Supply and Demand

Men of God from our generation will change the world.

Prayer Request

Brothers,

I wanted to take to the bloggo-sphere to ask for prayer for Sue Odderstol, Lauren's mom. She recently contracted a treatable form of Lyme disease and is currently undergoing medical care to combat it.

Please pray for:

* A full recovery to health for Sue.
* For her energy levels to stay high, as she's been out of work and having difficulty engaging well with family/ friends over the last couple weeks/ holidays.
* For her to see God's heart in this time and to come into a full relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
* For her family (son, Thad; daughters, Katherine, Lauren, and Nikki; boyfriend, H.R.) to be a support for Sue and each other and to gain similar perspective on what God is teaching them in this season of their family's life.

If you could each take 15 minutes sometime this week to intentionally go before the Lord on Sue and her family's behalf, I know that it will move God's hand to act, as the prayers of men right before God are powerful and effective (James 5:16).

And, to my knowledge, there are no men more suited for the task than you.

Learning again to submit,
Ryan

Can we meet up every week to watch this?

It appears real television is making a come back. Check out this video regarding the upcoming Boy Meets World sequel. Why didn't I think of this?!? Time to break out the apple juice again.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYXJv_bUumY

Post Tenebras Lux

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/after-darkness-light-video-from-geneva

what a whoppa business would look like

youtube clip

Why settle for the entrance?

We know Jesus so we have the ticket to the park. Why settle for just walking through the front gate and standing there? Some settle for just the knowledge of knowing they have a ticket. but they refuse to use it. Jesus tells God the Father in John 17, I WANT MY FRIENDS WITH ME! here is the exerpt 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Jesus wants us to see him. I want to behold His glory. Wherever you are, seek out His face to see hear taste feel smell behold who He is. Behold

Raging Bull

"Do you have the duct work ready, and everything prepared in the basement for us to put in the indoor AC unit?" (Jack my teacher) "Yessir, everything is ready. it's time to move it in place." (me) "Do you want me to help you?" "Na I got it. I can handle it." So Jack looks at me with a knowing grin on his face. Young pride. He's 60. I'm 26. I can do anything. "Brian, let me tell you a story son. It's a story about an old bull and a young bull..." At this moment, inside my head, I am in shock that I metaphorically walked into this, and am about to get lectured about the bulls.... again... After he tells me the story: "...yessir, I have heard that story before. My uncles told it to me when I was a kid... and frankly, I'm shocked that you even know it" "your uncles are smart men. now let's go take a walk." side note. Jack is a retired Navy Engineer, and a very accomplished man. the story: a young bull and an old bull stand on a hilltop surveying the herd. The young bull looks at the old bull and says, "hey old man, lets run down that hill and service some heifers." The old bull glances over and begins to stroll. "Let's walk down the hill, and service them all." Slow and steady. Hold Fast, men. Bangarang, BW

sweet

Men.  I understand that being in Young Life doesn't make you a christian.  But, as I sit in my living room watching hockey, I notice 4 dudes with frisbees in my front yard.  They're discussing the next hole.  Their frisbees have the YL logo on them.  That made me excited.

What Would Mr. Bettwy Do? and other prayer requests

Bro(s),

As some of you know, I've been working for the last several months with a Middle School in as an Instructional Aide with a Special Needs department. In this particular department, and the field at-large, there's a severe shortage of male employees and significant male role-models in the lives of young men. For several of my students, most of whom have severe social or mental handicaps, this has meant language or behavioral issues that they deal with. It can be difficult to readily "share" my heart and mind for Christ in these contexts, so my prayer the last few days has been that the Lord would use anything to show his glory: my eyes, my words, my attention to students... whatever of me that he could use to make Himself more glorious.

Today, my head-teacher came up and asked me, "Can I take a picture of you?" Of course, I was much obliged, but as I began to pose, the obvious question lingered unasked.

 "So, why do you want my picture?"

"Oh," she said, "I wanted to give it to all of the boy students so that they could have it with them in case they start to think of doing the wrong things, that they can remember who their role model is and ask themselves...











My prayer with it is just that God would be seen and glorified and that somehow these dear young students would see the face of Jesus.























I have a job phone interview manana with a church in Arlington for a youth coordinator position they have open. I covet your prayers for this time and for this church (Restoration Anglican in Arlington, VA) and for the lives of the people in this community!

It's at 3:30 PM, for those who still refuse to believe in retroactive prayer...like that one time we prayed for Civil War soldiers.

I love you, brothers, and am earnestly anticipating a Whoppa Summer-fest 2012! (any thoughts on possible weekends for Nats game?)

Wind

To all yall, including elbow mcgoo, thought yall might enjoy this sermon. (and prob laugh at the same part i did) http://marshill.com/media/ecclesiastes/setting-the-record-crooked#scripture

Pat's Birthday

Happy birthday, Whoppahead:

May the Quarterback controversy begin--
RGIII vs. PC!

Some see a drillfield. I see a training ground.

my chair would be a combo of these 2

I saw this truck on the highway today.

Whoppaheads

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo88LaJIt5E&feature=related

Men's Retreat this weekend

Brus,

I'm going on a Men's retreat with my church this weekend (Restoration Anglican in Arlington, VA).

I covet your prayers for solidifying relationships, receptive hearts/ minds for the Gospel, and catching vision from our leaders in the church for our charge.

Thank you in advance.


Once more into the breach!

-Ryan (and William Shakespeare).

Man Chair "Haters Gonna Hate"

Stolen from:  http://www.everydaynodaysoff.com/2010/07/21/grizzly-bear-chair-you-will-never-be-this-badass/ 

I see this being in the whoppa hunting lodge...every man should look out for their man chair.  I currently have Pats old one in my office...but it pales in comparison to Seth's design....

Meet Seth Kinman, A California Hunter and Trapper who lived in the 1800s:

By today’s standards he looks pretty eccentric.  Back then he was considered to be pretty eccentric too…  If there is one thing you will come away from this article learning, it is that try as you will… you will never be as badass as him.

Behold Seth Kinman, with a textbook “Haters Gonna Hate” look, leg crossed over, rifle in hand, knife jammed into the floor, while sitting in the Grizzly Bear chair he presented to president Andrew Johnson on September 8th, 1865:

Another view of the chair:

A view from the front of the chair.  By touching a cord, the head of the monster grizzly bear with jaws extended, would dart out in front from under the seat, snapping and gnashing its teeth.

Seth Kinman on Wikipedia – HERE

Funny article in the NY Times archive from December 9th, 1885 where the title is “Seth Kinman; The Pacific Coast Nimrod Who Gives Chairs To Presidents” – HERE

Although not quite the same caliber as Seth Kinman’s chair, Sarah Palin’s grizzly bear couch cover is fairly badass, along with that respectable looking king crab on her coffee table.

Captain Call

"Sitting on the low bluff, watching the moon climb the dark sky, he felt the old sadness again, He felt, almost, that he didn't belong with the very men he was leading, and that he ought to just leave: ride west, let the herd go, let Montana go, be done with the whole business of leading men. It was peculiar to seem so infallible in their eyes and yet feel so empty and sad when he thought of himself."
-Lonesome Dove

keep leading, my friends. Gospel means "good message" and in historical context was used when a war was won, the general would send a messenger back to his country to tell everyone they were victorious and to start the celebration. You are leaders who are already victorious!

Have you ever played goalie, Scott?

If so, maybe you can play for these guys.

Man stuff

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17224774

I'm walking to DC

Brothers,

I'm taking a day tomorrow to be quiet--from 8:00 AM until around 6:30 PM, I'm going to be walking and praying. My plan is to pray over about 25 things that have been on my heart, both for personal concerns, community/ church concerns, and ultimately for our nation and world. I'm walking from my small group morning-time into DC--about 3 miles-- then going to see where the Spirit leads from there. Please lift me up in this time, that the Spirit would lead and draw out some heart-things of great importance, as He sees fit.

I love you dearly, brothers!

Ryan

I wanted a brother to know

I have been getting a lot of praise lately from leaders in our community in Roanoke on my work ethic, leadership, and respect held in the community...
I prayed to give it to Jesus today. All the glory goes to the King. The Bridegroom. I dont want to have to worry about that stuff, I just want to keep following Him, and loving the brotherhood.

I was going to text Kevin to tell him, because I wanted a brother to know. I want it in the light. So instead I am telling all of you.

Giddyup.

BW

You like to see homos naked? Thats cool

I love you guys

Kev

proverbs

Proverbs 20:5

English Standard Version (ESV)

5 The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,
but a man of understanding will draw it out.

man at war.

Whoppas,
James is out at sea again for another tour of duty. He will be gone about 6 months again, and this will probably be his last tour. His moral is fine, and he just sees it as his duty to go out there and just get it done. They might actually have some big responsibilities with the war on terror during this time frame. His ship is the Enterprise, and it is the last assignment it will have before decommissioning. You will probably see stuff about them in the news from time to time. Please shoot a prayer up for him and our navy. Also shoot him an email from time to time if you can. Nothing big, just a few sentences on what you are up to, a scripture, and thank him at the end. It will change his life I believe. I know your input has changed mine. I keep his email on my phone and send him pix messages whenever I think about it with random stuff.

thanks
BW

ryanjf@cvn65.navy.mil

Remain in Him

Navy Seal KIA. His best friend attends the funeral.

cadets fight

http://www.collegiatetimes.com/galleries/366/civilians-vs.-cadets-snowball-fight

proverbs 18

24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

praise for having both

boldness and truch

praying for us to be bold and speak truth this week. be open and honest about who you are and what you think and feel. I pray that people see us as men of integrity and they know that what they see is what they are gonna get.

get some Jesus

i laughed pretty hard at this

http://www.wimp.com/dogherding/

The pillars are still there

From Teddy Roosevelt

What we have a right to expect of the American boy is that he shall turn out to be a good American man.
The boy can best become a good man by being a good boy–not a goody-goody boy, but just a plain good boy.
I do not mean that he must love only the negative virtues; I mean that he must love the positive virtues also. ‘Good,’ in the largest sense, should include whatever is fine, straightforward, clean, brave and manly.
The best boys I know–the best men I know–are good at their studies or their business, fearless and stalwart, hated and feared by all that is wicked and depraved, incapable of submitting to wrongdoing, and equally incapable of being aught but tender to the weak and helpless.
Of course the effect that a thoroughly manly, thoroughly straight and upright boy can have upon the companions of his own age, and upon those who are younger, is incalculable.
If he is not thoroughly manly, then they will not respect him, and his good qualities will count for but little; while, of course, if he is mean, cruel, or wicked, then his physical strength and force of mind merely make him so much the more objectionable a member of society.
He can not do good work if he is not strong and does not try with his whole heart and soul to count in any contest; and his strength will be a curse to himself and to every one else if he does not have a thorough command over himself and over his own evil passions, and if he does not use his strength on the side of decency, justice and fair dealing.
In short, in life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is: Hit the line hard: don’t foul and don’t shirk, but hit the line hard.

in addition...

this if for venturi (commentator) who thinks you should just lay up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq0Agic51O0

nehemiah

men,
I wanted to share a good word with you. I have seen your visions and quests to attain goals you have set and have always thought they are great pursuits. Whether they are a seminary degree, a wife, a vineyard, financial independence. I have never thought your pursuits to be 'idols' or 'unbiblical' because I think your hearts are pure and real. So whatever the world is telling you and trying to distract you from, I want to encourage you to keep fighting for your goal this year in 2012. Keep the Lord your focus, and labor daily on the 'wall' he has set in your mind and hearts to build. Whatever that one thing is. I think you know what your wall is. Do not let people tell you to settle for the easier, if you know what is right. Just like Nehemiah. I love being in war with you.

Nehemiah was a Son, and he knew what he had to do.

19 Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. 20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”
Nehemiah

Guy on a Buffalo

So in between halves of the Steelers game last night,  I was introduced to a very important series of a pioneer era whoppahead.  


Watch on whoppers!
And watch all 4,  its worth it. 

Wisdom from a teacher

In an open letter to a seminary spouse, Mike Milton reflects on his career as a husband, father, and pastor. Drawing from his own life experience, Dr. Milton offers advice on how to live well with family, friends, and congregation in the life of ministry.

January 4, 2012

Dear Students in the Gospel of Christ:

Recently, I was asked by a young wife and mother to write some thoughts on ministry reflections for her husband, a seminarian. Specifically, this godly young woman wanted me to answer the question, “As you look back on life and ministry, and where he is in life as a seminarian, what wisdom would you offer him as a husband, father, a man of God preparing for ministry? What would you do differently? What went well? What counsel would you give him? This will be my gift to him.” Well, perhaps she might have done better at Macy’s or with another minister, at least. But here is my reply. If the Lord could use anything in it in your life, then I would be most thankful.

“Here are some reflections on your wonderful question: As I look back on the season of life that your husband is in, I would…

…thank God even more for a faithful wife who was made by God to help me; with wisdom, insight into the challenges I face, the opportunities I have, and to listen better, more carefully, to her God-given intuitive understanding of how I could be a better father, husband and man of God.

…listen more and enjoy the changing cycles of growth in John Michael, our son. In short, enjoy the present stages in your little ones’ lives; soon they will pass. I have always told my son, all through his growing up, “Son, do you know what my favorite age is for a boy?” He soon learned that I would say his age back to him. Recently I asked him that and he told me, “Dad, I think it is (pause…): seventeen!!!” “Yes, Son. That is my favorite age for a child.” Yet don’t just say it, take time to soak up the unique blessings and challenges of every age.

… discipline more with honey and not only the rod. I would seek to help them understand that obedience really is better and leads to greater blessings, more “treats,” if you will.

… build more margin into my life, remembering life and ministry is a marathon, not a sprint.

… follow Jonathan Edwards, George Washington and others (and do so earlier than I have) to study their wisdom and then, like them, write a personal resolution or covenant with the Lord.

… pray more.

… smile more.

… be less concerned about spilled milk and more concerned about wasted time.

… play more board games with my family.

… watch even more old classic movies with my family during the sweet holiday seasons. I recommend doing so in flannel pajamas, holding all of your children in your lap until they fall asleep. Big bowls of ice cream are highly recommended at such times. Then I would spend time with my wife and a good hot chocolate; and more old movies (but this time holding her in my lap)!

… sing more old hymns at night before bed.

… spend more time in yard work, feeling the good earth in my hands, and helping my family to see the joy of tending a garden together. Gardening teaches so much. It is a tonic for the soul. Children will always remember the time of learning lessons from dad in the garden.
And for some practical advice for your husband:

… read “A Cotter’s Saturday Night” by Robert Burns and seek to keep the family devotional light on each night. Don’t let your family leave for school and you for your daily work until you have read the Word and offered morning prayers.

… pray over and bless your wife and children by name. The voice of a father speaking a child’s name before the Lord in prayer will make an indelible mark on the soul of a child. It will also bind the heart of the wife to her husband in an even greater way. This is a satisfying and fulfilling way to care for your family spiritually, not just materially. In fact, the spiritual role gives meaning to the other roles as provider of the family.

…recognize that, in work, in ministry, you cannot serve out of an empty reservoir. Spend more time in prayer. Read widely and deeply. Keep sermon outlines simple. Less is more. Slower is more effective.

…in work, anticipate your appointments. Be fully present with others. Then reflect on what God is saying to you through that appointment or ministry event or person.

…consider difficulty as part of the minister’s job description. Be caring but don’t enter the infected wounds of others. Be a good physician of the soul. Look beyond presenting issues to find real issues. Never respond to criticism without taking it to the Lord first and asking, “Lord, what sticks and what should I not be concerned with.” Worry less and talk more with the Lord.

…love God. Love people. Love prayer and Word and approach the sacraments with a simple faith that will recalibrate you as a minister and a believer back to the cross.

…Never do ministry alone. Always invest in others and always multiply ministry.

…Let the Lord be your vindicator. A defensive minister always comes across as, well, defensive. Let your silence and your prayers be an example to others in conflict.

…say “I am sorry” and mean it, quickly. Keep, as they say, short accounts with others.

…never leave home at odds with your wife or children. Gather them and plead with God for peace. Lead them by asking for forgiveness first. We all are usually culpable in some way, so forget about who is right and wrong and just consider that you are as wrong as others. If there is in fact an offense of a child that has upset you, address it before you leave. There is no guarantee that you will ever be together again. So never leave home until there every member of the family knows that you love them.

Finally, in all areas of life, begin each day with a prayer, ‘Lord, keep me broken at the foot of the cross.’

So those are my humble thoughts. I pray that you can use some of this advice from one broken, recovering man to another.”

I pray that these thoughts may be of some use to you as you wind your way into a new year of life and ministry. God bless and keep you. You and your families are the treasures we exist to reach and send forth into the harvest fields of the Lord.

Yours faithfully,

Chancellor/CEO Elect
James M. Baird Jr. Professor of Pastoral Theology

Reformed Theological Seminary

a star in the making

http://www.theperennialplate.com/episodes/2012/01/episode-85-goose-dilemma/