Love Letters

Look Up In The Sky

2009-09-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't blogged in while.. the truth is been kind of busy.. but I had to post this picture of Alexander he had dress up day and wanted to be "daddy" I mean Superman..

Can't believe how big all the boys are getting...

Till next time..

Growing Up

2009-07-28T13:13:00.001-07:00

Today I am having a meeting with Landon's pre-school teachers.. I can't believe it..where has the time gone.. It just seems like yesterday I was bringing him for the first time to meet his big brother and then a couple of years later he was a big brother.. I can't help but think of the post I wrote about Puff The Magic Dragon.. So will add the lyrics again..

Oh I know Landon will do just fine.. I just hope dad will too..

A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, Jackie paper came no more
And puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.

His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain,
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his life-long friend, puff could not be brave,
So puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave. oh!

Summer 2009

2009-07-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

Wow,
it has been a while since my last post.. I been really busy with Summer 2009! let met give you a quick run down..

VBS.. was awesome!! averaged 80 kids night!
Wednesday night Bible Study.. going great my team and I are feeding stomach and minds!!
1st Junior Camp.. was incredible.. we had a Baptism!!! (Go Dylan)

But with all the God centered things going on this summer .. it still has been a climb at times.. which leads me to leave you these lyrics..
God Bless

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

Worth Repeating

2009-05-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Cathy went on a "Women of Joy" conference over the weekend.. and she came back totally refreshed and on fire for the Lord to encourage others (especially wives) of ministers and other "ministry opportunities".. So with her feeling this "fresh wind/fresh fire" I thought it would be worth re posting an oldie but goodie post...

Boy meets girl.
Girls says she is spoken for.
Boy won’t give up.
Girl gives in says yes to a date
Girl leaves work, hits boy’s car
Boy smiles, thinks to himself, going to be a good date
Boy calls girl, MOM answers... Don’t like boy’s name
Boys picks up girl. See daddy, takes out all ear rings
Boy and girl have fun.
Year later Boy and girl fall in love
Girl invites boy to church
Boy goes, girl prays for boy’s salvation
Year later boy and girl get engaged
Girl still prays for boy’s salvation
3 months later God whispers to girl (I gots this)
Boy gets baptized
3 months later boy and girl say “I do”
Couple moves to Ohio
Couple love their first small very small apartment
Boy works at 11 different jobs in 5 years
Girl wants to move back to Kentucky to start a family
Boy and Girl move back no home, no jobs, and no money
Couple prays for a home, couple fine a home
God has plans for couple
God wants boy to be a Youth Minister
Couple prays for a family (God hears)
Couple fall in love and adopted first son
Couple has a second son
Couple has a third son
Boy sees a special doctor.
Family according to God’s timing

Good Idea

2009-04-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a good thing to do if you go to a party and you don't know anybody: First, take out the garbage. Then go around and collect any extra garbage that people might have, like a crumpled-up napkin, and take that out too. Pretty soon people will want to meet the busy garbage guy.

Cowboy Up

2009-04-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

If I lived back in the wild west days, instead of carrying a six-gun in my
holster, I'd carry a soldering iron. That way, if some smart-aleck cowboy said
something like "Hey, look. He's carrying a soldering iron!" and started
laughing, and everybody else started laughing, I could just say, "That's
right, it's a soldering iron. The soldering iron of justice." Then
everybody would get real quiet and ashamed, because they had made fun of the
soldering iron of justice, and I could probably hit them up for a free drink.

Happy Earth Day

2009-04-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Earth Day, celebrated April 22, is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in in 1970 and is celebrated in many countries every year.

Sands Of Time

2009-04-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that we will be celebrating a couple of birthdays this weekend..
Alexander turned two on April 8th and Landon will be four on Saturday..and to top all that ..Brady is now 14 and heading to Sr. High Ministry this summer...(but more or Brady in a sec.)

Update:
Alexander and Landon will be having their birthday party this Saturday.. and I am still in awe of where the time has gone... What makes it even harder is that we took Landon to the eye doctor and dentist this week to get his check up for (brace yourself)...Pre-School!!! I don't know who is going to miss Landon more.. Alexander or me..

I keep asking Landon "Are you ready to go to school"? He likes to say no, but then he ask questions and loves to watch the school bus go down the road!!..

Update:
Brady again is doing an excellent job in school... brought home straight A's again this nine weeks (I am his father so YES I can brag).. He is also playing the drums in pep band this year for the high school.. which is pretty cool.. I guess we have to buy some drums this summer and send him to his (grandma's and grandpa's)!! and also is teaching his youth group this Wed. night..

Over all I think I have been blessed with these three young fellows...I am excited to see where God leads them..

But yet it is still bitter-sweet to seem them grow up so fast...

Rhythm

2009-03-27T12:12:00.000-07:00

This is an amzing video.. His name is Rob Bell and the video is part of a collection called Nooma.. (I have them in my office)..

Good Night

2009-03-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

Well It has been a while since my last blog..
I have been pretty busy with Upward, but now that the closing program is this Saturday, and marks the end of a successful season, I can get my schedule back in order.

Again, we had another great season of lives being changed.. and as always.. We want to give God the glory..

I am reminded of what Abraham Lincoln once said.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power"

Upward Closing Program

2009-03-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

Well it has been awhile since my last blogg..
I am seeing much better now.. but there is still some hazy that I am trying to get over with drops..

Anyway.. Upward is almost over this year and we are excited about our "closing program"..

We have a speical guest comming in for our entertainment.

So set your calenders for March 21st..
and please bring out the families!!!

"Remix Education"

The mission of Xperience is to facilitate learning and create positive behavior by partnering with schools and churches to motivate, inspire, and teach kids through our use of high energy, interactive mascot performances.

OBJECTIVES

To present high quality academic and behavioral based programs that will facilitate learning and re-enforce positive behavior.
To create a "fun-filled" learning atmosphere for all ages.
To encourage kids to interact and be fully captivated by our performances.

WHO WE ARE:
Matt Hogg
Matt graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.A. in Marketing and a Master’s Degree in Education. While attending school, he also served as the University’s mascot, Scratch. After college, he went on to work for the NBA as the Washington Wizards mascot, G-Wiz. Matt is the "man behind the mask" for our mascot programs.

Jenny Fleming

Jenny also graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Elementary Education. She was an ambassador for the University throughout her college career as a Wildcat cheerleader. During this time, she won three Cheerleading National Championships. Jenny is the motivational speaker and teacher for our programs.

Imagine

2009-02-19T07:29:00.001-08:00

The Spring and Summer 2009 Children's Ministry calenders are now complete
I will pass them out during our Upward Closing program and to the members that following Sunday..
Our theme this year is
"Imagine" taken from Ephesians 3:20 - "Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

Thanks
Lonnie

GERTRUDE...A Firery Red Head

2009-02-13T19:03:00.000-08:00

Meet Gertrude.. Or as I have come to call her.. "Gerti" the next generation of movers and shakers in a world of non stop youth activities.. and family fun..

Stay tune for more adventures featuring our new star..

Good Bye Betty Lou....Job Well Done

2009-02-13T18:57:00.000-08:00

Well rain has come to Muddville one more time..I had to say goodbye to a friend this week..

Miss Betty Lou gave her last performance on Tuesday.. She was a swell gal.. We have had some great memories together her and I..

During the bad snow days.. Ole Betty Lou would plow through the snow, while the snow plows would move to the side... as to say.. "Lead the way Betty Lou"!!

Even when Betty Lou hit a deer at 55 mph one foggy spring day.. She just smiled and wiped the fur from her grill and kept moving..

To find the words to say goodbye to Betty Lou.. is like asking a Robin to name that song.. or a Rainbow to describe her colors..

"My..Betty Lou...Betty Lou...There was no car like you"!

God Bless America

2009-02-06T12:54:00.000-08:00

Esophagus Stretching Procedure..Or..OUCH!!

2009-02-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone.. with the weather being bad and not really having time to blog, I thought I would write a quick blog about my procedure on Monday..

(TEXT BOOK ANSWERE)
What is wrong with me:
Acid Peptic Stricture - This condition is very common. The stomach produces acid which, in turn, can reflux into the esophagus. This event is usually made worse by the presence of a hiatus hernia. Over time, the acid and peptic stomach juices injure the esophagus, causing inflammation and then scarring. The fibrous scar then contracts and narrows the esophageal opening.

Schatzki's Ring - This condition is really exactly that, a narrow ring of benign fibrous tissue constricting the lower esophagus. Physicians still do not know how it develops.

(WHAT I FELT)
Cough.. Cough.. Gag, Gag... Scope... Scope.. Chew slowly Chew slowy..(I did this 4 times)

(WHAT THEY DID FOR ME MONDAY)
TEXT BOOK:
Achalasia Dilators - Achalasia is a special situation which requires a larger, balloon-type dilator. The procedure is frequently done under x-ray control. In this situation, the spastic muscle fibers in the lower esophagus are stretched and broken, which in turn allows easier passage of food and liquid into the stomach.

(WHAT I FELT)
OUCH!!!!!!

I have to do it one more time at the end of the month..

(Dont worry.. in about 3 weeks, I wil be able to eat a whole turkey again in one bite!!!

Flash - Back

2009-01-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

Well.. being that we have a new president now in the Oval Office..and I am sure everyone is excited and wondering what is going to happen next.. I wont make any blog about it.. but I would like to blog about days in the past..

I was on my "face-book" account and I ran into some old friends from days of the big hair and parachute pants. It was pretty cool seeing and hearing from alot of past friends..

They really love to hear that "good-ole" Lonnie Love is now a Minister..
The one thing they all keep saying is.."You were funny"..

Can't Get To Heaven Dunken A Basketball

2009-01-17T20:05:00.000-08:00

Today was the first Game of our Upward Basketball and Cheerleadng season.. and over all I believe it was a great first day.. I personally want to thank all who are involved in this tremendous ministry..

I Do believe that THIS generation is going to change the world!!!
Because Upward is about changing lives for Christ..

our goal is simple..
Encourage Every Child That He/She Is A Winner
Introduce Them and Their Family to Jesus Christ
Connect Them To A Church..

Prety simple isn't it.. and they say a "child" can't lead

Best Line Ever...

2009-01-15T08:37:00.000-08:00

Listen carefully to the last line of this video clip!!!

Behind The Eight Ball

2009-01-14T12:51:00.000-08:00

Ever heard that expression "behind the eight ball"... I always wonder what that mean..

Here you go...

Meaning:
A difficult position from which it is unlikely one can escape.

Origin:
From the Eight Ball version of the game of billiards, which is played on a pool table. The balls are numbered and must be potted in order. The game is forfeited if a player's cue ball hits the (black) eight ball first. A 'behind the eight ball' position leaves a player in imminent danger of losing.

Relating to pool as it does, it is no surprise that the expression is American. It dates from the early 20th century - the earliest citation I can find is from the Ohio newspaper The Marion Star, May 1916

This past two weeks I have found myself "behind the eight ball"..
Seems like no matter how hard I try.. I can please everyone..
and honestly..
Some of things that were said to me are pretty hurtful.. but you know me.. I have to keep "being the life of the party"!!

To bad when I get home the balloons and streamers are all gone.....

Roast Beef - Pork and Chicken..

2009-01-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hello good folks..
Well it has been a few days since my last post.. So I thought I would entertain you with my amazing news from last night..

To make it fun lets go by time.. shall we..

Monday-
2:15pm - Landon is watching Scooby - Doo in my bedroom and we both fall asleep.. Alex is taking his nap and Brady is playing the Wii..

3:00pm - I wake up and decided to put some cloths in washer.. but first I will take a piece of chicken from the crock pot.. it smells so good!!!

3:05pm - Something doesn't feel right as I head down to the basement.. I cant swallow.. (oh no here we go)

4:00pm - I tried for almost and hour chicken still caught.. call Cathy she is on her way home..

4:30pm - Head to the ER again...

5:30pm - Head upstairs at the hospital to the surgery floor.. Same team as last time in Sept.. they remember me.. Jeff (the "gas man") starts to laugh..

6:30pm - They wake me up.. and the chicken is out..

I found out that I have to go back for surgery on Feb 2 to have my esophagus stretched.. that should make for a fun Monday..

The End
Ps.. Why titled it Roast Beef - Pork and Chicken
they were the three major meats that got caught

Upward

2009-01-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

Well, Upward Basketball and Cheer leading is up and running..
I am looking forward to another great season..
I personally want to thank EVERYONE involved..YOUR part, no matter
what it is .. is making a difference in child's life

Christmas Truce

2008-12-24T22:23:00.000-08:00

Found this story while I was up on Christmas Eve.. Thought it was pretty interesting..

The "Christmas Truce".. true story of the peace shared one Christmas night in WWI this is an exert of an actual letter written by a British solider of WWI

The letter begins:

This will be the most memorable Christmas I've ever spent or likely to spend: since about tea time yesterday I don't think theres been a shot fired on either side up to now. Last night turned a very clear frost moonlight night, so soon after dusk we had some decent fires going and had a few carols and songs. The Germans commenced by placing lights all along the edge of their trenches and coming over to us — wishing us a Happy Christmas etc. They also gave us a few songs etc. so we had quite a social party. Several of them can speak English very well so we had a few conversations. Some of our chaps went to over to their lines. I think theyve all come back bar one from 'E' Co. They no doubt kept him as a souvenir. In spite of our fires etc. it was terribly cold and a job to sleep between look out duties, which are two hours in every six.

First thing this morning it was very foggy. So we stood to arms a little longer than usual. A few of us that were lucky could go to Holy Communion early this morning. It was celebrated in a ruined farm about 500 yds behind us. I unfortunately couldn't go. There must be something in the spirit of Christmas as to day we are all on top of our trenches running about. Whereas other days we have to keep our heads well down. We had breakfast about 8.0 which went down alright especially some cocoa we made. We also had some of the post this morning. I had a parcel from B. G's Lace Dept containing a sweater, smokes, under clothes etc. We also had a card from the Queen, which I am sending back to you to look after please. After breakfast we had a game of football at the back of our trenches! We've had a few Germans over to see us this morning. They also sent a party over to bury a sniper we shot in the week. He was about a 100 yds from our trench. A few of our fellows went out and helped to bury him.

About 10.30 we had a short church parade the morning service etc. held in the trench. How we did sing. 'O come all ye faithful. And While shepherds watched their flocks by night' were the hymns we had. At present we are cooking our Christmas Dinner! so will finish this letter later.

Dinner is over! and well we enjoyed it. Our dinner party started off with fried bacon and dip-bread: followed by hot Xmas Pudding. I had a mascot in my piece. Next item on the menu was muscatels and almonds, oranges, bananas, chocolate etc followed by cocoa and smokes. You can guess we thought of the dinners at home. Just before dinner I had the pleasure of shaking hands with several Germans: a party of them came 1/2way over to us so several of us went out to them. I exchanged one of my balaclavas for a hat. I've also got a button off one of their tunics. We also exchanged smokes etc. and had a decent chat. They say they won't fire tomorrow if we don't so I suppose we shall get a bit of a holiday — perhaps. After exchanging autographs and them wishing us a Happy New Year we departed and came back and had our dinner.

We can hardly believe that we've been firing at them for the last week or two — it all seems so strange. At present its freezing hard and everything is covered with ice…

The letter ends:

There are plenty of huge shell holes in front of our trenches, also pieces of shrapnel to be found. I never expected to shake hands with Germans between the firing lines on Christmas Day and I don't suppose you thought of us doing so. So after a fashion we've enjoyed? our Christmas. Hoping you spend a happy time also George Boy as well. How we thought of England during the day. Kind regards to all the neighbours. With much love from Boy.

Puff

2008-12-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

It is Monday afternoon and I am sitting in my office.. I had to work today, because Cathy needed to be at her work on Tuesday.. I came in and worked on Upward Basketball and Cheer leading.. putting the finishing touches on it before I leave for vacation on Friday.. I am not really going anywhere.. I am just relaxing at home staying up late and eating a cheese ball.. anyway.. The reason I am blogging..

I was listening to that song, Puff, The Magic Dragon..and I didn't realize how sad the end of the song is.. here are the lyrics to the last part..(try not to sing if you can help it)

A dragon lives forever
But not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings
Make way for other toys.

One grey night it happened,
Jackie Paper came no more
And Puff that mighty dragon,
He ceased his fealess roar.

His head was bent in sorrow,
Green scales fell like rain,
Puff no longer went to play
Along the cherry lane.

Without his life-long friend,
Puff could not be brave,
So Puff that mighty dragon
Sadly slipped into his cave. Oh!

I guess the sad part was when I was with Landon yesterday.. We were doing some last minute Christmas shopping and it was sort a "guys day out" Brady was at a birthday party and Alex was napping..
But the more I listen to this song.. the more I think about my boys.. like I said before..
Brady will be 14 in a few weeks.. and he is already growing to the point that "he is a teen and don't need dad around as much" and Landon.. my goodness..he is getting to the age of almost ready for school..(he will be 4 in a few months) and when he puts on his back pack with his trains.. he looks so grown up..and finally Alexander.. he is just a "hoss" running around slamming into the wall!!

They grow up so fast.. I still hope they will need their dad..

A Hero.. Rises Up !!.....I CAN"T WAIT

2008-12-18T20:01:00.000-08:00