Christmas, Kelley, and a man from Bethlehem

Christmas eve, when all parents do their last minute shopping. Such is the case this year, but this year we shop in Florida. While visiting my parents, Felicia and I were shopping this afternoon and stopped for a bite to eat at a Steak & Shake (one of her favorites that I hate:). We ordered some food and when it came to the table I spoke with our waitress Kelley, and mentioned to her that we were going to pray for our food and ask if there was anything she would like for us to pray for. Apparently shocked at my question, she said yes there actually was, her mother in law had had a stroke this morning and she was finishing up her shift, and leaving to go see her. And also that she had five kids and one on the way, she always was in need of prayer. So we invited her to join us and we prayed for her needs as well as our food.

Now the point of this story is this: In all our shopping, running around, fast paced, lives do we ever stop to notice the simple people we come in contact with. By simple I don't intend to mean less than, or subservient, but what I mean is the people we just brush in passing, not the ones we have appointments with, or family, just the casual moments we share. Like a waitress named Kelley.

Christmas is a time of celebration, a time of family, a time of reflection, and a time of joy.

I also met a man from Bethlehem today at the mall. Now I don't mean that jokingly, actually from Bethlehem. He was a vendor selling Holy land treasures, some wood carvings of nativity scenes, and such. Felicia and I made a small purchase from him, and sparked up a conversation. Turns out his family, and his brothers' family makes these things and sell them to tourist in Israel, and two months out of the year he comes here to sell them. He was going back on January 4th. After our conversation, he wrote his name down for me and ask me to look him up if ever in Bethlehem. I assured him I would.

People are the only special commodity we have here on this earth. Now where in scripture does it say Jesus came to save the temple, or to save the land, or to save anything but people. They are just that important. So as my family tears open enough paper to start a bon fire, and settles back down for coffee, I plan on reflecting on the true blessing we have each day, looking at us across the breakfast table. The ones we have on speed dial in our cell phones, with the cool ring tones for. The ones we neglect most by working to much, the ones that seem to get under our skin. The ones we love. I'm thankful for my family, and this year has been a tough one for us, so I'm thankful for them all, including my mom, who has looked death in the face, and by His grace, starred it down and smiled for another Christmas.


Lord,
I am so humbled by the grace you have shown me and my family. We thank you for the special gifts of mercy you have shown us this year. Thank you for seeing us through. Forgive us for getting excited about the presents and not being as thankful for your present in our lives. Thank you for this trip and getting to spend time with my parents. We are so blessed.
Remember Kelley and her family in their time of need. Bless them with your goodness and mercies this season. Remember Hanna Mitri and his family back in Israel. Bless there business, and the ministry these carvings will bring. And above all we are thankful that you loved us enough to give us Jesus. In His name I pray... Amen



Merry Christmas to you all.

Kevin

Look up, Live life, and be thankful.

Go Ministries Haiti / DR

Where do I begin? This year has been full of trips and adventures. To simplify let me talk bout my trip to Haiti / DR back last February. I went on this trip with some friends, then I met some people down there, like John Martinez of whom I wrote a post a few weeks ago (go read). My trip to Haiti was an impactful trip. I will never be the same.

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I had lunch with John Martinez to discuss several things, this was followed by a meeting with Brook Brotzman, founder of GO ministries (www.go-ministries.org) where we discussed several things, but the topic was what I can do to be involved from here. Also we discussed this topic of a trip back to the island in Feb '08. The details of which we are still working out as we speak.

Eddie:

One of my friends and I were discussing this trip (only in theory at the time) and what it would entail to get me back to the island, i.e. fund raising, resources, time off. etc. He shared my desires with some family and friends and the ball started rolling. Fund raising has already began, and the project is underway. The purpose of this trip has several dimensions:

1. Make a video documentary to share my passion with others.
2. Continue relationship building with John Martinez and other GO staff on the ground.
3. Work with construction team on projects currently underway.
4. Visit several ministry sites around the countries.
5. Explore ways to help GO Ministries.

Here's where we are:

1. Pray and search out God's will concerning this trip.
2. No BS assessment of resources.
3. Set Goals and priorities.
4. Develop Master plan and assign tasks.
5. Information download with Ministry and partners.

We are in phase 1. For more info, support, or to help contact me directly or by email khatfield@insightbb.com . Thank you for all the encouragement and support. My 1st and most important need is prayer.

Kevin

Look up, Live life, and be Thankful

Justice - Third Newspaper Article

Just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Thank you for your encouragement and support in all that is going on. I saved this article for this week, it was a touching moment in our lives and a prime example that everything is an event we can learn from.

The following weeks will include a video blog, if the technical aspects can be handled appropriately, and the details of the Haiti trip.

Article #3 Justice

The judge comes back into the courtroom and the bailiff addresses the court. “Would the defendant please rise.” The Judge smacks the gavel and says “I hereby sentence you to 20 years for the crime of…”

Sentencing…what a grim time, all hope is lost. Rules; as parents we are not only the law makers for our families, but also detectives, judges, and executioners (so-to-speak). The kids do pretty well as their own defense counselor and it’s usually quite a defense. I’d like to share a story from my household of such a trial.

One of my children came to a crossroad decision involving a sucker of the most desirable flavor that she wanted, but it belonged to someone else. Overtaken with desire…she took it, knowing it was wrong, but committed this offense just the same. When she began to eat it in the presence of her sister, the sibling with a prosecutor’s enthusiasm proclaimed her crime to my wife. Both of my children are great kids, but kids do sometimes learn the hard way. As my wife put on her detective hat to determine the validity of the case, a tear filled confession was heard. Now since I wasn’t present 1st hand, my wife ruled over the case. In light of the confession she moved to the sentencing.

Every crime carries its own punishment. Some are just minor infractions that can be handled with simple disapproval and a verbal reprimand. But some like the ‘Big Ten’ from the bible receive maximum punishment, which refers to the “Rod”, a wooden paddle we keep hanging in the laundry room. Just before the execution is to take place, I felt the usual feeling of mercy wash over me, not wanting my daughter to go through this. Then, I felt in my heart a way to teach a lesson in her time of crisis. I stayed the hand of justice for a few minutes to remind her of how Christ came to earth to save us from our sins, not by mercy, but by taking our punishment for us on the cross. But, here in this situation, a full reprieve wasn’t justified. Therefore, I volunteered to take half of her punishment for her. So my daughter and I bent over the couch holding hands and received two licks each. The three of us shared a moment of embrace and then I told her, like Christ from the cross “It is done.” Sentence served.

Maybe you’ll find my methods unusual or uncanny but my youngest daughter will remember the cross and her salvation in a memorable way. And my wife had a dream come true (She’d been threatening to spank me for years).

This Christmas, don’t miss the opportunity to share in God’s love with your children. One day, we all will sit in front of God’s judgment seat and I want to hear “It is done. Sentence Served!” Don’t miss the real reason for Christmas.

Lord,
Bless the people of Meade Co. with the knowledge of your undying love. Help us see your goodness in this season and find that special gift called Christ. In Jesus name… Amen




Kevin

Remember Look up, Live Life, and be Thankful

Speed bumps - Newspaper article for this week

Here's this weeks article for our local paper. Enjoy.


Speed bumps

On this journey we call life; one thing is not only for certain, but a guarantee. That is…we will encounter life’s little troubles. Some of them are major redirections, while others only slow us down, like speed bumps. How we handle these troubles usually determines which kind they are.

We had an incident the other day. A young man slid off the road and ended up smashed into our church building. No one was seriously hurt, but there was a lot of damage. People usually react in hostility when they feel someone has wronged them in some way. For instance, have you ever seen an accident where one driver is in an irate storm and screaming at the other? We can take these times of trouble and dwell on the negative and become redirected. Or, we can treat them like speed bumps…minor inconveniences’ that slow us down but not off course.

In our case, no one was present at the time of the accident. But upon the news, the leaders rallied the troops, did an assessment, called the necessary people, and began to make needed repairs to open the church. Life must go on. Church was scheduled to open later that evening and did so on time.

The nice young man did stop by to apologize for the damage he had caused, which gave us the opportunity to do one of two things; play the blame game and act like the irate driver mentioned above, or make sure he was okay and use this opportunity to show kindness. He unwillingly touched our church family, but in doing so became the object of our family’s prayers.
Christ didn’t come to save church buildings, but to change people’s lives. God is more concerned about our character than our circumstances. If we can affect this young driver and show him kindness, than this opportunity is a blessing not one of life’s troubles, just a speed bump.

Lord,
We pray for this young man and his family. Let this Christmas season touch him with the kindness only you can provide. Show light into his life and peace into his heart. Touch his body and heal the aches and pains. We are thankful for this opportunity to have met him and to pray with him. We are thankful for the speed bump. In Jesus name… Amen



Kevin

Remember Look up, Live life, and be Thankful

Article in Local Paper this week

Each year about this time Children from around our country start their Christmas list with “Daddy I want this for Christmas, and this, and this, and this.” It’s no secret that the retail industries will do a bulk of this year’s business from now till the end of the year. But what is Christmas? For some it’s a marketing campaign. For some it’s a pagan holiday, for most of us it’s at least a day off, a day of gifts, good eating, and family time.

Christmas isn’t just a calendar day we celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas’ greatest present is recounted all through the pages of scripture, its stories that teach principles to live by, how to have a relationship with almighty God, His grace through Jesus to forgive our sins. But that isn’t the whole present. Now before I loose you, let me say this, all of those things are very important, but it was not only the Gospels, not even only the forgiveness of sin, but it was God’s love for you that makes up the whole Present. He gave us instructions in the Bible, He gave us Jesus to serve out our sentence for the sins we’ve committed, He gave us a direct phone line to heaven through our prayers, but His love encompasses it all.

He has made a way for us to live this life in relationship with Him, and to prepare for what comes after. We celebrate that with the image of a baby in the manger. God’s gift to the world, His love and forgiveness, his provisions and care, all wrapped up in swaddling clothing in Bethlehem (Luke Chapter 2).

Dear God,
May we never forget what Christmas is all about and teach our children it’s not about what we get, but what you gave. May your peace and love find its way into our homes and into our hearts this Christmas. In Jesus name…Amen


Look up, Live Life, and be thankful.

Kevin

Lunch with John

I had lunch today with a missionary friend that I met last February in Haiti / Dominican Republic. He shared a story with me that I think bares repeating.

Preface:

John Martinez is a missionary living in Santiago, Dominican Republic. He moved there from Louisville, KY and is part of the GO Ministries staff (see link below). He has been on the missions field for 6 yrs, and serves as a Short Term missions trip facilitator, as well as many other things including Haitian Missions Coordinator.

K Note: John like most of God's servants has needs that must be met. He is currently in town for a family visit as well as Ministry business. Above all things his biggest need is prayer. I have met with John and know that his heart is for God and ministry. Please add him to your prayer list. If you would like more details on how to help John with missions ministry or missions needs, please contact Vicki at the GO Ministries office ( Link http://www.go-ministries.org/ ) All else fails contact me and I'll get you going in the right direction.



While on a trip to Haiti from his home town of Santiago, he traveled for 12 hrs by bus over roads that were, let's say less than maintained for a simple description. Having traveled a majority of the day they arrived at their destination, an orphanage.

Haiti, besides being war torn from the revolution, and being poverty stricken, has also met with some natural disasters over the past few years. The most recent Hurricane Noel last month. The flooding has left families torn apart and some children have lost not only their few belongings but both parents. Left to live on the streets. Such is the fate for so many in Haiti. This particular orphanage is sponsored and ran by two local Haitian Pastors.

When they arrived at the orphanage the children (several hundred) where lined up outside awaiting their arrival. When they got off the bus the children began to sing. They lifted their voices in praise to God. Now to plant an image, these children have no personal belongings. They have only the clothes they wear, a small bunk to sleep on, and one sheet to cover up with. John's exact words were '...nothing. If they wash their clothes they have to stand around naked til they dry' One of these children, a little girl while praising God in heaven with excitement for the visitors, dropped down to her knees and began to say to God 'thank you! thank you!' She took a minute and worshipped him. John's heart just melted.

Stories like these always get me. Here the two of us, grown men, sitting in a restaurant nicer than these children could even imagine, let alone ever see, discussing impoverished children with 'nothing', thanking God for what they have. John was tearing up telling the story, I was swallowing my own lumpy throat as I heard it. It reminded me of a one armed girl I saw in '95 at an orphanage in the mountains above Port Au Prince that smiled at me and gave me a hug. Children of innocence, to young to realize the cruel world, yet with a child's love for an American visitor, a soldier that came and spent the day. She may not of even understood that I was American, only that I came to visit, because I could. I will never see that girl again this side of heaven, and if I did I surely wouldn't know it. But like so many I saw this past February she's one I'll never forget. And I pray that she too remembers some soldier that spent some time at her orphanage. Christ said in Mathew 28 " Go into all the world and make disciples..." And that is what's happening in Haiti. Two Pastors reaching out into the streets and taking orphans into their care. Not that they have it much better, but that they are willing to do with what they have. Providing the bare essentials, two meals a day, and the Word of God. There's still Hope in Haiti. There's still a cause. There's still Pastors mentoring and teaching the next generation to continue in the fight for the kingdom, in a land riddled with the nightly beats of the Voodoo drums. The prayers of young children ripping holes in the enemies strong hold, with a simple 'thank you God!' Needless to say even after 6 yrs of missionary work, I think John's visit was memorable. He shared with me that every morning he gets up and loves what he does. It's not a job to him, it's a way of worshipping God. It's a way of living in His presence.

To tell you the truth if I could have just paid the bill and left, I'd be back on the dirty streets under the Haitian moon, praying with them tonight. You see, they really know God. When you have nothing, there are no distractions. Like the Children of Israel in the desert wilderness, if all you have comes from God, you stay close. We like to look at them and feel pity because they don't have what we have, but really we don't have what they have, they trust God. And to trust God as a little child is worth more than all we store up. We are like the rich young ruler, given the choice to choose God. It was more than he could bare. As John so eloquently put it today over lunch 'comfortable'. We have become comfortable with ourselves so much so that we think we can't do without all the comforts. Now God doesn't intend for us to live impoverished, but he does mean for us to trust Him, and serve Him. You see, I left something there when it was my time to leave, a part of my heart, some of my compassion. Many people describe mission trips as life changing. I would agree to that, but maybe a better way would be life impacted. I'm not the same, and nor do I want to be. It's a lot of emotions and feeling to process. I sometimes dream of laying in my bunk at night in Haiti, listening to the dogs howl, looking out into the night as people walk by in the dark, and in my dreams I feel peace. The peace I can only describe as being in God's presence. Not the kind of presence you feel when you worship at church on Sunday with your tie on, or in a prayer meeting kind, but maybe the kind Moses and the Children felt. The ' in his presence' kind. Not supernatural, just the He's here kind. One of the things I pray, is that all that I am, and all that I have, be used for His glory. That when I end this life, I have nothing left. All my resources, all my energies, are used for His purpose. That I didn't hold anything back, no regrets. That I can bow down on feeble knees, look up and say 'Thank you Lord!'


Lord,

Let my riches be in Heaven, and let my heart be as this little child humble before you. May your Spirit and provisions find their way into the hearts in Haiti. There's not a child that goes hungery that you don't feel their pain. Not a person's grief that goes unnoticed. Not a prayer unheard. I pray protection for the Pastors who have reached out to these children. I pray guidance for the missionaries and my friend John to do your will. Grant them the resources needed to serve and support. I pray Divine protection to cover them as they work your fields. And bless the harvest with workers to disciple these children. In Jesus name.... Amen.



Kevin

Look up, Live Life, and be thankful.

Bill & Bruce

Today I witnessed an awesome display of Christ's love to a stranger, but before I give you the details I need to paint you a picture.


A friend of mine and I were traveling to the Oklahoma City area for a project. He was driving a tractor trailer and I my pick up truck. We started this journey Sunday morning at 10 am and stopped for the night in Joplin, Missouri (7 miles from the Oklahoma line). It rained on us almost the whole trip, we stopped last night about 8pm. This morning we got up eat a little breakfast and started back at it. It was about 45 degrees and drizzling. Bill, my friend, started up the on ramp of I44 and stopped right in the road. As I approached behind him and come to a stop, he took off again. I hollar'd at him on the CB and ask what the deal was and this was his reply "I had to stop and pick up Bruce. It was the Christian thing to do." I ask "You picked up somebody?" He again clarified for me that he picked up a hitchhiker. I was astounded on many levels.


What seemed funny to me at first was Bill had just turned onto the ramp when he stopped. He hadn't had the time to think about the options but for a second or two before he made his decision. So I hollar'd at him again and told him to tell Bruce, our new found friend the hitchhiker, 'Welcome aboard.'


As we continued up the ramp and onto I44 several intriguing thoughts ran through my mind. One this could be a little dangerous for Bill, two where were we taking him, and three where would he go when we got there.


To give you a few more details, the previous days journey and conversation with Bill had clued me in to a couple of known facts. Bill brought almost no money for this trip. He brought some lunch meat, bread, a 12pack of Mountain Dew, and only 2 packs of cigarettes to last him the week, and the reason he was on this trip with me, instead of home on vacation like most of the road crews this time of year, was because he was trying to pick up a little extra cash. Now to tell you about the character of Bill. He is one of the good guys. Give you the shirt off his back, helps everyone, hard worker, good dad, eats like a goat :), etc. Couldn't ask for a better guy.


Back to the story: Knowing all of this, I pass them a few times as we played Indian Run down the freeway (If you've never played this game, it's just simple passing and then being passed over and over to pass the boredom) and I see Bruce flip out cigarettes and drinking from the famous green can. About lunch time we stop at a Mac's steakhouse for lunch (McDonald's for all you non traveling, non fast food types). As I hopped out I ask if Bruce is going to join us for lunch and Bill replies 'Oh yeah!' ( I ask because I wasn't going to let him go hungry if Bill hadn't already invited him) Invited, Bill bought his lunch!!! I've of course already thinking about putting this on the blog and knew I needed to get a picture at the opportune time. We got the food to go and head out again.


After finding Oklahoma City and heading south on I35 we came to a Scenic Turnout (as they call in out here, we more edumacated states like Indiana would simple call it an Overlook) and with a little nudge from me (besides I'm the Boss) we pull semi and all over to take in the view (and pictures:). It was a nice view, but only briefly before we finish the 30 miles to Ardmore, OK which was our destination. We parked the semi at a Love's Truck stop and hopped out. Bruce had gathered his gear, sleeping bag and all (as I parked) and heading across the parking lot. I bailed out and yelled for him to come back for a minute. I rounded up my guys, Bill, Dave, Myself, and our new friend to say goodbye's. The 4 of us held hands and I prayed for Bruce, for safe travels to his brother's in Dallas, and that a good driver with a kind heart would carry him to his destination. We supplied Bruce with enough money for supper and coffee and away he went, just as quick as he appeared, he was gone again. Nothing left but an old toboggan he forgot in the cab of the truck as he warmed his weary body and traveled in our company.


Looking back from the end of my day at the emotional events of our journey this afternoon, I'm left with only these thoughts: Bruce may not remember the ride he took with Bill, nor Bill may not remember the kindness of heart he has shown, but today I will remember again and again, as I travel the drizzly roads and see someones thumb amidst the cold.



Dios,
I again pray for Bruce, where ever he is tonight. I remember him as a man out of the cold and in the warmth of kindness only you can provide. I'm not only grateful for the kindness of my friend Bill, but for reminding me of the way things should be. Your word says 'Love your neighbor as yourself' and I saw that today in a man with almost nothing, sharing with a man with nothing. Keep Bruce safe in your arms and lead his heart into your kingdom. In Jesus name... Amen



Remember Look up, Live life, and be thankful!!!


Kevin

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving!!! What a time to spend with family and friends. I'm sure many of you have overdone your diet and had that mixed feeling of happiness and misery at the same time. One of the things we do around our home is talk about the things we are thankful for. In the season of Thanksgiving we should show gratitude to those we love as well as The Almighty. For both His provision and the Harvest. I had lunch with a missionary friend of mine last sunday and he was explaining how Hurricaine Noel had ravished the tomato crop in the Dominican Republic, which is a major export of theirs to the US for ketchup. So their harvest is ruined. No really, how bad are your problems? Don't you have something to be thankful for.



I just recently made another movie of pictures for my family in Florida. In editing it I viewed hundreds of pictures of the kids and my lovely lady, I felt the overwellming feeling of gratitude for what God has given me. Family, my Familia, Los ninos. All the love and special moments we've shared in our adventurous ride called life. God is so good to us and yet we tend to forget He's even around.

Fall, the air has turned cold and there's crispness in the yard. I know it's fall because I see the annual venue of Camoflauge pants and deer horns parading through town. Time to have a bon fire and relax. Park the tie for flannel and snuggle up to the fire. Smores (I hear people actually eat these things, what a waste of energy:) roast them. Fill the crock pot with Chile and relax.

I'll end with this old saying I love: Everyday is a choice. You choose if today will be a good day or a bad one.


"This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is important because I’m exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it. May I have sufficient wisdom and courage that this shall be my record for today."

Quote from Og Mandino 'The greatest salesman in the world'


Remember Look up, Live life, and be thankful!!!

Kevin

Just a trip with friends

Here's another video I made back in July. A trip with friends, 400 miles in 3 days.

Flight 93 Memorial

Here's a video I made back in the summer after a trip to the Memorial with friends. It was a beautiful day as we trucked across I76 in Pennsylvania. The volunteers that work at the Memorial are there 365 days a year from dawn till dusk. Shanksville has a population of about 600.

My Big Brother

It's another happy day for the Hatfield family. My Big brother turns the over the hill age of 37 today. I wish you a happy birthday since you didn't call us back. Hope everyone is doing well, the ninos and the boss :). We love you and hope to see you soon.

Rainy Days

As many of you already know, except for the fires out west many of us are covered in rain. Such it was this past week for me. Rain, Rain, Rain!!! I was in it, on it, around it, and drove through it. Thank god for the rain, but I'm ready for a break. The past two days have been a relief. I made it home for a few days and will probably be home for a while. sheeeew! Good to be back home.
Starting to make the winter plans. I'm wanting to do more speaking engagements, but we are waiting to see the Lord's direction. Possible teaching a couple of seminars this winter on a Positive Lifestyle. So much going on and it isn't even here yet. I'd like to take two trips, one to Florida (the home of Oranges and everybody's old folks) and the other to Seattle to visit my cousins new church "Resonate" (it's in the links).

Thoughts: One of the things that has occupied my over the past few months is the direction of society. I know, I know big topic, but what concerns me is the extreme everything. bigger, badder, better, High Def this and high def that. Life is too busy, it's not simple at all!!! I'm concerned about the children, both mine and yours. We fill our days with things to do in search of more stuff, we have forgotten what's really important, people and relationships. If we can get past ourselves long enough to see someone else, maybe we can help our fellow man. We have become hard hearted. I.E. I was trucking through Pennsylvania when I came into traffic, a troubled teenage was on an overpass threatening to jump into traffic. By the time I got there the police had the lanes under him shut down. Now this posses two points, first what was so bad that he wanted to end it all? Second, the CB rang out truckers who were suggesting that either they tazz him with a tazzer and let him fall or that he just jump so traffic could get moving again. What they were really saying is that their inconvenience was more important than this young life. It wasn't just one trucker either, some were considering blowing their horns as they passed by to scare him off, and making several comments like that. How sad that we could just watch a kid die, to just hurry down the road. This wasn't viewed as a tragedy just an inconvenience to delivering freight. Where is the value of human life? Why don't we care anymore?
We are all busy. That's a given, but we are busy by the choices we make. Felicia and I have committed to watch less TV and talk more. A friend gave me an awesome CD version of the dramatized new testament to listen to with the kids. Spending time with them and as a family. Family what's that? America has forgotten even the people we live with. They have become disposable like an inconvenience. Brooke and I sat down and played Monopoly the other day. She begged me until I put aside what I was doing, and then I had fun!!! My children aren't inconvenient to me, I must remember that the best gift to give them is my time. The only non renewable resource I have, and they are worth it.
I'm expecting big changes in my life over the next six months, possible a change in employment. I'm waiting the right direction. An open door with divine help. Stay tuned, more to come.

Jesus painting

Here's a YouTube you just have to see.

Haiti Video - Rescue the Perishing

Awesome God II

Statistics

This is a good video everyone needs to see!!

July was full of trips!!!!

Wow!!! Where to begin the month was full of trips all across Pennsylvania, as has been the constant theme for this summer, but what do you do with your spare time. I personally choose to make the best of it and go on an excursion. The first stop on one of my latest three day trips was in York, PA to the Harley Davidson plant. Two co workers and I went for a visit and a tour of the plant where they make the Dyna family and the Touring family like the Roadking and Ultra Classics. It was pretty interesting to see them pieced together and look at the 2008 models roll off the line.


The next stop was on top of Pittsburgh courtesy of the Duquesne Incline. For the marvelous price of $3.50 you can ride the incline to the top and come back down to the parking lot. The incline looks much like a trolley or a cable car that goes up the side of a mountain. At the top are a series of restaurants for those who like to spend to much on food, we did not so incline, and some small shops. The incline itself has a bit of nostalgia about it and has pictures of the downtown during the great flood of '37 and smog from the 40's during the steel rush. But the best is the view of Pittsburgh's Point where you can see the Three Rivers stadium and where the all come together (the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio) which was really cool but the thought that kept going through my head was that the Ohio must go through a muddy patch before it reaches the 'wickets' (a local fishing spot for residents of the Kentuckian area) because the water doesn't look that bad here.

Then the third day of our trip we travelled 200 miles North to Niagara Falls, NY for a day of relaxation, RIGHT!! We no sooner got to the hotel that be jumped out of the truck donned the back pack and headed to the Niagara Reservation Park. We spent the rest of the day walking and taking pictures. How anyone could not attest to the fact that only God could create such beauty is beyond me. It is one of those places that every person above the age of 8 should see in there lifetime. Oh words can not describe the beauty. Awesome!!! As we watched the 275k gallons a second of water fall over the waterfall we had to pause and pray for the people of NY. So serene of a place. Please make time and money to go. Outside of the travel expense, which for us was free, I might have spend $50 including my $8.95 hamburger and coke, and souvenir shot glass. Great time, lots of pictures, couldn't of ask for more. I was glad to get back to work so I could get some rest from all the adventures.




Personal News: We finally moved into the new house. After enough $ of new carpet to bankrupt the government and new paint in the kids rooms we are in, well mostly. We still have some things in the old house, and in storage yet but we are living there. The fridge is still at the old house, so Felicia is using the garage fridge in the garage for now till I can get back home to move the big one (Please pray in some help to move it).

Kids start school again on Thursday. They are both excited and ready to go back, at least till the first alarm goes off at 6am Thursday morning.

We are so thankful for all the help we have had during this moving out and in period. We appreciate everyone so much and will have a cook out when we get settled and time permits. God bless each of you and may he guide your path everyday.

Kevin

June, Lost over there!!!

Man, where has June gone? I left home on May 30, and didn't come home until the 17th for a 2 day visit, just to ruch out again til the 26th. In summary I was home for 4 days in June.

We did get our new house closed on the 28th, (We get possession on the 28th of July). Paperwork over now just 360 payments and it'll be over. We have officially entered the 300k club. Debt is our new best friend apperantly. Spencer Ave is up for sail, we are praying that not only does God send us a buyer but the right buyer. Someone it will be a blessing for. We have alot of prayer time in the house, I know they are on their way to meet us.

We had a chance on my short visit in the middle of the month to spend some time at Kart Kountry in Shepardsville. We rode gocarts and found out Candace is the racer, Brooke is the more safe one (no suprise). Candace has also decided her first car should be a 'Rocket' (ie Kawasaki Ninja, Honda CBR). We have informed her of the appropriate, no motorcycles at the house unless it's a Harley!!! :) I'm thinking an 883 hugger is about her size. Brooke has decided Dad's old truck would be good to start with. They are growing up so fast.

We also played the usual video games and air hockey, as well as indoor rock climbing (thought I was coming to heaven a little early, heart pounding, breathing hard.) I don't recommend doing it in sandles.

Felicia is doing great at her new job. Her trainer is now retired and she is the man, or woman as it were. I'll get a pix for you soon ( I have to be home to take pictures ).

We ended up with a couple of jobs that turned out to be easy, but as always in Pennsylvainia. I also found a church near my second home (Comfort Inn on Harman Rd. in Pittsburgh). It was a great service about ' The high price of the cross'.

After the closing Felicia and I took the kids on an adventure to the forestry and to the Firetower that we went to on our first date. She kissed me!!! Brooke raced to the top and was waiting as the old fat people made it up the 145 steps. We had fun and as always took some great pictures. We also experienced 2 Chinese fire drills in the rain.

All and all life is good!!! We are making the best of each day and living life. See you soon.

Flight 93

A Trip to Flight 93. As it might come as no suprise to many of you but I found myself across the Pennsylvania country side again this week. Starting off the week Wednesday in Altoona, PA and made my way back to Pittsburgh for the weekend. The best part about this trip was as we drove back across I76 we made a stop off at Shanksville, PA to the crash site of United Flight 93 and visited the temporary memorial for the 40 passengers and crew aboard.

As is my custom I'm always up for an adventure and since the travel was not only free to me but was being paid to travel I thought 'Why not?'. We had a great time, as far as memorials go. It's not the kind of fun adventure I usually look for but more of a site seeing, photo op visit.

They erected a section of fence for the visitors to leave behind momentos and such for the memorial. This fence is cleaned, and the items are stored for the 1000 acre Permanent Memorial that is underway scheduled to open at the 10 yr anniversary.

There is a group of volunteers that man the Memorial from 8am - dust 365 days a year. 170k people desended on the town of Shanksville (pop. 600) last year and was scheduled to have 20 buses on Friday when I was there. Seems to be quite the stopping point.

The actual crash site is unavailable to visit since it's considered a burial site for those lost on Sep 11, 2001 but you can see it from the memorial. The land shows no evidence of the heroism and tragedy other than the fenced area and the flag.

All and all it was a good visit. Dave, Eddie, and I enjoyed the short stop over. We each walked around viewing the memorials that people left and offered our own silent prayers. Much like the WWII and Vietnam Memorials I say back in March is was filled with quiet moments and reflection. I'm so gratful that God has allowed me to visit some of these places this year and reflect on life. I have taken with me a renewed energy for Life, a gratitude for each day he gives me here, and a will to make a difference. I want to leave each day better off than it began.

Lord,

Grant us guidance and direction to live each day in a positive manner. Help us through the struggles life throws at us and not get frustrated. Take care of our families and help us raise our children submissive to your influence. Remember those who were lost in Shanksville to the highjackers and those families left behind to walk alone. Never let us fall back into the slumber we were in on that morning.

Grant us the peace that only you can provide. In Jesus name, Amen

Home from the weekend

Wow, what a weekend! Camping at Patoka Lake.



Menu was all heart friendly:

1. Grilled Gary burgers seasoned over charcoal


2. Creek potatoes with bacon, butter, garlic, and Chantal's special ingredients.


3. Deep fried fish ala Quentin


4. Lipator by Dr. Kris


5. Eggs, bacon, and Sausage courtesy of Shiela


6. Pancakes, Felicia's specialty


7. More Lipator


8. And of course Coffee Bro. Eddie style. I've discover the flavor of Black!!

There was about 30 of us total, we covered the better part of one whole cul de sac. Kids everywhere and about 400 used soda cans. It was great!

The girls had a blast at the lake and running around with the other kids. They ran the scooter batteries down several times and rode every bike that had wheels including Gary's brother's three wheeled machine with hand pedals.

We had a great time sitting around the campfire talking and fellowship. It's good to get away from life for a while and relax. I personally tried to wear out my camping chair to no avail. Felicia has decided camping was meant to be done at the Holiday Inn. She did really well for roughing it, with a fan, an air matress, and sleeping near the camp facilities of a shower and a bathroom.

The men's shower was blessed by the neighborhood "logger", Jacob found the evidence in the shower. Felicia decided all men are just nasty animals and this is proof, myself excluded of course, I'm perfect for those of you who didn't know.

I did get some quiet time to study for some friends wedding that I was in today. I shared some Jewish history about weddings and the relationship between Jesus and the Church. My first official act of ministry since becoming lisenced. It was an honor to bless friends at such a special moment in there lives.

Sunday school: I talked about the need for prayer in my ongoing series "Living the basics". People need to get back to the basics in life, the song 'Cry out to Jesus' sheds some verses on this subject, 'when you feel lonely, and it seems like the whole world is fallin on you, you must reach out, you must cry out to Jesus' if we only gave God half the time we should we would all be better off. I've made a commitment to myself to pray more. To change things in my life so I can be a better person, to impact and help other people along the way. If we have the ability to reach out and do not we are no worse than the priest who walked by the hurting man in the parable of the Good Samaritan. We can make a difference in the lives of the people we are around. A word of encouragement, an ear to listen, a hand to help bare the load. Life is short, make the most of the time you have, leaving nothing to regret.

Remember Live life, Look up, and be thankful!!!

Kevin

News!!! It's a boy!!!

One more in Indianapolis!!! My brother and his wife had a baby boy on Monday, James Thomas Hatfield!!! Congratulations cigars all around!! (Cuban the preference.) Awesome job see all four of you soon.

• My job is finished in Pittsburg for the week, home for the long weekend. Plan on spending time relaxing, reading, and reflecting. Can't wait.


• 2 1/2 days left of the school grind for the kids. All parents are happy and upset that they will be home all day, but it's good both ways.


• I pray everyone is doing well and hope to see you all soon.

Stuck in Pittsburg

• Well, here I am again, in Pittsburg for the weekend. My job ran over till Monday, then off to Ohio for a short stop then home for the long weekend that I'm spending with the family and crew at the lake.
• New house is in the works. Offer accepted, inspections ordered.
• Felicia is packing, maybe we can loose a few truck loads in the move to the Goodwill!!! Shhh! Don't tell.
• Kid's almost out of school 4 days to go.
• Mom's doing great. Making great improvement.
• Ready for an adventure. Got any ideas?