Tag: 3rdF

3rd F meetups are service and faith related where faith is believing the world is bigger than just yourself

  • Breaking Bread – Please, No More Lasagna. We Want Ham and Potatoes!

    9 guests, one worker, and one guest join in Personhood to celebrate the latest edition of Breaking Bread. Conditions were 70 and sunny. According to the sweet older lady who YHC has seen several times over the years, the following might have been served.

    Baked ham, King’s Hawaiian rolls, Dad’s Mashed Potatoes (🥔 Upchuck’s version), and green beans (UpChuck’s version).

    Many thank you’s were expressed for F3, whether lasagna or this evening’s dinner. Those folks love them some F3 (as does Sharon, the new Barbara).

    No numbers, no names, but a gentleman, out of nowhere, said a wonderful blessing.

    If you haven’t done Breaking Bread, grab a pal, whip up a menu, scratch together a couple of dishes, and insist on being part of serving the dinner (do not let Sharon tell you to just go home). Chat with the residents, learn a bit, and push yourself (don’t hurt yourself) in a non-workout context. It’s a reward to learn how much we are given in life.

    YHC thanks his M., Carrie, for her help (though YHC candidly claims credit for the green beans, potatoes, and rolls).

    UpChuck spits the bit.

  • We Men Get Away

    14 holy river rollers escaped their sleeping bags to honor a beautiful Charles City sunrise with a ride on the DTH pain train. The three FNG’s were not disappointed with the following 45min Thang:

    WARMERAMA: 

    • Circle up around the Shovel Flag
    • Welcome & Disclaimer
    • Variable IC Reps to get the muscles warm top to bottom

    COP #1: 

    • SHE HATE ME
    • Traverse a long stretch of paved driveway by completing sets of 20 lunges, stopping between sets to complete x10 Groiners & x10 Merkins

    COP #2:

    • THE WILT
    • Run twice around the field doing x50 reps of the given exercise at corners
    • LBC’s, SSH’s, Flutter Kicks, Squats

    COP #3:

    • OVER UNDERS
    • PAX line up in the field in plank, with last man taking turns jumping over then crawling under each planking PAX

    COP #4:

    • Moseyrama around the driveway loop to collect a frisbee from the truck
    • FRISBEE FARTLEK
    • Throw frisbee, first man to frisbee calls x20 reps of an exercise, then gets to throw next
    • Merkins, V-ups, Squats, WWII’s, Burpees

    COP #5:

    • Mosey down to the river and form up at the base of the ridiculously steep incline
    • HILL REPEATS
    • x20 Incline Mericans
    • Run up to the top of the hill
    • x20 Donkey Kicks 
    • Run back down
    • Bear Crawl to the top
    • Run back down
    • Sprint AYG BTTF 

    COT:

    • Counterama # 14
    • Namerama
    • Announcerama (see Below)
    • YHC took the PAX out in Prayer

    NMS:  Sunrise and seventy with a gentle river breeze and an eager PAX ready to roll in the dewy lawn, let’s GO! This was maybe the fourth F3 “The River” beatdown for the annual WEAG men’s getaway, and a few F3 regulars welcomed back some of last year’s FNG’s, as well as a few new ones. Chaplain’s 2.0 Armadillo was given the long-awaited opportunity for renaming – as a young man who can outpace most adults on a long run, welcome PACER! We nearly lost Slapstick early on, gassed with just the warmerama, but the loving accountability of the F3 Credo held him in the pocket for the duration of the bootcamp. Also almost had a Merlot Splash from Slider but YHC was not fully honored as he was able to hold it together. It was an honor to lead as always brothers. Living Third, DTH

    Prayer Requests:

    • Traveling mercies for Trig heading to Germany and Broadway leaving for on a missions trip to Kosovo later today

  • Pork, Pasta, Puddin’

    YHC put his 2.0 to work to provide a meal for some very grateful folks.  Rumor has it, it was a success.  Here’s what was served:

    • Black Pepper Crusted Pork Tenderloin
    • Pasta Salad
    • Banana Pudding
    • Tea & Lemonade

    Numberama, Nameorama, COT

    MOLESKIN

    YHC’s 2.0 is working on her kitchen game and is also required to serve the community.  Boom, Breaking Bread offers a perfect opportunity.  Always a pleasure to give back.

  • Hamming It Up for Humanity: A Hearty Night at Daily Planet


    This evening, at the respite center sponsored by Daily Planet, three culinary crusaders, known in the streets as Oyster, Boberry, and yours truly, embarked on a mission not just to fill stomachs but to warm hearts.

    Armed with a Honey Baked Ham, courtesy of Boberry, we served not only love by a feast, complemented by loaded baked potatoes, green bean casserole, and the fluffiest Hawaiian rolls this side of paradise. As we laid out the feast, the room filled with an aroma so enticing that it could make a grown man weep with joy.

    Our 11 guests were treated to a spread that would make the Easter Bunny hop with envy, washing down each delectable bite with the sweetest of teas, and capping the evening with slices of peach and pumpkin pie that whispered, “this is what dreams are made of.”

    Let’s not forget the previous night’s hero, EF Hutton, whose porkloin and banana pudding extravaganza still had everyone buzzing. The bar was set high, but like the dedicated food maestros we are, we rose to the occasion, serving up a meal that will surely be the talk of the town until next Easter and beyond.

    A hearty round of applause goes to Oyster and Boberry, without whom this banquet for the soul wouldn’t have been possible. Their generosity shone brighter than the North Star, guiding our guests through a gustatory galaxy of delight.

    In the spirit of sharing and caring, I encourage everyone to consider “Breaking bread in their birthday month.” It’s a chance to spread love, share a meal, and touch lives in the most delicious way possible. Let’s keep this tradition alive and turn every birthday into an opportunity to serve, celebrate, and savor the joy of giving.

    To those who’ve yet to don the apron of altruism, what are you waiting for? Your birthday bash could be the next big hit at the Daily Planet, where every meal is a masterpiece and every act of kindness echoes in the hearts of those we serve.

  • Breaking Bread: NYE Reflection

    Spending New Year’s Eve contributing to breaking bread for individuals that need love, kindness, and support the most this holiday season was significant for me since I spent a majority of this year on the receiving end of that same kindness with a sick child. 

    2023 was a year that was nothing short of the bring you to your knees type of humility that life will serve up to you from time to time. In my case, it was when my 2 month old daughter, Liv, was diagnosed with high grade glioma brain cancer on 1/13/23. 

    Along with that diagnosis came the overwhelming support and kindness of family, friends, and strangers as we found ourselves on the receiving end of the same love, kindness, and support that was expressed this evening. At the end of the day, not having to worry about what to feed yourself (or the kids) was a relief and a huge comfort when switching between hospital and home stays.

    We lost count of the amount of meal trains and baked goods that individuals and families chose to bring to us, but what it did was instill a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude for how much impact small gestures of kindness and a warm meal can have on someone in need or enduring hardship. 

    With the year coming to a close and with it, a much healthier one year old girl, we find ourselves shifting from a place of needing support to one of giving back, paying it forward, and being the enabler of that support for others in the same way that this support was provided to us.

    I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of the F3 contributions to breaking bread this year and to close out a tough year by providing others with comfort and support in the form of a warm meal. 

  • Breaking Bread: Heist and Wildcat

    Wildcat and Heist, fitness warriors with hearts as strong as their bodies, decided to bring a unique twist to their usual workout routine. Instead of doing burpees, they lifted the spirits of those less fortunate. Armed with pizzas, cookies, and salads, they marched to a respite center, ready to spread joy.

    As they arrived, the aroma of warm pizza caught the attention of the homeless individuals. Wildcat and Heist, clad in their fitness gear, began distributing the food with genuine smiles. The contrast of indulgent cookies and healthy salads offered something for everyone.

    Antoniette, initially skeptical, soon found herself drawn to the warmth radiating from Wildcat and Heist. Their kindness and genuine concern touched her heart. She joined the communal gathering, savoring a slice of pizza and engaging in uplifting conversations.

    Laughter echoed through the respite center as the fitness warriors shared stories of triumph and resilience. The act of kindness not only nourished bodies but also nurtured a sense of community. Wildcat and Heist, with their burpee-free approach, became catalysts for a collective uplift.

    As the night unfolded, everyone felt a renewed sense of hope. Antoniette, once wary, was now part of the shared joy. The fitness warriors had not only brought physical sustenance but had also created a space where everyone felt seen and valued.

    In the end, amidst the shared moments and simple pleasures, Wildcat and Heist proved that true strength lies not just in challenging workouts like burpees but in the ability to uplift others and build a community where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can find happiness.

  • Annual RVA Shoe Drive

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

    Fall is upon us and the cold months of Winter will be setting in before you know it. For many, life is comfortable, warm, and stable, the choices we have made along the road have led us to right here where we are being called upon to lead in a world that desperately needs leaders to step up and take action in the community.

    Officially Starting November 12th and ending December 30th, the men of F3 RVA are being called upon to help those men of Richmond that are in need of a small gesture of help. Over the 7 weeks, the challenge is to collect 62 pairs of new or gently used shoes or boots that will be donated to various organizations we have partered with including Shood, The Healing Place, Habitat For Humanity, and others.. For every pair collected, YHC will buy a corresponding set of new socks to go with them.

    Track shoes, Sport cleat, and Running shoes that have 85 to 100% life left are in a huge demand for this drive. If your 2.0s have out grown or you bought a pair of running shoes the just didn’t fit right, them please send them.

    Point of Contacts (POC)s have been spread out around the region with YHC tasked with collecting from the POCs.
    SOJ: (South of the James) POC: Dr.Try Hard
    West End POC: YHC
    Da-Ville: POC: Cornbeef

    Center City: POC: Mr. ROGERS


    These #HIM will collect your donations at the weekly Saturday AOs.

    Let’s make a mountain of shoes and socks men. I know you have pairs in the back of the closet just collecting dust and your 2.0s have outgrown a few pairs as well.

    SYITG!!!
    v/r
    John (Gypsy) Boles

  • Annual Birthday Breaking Bread

    For the last few years, YHC has decided to give back during his birthday week (46th birthday was on the 22nd, btw!) This year, 8 fine people were served Minced Pork BBQ sandwiches, cole slaw, hot mac-n-cheese, pototoe salad, cupcakes and tea. All were most appreciative. One resident asked for seconds but was shutdown by the lady in charge because of his blood sugar levels! He wasn’t too happy.

    This is one one my family’s favorite things to do and one of F3RVA’s most important.

    BE THE LIGHT!!

    Tomorrow, EF Hutton has the honors. F3RVA is filling them up this weekend.

    Sign up! There are plenty of spots left in 2023.

    SYITG!

    Kubota

  • 16 Record-setting Sons of the King

    Setting a record on “The Mountain” a hearty 16 gloom warriors from all over the Carolinas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Virginia climbed aboard Day 2 of the DTH pain train. A handful of yesterday’s FNG’s solidified their membership and the PAX also welcomed two fresh FNG’s for a taste of F3 glory. Here’s how these awesome brothers in Christ claimed victory for the day:

    The THANG: 

    WARMERAMA: 

    • PAX circled up
    • Welcome & Disclaimer
    • Variable IC Reps to get the muscles warm top to bottom – introduce a few new exercises, including the proverbial and DTH-beloved 8-counts

    COP #1:

    • Longish Mosey down to the “toll bridge”
    • x20 Dips IC
    • x20 Incline Mericans OYO

    COP #2:

    • Bernie Sanders up the long steep serpentine driveway – FEEL THE BERN!
    • Circle up for x40 Flutters IC
    • Mosey halfway down the hill

    COP #3:

    • BOOYAH LADDER
    • Partner up to complete x10 Booyah Mericans, then Bernie back to the top, then x9 Booyah Mericans, mosey back down, x8 Booyahs, Bernie back up, etc etc down to 1
    • Wait for the Six with a few IC reps

    COP #4:

    • Longish mosey back down the hill and back around toward our starting point
    • Stop for some WALL WORK
    • x10 Hoesdown’s IC
    • x10 Dirty-Hookups (Left hand first)
    • x10 Dirty-Hookups (Right first)
    • Donkey Kick-offs up to 15

    COP #5: 

    • Mosey around to the long steep grassy hill leading up to the field
    • FIFTIES with a run up/down the hill between sets
    • x50 Monkey Humpers
    • x50 LBC’s
    • x50 Groiners
    • x50 Flutters

    Circle up for COT:

    • Counterama # 16
    • Namerama
    • MOUTHPIECE took the PAX out in Prayer

    NMS:  It was great to set the new record on The Mountain with 16 awesome brothers. TClaps to our repeat FNG offenders from yesterday’s beatdown – hope ya’ll can find an AO near your home towns to keep the momentum going! Also great to host so many veteran PAX from a ton of different regions all over the Southeastern US. There were many an appreciative comment in the level of pain train challenges served. What an AWESOME privilege to enjoy F3 brotherhood among men who also share a deep and transparent affection for Jesus. Thank you Mouthpiece for leading us out in that powerful prayer. Look forward to building even greater numbers at the retreat next year!!! Yours, DTH

  • Mountain Men LOVE Burpees

    The Carolina mountain gloom welcome 14 warriors, including 8 FNG’s, for a ride on the DTH pain train. These men of God kicked off their mountain retreat with the following hearty ground&pound at “The Mountain” AO (Windy Gap YoungLife camp near Weaverville, NC):

    The THANG: 

    WARMERAMA: 

    • 0600, Circle up next to the sand volleyball courts
    • F3 Welcome & Disclaimer
    • EXTENDED Variable IC Reps to get the muscles warm top to bottom

    COP #1:

    • Mosey to the driveway loop
    • LIGHT-POLE ALLEY
    • x10 Burpees, bear crawl to next light
    • x9 Burpees, lunge to next light
    • x8 Burpees, crabwalk to next light
    • x7 Burpees, broad jump to next light
    • x6 Burpees, inchworm to next light
    • FRONT runners circling back for the SIX at each interval, and reviewed the Credo and x5 Core Principles holding elbow plank

    COP #2:

    • Mosey to the steep grassy hill on the backside of the lake
    • Partner up for a DORA
    • x100 Mericans
    • x200 Squats
    • x300 LBC’s
    • Moving partner bear crawls up the hill, then crawlbears back down to switch

    Mosey BTTF:

    • En route, stop for the following:
    • x5 Burpees
    • x10 Feet Uphill WWII’s IC
    • x4 Burpees
    • x10 SSH’s
    • x3 Burpees
    • x2 Burpees
    • x1 Burpee

    COT:

    • Counterama # 14
    • Namerama (naming EIGHT FNG’s!)
    • Announcerama (see Below)
    • YHC took the PAX out in Prayer

    NMS:  This is YHC’s third time to The Mountain for the annual Windy Gap men’s retreat, and we’ve had F3 workouts each year. This year YHC thought ahead to make and put up a few fliers on the mess hall and meeting hall doors, and we definitely had some new takers today! Turned out to be a little more of a tough grind than YHC had anticipated leading, but the men stuck with it and crushed the beatdown with a whole lot of grit and very little chatter. The quiet moments weren’t left vacant however, as YHC filled the many FNG’s in with all the essential F3 truths. Today the PAX chose to embrace something truly challenging and revitalizing, and YHC prays it has lifted up their spirits to receive new revelation and respite in the presence of Jesus and brothers bearing His name. We’ll just have to wait and see how many repeat offenders tomorrow brings. All for Jesus, DTH