DORA – DOing Random Acts – Challenge

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

  • 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

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

 

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

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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Qvergence

We have reached the halfway point of Q Source covering #GetRight and #LiveRight. There is clear acceleration from the Pax of the Fort and Lake Wylie. To celebrate this momentum and continue through #LeadRight and #LeaveRight, we will host a Qvergence on August 3, 2019.

Details:

Workout

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 AM

Location: Pantheon (Tega Cay Elementary School)

Type: Bootcamp

Q: TBD

 

Q Source

Time: 7:45 – 8:30

Location: Grace Presbyterian Church (adjacent to Golden Corral)

Q: Jedi, Twister, Royale, Change Order and Pusher

Topic: Q3.4 Vision

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The Sweati Preblast

THE SWEATI
Date: 07/20/19
Time: 0530 Ruckers / 0600 Runners
Start: The Armory (Forest Hill Church: 2099 Carolina Pl Dr, Fort Mill, SC 29708)
Finish: The Armory
Route: You’ll get a directional card at the start of the event
AO Stops: TOP SECRET
Details: None (Workouts will be posted at each AO stop)

Seriously guys, you got to show to know!

Safety
Please be safe when you are rucking/running out there. Make sure you (or ruck) have something reflective. Ruckers should have headlamps to start. Runners should be okay, as sunrise is around 6:20 AM. Temps will be 76-82 degrees during the event, so please please hydrate throughout the event! We will have water at most of the AOs so there is no excuse. Like I always say, BE SAFE! DON’T DIE!

Q Source to follow with Barry Manilow on Q!

Aye!
Anchorman and Zima

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Workday at the Charlotte Ave. YMCA

  • QIC: Reborn
  • When: 08/10/2019
  • Posted In: Pre-Blast

Brothers, those of us in the Rock and Fort Regions who took that opportunity to obtain our First Aid Training a couple of months back are exchanging time and talent to assist in the payment for the training and certification.

We are going to be doing this on Saturday, August 10 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Charlotte Ave. YMCA. We are looking at this as a way for all of the PAX in the region to make an IMPACT in our community by leading. This is open to all M’s and 2.0’s as well if they are willing and able.

If you are available any time during that period (1 Hr. through 4), please contact YHC or just show up that day. This will be a great time of Fellowship and character building for all of us. #Living3rd

Again, August 10 from 0900-1300.

Hope you can make it.

Aye!

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Announcement: New AOs in the Fort….

Date update for Millstone – now projected to start on Saturday, Aug 24.

Minnow Pond details

  • Plan to stretch as much as you can prior to the beginning of the work out given the mileage
  • Plan on a minimum of 3 miles with boot camp baked into work out
  • 10 counts are not expected, you’re expected to push yourself and be moving
  • Idea would be .25-1 mile run, stop for boot camp, go again
  • Pretty much it…

Millstone details

  • Idea being more 2nd F with 1st F baked in
  • Going to be IR friendly
  • Stretching, light running / walking, core, modified boot camp exercises
  • Focus on what IR pains and aches and do the opposite
  • New PAX that may be older (neighbors, fathers or father-in-laws, etc.), this may be a good intro given the 2nd F component
  • This is not meant for existing older PAX (unless EH’ing new guys)!!!
  • Workout will vary based on IR as not looking to get hurt more

____________________________________________________

More details to come, but putting this out there for what’s coming to the Fort in early August.  Two different AOs so see below for both….

Name: Minnow Pond

Workout: Running with a mix of boot camp (high intensity)

Day / Time: Thursday’s, 5:15-6:00 am (first workout expected on August 1)

Site Q: Shady

Location: Gravel parking lot off 160 by downtown Fort Mill by the Flags (i.e. Veteran’s Park,  )

Basics / Purpose: Accelerate running and basic boot camp, goal is ~3 miles min, non-stop

________________________________________

Name: Millstone

Who: Guys on IR

Workout: Core, stretching, low intensity exercises

Day / Time: Saturday’s, 6:30-7:30 am (first workout expected on August 24)

Site Q: TBD

Location: Gravel parking lot off 160 by downtown Fort Mill by the Flags (i.e. Veteran’s Park,  )

Basics / Purpose: Low intensity workouts aimed towards PAX on IR or entering the 4th quarter of life, trying to keep the 1st and 2nd F going for these PAX

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Chicken ‘n Wisdom 4-Week Journey Intro

  • QIC: Chicken Hawk and Orange Crush
  • When: 07/26/2019
  • Posted In: Pre-Blast

Have you ever sensed that there was more to the Christian life than you are experiencing, but aren’t sure how to get there?

During the following dates in July and August 7/26, 8/2, 8/9 and 8/16 there will be a 4-week study going through the book “Journey to the Inner Chamber”.  This is a study on increasing our understanding of the reality that God is calling us deeper into our faith.  Through this allegory/ story we have the opportunity to identify where we are in our own faith walks and to begin to engage in some  opportunities to take our understanding of the depths that God calls us to and to take our faith deeper.  We will address these types of questions:

  • Who am I?
  • What is my purpose?
  • What is my life all about?

If you feel the tug and pull to go deeper then join us for this short 4-week study to see if the Lord is calling you deeper in your journey.  Please contact Orange Crush or Chicken Hawk for a book for this study.

For More details – https://f3thefort.com/2019/05/31/pre-blast-deepening-your-relationship-with-christ/

Weekly questions:

Week 1:- Chapters 1 -5 (pgs. 3-21)

  • Read Romans 8: 19-23
    • In chapter 2, The refugee camp is presented as The World hidden from our view.  Call it the spirit world and the inner condition of man.  What are people starving for? Why would God allow this to happen?  What is He hoping will Happen?  How does this relate to Romans 8: 19-23
    • What is the hope that emerges from the futility and frustration in the world?
  • From chapter 3, discuss the importance of the influencer on the refugees faith journey
    • When does an influencer have their highest potential impact ( when times are good or bad)?  How can an influencer serving another person in need communicate the love of Christ?   How can you demonstrate Christ’s love to others?
  • Christianity should never be identified as a RELIGON for what is offered is a right relationship with God through His grace it is not a result of mankind’s works or religions behavior.  What do religions bring that is so appetizing?  Legalistic rules that give a false sense of security?  Programs that attempt to box God in by trying to make Him something they can understand, rather than considering that He is unimaginable and inestimable?
    1. How do you differentiate Religion vs. Relationship?  What has your Christian walk looked like and how has it changed in terms of something that resembles a relationship over time?
    2. Describe your level of understanding of God and His ways.
  • Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” –
    1. How does God’s grace open the door to a relationship with Him?
    2. How does your FAITH in what Jesus did for you help walk you into that open door?
  • Jesus is our bridge crossing the impossible separation that exists between sinful man and Holy God.  Note that after Refugee crosses the Bridge, the maturity of this transformed life does not occur immediately, which is the challenge most Christians face.  At this point, we see only a “baby in Christ” being born.  The process after his decision will either lead to his maturity as a believer, or he will remind retarded in his spiritual growth and fail to become the man God intends for him to be.
    1. What did your first years look like after becoming a Christian?
    2. Why do you think God would required a well-thought-out decision to accept His offer of a relationship with Him, rather than a blanket coverage of forgiveness for everyone?
    3. Have you accepted the gift of salvation and the relationship with God the Father wants you to have with Him?  Have you “crossed the bridge”?  The invitation is always open and the gift is waiting to be accepted.

Week 2:  Chapters 6 – 10 (pgs. 23-46)

The study guide is broken up by major theme in different sections (see below).  Once we understand the different illustration represented in the allegory/story, we will assess where we are in our faith walks.

  • The table of sweets – Contrast with 2 Timothy 3:16 and the scriptures being breathed out of God compared to what many churches are doing to sweeten the message for the congregations (to put butts in seats and dollars in offering plates).  How do you digest the difficult messages?  Have you ever debated/rationalized the Word?  What value do you see in having a more mature follower help challenge us to look deeper into the Word?
  • The Banquet Table – Theology:  Ephesians 4:15-16 speaking to the different parts working together to make the body function/grow/love.   How have you experienced people that have served you to help you grow in your faith?  Do you see spiritual gifts in people around you, do you see your own gifts?  How have you seen these gifts used as the body serving the head (Christ)?
  • The Feast in the Inner Chamber – How do you feel about the requirements for entering the inner chamber?  The requirement of personal abandonment and absolute trust.  Is this a serious challenge for you to trust in Christ at this level?  What has this looked like in your life?
  • Words from murdered Jim Elliot – “He is no fool who give what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose”
    • What is he referencing about what he could not keep or could not lose?
    • If Jim couldn’t keep his life safe from those who murdered him, did God have the power and right to do so?  Do you think Jim was willing to entrust his life to God, no matter the cost, because God did have control of it?
    • Was Jim’s life wasted or was his life invested as God would choose?
  • Where do you see yourself in the allegory you have just read, where would you say you are in Learner’s journey?  What do you think you need to do to mature and progress? What would other say about you? See below:
    • Outside the walls
    • At the bridge
    • Crossed the bridge and eating at the table of sweets
    • Eating at the banquet table (Baby food, soft, all foods)
    • Feasting in the inner chamber
    • Are you an influencer or teaching others to feed?

Week 3: Chapters 12 – 14  (pgs. 55-75)

  • Going Deeper – “The objective of this group was to find that which was missing in their relationship with Christ and to become the men He wanted to make them”
    • Do you feel there is something more to knowing Christ and serving His purpose than you are currently experiencing?  What is missing?  What could you be doing different?
    • In your life where are you today with prioritizing your life toward seeking Christ more Deeply?  How far have you come over the years?  How far do you have to go? What will help you move your life more in that direction?
  • Trials – Three main components of getting stronger and physically mature:  nutrition (God’s word), exercise (trials), and rest (God’s peace).  “The trials in the life of the believer are as necessary to spiritual growth as exercise is to physical growth.”  Respond.
    • 1 Corinthian 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” How have you applied this truth to your life or do you keep it in the theory state?
    • Have you ever been in a trial or challenging situation that seemed impossible and even unlikely that it would end good, only to see God move in a very special way and create a rescue?  Discuss.
  • Finding Peace by Trusting God –
    • Scriptures – What are your thoughts on these scriptures that speak about trusting in God?  Do you believe that they apply to your life?
      • Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
      • Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
      • Daniel 6:23 – The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
    • What situation are you dealing with right now where you are seeking peace but you haven’t given it to God?  A situation where you aren’t finding peace because you aren’t trusting in God.  Let’s pray about these situations and how they can be used by God to help your spiritual maturity and relationship with him.

Week 4:  Chapters 15 – 20  (pgs. 77-109)

  • Character of Game:
    • What characteristics in Gabe do you see that you admire the most? Why?
    • Have you ever known a Gabe?  What trials (if you know) helped shape/sharpen them?  How did they influence you?
  • Overcoming Fear… finding courage:
    • Gabe had to abandon his fears and trust in God to invite the stranger into his home.  Have you ever taken a risk by getting close to someone that you didn’t know or did you invite them into your personal space?  How did it feel to abandon your fears? Did God provide?
      •  There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.  For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18
    • How does God’s love and our abiding in it take away our fear and make us courageous like Gabe?
    • Gabe lived with a sense of gratitude toward God that made him more willing to serve, how do you live with this same gratitude?
  • Wisdom:
    • We see wisdom that comes from experiences, even trials in a life that had to be overcome, but results in an insight that could be found in no other way.  Why is this?
    • We sense that Christ within Game is working through him.  How does the example of Gabe’s humble faithfulness teach you to live your life?
  • Loving our Neighbor/Enemy:
    • In the story, an arsonist tries to burn down his Barn out of jealousy but Gabe quenches the fire and finds the neighbor lame during his escape but carries him Home and feeds and provides for his family.  React to this story. How would you have responded?  If you take a step back why did God allow the fire to be started?
    • Discuss the legacy of the single act on the work that God did years after with the farmer’s son
  • Bearing Fruit:
    • Galatians 5:22-23  22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
    • Discuss the idea of self-made vs. spirit lead fruit.  What happens when you try to produce spirit out of your will?  What happens when you allow the spirit to produce the fruit?
    • What are the outcomes from producing fruit?  What does the Fruit produced reflect?
  • Gabe’s Principles of Influence: What are practical ways of living out these principles?
    • Be a God seeker
    • Be a God Abider
    • Live it out in the home and outside the home
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