ever be beautiful again; we both emphatically told her she was beautiful at this very moment, and that scars only add character.  More than our words, we both promised prayer. What a powerful duo we were, this stranger and I. We embraced the girl as she left with tears in her eyes. You will never be able to convince me that I wasn’t supposed to be there in that store at that very instant to come into contact with that sweet girl.

So I was off the Sumter-Central high school to visit with the aforementioned Darren Lake, although I was there for another reason as well. I was there to highlight a woman that is doing what most other women aren’t doing. She is coaching football. She is not calling plays on the field, but she is calling plays in these young men’s lives through a ministry called Sudden Change. I was able to catch a GREAT speaker, Mr. Jason Cook, witness to the players at their pre-game meal. Soon we were off to the game. To say these kids and coaches have overcome significant odds would be a gross understatement. They are fighters in every sense of the word (story coming soon). The opposing team John-Essex had only 17 players, seriously, yet they fought valiantly against the overmatched Jaguars of Sumter-Central. Some might have seen them and laughed, but I saw courage, dedication, and more heart than some championship teams have. The old saying by Mark Twain came to mind,” it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.”  Again I felt as if I was there at the right place at the right time to witness something, and learn something that I needed to learn.

Lastly, I was on my way home and still a little hungry. The hotdog and popcorn didn’t do anything for my voracious appetite. I tried to drop in on some friends for a birthday celebration, but the dinner was already over. I was driving down a very busy four-lane road in Northport to run through a drive thru when I spotted a dog running in traffic, disoriented from the lights and noise. I whipped my car into the CVS and called for the dog, but he ran away. We repeated this song and dance until I literally chased him down along the highway. I felt for a collar, there was a rabies tag, but no personal tag. We made it back to my SUV and I reached down the pick up the filthy dog to put him in my car. He was terrified, but looked relieved that someone, anyone, had him.  So it was off to my house to meet my crew of dogs. They accepted him, and our foster home is doing just fine until we find his owners.

As I lie down to sleep, I am reminded of one common thread throughout my day and it’s as simple as this for me-divine intervention-being where HE wanted me to be, where I could be of the most use for HIS cause. No my will, but His be done.

Have a great night and enjoy your beautiful football Saturday tomorrow!!!!

Today is a special day. Today my adopted city takes another step in the healing process. I am writing to you from the press box of Bryant- Denny Stadium. There is no rhyme or reason why this place was spared, but it was, and today it stands (PROUD) and holds so many that need to forget so much, if only for a brief moment in time.

I am just a reporter that happened to move here three years ago, but I respect the heck out of this program and this IS my city, and no one can tell me any differently. Once you’ve felt what I’ve felt, and seen what I’ve seen, you are forever endeared to a place.

The houndstooth ribbons are on the painted on  field, and the stickers are on the helmets. All we need are the boys to take the field, make some plays, and help us take another step on the long road ahead.

Thank you all who have come to our city and offered your help.  A HUGE thank you to the Kent State football program for coming and helping.

It it my greatest wish that you would get involved, in any way you feel fit. There is still so much to do.

May GOD bless you in ALL you do.

Rachel Baribeau

The heat index is heating up around the country, and so is the excitement for college football. CAN WE PLEASE START THE SEASON SO WE CAN GET AWAY FROM ALL OF THE NCAA DISFUNCTION AND MADNESS. Just saying. Just when you think something has died down, a new scandal pops up (Oklahoma basketball). I have a lot of Oregon friends and fans (thanks Chad) and I know they are sitting on pins and needles waiting for things to be resolved. I do have to commend Chip Kelly for his demeanor during a very tenuous time.

I will be fanning out over the SEC west in the coming weeks bringing you coverage from the SEC West. As always, feel free to email me with story suggestions.

P.S – Things I am inspired by lately…Eric Legrand, the currently  ( not for long, I believe) paralyzed player from Rutgers. I am inspired by his tenacity  to walk again. You can go to his website to buy merchandise to support him (ericlegrandpatriotsaintfoundation.com).

I am also re-energized and inspired by Zumba, many of you know I teach. It is the MOST gratifying thing to be able to help people achieve their fitness goals, relieve stress and find their happy place. I am blessed and fortunate to be able to teach.

Lastly, I heard this this morning. Commit to a day(s) without a single complaint. If you need to, write down everything you are grateful for, if you are tempted to complain, then simply read that list, take a deep breath and see if you really want to complain.

Keep this fact in mind, many that were spared in  9-11 were held up by mundane, tedious, even annoying everyday occurrences. One man had to stop for a band-aid because he had a blister, another had to change their child’s outfit because the child ruined their outfit at breakfast, and yet another child left their lunch, making their parent late for work.

Keep this in mind the next time you curse that flat tire. You never know what it saved you from.

Be blessed!
Rachel Baribeau