Category: 3rdF

Crossroads – Cost of Marriage

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What did it take to purchase an engagement ring?

  • Story of a guy living on Tuna sandwiches in order to save enough money to purchase an engagement ring. The moral is not working hard and saving, but what is the cost to express your love?

Average Wedding costs $27k

  • What are the real costs of marriage?
    It costs more than money, wedding, ring, honeymoon–àCost you yourself
    Ephesians 5:25: “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.”
  • What was the largest or biggest sacrifice in your mind for your marriage?
    Career
    Ambition
  • What has been gained by being married
    Love
    Children
    Legacy
  • Have you ever said, “I shouldn’t be with someone if I’m not happy?”
    This is self-centered, shallow and reflection of our culture
    Not part of Vows taken
    We probably all go into our “wedding” thinking man I’m Happy, but have we thought about how short sighted that is??
  • Marriage is about love which is something we CHOOSE
    It is represented by sacrifice, serving, giving, forgiving over and over and over
    It’s called Commitment because it does not = personal happiness but LOVE (giving)

1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
CHOOSE LOVE
1 Peter 4:8: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
No matter what happens, CHOOSE LOVE as it covers the mess
John 15:12: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Back to Ephesians 5:25

  • What does this look like in application
    It’s about offering forgiveness when you’ve been hurt.
    It’s about giving your time though it’s not always convenient.
    It’s about sharing your heart when you’d rather hold back.
    It’s about cleaning the kitchen after a long weekend, even if it’s your least favorite job.
    It’s about choosing to respond with love when you’d rather respond in anger.
    It’s about offering a listening ear, when you’d rather tune out or go to bed.
    It’s about putting someone else’s needs and desires before your own.
    It’s about giving up that last bite of cake, just so your spouse can enjoy it.
    It’s about laying down your rights, to make way for the rights of another.

Formula:
You before Me – not sometimes, not weekends, ALL THE TIME
We before I – even with the kids, job, hobbies

  • The world despises the sacrificial side of marriage
    strive for power, control and the upper hand in a relationship
    do what feels right
    that love is about doing what makes us happy
    if we feel less than happy, they encourage us to bail, to abandon ship and to stop investing
    Mark 10:9: “Therefore what God has joined together let no one separate.”

God’s plan = more we give, the better we become
Real love is not self-seeking, and it will always cost you
It will cost your heart, your time and your money
It will cost your comfort, your rights and your pride
It will cost you to “lay down your life” for the life of another
And only those who learn to die to themselves are the ones who get to experience the resurrection power that comes with it—resurrection into real love, into real life, and into meaningful relationships.

Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

  • Marriage is a reflection of our relationship towards God, bride of Christ
    1:1
    He died for us, so we can live
    He leads us to resurrection life
    Love like No Other
    1 Peter 3:7: “In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.”
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DORA – DOing Random Acts – Challenge

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The past Saturday August 3, 2019 was a memorable one – in a bad way. Many people lost their lives, others wounded, and countless lives were forever changed in a negative way due to two separate acts of violence from two separate people. But instead of focusing on the victims, what could be done to help them, and/or what could be done to mitigate these things from happening again, things around our wonderful nation got quite ugly. Even more so than where we were before.  IMO this ugliness is just a continuing escalation of what’s been happening in our society for many many years, beyond that of the current presidential administration, regardless of political affiliation. In my opinion it is a result of where some, not all, our collective society has been heading for some time. Hate, disrespect, the anger, hostility, single-mindedness, immorality, entitlement, lack of civility, lack of compassion, lack of understanding, apathy, us vs them, me vs everyone, mine vs yours, it goes on and on. All or some of these were definite contributions to the pathology behind the motives of those two people who enacted those horrible events. But all of these things have been present in human history for quite some time. Their magnitude goes up and down, the spotlight on them comes and goes, but they have ALWAYS been there. There is no one singular root cause for what happened, why it happened, this past weekend – and previous similar instances of mass violence. There is no quick fix to these things. A singular directive from the top down will not fix them. Some of these things are a result of societal norms, the environment which people operate in, the culture in which they live.

A culture shift takes time and effort from everyone in it. A culture shift takes the decision from everyone to show the change they want to see. As one person enacts that change, hopefully their ripple effect causes others to change in some small way or another.

This is where we F3 PAX are going to pay forward all of the wonderful things we have learned from, and have been somehow improved by, our efforts while in F3. We are going to put the term High Impact Man to the test and show everyone how we can be just that. We are going to be the community leaders that F3 has helped invigorate, more so than what we currently are. We are going to be the change we want to, and need to, see in this world.

DORA Challenge – DOing Random Acts

Yes, everyone has heard of “Random Acts of Kindness”, etc. It will be similar to that.

Every day for the next 30 or so days PAX who commit to this challenge will be given a task to do. You may not have to complete it that very day, but the prescribed task has to be completed by the end of the 30 or so days. At the end of the 30 or so days, you perform 10 burpees for every challenge you could/did not complete. Modify or pick another exercise as needed, but stick to only 1 exercise.

Here are the challenges, and a few more rules:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fz-_yarls5osMBR9zQZCW7ahMSH3LWT8IqGoypLFVss/edit?usp=sharing

Copy and paste to your browser. Print it out or whatever. Put it somewhere where you can get to it, reference it. Manage your own self accountability or get someone to help you. Keep track of what you have, have not completed regularly, however you see fit. I will send out the daily challenges via Twitter (follow me at @F3_NASA_ESR) and in the Slack channel “DORA Challenge” as a reminder.

Let’s make some positive impact and send a lot of ripples throughout our society, and maybe even help positively change the trajectory of others whom we interact with while doing so. If one person gets affected by what we do, then that is a win. Mission accomplished! But WE have to be that change, it has to start with each of us.

Let’s get it done!!

Thanks and God Bless!
– NASA

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Yeti Cooler Raffle – F3F Palmetto North Fundraiser

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  • QIC: F3F Palmetto North
  • When: 09/06/2019
  • Posted In: 3rdF, Pre-Blast

Attention PAX:

During the 7th year Fort anniversary celebration the Foundation will be raffling a Yeti “Roadie 20” cooler with a $200 value.  The cooler is being donated by Jason Rawdon (aka Hot Spot) w/ Elite Air & Heat.  There are two ways to participate in the raffle, both leading up to the Invergence as well as at the event.  Each ticket has an equal chance of winning, whether you can attend the event or not.

Raffle ticket prices – 1 ticket for $10 and 3 tickets for $20

To Participate prior… you can contribute to the below Paypal link (https://paypal.me/pools/c/8h6YEXvU2J) or you can send money via the Venom app to (brianbrenner09@gmail.com or 804-240-1509) and you will be sent back your raffle ticket numbers that will be entered into the drawing.

To Participate at the event… we will have a table with the cooler and the opportunity to purchase tickets… so bring some cash to participate.

All proceeds from the raffle will go toward funding the local activities of the Pax that are supported by F3F Palmetto North.  The foundation has historically supported activities in Paradise, at CAH and 12th Man Ministries.  If you have a desire to learn more and or contribute toward this important 501(c)3 please see the information below.

https://f3thefort.com/f3-foundation/

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F3 Prayer Convergence for Clover Schools 2019

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Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Calling All PAX of Lake Wylie and Clover to step up and live out the 3rd F. Most of us have children that attend Clover schools, as well as neighbors, friends and family that work at these schools. Some PAX work in these schools. What better way to start off the school year than to go to the schools, physically go, and pray?!? Regardless of how we are connected to them, we are all impacted by what happens in these schools and this is a chance for us to live out what we are called to do.

What: The Lake Wylie PAX (at least 2, preferably 3 or more at each location!) converging at multiple schools in the Clover School District, to pray for the students, school leadership, every employee of the school, the safety of the school, etc.

When: Sunday, August 11th, 5:00PM

How (do I get involved): Pick a school, let me know which one, grab a few fellow PAX and show up, ready to pray. Spread the word in COT!!! Take your M’s, 2.0 and Spread the Word at your Church (especially with the Church Leadership)

Why: Evil looks for every opportunity to cause chaos in schools. Now, more than ever, we need prayer. We pray that any and all evil is kept away from these schools, administrators, teachers, children and families. We also pray that God uses the believers in these school to be a light unto those that do not know him (students and adults alike).

Thanks to Beacon for getting this going!

Two Ferns SYITG

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F3 Prayer Convergence for FMSD 2019-20

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Ecclesiastes 4:12  Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Calling All PAX of Fort Mill to step up and live out the 3rd F.  Most of us have children that attend FMSD schools, as well as neighbors, friends and family that work at these schools. Some PAX work in these schools. What better way to start off the school year than to go to the schools, physically go, and pray?!?   Regardless of how we are connected to them, we are all impacted by what happens in these schools and this is a chance for us to live out what we are called to do.

What: The Fort PAX (at least 2, preferably 3 or more at each location!) converging at every school in the FMSD, to pray for the students, school leadership, every employee of the school, the safety of the school, etc.

When: Sunday, August 11th,  5:00PM

How (do I get involved):  Pick a school, grab a few fellow PAX and show up, ready to pray. Post the number of PAX and where you posted with the hashtag #F3Prays4FMSD when you are done. Spread the word in COT!!!

Why: Evil looks for every opportunity to cause chaos in schools.  Now, more than ever, we need prayer.  We pray that any and all evil is kept away from these schools, administrators, teachers, children and families. We also pray that God uses the believers in these school to be a light unto those that do not know him (students and adults alike).

For the guided prayer list click here.

For the SignUp Genius ,  click here.

 

SYITG –

Beacon

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Mountain trip to Dupont State Forest on August 3rd with Trail Running, Rucking and Biking options – there will be a 2nd F afterwords

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3rd F

Alright we are 2 years ago we did a mountain trip to Roan Mtn. it was one of the best trips I have made with my fellow F3 brothers. After 10-16 miles we went to Daniel Boone Inn to refuel.

With this in mind I wanted to continue to do this hopefully every year. So on August 3rd we are going to do another mountain trip. This time it will be Trail Running, Biking and Rucking options.

Our destination will be DuPont State Forest. We will leave from the Newport Walmart at 6 am it is a 2 1/2 hr trip. we will either go to the Hooker Falls Access or the Lake Imaging Access. For runners we will try and get 12-18 miles in for Mountain bikers Vuvuzela has about 20-30 mile rout lined up.

 

2nd F

Afterwords will will go to Daddy D’s and refuel.

 

Make sure you bring water and something for energy do not come unprepared you will regret it. I did exactly that last time. This will be an unforgettable trip that we will try and do every year. we need to clown car to get there since there are no rental vans available.

Reach out to me if you have any questions.  I have attached links below.

Dupont State Forest Trail Map-1

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49206-d2069003-Reviews-Daddy_D_s_Suber_Soulfood-Hendersonville_North_Carolina.html

www.Dupontforest.com

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Pre-Blast: Deepening your relationship with Christ

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Are you interested in growing in your faith walk? Discovering a path toward an Intimate, Abiding relationship with Christ through a small group study during the ’19 – ’20 school year.

Maybe you have been in the church for your entire life, the last 10 years or you are just now opening your mind to this idea of a higher power… a “Sky Q”.  Regardless of where you are in your faith walk we all have room to grow and mature in our relationship with Christ.

We are all on a faith journey and some of us are more or less equipped to take our faith deeper.  If you have a gap in any of these areas then I have a challenge for you.

  1. Do you feel that you have created a solid foundation of knowing who God is and his desire to be a part of your life?
  2. Are you in a group that is consistently seeking to grow in a relationship with God?
  3. Do you feel that you have an adequate tool kit to help you grow deeper in your faith?

On August 22nd, we will be launching into a Journey to build from the ground up a knowledge of who God is and to start to learn how to have an intimate, abiding relationship with him.  Please reach out to any of the following pax to learn more and to get involved.

Orange Crush, Lug Nut, Crawdaddy, Spitz, Chicken Hawk, Free Bird, Spud, Sugar Daddy, ‘Stang, Corn Hole, Gridlock, Gopher, The Professor, Cobra Kai, Smithers, Destiny, Catfish

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Hangin’ with Boys from Guidance (CAH) at Whitewater Center

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Location: Whitewater Center Charlotte

Time: 10:00 – 4:00

Who is invite:  Pax, Ms, 2.0

F3 is hosting and chaperoning a day at the Whitewater Center with the 6-8 boys from CAH.  The plan is simply to have fun and enjoy all the activities that the Whitewater center has to offer.  It will be a day full of fellowship and fun as we engage in the zip line, climbing wall, rafting, paddle boarding, hiking or whatever the heart desires.

Pack a bag, a cooler, a lunch and head out to the center to help influence the next generation.

Aye!

Chicken Hawk

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3rd F Convergence- Mentorship

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  • QIC: Gekko
  • When: 05/24/2019
  • Posted In: 3rdF

From 6:15 – 7:00

At Eternal Church (behind Zaxbys)

Come join a conversation about Mentorship!  Learn from others that have taken a step to influence the next generation outside of their home.  Come hear about the importance Mentorship,  come here about the impact it can have in our community and come ask questions.  Be prepared to be challenged and be willing to take a step into the fire called Life.

If you are a father looking for tips on  influencing your teenage children (or future teenage) or if you are looking to get connected into ministries that need mentors to functions.  Come hear from some #HIMs on the topic.

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Fort Mill Care Center Lawn Maintenance

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  • QIC: Assassin
  • When: 03/28/2020
  • Posted In: 3rdF

Pax — We have an opportunity to serve those serving others via the FM Care Center. The past three summers, a number of us (and 2.0’s) have provided lawn service on Saturdays and they have asked us for help again.

The Thang:

FM Care Center
2760 Old Nation Rd.

https://goo.gl/maps/1RHRKMwji2r

Mow, weed, blow

Can use 2-3 guys each Saturday, typically at 0900, 60 minutes tops.

SIGNUP GENIUS IS AT:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a45ada62eaaf49-fmcare

 

 

 

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