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HOW WRONG I WAS!
I used to often say, "I am so blessed! My occupation, vocation, and recreation are all one and the same: children's ministry." While I'd still say it is a blessing to get paid to do what you love, I couldn't have been further from the truth in thinking that ministry was recreation.
The realization came when my pastor defined recreation as RE-creation and noted that genuine recreation is whatever RE-creates you. I sat stupefied, realizing that while kid's ministry may be FUN, it is not RE-creating. Rather, it's draining. I sat there exhausted, worn out, and spent as I realized my lack of real recreation was part of the reason why.
I took his challenge seriously to intentionally plan RE-creation into my life, at any cost. I turned to my wife, half-joking, and said, "For me to be genuinely re-created, I need a week in Yosemite hiking with nothing but my Bible and an iPod filled with worship music."
That seed of a dream grew for two years until I finally took a step of faith, booked a lodge inside Yosemite National Park, and invited a handful of other male children's pastors to join me. Yosemite Summit, the UNconference for children's pastors, was born.
Now in its second year, and with a similar event for women as well, I am leaving this weekend for my summit with God to be genuinely RE-created. Please pray for us this next week, as well as for the women at Unbridled.
I extend to you the same challenge: What would it take to genuinely RE-create YOU? Whatever it is, ignore the excuses and intentionally plan it into your life. It may be one of the most important things you ever do for yourself, your family, your church, and your soul.
Because
Jesus Loves Children,
Karl D. Bastian - a.k.a. "The Kidologist"
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| PRAY FOR KIDOLOGY RETREAT ATTENDEES
Believe it or not, our two Kidology Retreats kick off next week as "Unconferences for Children's Pastors." Let's be praying for the men & women attending both of these events!
Karl Bastian will be leading 8 guys on Yosemite Summit (May 17-21) through California's Yosemite National Park. Hiking along with Karl will be Patrick, Steve, Scott, Brent, Marc, Matt, Tom, and Scott.
Meanwhile, over in central Ohio, Kim Bobb will be wrangling up the gals at Unbridled (May 18-20), joined by Andi, Jill, and Carol. It's sure to be a fun time of horseback riding, hiking, and campfires.
» Take a look at what they will be seeing!
» Yosemite Summit Prayer Poster |
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PUPPET SCRIPT: WE REMEMBER
 Memorial Day is more than parades, fire engines, and flags.
Grandpa and Sally discuss how it's important to be grateful for the brave men and women who gave their lives so kids can enjoy so many good things. They also explore God's blessings... including such freedoms as chocolate soda at the local Dairy Queen!
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Make Memorial Day weekend meaningful
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Visit the Patriotic Zone for ideas!
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