Category: Guidance

THE PAX OF FORT PLEDGES TO HELP ANOTHER BROTHER AND HIS FAMILY OUT

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Its Christmas time and the word of the month is giving so I am asking if you would take moments pray about giving to help a fellow pax. Last year Stang got the Fort and the Rock pax to donate gift cards, cash and presents for me and my family.  This was huge for me and my family, with that  being said I feel the need to help a fellow pax and give back. I have been in touch with our pax of the Fort looking for someone to help out. This morning in COT it was mentioned by Destiny that a fellow pax’s son has just been diagnosed with leukemia and his wife is pregnant with twins. Then again Ginsu and Rock thrill had a tweet about it and come to find out it is an Area51  pax named Bout time his sons name is Jennings. This hits close to home and just knew this is who we need to help this year. a few

If I have never had the pleasure of posting with you in the Gloom I would like to take a second and share my story, Dec 2015 on Christmas eve my 2.5 year old daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia ALL Type B, on Christmas day she had surgery to have a port installed and her first 3 rounds of chemo. We spent Christmas in the hospital and I broke down never cried so hard in my life. I reached out to God prayed that everything will be okay and about 10 min later after the took my daughter back for surgery he answered my pray because a peace just came over me and heard the words its going to be okay.  The last 2 years have been a hard 2 years with ups and downs but also have enlightened me, allowed me to get closer to God.  It also allowed me to become apart of F3 with out the men of this group not sure where I would be mentally and physically today. I like to thank you for the push the words of encouragement.

 

I am asking pax to give what your heart tells you. Prayers gift cards, cash etc. I have seen what awesome pax you can be when challenged to give you all always go above and beyond.

See your site Q’s for collections and or Dark helmet , Stang, Witch hunt, Royale and Cornerstone, we want to wrap it up by 12/22/17

 

2 Corinthians 9:7

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Proverbs 18:16

A gift opens the way
and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

 

Thanks Again HIMS

Cornerstone

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Preblast: Holiday Social with the CAH Guidance Youth

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PAX:

We have had a GREAT year at CAH Guidance! To continue the impact of the three F’s, there will be a Holiday ‘social’ dinner with the youth from CAH Guidance.

  • WHEN: Friday December 8 at 6pm.
  • WHERE: Location is TBD pending group size, but will be at either Sakura Japanese Steak House and Sushi or Buffalo Wild Wings, both in Rock Hill.
  • WHAT: F3 will treat the CAH youth with funds already accumulated, but other PAX may be asked to pay their own way pending group size. It will be a regular menu selection at either location. Appetizers will be provided if at BWWs.
  • HOW: Please RSVP to NASA by Monday 12/4, noon, via Twitter or Facebook DM, or email at eransone@hotmail.com

This 2nd F event is a great opportunity to meet and greet the youth, let them know they matter and have some fun. It is going to be a great time, but it takes YOU to make it happen. Be the vessel thru which He works.  Please be there.

Thanks in advance,
– NASA

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Children’s Attention Home / Guidance New F3 Exercise Station – Thank You

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All Area PAX:

On Saturday Sept 30 a small group of F3 PAX set out that morning, a short time after the Convergence celebrating The Fort’s 5th Anniversary, to permanently change the landscape at the Children’s Attention Home / Guidance. The fruition of all the burpees and subsequent pledges from the 2017 CAH Burpee Challenge spearheaded by Chicken Wing would culminate in the installation of some permanent outdoor exercise equipment that day. This small group of men would be representing many from F3 Nation’s local regions – The Fort, Rock Hill, York, and Indian Land, among others – who participated in the challenge. Those who participated believed that there was a meaning, a purpose, a goal that is greater than themselves. The exercise equipment will be a permanent physical example to those at CAH Guidance, and others as well, of what F3 is all about. Not only of the importance of the 1st F, but power behind the 2nd and 3rd F’s as well – when you invigorate the leader within, and you have Faith, the possibilities are limitless.

After several hours of hard work, with help from the young leader residents at CAH Guidance, as well as a lot of GREAT 2nd F, the work was finally complete! It was not easy work at all, but by now we all know to choose to do the harder thing and get after it, which the team did with no complaints. We all pushed, pulled, and motivated each other to completion, a true Shield Lock effort. By no means was it a ‘professional’ installation, but the heart put into the work cannot be denied. It was obviously a labor of Love.

The equipment is quite rugged, well designed, well built, and installed in a manner to where it will last quite some time. T-Claps to Chicken Wing on the design, Iron Horse for his incredibly well done job fabricating the bars, and to all of those who participated in the installation efforts led by Chicken Wing and Iron Horse. It was a GREAT team effort.

Before we even left, it was making an impact:
* Richard, who is the Supervisor of Grounds / Equipment Maintenance there at CAH, was nearly in tears and overwhelming in thanks at the effort put forth and how the equipment will help the kids there
* Many of the staff where quite speechless and thankful when they came out to see the finished work
* The youth were already hanging all over the equipment (who needs the concrete to set??), laughing and having a good time

And the impact will be a lasting one. Attached is a letter sent by the Volunteer Programs Coordinator at CAH, Sharada Abraham:

“”Good Morning Gentlemen,

I hope you all are well! I wanted to thank you all for the phenomenal job that was done on last weekend with the installation of the Pull Up & Dip Station. It looks great (pics are attached) and everyone is asking about it from the children, staff, and even our volunteers. I had the pleasure of giving a tour yesterday to one of our community partners and they were in awe.
Thank you all so much for your continued support of the Home. The pull up and dip station is a great addition to our Campus and I do believe our teens will spend more time getting FIT!
Thanks for all you do and I hope you all have a great weekend!

Sharada Abraham
Volunteer Programs Coordinator

 

On behalf of F3 Nation and CAH, I am incredibly thankful for the efforts put forth by the area PAX to get this done. From the inception of the Burpeee Challenge fundraiser by Chicken Wing, to the PAX participating in the challenge (I still do not like burpees, but I’m better at them now), to the PAX designing, fabricating the equipment, procuring the materials, facilitating the approvals, leading the installation efforts, and finally participating in the installation. It was quite a project, and a good example of what happens when you step outside your comfort zone to lead and make things happen.

Keep up the great efforts F3 Nation! Remember that within each one of you there is a true leader waiting to be unleashed if it has not been already. Believe in yourself,  be the change you want to see in the world, and get out there and make a positive difference in the world. Be the vessel through which He works.

You are all HIMs, and I am honored and privileged to be part of this wonderful thing we all call F3.

Thank you and God Bless
– NASA

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Children’s Attention Home Workday

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PAX of Rock Hill, York, Gastonia, The Fort Regions and beyond,

The overwhelming success of the CAH Burpee Challenge that we worked our tails off in June is coming to fruition on 9/30 at 10:30AM at CAH. We will be getting rental gear for post hole diggers, concrete mixers, supplies are being worked on for lumber and hardware (hoping to get confirmation this week from Home Depot) and our very own Iron Horse is making the bars himself!! We have collected in cash, check, and through the website $2,508.24!!! That speaks to the HIMs that you all are.

We are going to install 6 pull up bars with step assists, 2 parallel bars, and 6 dip stations.

Iron Horse’s handy work. All bars are being sent off for powder coating as well!!

Date: 9/30/17 at 10:30AM

Who: All PAX, please sound off in comments if you are able to come. If we get 12 guys, I see this as a few hour project at most.

Location: CAH in Rock Hill

Duration: Until we are done

What to bring: Gloves, water, work boots, and dress is old work clothes.

If you have: Post hole diggers, cordless drill, large drill bits, bring them, I have some, but more is better. Let me know if comments what you plan to bring.

What is provided: Plans, materials, lunch (pizza will be delivered)

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Guidance 8/4/17

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17 Men posted at CAH for a running tour of the area

Discussion topic was:

APE A=Attitude, P=Preparation, E=Effort -these are the inputs that you bring into every situation. The sermon topic was on how we as men should never expect anyone to provide our APE – not our parents, coaches, teachers, Q’s because this responsibility falls directly on us as #HIM

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Mid-Year Update on CAH Guidance

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PAX:

As you all know, for the past few years F3 has been working with the Children’s Attention Home (CAH), AO “Guidance” in Rock Hill. For those not familiar with CAH, it is a place of healing, nurturing, love, and care for abused, neglected, and abandoned children of all ages. Originally named “Justice League”, this year the youth renamed it “Guidance”. The name fits perfectly. The PAX of F3 has had a growing presence there, with the mission being the same as F3 Nation:

The mission of F3 is to plant, grow and serve small workout groups for the invigoration of male community leadership.

It runs deeper than those words. Every other week older PAX meet up with the younger PAX residents (ages 11-18) there and workout, reinforce the 5 core principles, discuss what the three F’s mean and how they apply in everyday life, and also discuss the theme of the month. Plus, another impactful thing we do for them is spend time with the youth and let them know we care, they matter, and they are leaders waiting to blossom. More importantly, we reinforce that they are a vital part of something larger than themselves, they are all His Children, and He will always be there for them. For anyone in F3 for some time, we all know the immensely positive impact all of this can have on one’s life.

Myself, Chicken Hawk, and Reborn are in regular communications with the staff at CAH, and if anyone needs any proof of the positive impact F3’s presence is having on the youth there, here is some input offered by the Volunteer Programs Coordinator there as to what she has noticed this year:

  • She has seen Tristen (F3 Travolta) go from being a bully to a mentor to the younger children
  • She has seen Daniel (F3 Curry) work through differences with other children that he would previously fight with
  • She has seen Samaj (F3 Chihuahua) genuinely excited when he knows F3 is coming to the home
  • Plus. she has noticed that the boys bunk house has become the ‘choice assignment’ for the staff because of the transformation of the boys. Not long ago staff did not want to be assigned to it for their various duties. Now they ask for it because the boys have ‘settled down’, fight less, and are much more respectful towards them
  • In her words – This group of men are providing a model, giving hope and helping to influence a new outcome that likely wasn’t in these boys future

Glory be to God!! It is much more than exercises, funny names, unique lingo, and sweat that is making this happen. We are providing them a sense of community and belonging, discipline, mentorship, guidance, intentionality, love, care……all in a little of one’s own time. Combine that with His word, His mercy, His grace, and His love, it is clearly evident the positive impact we are making down there. It has been a blessing to have these youth in our lives, and watching them transform week to week.

None of this could have happened without the support of the F3 PAX who have taken their time to be there at CAH and make this difference happen. That impact has been made stronger by the PAX who have supported in whatever way they can – burpee challenge fund drive, snack drives, drink drives, Catawba river float, whatever. It takes effort to make a difference, and the greater the forces the greater the impact.

Keep up the great work, but by no means are we done. We will continue to need PAX support to continue to make this happen…..to plant, grow, and serve in order to invigorate.

Thank you for your efforts, and for being the HIMs you all are. God bless.
– NASA, Chicken Hawk, and Reborn

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Suffering for Freedom

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  • QIC: Reborn
  • When: 07/07/17
  • Pax: Yzerman, Chihuahua, Travolta, Curry, Eagle Eye, Casanova, Sherlock, Gru (FNG), Anchor Bar (R), Decibel, Roxanne, High Pockets, Chicken Hawk, NASA, Reborn (QIC)
  • Posted In: Guidance

14 other PAX, including 1 FNG (Gru) made the choice to join YHC on Friday evening for a lesson in Freedom at the Rock/Fort Region outreach workout rightly named Guidance. Thank you all for joining us and for taking the time out of your evening to serve others.

After I gave our F3 disclaimer and some rules on safety we began with the following:

WARMUP

We took a short mosey up the hill to First Christian Church for some level ground for our warmup led by Sherlock, which was performed in cadence: Merkins, Moroccan Night Clubs, Imperial Walkers, and Peter Parker Peters.

THE THANG

We then took a mosey down Edgemont Rd. towards Glencairn Gardens where I noticed a Veterans’ Monument a little over a month ago when Chicken Hawk was on Q. As we moseyed to the Gardens we performed shuffles, karaokes, high knees, and butt kickers. We ended our mosey above the monument where the American Flag was and stated the Pledge of Allegiance led by Curry.

We then took a mosey to the front of the monument and partnered up. I asked one partner to perform the exercise called out in front of the monument while the other partner ran a short lap around Glencairn Gardens. Then flapjack. We performed two sets of each exercise. Once the partners were completed with each set they were asked to plank for the 6 so we would all stay together. The exercises performed at the monument were as follows: Irkins, Dips, Step Ups. Some of the PAX modified due to slight injuries.

At specific times during the workout I talked about Freedom and how we as Americans have achieved it by the sacrifice of others who were represented at the monument.

We then took a mosey to the side lawn of First Christian Church to the wood cross near the parking lot. We then had some ab lab performing the following exercises: LBCs, Dying Cockroach, & Big Boy Sit-ups. These were led by Travolta and Curry.

After we had ab lab I discussed the Eternal Freedom we have because of what Christ did for us on the cross, and then discussed how we should not take it for granted or use it in evil ways. See NMM below.

We then moseyed back to the COT. It was great to be back with the young men tonight and they are all getting stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually. I can’t wait until I return to be with them again.

Tclaps to Curry, Travolta, and Sherlock for earning their F3 shirts today as they have been attending workouts regularly, were able to state what the 3-Fs of F3 means to them personally, and led a portion of the workout.

NMM

Freedom. We have celebrated our country’s freedom this past week in many different ways. I have to check myself each year when we pass by the 4th of July and ask ‘Why do I have the freedom I have in this country that many others do not around the world?’ First of all, after taking some time during our “10 counts” looking at the monument and discussing it, I can only thank the many men and women who have had their lives taken from them or are currently sacrificing to serve our country for our freedom. Men and women who have served our country in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, those who are still POW/MIA, and our local law enforcement.

However, I must thank God for placing me into a free country, something He inherently determined at the beginning of time. Without God, nobody would have freedom here on earth. Without God, nobody would have the opportunity to have freedom for eternity.

God knew that He himself, through the form of Christ Jesus, would have to suffer in order for us to have that freedom. This is a freedom that will last forever after life on this earth. I can only give thanks and praise to my Lord for the freedom he has given me through Christ. I also need to make that Freedom known to others who may not have that freedom or may not feel they can acheive it.

What are you doing with the freedom you have, both here on earth and eternally?

Are you abusing your freedom or taking it for granted?

1 Peter 2:16 “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Guidance Workout – July 21 at 1900.

NASA mentioned the Burpee Challenge and the money raised to the young men.

York Mastodon in two weeks.

PRAYERS/REQUESTS

Anchor Bar – Surgery on the 11th.

Roxanne – Cousin with Addiction to Drugs.

Decibel – 6-Year Old Son.

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Looking for shade at Guidance

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  • QIC: Dawg Pound
  • When: 06/10/17
  • Pax: Chihuaha(co-Q), Sherlock, Casanova, Travolta, The Boss, Curry, Yzerman, NASA, Chicken Hawk, Roxanne, Decibel.
  • Posted In: Guidance

It was an honor to lead the workout at Guidance.  Especially, considering, I think this is one of the most tangible and noticeable ways to be a HIM.

Including YHC there were 12 PAX of varying ages ready to participate.

Started with a disclaimer and warm up and moseyed up to the church yard so we could get some work in in a more shady locale.

Once we got there I turned the Q over to Chihuahua who I’ve grown rather close to through working with him through an organization outside of the CAH.

He called out the following exercises:

Merkins

LBCs

After that we did our first lap of the modified “3 corners”.  For 3 corners we did 25 reps of a different excercise at each corner.  Please bear with me, as I have lost my Weinke and I also did not save the document I typed it up on.  So rather than try to guess and be wrong, I will simply tell you we did 25 reps at each corner.

After lap 1 Chihuahua again led us in two exercises.  His call and cadence improved and he started to show some confidence.

Lap 2 of “3 corners”, again, I don’t remember, sorry.  My bad

After lap 2, Chihuahua again led us in two exercises.  I believe he thought he was done, but we were able to coax him into doing more and he did a great job.

After the 3 corners we found some softer, non-fire ant infested grass and did Jack Webbs.  I am sure the younger men of the group thought it was easy and it was the first two rounds, but then it got more difficult.  I love introducing someone new to Jack Webbs.

Following Jack Webbs we went with one of my contributions, the Lt. Dan Indian Run.  Normally an Indian Run falls apart fairly early due to the varying degrees of fitness in the group.  The Lt Dan Indian Run solves that problem.  Like an Indian Run the man in the back still runs to the front, however, those in the line do Lt. Dans-lunge, lunge, squat.  This slows things down and allows any PAX who can jog even a little bit to get to the front.  We did this until we got to the street and mosey back to the COT.

While in the CoT one of the CAH PAX suggested we do our next workout at the YMCA.  This seemed like a great time to review the 5 principles of F3.

We talked a little about faith, announcements, praise and prayers.

DawgPound

Sorry for the lackluster BB.  I will do better next time.

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Unfailing Love

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  • QIC: DaVinci, Deacon
  • When: 5/27/17
  • Pax: Rock Hill CAH Pax
  • Posted In: Guidance

Posting with the 13 Pax from the CAH was even more meaningful with Father’s Day fast approaching. We hoped the provide the young men encouragement, love and attention. The Pax did the following workout with a high level of energy and enthusiasm.

 

Q: DaVinci

 

Mosey to the park.

COP: Merkins (15x), SSH (15x), LBCs (15x), Squats (15x), MCs (15x)

DaVinci discussed the importance of maturity with the Pax.

 

Q: Deacon

 

Mosey to the basketball court at CAH for a quick pick up game.

Team Drill 1/Counts: 50 jumping jacks, 50 LBCs, 20 Merkins (2x).

Team Drill 2: Start at the ends of the court then run to center court for 5 Big Boy Sit Ups and Partner Plank Claps then rinse and repeat.

 

Moleskin:

 

Father’s Day is fast approaching and it brings mixed emotions for the children of CAH. These young men feel let down by their parents. We discussed how there not a perfect parent on this planet. When parents fail, it’s not the children’s fault…it’s really because of the parent’s shortcomings.

 

To lift the children’s spirits and help encourage them, we pointed them to their perfect father: God. We discussed how He protects them, cares for them and provides their every need. We affirmed our Father’s unfailing love for the children of CAH by having them read the following.

God, my heavenly father, loves me and He tells me:

1. “I’m here for you.”

2. “I’m proud of you.”

3. “I believe in you.”

4. “I want the best for you.”

5. “I will stand with you.”

6. “I love you.”

 

Tell your children these affirming sentences regarding your unconditional love for them.

 

Peace,

Deacon

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PREBLAST – June Children’s Attention Home Burpee Challenge

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  • QIC: Chicken Wing
  • When: 06/01/2017
  • Pax: All F3 Nation PAX
  • Posted In: Guidance

F3 Nation PAX and beyond. We had a lot of fun using the Twittah machine a few weeks back during the #SaveTheSquatch campaign, which rallied the PAX across TheFort to save our brethren. The idea hit and rattled around a little and YHC thought what if we combine Burpees + 2nd and 3rd Fs to continue to support the needs of the CAH. At the moment, we are thinking of installing pull up bars, dip bars, possibly some other stations and will work out the details with the CAH leaders, and continue to foster the Justice League AO.  NASA, ZIMA, and Dark Helmet already HC’d, be that guy that gets better and makes a difference.

With that, the CAH Burpee Challenge was born.  Let’s encourage each other to sign-up, participate, track your daily progress on the sign up link below, and most importantly, help grow the Justice League.

The Thang – 100 Burpees each day throughout the month of June for a grand total of 3000 burpees.  You make a pledge at the beginning of the month, Silver $0.01, Gold $0.02, or Platinum $0.03 sponsorship level.  For each burpee that you fall short on, you donate against your pledge level.

Example – Gold Sponsorship, 500 burpees short of the 3000 burpee goal.  500 x $0.02 = $10 pledge.

Rules – Burpees count in a workout.  More burpees in a workout, less you have to do OYO.  You can make up burpees if you miss a day, the goal is to hit 3000 for the month.  If you hit your goal, no funds due, but you can always make a donation to CAH.

Money Collection – Chicken Wing will tweet out final payment method, PayPal, F3 Foundation, etc.

Sign Up Link – https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1i0LLtbJGcyLtVBPlw29E3zte3v-lRoXOivRLNbNzTks/edit?usp=sharing

 

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