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

Last night while sitting in the Tulsa BOK Center for the Tournament of Champions Basketball Finals, I was reminded of the lesson that “Small Town People Can Do Big Time Things.” Meaning that no matter how small your school or hometown might be, if you are willing to put in the effort, sacrifice, and dedication, your goals become more achievable.

I saw this lesson portrayed in full view as our Dale Boys Basketball Team won the 2022 Tournament of Champions. It was the first time since 1979 that a school from Class 2A was going to the Tournament Finals. The first night Dale would go up against Union High School, which is a school of an estimated 3,000 high school students. The pool of players is bigger and the resources are enormous. The Small 2A Dale beat them by 15 points. Next up was Crossing Christian, another school with endless resources and a big school in Class 4A basketball. Still, Dale pushed through and beat the private school from OKC. Lastly, the finals of playing a 5A Tulsa Memorial Team which had a reputation of being stellar and elite. The game was close throughout, but the desire and effort continued from the Dale Pirates which led to a small school from Dale, Oklahoma to be crowned winners of the Tournament of Champions!

Now, any night, these players from the small school of Dale could have backed down from the challenge. They could have fallen into the trap of comparison of bigger vs. smaller school. They could have felt the intimidation of bigger schools and cave to the pressure. Instead, these boys rose to the challenge, played with heart, and displayed courage and resolve in the face of challenges. There’s a word for that, it’s called Grit. Those who posses grit often experience success, because they do what it takes to endure to win. They showed this with grace and poise. It was a recipe for success. When grit is added with grace, we see a combination of boldness and care demonstrated for others to see.

Success is like a flame, it is all about how you handle it. If handled correctly, the flame will spark other successes throughout the rest of the year. Sparking effort, teamwork, and commitment to do more. But, if handled incorrectly, success can breed arrogance, laziness, and a lack of commitment. Knowing the grit our boys posses at Dale, I believe this success will spark more success if we continue to grow in the grit of our character and in the strength of our team.

After all these games, our Dale Boys can lift their heads high knowing that the played with heart, effort, and GRIT. But as we look ahead to the rest of the season, we must choose to keep the flame alive. As a Dale Community, we can be proud of our team and we must continue to rally them on!

As one team is left standing as the winner of the tournament of Champions from a small 2A School, the State of Oklahoma can relish in the reminder of what the Dale Pirates showed. They reminded us that no matter your background, no matter your school size, no matter how many resources you may or may not have, with a team full of heart, a resolve full of grit combined with enough grace, it can be said again: “Small Town People Can Indeed Do Big Time Things.” Congrats Dale Pirates on doing another big thing! Next Goal Up! #ballisInYourCourt #DALE #tournamentofchampions #GoDale #GoPirates

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 95th 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

2022-2023 Potential Public Speaking Topics For Ag-Ed Students Competing in FFA Speech Contests

NEW PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR CALLED…

Thanks for checking this list out! If you need any help with your public speaking or would like Brandon to come present a public speaking workshop feel free to give him a shout at:
bbaumgarten18@gmail.com.
Best wishes!

1. The Decline in Female Cattle Coming in 2023
2. The Growing Interest in the USDA New Organic Transition Initiative
3. Feedlots Defying Gravity?
4. How Freight Rail Legislation Would Improve U.S. Wheat Market
5. The Expanding Local Meat Processing Act
6. FFA Membership reaches new High: Why such the surge?
7. The Enemy From Within: Dealing with Wedge Issues in the NCBA
8. Prussic Acid Toxicity, how an Oklahoma drought can affect your herd
9. Oklahoma’s Rural Vet Shortage
10. Sorghum in Vietnam?
11. How Read an Accurate Ag Book Week is Helping Ag Education
12. Milking The Story: Listeria Outbreak in the Dairy Industry
13. Is the Future of Offshore Wind Energy Viable?
14. Fraudulent Foods. How Food Transparency is Critical to Consumers
15. New California Pig Welfare Rule and its Impact on Small Farmers
16. Can you hear me now? Rural Agriculture still needs broadband internet
17. China and the Hot Pursuit of Land Ownership in the U.S.
18. How the Russian-Ukraine Conflict Could Affect the Ag Industry
19. Increasing the minimum wage? Could our farmers afford it?
20. What is “The New Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority”?
21. Local Schools Adopt a Cow: Get a Free Year-Long Cow for your Classroom
22. Feral Hogs Epidemic
23. Health Challenges in Rural Oklahoma
24. Combating the Opioid Crisis
25. Organic Farming vs. Non-Organic
    Agroterroism and the war on food
26. GMOs vs. Non-GMOs: Educating the public
27. Lack of Agricultural Literacy in the Public today
28. Urban Sprawl & the Erosion of Farmland
29. Combating World Hunger
30. Emerging Science of Plant-Breeding Technology
31. U.S. Trade and new Import Laws
     FarmBot and the innovation of Robot Farming
32. Vertical Farming
33. COVID-19’s impact on the Agriculture
34. Robotic Milking & the Dairy Industry
35. The Costly Curse of Social Media and It’s Effect on the Ag Industry
36. Building our Local Food Supply
37. The Current Debate of Ag Monopolies
38. The Processed Food War
39. Improving Beef Advocacy
40. Eradicating Invasive Species
41. Urban Farming: Rooftop Gardening
42. Protecting Agriculture & Rural Prosperity
43. Challenges facing Agricultural Education
44. New steps to improve Farm BioSecurity
45. Animal Welfare vs. Animal Rights
     How the legalization of Medical Marijuana could affect dAgriculture
46. The Evolution of American Agriculture Careers
47. Hunting, Fishing,& less TV, more agricultural exposure.
48. Ethanol or No Ethanol?
49. Solar Energy, Wind Farming, & Other Energy Resources
50. Local Farmer’s Markets & the need for more food.
51. SMART Farming: Using the power of apps to do more.
52. Oklahoma Mesonet & Monitoring the Environment
53. Improving Modern Aquaculture & Fish Hatcheries
54. Christmas Tree Farming and the Benefits or Local Ag Production
     How Agriculturalists Deal With Drought or Natural Disasters.
55. Agricultural Easements: How to Legally Save Farmland
56. Future of Irrigation and Water Supply
57. Greenhouse Emissions & the Public Debate
58. Purpose & History of Agricultural Extension and Education programs
59. Precision Agriculture
60. The Secretary of Agriculture & the vision for USDA
61. Community Gardens in Rural & Urban Areas
62. NAFTA & Global Agriculture
63. New American Pork Exports: Argentina and Beyond
64. E. Coli & Preventing Bacterial Outbreaks in Food
65. Supporting young/BIPOC farmers
66. Protecting Food Chain Workers
67. Starting Tradition/Setting Chapter Standards
68. Being a Team Player
69. Horizontal Drilling
70. Economic Impact of Oklahoma Agriculture
71. Land-Grant Universities: The past, present, and future role of preparing students for the Ag Industry.
72. Food Sustainability
     Agritourism: Economic, Industrial, and Rural Impact
73. New Technology in Seed Production
74. Reducing Foodborne Illnesses
75. New uses of Biocontrol Fungus
76. USDA Services for Farmers & Ranchers
77. The Rising of World Wheat Consumption
78. Potential Shifting of U.S. Farm Tariffs
79. Ag Gag Laws
    The Battle for Beef: Food Insecurity around the globe
80. School Lunch Programs & Fighting Food Insecurity during COVID-19
81. Protecting Agricultural Education, Research, and Literacy Beyond 2020
82. How to recruit new Ag Teachers into the profession
83. Smart Growth Policies
84. California’s Ban On Plastic. What could it lead to?
85. Addressing today’s skill gap and what is needed in the Ag Industry
86. Real or Unreal? The possibilities of Lab Grown Fake Meat
87. Improving Ag Literacy in Urban Areas
88. Factory Farming vs. Family Farming
89. How we can articulate the message of Agriculture
90. Exploring Nutritional Research
91. Food Identification Among Consumers
92. The Future of Auctioneering
93. Drought-Resistant Spinach: Gene-editing in Agriculture
94. Developing Local Sustainable Food Systems
95. The Affordable Clean Energy(ACE) Rule’s impact on CO2 emissions
96. Decreasing the Risks of Food-Borne Illnesses
97. Defining the Millennial Farmer
98. What is Warehouse Farming?
99. Using Drones to Fight Crop Diseases
100. Chocolate Farming? Why Cocoa Production is at Risk.
     The Negative Role of Fake News in Agriculture
101. Apps in Agriculture? The Revolution of Agriculture Technology
102. Finding Your Voice: How FFA Helps Students Overcome the Number 1 Fear
103. Intercropping: The War on Weeds and Pests
104. The Ogallala Aquifer: Making Every Drop of Water Count
     The Importance of Ag in the Classroom and Other Ag Literacy Programs
105. The Rise of Disruptive Technology and the impact on the Beef Industry
      How to Recruit New FFA Members into Your FFA Chapter
106. How Online Grocery Shopping Could Impact Consumers & Producers
107. No Wheaties for Me: The Growing Trend of Eating Gluten-Free
      Meatless Meat: Could this Alternative Meat
108. Farming in Outer Space
109. Maintaining Ag Research Funding
110. National Farm Broadcasters Association and the future of Ag Communications
111. Food availability in 2022 and beyond
112. Building our Rural Electric Infrastructure
113. The Use of Ivermectin and the Doorway to Clinical Trials
114. The Supreme Court & California’s Proposition 12 Animal Welfare Law
115. Can AI Farming Make Agriculture More Sustainable?
116. Bill Gates and Silicon Valley’s Green Tech Fund
117. Farm to Fork Agriculture Program
118. The Government Taxing Your Livestock
119. McGirt Tribal Case and the Impact on Oklahoma’s Agriculture
120. The future taxation of the US family farms
121. How FFA equips leaders to fill a desperate labor force
122. The Future of Ag Retailing
123. Farmer’s Markets Going Online!
124. How Human Trafficking Has Affected Agriculture
125. Future of Farming and the Border Crisis
126. What could be the Next Animal Pandemic?
127. Usage of Digital Tools to Communicate with Plants
128. Vaccines in your Salad? Edible Vaccines Coming to a Store near a you!
129. Do indoor plants purify the air?
130. Farms and Vaccine Requirements
131. The Taliban and Food Security in Afghanistan
132. Xenotransplantation: The Industry and the Science
133. Improving Food quality and production efficiency
134. Recent Food Changes for Charity laws
135. Food labeling & consumer information

Dear Dale,

You just won a State Championship, so what’s next?

We celebrate. We hug our loved ones. We thank our fans! We thump our chests with pride and live on the high of a beautiful moment of a season which ended better than any before. But it’s been a week. Now what? We have a gold ball, we’ll soon have our rings, and we walk away from the 2021-2022 Dale High School Basketball Season with a smile and a memory of winning we will never forget. But now what?
As athletes with years of eligibility to play, we have two ways to respond moving forward. We can settle for this one championship or we can build upon it. We can create a Dale Dynasty.

But how do we do that?

It reminds me of a famous Samurai Warrior who had won many battles with his army. But even during times of peace, he was still prepared as if he was heading into battle. He would often be found sharpening his swords. Many of the villagers would ask, “Why are you getting ready for battle when we are at peace?”

The warrior would reply, “Just because I’ve won some battles, doesn’t mean I’ve won the war. What it means is I’m capable of winning, but now I must focus on preserving.”

A dynasty isn’t built in a day, but instead, built in the decisions we make everyday.
This season we’ve seen you beat teams of excellent caliber. We’ve seen you battle and put in the work to win it at all this year. By why stop now? Let’s build upon the work we’ve done.

You need the intensity of MJ, the ferocious mindset of Kobe, the swagger of Shaq, the consistency of Steph Curry, the wisdom of Poppovich, and loyalty of Coach K.

Are you willing to prepare this offseason for greatness? Because dynasties aren’t made on game night, they are made in the weight room, in the practice gym, and in those late night and early morning shoot arounds. These are the moments we sharpen our sword, these are the moments we prepare to preserve the Dale Dynasty.

Congrats on winning your 1st Boys Basketball State Championship in Dale School History! Now what? Let’s answer that question this off-season!

Go Pirates!

-Brandon

There was a Livestock Show taking place where a student was about to show his brand new show pig for the very first time. He was nervous as he waiting patiently in the holding area. When all of a sudden, a small voice came from behind saying, “Don’t worry son. You are going to do great.”

The student turned around and noticed the voice came from an older man wearing a Veteran hat.
The student replied. “Thank you sir. That means a lot. Did you used to show?”

The Veteran looked long and hard at the boy and said, “Yes son, I showed, but not like you think.

I used to show livestock when I was in high school. Then after graduation I showed other things. You see, this is what a Veteran Shows:

I SHOWED my face and raised my hand when the military was looking for volunteers.

I SHOWED up when they sent me to Boot Camp.

I SHOWED my pride for this country when I carried that tattered flag into war.

I SHOWED my passion when we charged into conflict and into a flurry of gunfire.

I SHOWED friendship to my comrades and cried when I saw them hurt in combat.

I SHOWED my tears when I get wounded, but I never gave up hope.

I SHOWED my heart to God through my prayers. Prayers that He would get us home and get us healed.

Then after several tours of duty, I SHOWED back up to my wife and family back home and they were a sight to see!

And today, I SHOWED up to watch you show. You see, son, I’ve learned that even though you are in the show-ring for a time, you never stop showing throughout life.”

The student then shook the Veteran’s hand and said, “Thank you sir. I don’t know what else to say, but thank you.

The Veteran then replied, “Son, no matter how you do today, just remember the Show Must Go On. Win or lose, keep showing the best you have of your attitude, spirit, and actions and you’ll be just fine.”

And with these few spoken words from a kind veteran, a nervous young student transformed into a confident leader not only in the show ring, but in the grand drive of life.

Be sure to thank a Veteran for showing the world the effort, determination, and sacrifice so we can enjoy our freedoms today! I’m so thankful for what a Veteran shows us!

VeteransDay #WhataVeteranShows

What a Veteran Shows written by Brandon Baumgarten

As many of you know, our daughter Amelia has had her fair share of ups and downs. She has made progress in her retaining food, but still tends to spit up a lot of her food. She also deals with eczema, and cradle cap. No fun for this little girl.

One might think that Amelia would be discouraged and irritable based on her circumstances. But she has been the complete opposite! She smiles at everyone and almost anything. Even her doctors have both commented on her smile despite all the issues she has been going through.

I saw this full circle the other day when I was transporting both of our girls into the car. Amelia was in her car seat in my arm, while I strapped her sister Bella into her car seat inside the vehicle. Then suddenly, a great down pouring of rain started. I hurried quickly to finish strapping Bella in and then picked up Amelia from her car seat on the ground. Then, I heard it. Amelia’s reaction to the rain. You would think cold rain would make a baby upset. Not Amelia. Giggles and laughter came from her as each rain drop fell on her. I quickly moved her into the car and the laughter continued for the next few seconds.

As we took off in the car, I thought of how Amelia responded. We’ve all had rainy days, some of us in different magnitudes than others. Some of us have literally dealt with issues beyond our control or understanding. But we must remember that our Joy is not based on our circumstances, it is based on what the Lord has done for us through Jesus Christ the Son. So, the next time, you are facing a storm in your life, I hope you’ll remember to look to the Lord. I hope you’ll remember to not allow life’s circumstances to rob you of what God has given you. And, I hope you’ll remember to react like Amelia, that no matter your circumstances or storm, there’s always a reason to Laugh in the Rain! #LaughInTheRain #Joy

James 1:2-4 (CSB) Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.