Dear Coach Mike Gundy,

What a ride it has been! Thank you for your dedication to our program and fan base. No matter what anyone says about you, Mike Gundy, you have been loyal and true.

You were loyal when you first saddled up as an OSU Quarterback.

You were loyal as you served with dedication as an OSU Assistant Coach.

And now, you’ve been loyal as our OSU Head Coach for 21 years.

Since you took over the Oklahoma State Football Program, we have seen our school ascend to new heights in the world of college football.

You built us into a more respected program.
You got us into bowl games, led us to win thrilling rivalries, and even helped us win our first Big 12 Conference Title!

We have had highs and we had had lows, but isn’t that the life of a cowboy?

No matter what life throws at us, we saddle up and ride again.

Although the sun has set on another era in Stillwater, your dedication to the program, the players, and our school will always be remembered.

Just as OSU was created as a Land-Grant University which paved a new way for generations of students to learn, we thank you for paving a new way for decades of students, alumni, and fans.

I don’t know if you’ll ever read this note, but thank you Coach Gundy for the memories, the dance moves, the mullet, and the memorable one-liners.

Most of all, thank you for not only bleeding orange, but also embodying what OSU Orange really means. Two words: Loyal & True.

And even though you are no longer 40, there’s no question, you are still and always will be The Man!

Go Pokes!

-Brandon Baumgarten
Class of 2016
Oklahoma State University

GoPokes #Okstate #MikeGundy

Valleys and mountains, highs and lows are all part of life. Specifically, in the Christian life we certainly go through moments where we feel more empowered and determined to honor God than in other moments which might feel mundane.

Getting people motivated for the Lord is something I strive to do as a youth pastor. It can be difficult getting people to realize they need to be on God’s agenda and that He actually has an agenda for their lives too. Perhaps the most perplexing context is when someone realizes God has a plan for them, they realize that epiphany with joy, excitement, and instant desire to seek God always. As a youth pastor I see this in my own youth and I also see this in them at church camp. The excitement and adrenaline of wanting to pursue the Lord with every fiber of one’s being. We see students get fired up, sponsors get fired up, and I get fired up to serve the Lord more too! However, after camp is done, the vans are put up, the post camp nap is complete, and the next week begins back in our own routine. We somewhere reach a gap and often the fire we once held so dear begins to slowly fade away.

After camp this year, I prayed that God would help me come up with ways to fill that gap between fire up and fizzled out. Below our ten steps to help you and your youth group to help keep the fire alive after camp. We can’t do anything, but through surrendering to God’s direction daily, we can see the fire blaze for many more days, months, and even years ahead. Lord, keep our fire burning for You!

How to Keep the Fire Alive even After Church Camp is Over:

1. Carve out a time during the day to dedicate to an intentional quiet time. Replicating this part of church camp is crucial to you.

2. Go to Church. Stay connected with the church, youth group, and friends you went to camp with. Don’t retreat back to the wilderness of your week alone.

3. Prepare For WAR: Know that as soon as you get home from church camp, the devil is already working against you and will fight you in every way possible to stunt your spiritual growth and smoother your fire for God.

4. Reflect daily on what you learned from camp and think of how you can apply it to your life.

5. Remember the Spiritual Decision you made at camp and obey God fully. Meaning if you get saved, get baptized. If you felt the call to ministry, ask God to give you guidance and direction. Fulfill the decision you promised to God.

6. Remember God is always speaking to us, make sure to find time to listen to Him.

7. If you are not already connected to a church, get connected and plug in. Find your spot, get involved, and be an active part of the Kingdom of God.

8. Look through your notes from the sermons and session times. Reflect and apply them to your life daily.

9. Find the playlist or songs from camp. Think on the lyrics and remember the effect they had on you. Let the song’s message into your heart.

10. Find someone to disciple you, grow you, and keep you accountable with your walk with God.

Whether you feel like you are on top of a mountain or low in a valley, know that God still seeks time with you. He also is always present no matter what we feel. If you want to keep the fire burning, may I suggest bringing your life to the Lamp.

Psalms 119:105 (CSB) says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.”

Let the Lord light up your life with the application of His Word, Truth, and Hope. Keep the fire alive!

-Brandon, a youth pastor who needs help keeping his fire alive for God too!

Dear Dale Pirate Baseball Team! We are Proud of You!
You know, the great Football Coach Nick Saban was reflecting during his tenure of coaching at Alabama in an interview about his retirement announcement earlier this year. He told the reporter all the fun moments and all the crazy moments of how NIL, transfer portal, and other factors have emerged in sports. One thing Saban said spoke to me saying, “Everyone loves to win. But you learn more when you lose.”

I know we all in the Dale community were rooting for our Dale Boys Baseball Team to go all the way this spring. We came just short in the state semifinals. Boys, we know you are taking this loss hard, but please know we are still so proud of you, your hard work, and your team. You represented Dale in such great ways and still do.

Now, one of the greatest life lessons we can learn from sports is not only how to handle success, but also how to handle defeat. Think about the fun games you have had, the competitive moments in practice. The close games, the blowout games, the fun Instagram reels, and yes, even the calls they may not have made sense. Ask yourself these questions, “What did I learn from this experience?” “How did I grow as a baseball player?” “How can I build on this?”

Now, a pirate is one who constantly seeks buried treasure. Hidden away in your season are many life lessons you find valuable to your life. The hard work on the field, the dedication, the team building skills, and the memories all contribute to growing you as a person. Don’t let the hidden treasure of this season be buried by a loss, but let it mold you into the leader you are meant to be.

Please know you have so many people supporting you and cheering you on. We are supporting you, your coaches, and your success as a whole. It won’t be too long before we’ll be back at the Dale baseball field rooting you guys on once again. Although we won’t be hoisting up the state title trophy this spring, we might be hoisting up something even more valuable. And that is what you learned from the process and the great memories you made on the field.

My heart goes out to the seniors who hung up their baseball jerseys at Dale. They have had quite the run and again, we are so proud of you guys. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing like the sweet temporary joy of victory, but if winning is an instant report card, then defeat is a powerful teacher.

One of my favorite country singers is Randy Travis. In his song, “Three Wooden Crosses”, he ends the chorus line with a famous phrase: “It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you, but what you leave behind you when you go.”

For those seniors of the Dale baseball team, we are so thankful for the legacy you have left. And for the rest of the team, ask yourself, “What will you leave behind on the ball field of Dale high school?”

As a Dale Pirate, don’t let the hidden treasure of the year stayed buried into the season, but instead take what you’ve learned from your experience and apply it to your life. I’ve never met Nick Saban, but you can tell he has kept a standard of excellence. I believe he has done this because he has learned how to win and how to grow from a loss. Dale Pirate Baseball, we can’t wait to see where you grow next! Go Pirates!

Find the Hidden Treasure,

B-Baum

If you are an FFA Advisor or member, chances are you are in the process of selecting your next chapter officer team or possibly have already elected your team. Every year I am asked for potential interview questions to pass along.

Here is a list of some chapter officer interview questions which will help you see your candidate’s heart, vision, character, and potential leadership for your team.

Chapter Officer Interview Questions to Consider

How can we our local FFA chapter better?

Do you think social media accounts are beneficial or unbeneficial to FFA Members?

Will you keep your social media accounts in check if selected to serve?

One CDE you would want to add to local FFA chapter.

What is the greatest challenge facing agricultural youth today?

What is the difference between animal rights and animal agriculture?

What can you do for your FFA chapter that has not been done before?

Why should an FFA Member look up to you as a leader?

How would you reach out to an 8th grader to get them more involved in FFA?

What has been your biggest regret while wearing the blue and gold jacket?

If you were to plan a chapter movie night, what movie would you want the members to see?

Name a time you fell in life and had to get back up.

Who has been some of your biggest FFA role models?

Entitlement has been a toxic trait in organizational leadership. What is your plan to avoid becoming a victim of it?

How do you handle personal drama?

Someone on your team is caught breaking contract. What do you do?

Your ag teacher is ordering pizza for the chapter meeting. What kind of pizzas would you think your members would like?

Ag teacher wants to add a new book to the ag room. What book would you want your members to read?

What is an area of your local chapter you would like to fix?

Do you think Ag should be a mandatory course at your school? Why?

What are your thoughts on adding 7th grade Ag classes to your chapter?

Your ag teacher received a grant to purchase a new ag truck. What kind of truck would you recommend them to buy?

How do we get more 8th and 9th grade members to overcome nervousness?

If you could have any office you wanted, you would be stationed by the what?

Why do some chapter officer teams become more about themselves than about the chapter?

You are putting Banquet together. What role do you see yourself doing in the event planning process?

Why do you want to serve as a chapter officer?

What advice would you give to someone who may not be selected as a chapter officer today?

Ag teachers go through a lot. What do you think is role of the FFA Advisor on an officer team?

Your local FFA Chapter is starting a new fundraising project. What project would you start?

How can you help your chapter become a national 3 star chapter?

What is one new FFA event you would want to start?

In every organization there are cliques, how will you break through the cliques of your chapter and ensure everyone is involved?

You are at banquet in official dress when the air conditioner goes out. You notice members are getting hot and start taking off their FFA jackets, what do you do?

How do you solve problems and handle moments of crisis?

It’s the first FFA Chapter Meeting of the year, you notice a bunch of new members sitting by themselves, how will you engage them?

You are serving as a chapter officer and realize you have another school event going on the same time as your local FFA event. Keeping in mind you have already signed an officer team commitment contract, what would you do in this situation?

If you were to look at your current priorities of school activities, where does your local FFA Chapter rank in your life? Explain your ranking and why FFA is where it is for you.

If you could see your FFA Chapter walking across the stage at state FFA Convention for an award, what would you want your chapter to be win?

Why is it important to keep a professional appearance as a chapter officer?

If we were to interview your friends, what would be a few traits they would mention about you?

Your ag teacher does a lot for the chapter. What is one area in your chapter you would like to reduce your ag teacher’s stress in?

“The ag truck can be a classroom.” What does that statement mean to you?

The national chapter award talks of how a Program of Activities should build community, grow leaders, and strengthen agriculture. Which of these POA categories do you feel your chapter best does and why?

Your ag teacher asks you to complete a task for the chapter. Be honest and choose one of the following: Would you: tackle the task right away, eventually get to it on your own time, or soon forget about it?

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge facing students from getting involved in your chapter and how will you address that challenge as an officer?

You get to put an officer walk in playlist together, what songs are you adding to it?

Many times throughout an officer’s year of service, you have to be flexible and willing to adapt. What does that mean to you?

You overhear a new FFA Member saying, “This jacket is so uncomfortable, why do we need to wear them?” What would your response to that member be?

We are seeing an all time low in parental involvement across the board in our schools. How can we get more parents involved in their student’s FFA journey?

If you had the option to grow anything in our greenhouse for our members to learn how to grow, what would it be and why?

If selected to serve as a chapter officer, what is the one main thing you would want to leave behind on your chapter members?

Do you need an FFA officer team training? Since 2013, Brandon Baumgarten has worked with hundreds of officer teams in several states focusing on leadership, team formation, unity, conflict resulting, national chapter awards, purpose, and so much more.

Brandon’s new program is called “Bracing For Impact”. As you join a new team and prepare to lead, you’ll soon find that your year of service can be fast and furious. As fast as the time goes, we should strive to accelerate our impact and make the most of every opportunity possible. In this training, we will discover the direction our organization is heading, look ahead to the detours and challenges we might face, and work on strategies to best prepare for the road of impact ahead! Let’s Accelerate Your Influence and Brace For Impact Today!
For more information on trainings and more contact Brandon at bbaumgarten18@gmail.com

Tear Down The Goal Posts

As an alumni, I love to see my OSU Cowboys win! Especially at the last Bedlam ever. I love the excitement, the emotion, and the rush of the game. I’ve greatly enjoyed college football and keeping up over the years with it. This win was sure special with the ending of the series. But my friends, don’t let the Victory Drown out THE Victory! At the end of the game, I saw the field being stormed by thousands of fans and the Goal Posts of Boone Pickens Stadium torn down in celebration. It reminded me that we might have some “goal posts” to tear down in our own lives as well.

The goal posts I’m referring to are idols. We have created idols which rob our attention and focus. Tomorrow is Sunday, a great time to remember the Victory God has won for us. The excitement we felt during the game cannot compare to the move of God within our hearts. The emotions we felt cannot compare to the devotion God longs to have with us. The rush of adrenaline cannot compare to seeing that lost soul come to the altar in surrender to Christ. If our excitement for the bedlam game is greater than the passion we feel for the Lord then we need to reexamine our walk and tear down some goal posts. Even the writer is re-examining his walk right now too.

Trust me, I am not perfect and have been guilty in the arena of waving my own college colors more often than my banner for the Lord. Sports is a phenomenal dynamic which brings people together and creates a fun environment of competition. However, if my world revolves more about sports than my Savior, then the goal posts of Boone Pickens Stadium aren’t the only thing that need to be torn down tonight.

Idols can become so easily created, worshipped, and enshrined in our lives without much self-awareness. If our idols are sports, then tear them down. If our idol is work, then tear it down. It our idol is anything other than Christ, then we must tear them down. Surrender your idol and make Jesus the main center of your life. I’m working at this too.

As I reflect on the day of college football, I am thrilled for my OSU cowboys. It was an awesome win! But no matter if your team won or lost, whether you rooted for the Sooners or the Cowboys, remember that the Victory on the Cross of Calvary settled the greatest bedlam of all, the bedlam for your soul. Because of what Jesus has done, we have a reason to celebrate, let’s storm the field at church tomorrow, and tear down our goal posts in Jesus Name! #TearDownTheGoalPosts #Bedlam #GoPokes #Blog

I had some fun writing this for the Bedlam game tomorrow. Hope you and your family enjoy a great day of college football.

Twas the Night Before Bedlam

‘‘Twas the night before Bedlam, when all through the state, every Oklahoman simply could not wait. For the festive game we all hold so dear, it’s a traditional gathering we used to have every year.

The House was divided and no one knew why. So one must explain or at least try.

Bedlam is a great way to spread football cheer. As you can see, it’s an exciting rivalry where thousands revere.

But this year is different, there’s much more on the line. Both teams are great. Take some time to rewind.

The Cowboys from Stillwater have had a great year with Ollie, they proven through adversity they know how to rally.

The Sooners from Norman also have some to brag, after beating the Texas Longhorns, they made Bevo look sad.

As you can see, this game will be quite fun. The tailgates are ready and the Game Day will start at the dawn of the sun.

You might say “Boomer Sooner!” or “Let’s Go Pokes!” It’s a big football day for every fan and folk.

And if tomorrow you awake to hear such a clatter, you might look at Boone Pickens Stadium to see what gathers.

For the game of the year has finally arrived! It’s Bedlam and together we’ll see what makes this House Divide for 1 Final Time!”

#TwasTheNightBeforeBedlam

#CollegeFootball #Bedlam

Are you attending the National FFA Convention this week? Well, here’s some thoughts for you from my journey as an FFA Has-Been.

I remember it like it was yesterday, it had been a long week of interviews as 43 of us National Officer Candidates were in Louisville, Kentucky at the National FFA Convention each hoping to be announced as a member of the next National FFA Officer Team. After weeks of preparing, training, and working with mentors, the time had begun and it was time to represent the best we could highlighting the many memories in the corduroy jacket. The week had been a whirlwind and it was all coming down to the final session where the new team would be announced. Everyone in the convention center was on edge as the nominating committee chair steps up to make the breaking news. “Your New National Officer Team members are…..”
Then after the most intense moments of my life, I realized that my name….. wasn’t called. I wasn’t on the team and thus, the end of my time in FFA. I remember walking back to my hotel room and unzipping my jacket for the final time. I hung it up, never to wear it again. As I began to pack everything up, I could not help but reflect on the many positive memories I had in the organization and how it made me a better leader and team player. The positive difference my Ag Teacher made in my life and the many friendships I made throughout the way could not be more apparent to me. I realized that through my involvement in FFA, that the blue corduroy doesn’t change colors, but instead it changes lives. It certainly did for this FFA Has-Been and it will change yours too, if you let it!

This week I’ve been thinking of everyone who traveled to the 96th National FFA Convention. One thing is for certain: you don’t have to be in Indianapolis to be aware of the achievements of FFA members and Ag-Ed Instructors that will take place this week. Congrats to all those who are participating in and are about to experience the National FFA Convention. Your time in the jacket is priceless. When I took off my jacket for the last time, I wrote down 3 personal goals I challenged myself to do. After convention is over, the lights are off, and everyone goes home, challenge yourself to:

-Look Up: No matter the result of your contest. Win or lose. Look up and be proud of who you are, the people you’ve represented, and the organizational jacket you wear. Share your experiences with others. Sometimes the greatest wins in life are disguised as losses in the moment. Look up because so many really do look up to you. LOOK UP.

-Reach Out: Whether you are a current or an Alumni member, challenge yourself with a goal to persuade at least 3 people to join and be an active member of a local FFA chapter and Ag-Ed Program. By reaching out to others we are giving back in very important way. Imagine how many people can be involved if we each committed to reaching out sharing our story with just those 3 people. I’ll let you do the math. 😉 REACH OUT.

-Be Thankful: Everyone of us, current or has-beens have someone to thank who inspired, drove us to events, taught us Ag-Ed, cheered us on, and comforted us when things didn’t always go our way. Be thankful for the opportunities, the memories, and the people (Ag Teacher, Parent, Sponsor, etc) who got you there. BE THANKFUL.

Once again, congrats to everyone on a great week and here’s to this life changing organization that has and will continue to make a difference in the lives of so many people. I’m so grateful for the tremendous experience I had and very excited for your experience too! You may retire the jacket, but never retire the heart behind it. Let the Blue Corduroy Change your life, your outlook, and your world! #FFAalumni #NationalConvention #FFA #FromaHasBeen

Like many of you, I have been thinking about what happened to Buffalo Bills Football Player Damar Hamlin this week. If you haven’t heard by now, after being tackled by a player of the Cincinnati Bengals, the 24 year old Damar got up and then immediately collapsed on the field. This frantic moment was followed by a rush of medical personnel running to Damar’s aid.

As the Buffalo Bills Training Staff worked to revive Damar, one of the assistants on staff stepped in to help immediately by doing chest compressions and CPR on the athlete.
In fact, many in the media are crediting he and his staff for saving Damar’s life. The assistant’s name is Denny Kellington.

Denny may not be known to many people before the incident, but his efforts spoke volumes. He saw the need, stepped in, and gave the help that saved a life. Rarely, would you see someone like him on TV, if you did, you might see him standing in the corner or just off to the side waiting to help if needed. But for the Buffalo Bills Football Team, they can take pride in the fact that they have a Cowboy in their Corner. Yep, Denny is an OSU Cowboy.

In fact, Denny just so happens to be a graduate from Oklahoma State University where he interned with the OSU football Team in 1996-99. Even though Denny has graduated and moved on from Stillwater, Oklahoma, he still proved himself to be a Cowboy. Cowboys are ready for action, eager to serve, loyal to help, and people that you can count on in a crisis. Sure, Denny did his job, but he also reminded us of how thankful we should be for the Cowboys in our Corner as well.

Ask yourself this question: “Who can you thank in your life who has been with you through thick and thin?” I‘m sure each one of us reading this post can think of someone. We all have a Cowboy in our Corner. Whether it’s a parent, sibling, cousin, coach, ag teacher, or friend, think about the people who have invested, supported, and been there for you, then thank them. As you do this inventory, don’t be afraid to send them a text of thanks or even give them a phone call. Learn from them and consider how you can be person of support for someone else.

At the end of the day, we might not ever suit up to play for the NFL, or be part of a medical training staff for the Buffalo Bills, but we can all choose to be in someone’s corner. Invest in someone’s life, be part of their supprt system, offer to help, and stand ready to aid. You might not be on TV much and that’s ok. Because you are getting to be part of an even more impactful role, a Cowboy in the Corner. #NFL #CowboyInTheCorner #DamarHamlin #BuffaloBills #InvestInSomeone #BeThere #Leadership