CHECK IT OUT:

We know you use Kidology for great ideas, such as those found in our Easter Zone.  If you are looking for more resources, such as helpful curriculum, here’s a guide to some Easter products in the Kidology Store you should explore!

Jesus is Real 4-Week Curriculum

Tadpole Tails brings bring you a 4-week, sitcom-style video series featuring the news team from Breaking Action Daily News. This small-town newscast is dead last in the ratings until the skeptical producer, Bentley, orders news anchor Walter Riley to report that Jesus is a fake.

With the help of a young boy and a mysterious janitor, Walters investigative reporting leads him to a pastor, professor, physician, and printer. Each episode sheds new light on the fact that Jesus is real! While this may be “good news” to Walter, it causes lots of tension with the B.A.D. news team.

Buy Now for $58 – Member Price

X-treme Feats 4-Week Easter Curriculum

X-treme Feats, a 4-week Easter unit from River’s Edge, can also be used any time of the year. Explore John 3:16 in a fresh new way as kids learn about Jesus’ birth, Nicodemus and spiritual birth, and Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Kids will walk away with not only a deeper understanding of John 3:16 but will learn how belief in Jesus transforms their lives.

The lessons include Plungerman (drama), X-treme Feats trivia, X-treme Feats performer story, Bible Story, Prayer, X-treme Feat (illusion/science experiment), X-treme Stunt along with optional activities – craft, snack, comic strip, Bible memory activity, small group questions. A one-page X-treme Feats Herald is included for kids to take home. The Herald gives parents ideas for discussions and activities to do at home.

Buy Now for $45 – Member Price

CSI Jerusalem 4-Week Curriculum

CSI Jerusalem is a 4-week Easter unit from River’s Edge. Through fun, hands-on forensics science activities, explore the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection. Investigate the lives of those who knew him well and their reactions to the events.

As we learn about Peter, Mary Magdalene, John and Judas’ actions and reactions, we are challenged to not only believe in Jesus but to allow him to transform our lives through his forgiveness and his love.

The lessons contain drama, puppets (optional), interactive Bible stories, forensic lab activities, object lessons, games, crafts, snack ideas, Bible memory activities and parent take home pages.

Buy Now for $35 – Member Price

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Happy Resurrection Sunday…

Hello Friends.

Grace = Getting what we don’t deserve.

(vs. Mercy = Not getting what we DO deserve!)

That’s what this weekend is all about. It’s about the Grace God showed us by looking past our short-comings, our failures, and our imperfections… and loving us anyway.

It’s about wanting us to be Family in spite of us. It’s about Him DYING to make us Family, even though we were wrapped up in ourselves and our needs.

We’ve all got people in our lives (and families) and drive us nuts and who are wrapped up in themselves. People who have let us down. People who don’t deserve a second chance. People who don’t deserve forgiveness. People who are a “lost cause.”

Christ was demonstrating for us what He expects of us by what He did for us. While WE were a lost cause, beyond hope, undeserving, selfish and wrapped up in OURselves – He died for us, and then did the biggest “come back” in His-Story to redeem us.

We have no excuse to hold anyone at arm’s length or hold a grudge. Those who have truly experienced Grace, find it so much easier and natural to extend Grace – for they have been to the foot of the Cross and begged for it.

This Easter, look around for who you can be Jesus to… someone perhaps you’ve overlooked, forgotten, or even given a cold shoulder too… and welcome them back.

After all, it’s what Jesus did for you and me on the first Good Friday and Easter not so long ago. (In God’s eternal timing)

Happy Easter!

A grace receiver,

Karl.

A: Play the Worth the Wait ToyBox Tale!

This 9-minute Tale download doesn’t mention the word “Love” (or that “S” word), but it addresses the same issue… Waiting and not giving yourself away, so you won’t miss out on a great thing later.

Download the optional “Love Worth Waiting For” lesson that works with this video for just $1 more!

That’s right! I have RE-MASTERED this classic ToyBox Tale in HI-RES VIDEO so you can show it for Valentines Day!

Kidology Members: $ .99
(The lesson’s already in the Zones)

Everyone Else: $ 1.99
Want the Lesson Too? Add $1!

CHECK IT OUT!

Don’t Like Green Eggs
and Ham?

Jimmy Jim says TRY JESUS!

JESUS LOVE YOU!
I’m Jimmy Jim!
JESUS LOVES YOU!
Will you accept Him?

That Jimmy Jim!
That Jimmy Jim!
I do not like that Jimmy Jim!

Do you know Jesus?
Do you know Him?
Would you like to accept Him?

I do not want to be a Christian, Jimmy Jim!
I do not want to accept Him!

Would you accept him here or there?

I would not accept him here or there.
I would not accept him anywhere.
I do not want to be a Christian.
I will not accept him, Jimmy Jim.

Would you accept him in a house?
Would you accept him with a mouse?

I will not accept Him in a house,
I will not accept Him with a mouse.
I will not accept Him here or there,
I would not accept Him anywhere.
I do not want to be a Christian,
I will not accept Him, Jimmy Jim.

Would you accept Him in a box?
Would you accept Him with a fox?

Not in a box,
Not with a fox.
Not in a house,
Not with a mouse!
I would not accept Him here or there,
I would not accept Him anywhere!
I will not become a Christian!
I do not want Him Jimmy Jim!

Would you? Could you? In a cart?
Accept Him! Accept Him! Into your heart!?

I would not, could not, in a cart,
I would not, could not, into my heart!

If you’d accept Him, you would be
On your way to Heaven for eternity.
If you’d accept him you would see!
You may accept him, in a tree?

I would not, could not in a tree,
Not in a cart, you let me be.
Not in my heart, now can’t you see?!

I will not accept Him in a box
I will not accept Him with a fox.
I will not accept Him in a house,
I will not accept Him with a mouse.
I will not accept Him here or there,
I would not accept Him anywhere!
I do not want to be a Christian!
I will not accept Him Jimmy Jim.

A train! A train!
A train! A train!
Could you, would you, on a train?

Not on a train! Not in a tree!
Not in a cart, Jim! Let me be!

I would not, could not, in a box.
I would not, could not, with a fox.
I will not accept Him with a mouse,
I will not accept Him in a house.
I will not accept Him here or there,
I would not accept Him anywhere.
I do not want to be a Christian,
I do not need Him, Jimmy Jim.

Say! In the dark? Alone in the dark?
Would you, could, in the dark?

I would not, could not, in the dark.

Would you, could you, in the rain?

I would not, could not, in the rain,
Not in the dark. Not on a train.
Not in a cart. Not in a tree.
I do not want Him, Jim, you see.
Not in a house. Not in a box.
Not with a mouse. Not with a fox.
I will not accept Him here or there.
I will not accept Him anywhere!

Jesus loves you!
Will you love Him?
He died for you!
Won’t you accept Him?

I will not accept Him, Jimmy Jim.
I could not accept Him with all my sin!

But when you accept Him,
Your sins are all gone!
Jesus forgives everything you’ve done wrong!
That’s what it says in the Book that He wrote,
So could you, would you…. with a goat?

I would not, could not, with a goat!

Would you, could you, on a boat?

I could not, would not, on a boat.
I will not, will not, with a goat.
I will not accept Him in the rain.
I will not accept Him on a train.
Not in the dark! Not in a tree!
Not in a cart! You let me be!
Not in my heart! Get away from me!

I will not accept Him in a box.
I will not accept Him with a fox.
I will not accept Him in a house,
I will not accept Him with a mouse.
I will not accept Him here or there.
I would not accept Him ANYWHERE!
(getting weak)

I do not want to be a Christian,
I do not need him, Jimmy Jim.

You do not need him,
So you say,
But Try Him! Try Him!
Please just pray.
Try Him and you may, I say.

Jim!
Since you will not let me be,
I will try him so I can see,
Just why you keep on telling me.
That Jesus died so I can be,
Right with God for eternity.

I’m not so sure,
Just what to pray,
But if He loves me as you say,
Then I will pray
This very day
And have my sins
Washed right away.

Jesus, You know that I have sinned,
Probably more than Jimmy Jim,
But he says you love me, and if it’s true,
I’d like to be a Christian too.
Come in my heart and make me clean,
I do not want to be so mean.
I’d like to live forever more,
If you will take me, I am yours.

Say! I’m a Christian now!
I accepted Him, Jimmy Jim!
And now I’ll love Him in a boat!
And I will love Him with a goat!
And I will love him in the rain!
And in the dark! And on a train!
And in a cart! And in a tree!
He’s in my heart, He loves me!
He is so good, so good, you see!

So I will love Him in a box!
And I will love Him with a fox!
And I will love Him in a house!

And I will love Him with a mouse!
And I will love Him here and there!
Say! I will love Him ANYWHERE!

I DO love Jesus!
I DO love Him!
I’m glad that I accepted Him.
Thank you! Thank you, Jimmy Jim.

Original Story,
“Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss.

This Christian parody written
and copyrighted by Karl D. Bastian.
1994

Sample from The Christmas Zone on Kidology.org
(Original Kidology Post)

So many people are so resistant to Christ, unwilling, for vaious reasons to even give Christ a try – usually because of Christians they have met, or seen in the media or movies – or misconceptions, and so they simply will not TRY JESUS, because they want nothing to do with the Jesus they have a perception of.

The problem is, the Jesus they are rejecting, I’ve rejected too – and Jesus would reject too, if they would read the Gospels! That Jesus doesn’t exist. In fact, it’s why He was crucified. The religious establishment didn’t like His message.

So, for my atheist and non-Christian friends, forgive my persistence, but you really really ought to try the Jesus of the Bible – not the Jesus of obnoxious Christians. (I don’t like them either!) And I apologize for all the things that have been done in the “Name” of Christ, yes, they were wrong. That isn’t the real Jesus.

Not even the Jesus I reflect at times, unfortunately. I’m a terrible mirror Him, often.

But the real Jesus, who created you, set you free, loves you despite how you use that freedom – then died for you to pay the penalty for the consequences of how you’ve used that freedom. And patiently waits for you to return to Him.

Jesus is often called the Meek Savior. But don’t confuse meek with weak. Meek is NOT weak. Meek is restrained power. He is powerful alright! Someday that power will be unleashed in judgment on this world and those who have not accepted his offer of salvation will be judged, and no one is getting away with anything. Those who have wronged you, will pay. But you and I will pay too, if we’ve not gotten right with our Creator. But everyone who has accepted His offer of forgiveness, will be granted such. Luckily for me (I need it) I’ve accepted it.

I hope many others will too. Before it is too late.

I DO love Jesus!
I DO love Him!
I’m glad that I accepted Him.
Thank you! Thank you, Jimmy Jim.

The Kidologist's Mom - Patti Bastian

Happy Mother’s Day!

If it wasn’t for all you mother’s out there, not only would none of us be here, but our socks wouldn’t match! Our stomachs and our hearts wouldn’t be full, and our boo-boo’s wouldn’t have been kissed. We might have run to dad when we wanted to horse around and play, but we ran to you when we were hurting… even after we grew up.

I miss my Mom. She passed away on Christmas Day, 1996. It look several years for me to stop reaching for the phone after I got a great children’s ministry idea. She was always the first I told it to. Of course, for a long time, I just ran into the kitchen to show it to her. My children ministry career started at age ten when I told my mom I wanted to be a children’s evangelist when I grew up. My mom said, “What’s growing up got to do with anything? You start next Wednesday.” I answered, “But I said, “When I grow up!” Her response was, “If God called you to be a children’s evangelistic, why wait until you grow up?” She coached me through planning my first talk, and I spoke to all the children at Awana the following Wednesday evening. And I’ve never stopped.

I’ve been speaking at a children’s ministry conference all weekend here in Canada and tomorrow morning for Mother’s Day I preach in the Sunday Morning Service. My sermon title ought to be: Everything I Ever Needed to Know About Children’s Ministry I Learned From My Mom.

I am so thankful for a mother who saw past my craziness and energy and hyper-activity and saw only God-given potential. I can remember countless times when she would hold my head between her hands and though exhausted (exasperated even!) she would say to me, “Karl, if you can ever figure out how to focus all this creative energy for God – watch out world.” Even when my creative energy was getting me in trouble, she was instilling in me HOPE that God wired me the way He did for a PURPOSE – that I wasn’t a screw-up – that He made me for a reason! That I would someday help people, even if while I was young it meant getting in trouble for being misunderstood. Today my puppets do the things that once got me in trouble. People buy DVDs of toys doing things that I once got taken away in church. Through Kidology.org and the other things I do, I have so many creative outlets now to equip and encourage other kid ministers and impacts kids, but I had no way of knowing those things then – children’s pastors didn’t even exist then!

But the words of my mom did. And I hung on them, sometimes daily, for hope. I am whatever I am today because my mom believed in me often when no one else did. (and dad too, but hey, it’s mother’s day!)

So for all you mothers out there – I don’t know how you do it all – but my hats off to you!

Here is the text of the e-mail: (source unknown)

I had to take him down after 2 days. I had more people come screaming up to my house than ever. Great stories. But two things made me take it down. First, the cops advised me that it would cause traffic accidents as they almost wrecked when they drove by. Second, a 55 year old lady grabbed the 75 pound ladder almost killed herself putting it against my house and didn’t realize it was fake until she climbed to the top (she was not happy). By the way, she was one of many people who attempted to do that. My yard couldn’t take it either. I have more than a few tire tracks where people literally drove up my yard.

It was fun while it lasted

Hope you get a kick out of it too! I thought it was pretty creative, but can totally see why the poor guy had to take it down! It’s something I’d do but my wife would make me take it down long before the police would get a chance too! Merry Christmas!

Be sure to send Sara a congrats e-mail!

AND, yes, we will be planning a Kidology Get Together, but I can’t announce when/where until I get there and scope out the schedule and location – but be checking here and/or the Kidology home page for the details, or e-mail me and I’ll be sure to let you know!

This has been a wonderfully crazy few weeks! For the second year in a row, by design, I did no travel or speaking in December and declared it a “family focused” month – my little boy will only to be little for so long! You’d think I’d have had time to blog, but its been a combination of enjoying downtime and also having too much fun and company to spend time blogging, and I have SO MUCH I want to post! I may be “past dating” some Christmas posts in January!

Then, I got a blessing that buried to me too. I was loaned a kitchen showroom that was closed for the week after Christmas to film all my new online trainign videos for 2009. Why a kitchen showroom? You’ll find out soon enough, but I had to spend 12+ hours a day writing, filming, and hauling all the props from the Kidology headquarters to the showroom and back.  I’ exhausted and now leaving for CPC tomorrow afternoon!

If you are waiting on an e-mail from me, I hope to catch up while at CPC during some much needed downtime. Until then, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I plan to do some mobile blogging at CPC, so this blog should start buzzin’ soon!

(BTW: I am much more faithful now at networking via my Twitter page and Facebook, so follow me there and you’ll get more updates and pictures.)

Getting Christ Back into Christmas Your Ministry

There is a danger in ministry that is easy to miss. During the Christmas season, we often hear the phrase, “keeping Christ in Christmas,” or reminders that He is the “reason for the season.” But these sentiments have as much to do with our ministry all year long as they do with the celebration of Christmas. While it is certainly disappointing how little of Jesus we see in our culture’s celebration of Christmas, and frustrating to see our Savior being systematically squeezed out more and more every year, there is something far more gradual and eternally dangerous than seeing Christ steadily removed from Christmas. And it is happening every month of the year. It is the slow and unintentional removal of Christ from ministry – or at least the removal of a vibrant relationship with Jesus in the midst of Christ-centered ministry.

I have no doubt that children’s ministry leaders and volunteers will keep “Christ in Christmas” during this season. I am more concerned about whether we will keep a relationship with Jesus at the center of our life and ministry. Christmas serves as a perfect object lesson on this topic because Christ slips away from our ministries the same way He slips out of Christmas. When it comes to the purpose and focus of Christmas, it is true that there are those who are intentionally and strategically trying to remove Christ from Christmas – but they are easy to identify. However, there is a more subtle attack at play. Too often Christ gets lost, not because of overt attacks, but because He just gets drowned out in the midst of many other good things. Shopping for gifts to express love is a good thing. Decorating to make the world a brighter place is a good thing. Cooking up special recipes to make life taste better is a good thing. Playing with children, volunteering to help the poor, giving to the needy, playing music focused on joy, and promoting peace and expressing love are all good things. They aren’t “bad,” and they even please Christ – but at the same time, they can distract us from the very One who inspired them.

The same is true with our lives and ministries. We do have an Enemy who seeks to remove Christ from the center of our lives, and often his distractions or downright seductions work – and we sin. But more often, it is all the GOOD in our lives and ministry that can cause Jesus to be lost in the shuffle. We are about so many good things! Creatively teaching the Bible is good. Getting kids to come to church is good. Making the environment fun and inviting is good. Preparing fun games, engaging crafts and yummy snacks is good. Providing resources is good and staffing our classes and programs is good. Developing safe policies and creating attractive bulletin boards, brochures and websites is all good – and most of it is inspired by our desire to lead children into a saving relationship with Jesus. But just as Christ slips out of Christmas while we are busy sipping the eggnog, so Jesus can slip out of our ministry while we are restocking the resource room with apple juice.

Here a few warning signs that Jesus may have gotten buried in the busyness of ministry:

• You haven’t read the Bible for yourself in awhile. (Lesson prep doesn’t count!)
• If you pray, it’s at meals, or when you need something for the ministry.
• Your spouse or kids are starting to resent the ministry. (Or perhaps you are.)
• What used to bring you great joy now seems like a burden. (If you are honest.)
• You aren’t really as happy as you appear on Sunday. (You thought no one could tell.)
• You can’t remember the last time you got to lead someone to Christ (one on one).
• You are feeling stressed and overwhelmed with the ministry. (His burden is light.)
• You are exhausted most of the time.
• You feel unappreciated, undervalued and overworked.
• You don’t like who you are becoming privately.
• You have sin in your life that if anyone knew…

How does it happen? How can you be doing so much GOOD and seeing LIVES CHANGED and have so many people impressed and pleased with you… but Jesus seems like a stranger to you?

It is because your ministry has become central, when it is only supposed to be an outgrowth of your relationship with Jesus. It’s what you do; it was never intended to become who you are.

Let me tell you a true story about a member of Kidology.org. Jean was an extremely active and talented volunteer in her church, leading many aspects of the ministry. So when the church decided to hire a children’s pastor, she asked me to pray as she eagerly applied for the paid position. At the culmination of the search process, the church leadership decided to evaluate the final outside candidate and Jean at the same time. As she describes it, they flew in a “superstar” applicant who they would interview and evaluate along with Jean. “I was scared big time” Jean says, “and failed the interview miserably. I was so frozen with panic that my husband started answering the questions for me!” Jean was sure she wouldn’t get the job. She lacked the education, the experience, and frankly she knew she didn’t answer all their questions very well. Jean was accepting with grace the fact she probably wouldn’t be chosen but was happy to continue serving as a volunteer under whomever the church leadership eventually hired. That was why she was so surprised when the church leadership called her in and offered her the position as the new children’s pastor. Surprised, she asked, “But I thought I gave all the wrong answers?” They replied, “You did. But you also talked about Jesus in all your answers and how you and He would figure it all out. We’d rather have a leader who is in touch with Jesus and working with Him, than a leader who is depending on their education, experience and expertise to lead.”

I applaud Jean’s church leadership for recognizing what truly matters most in a children’s ministry leader – an active trusting relationship with Jesus. She is now getting the experience and education that will only make her a better leader. No school or conference or church can offer her the most important thing for the job: a vibrant relationship with Jesus.

Where does Jesus fit into your life and ministry? Do you have all the right answers? Or do you have Jesus? Are you relying on all your expertise and experience or are you leaning on Jesus and allowing Him to lead you as you lead the ministry?

Friend, Jesus is not only the “Reason for the Season,” he is the Reason for your Ministry, too. “Keeping Christ in Christmas” is not the main challenge – keeping your relationship with Him central in your life and ministry is! Perhaps you need to take some time away from ministry and spend it with Jesus. Show him He is still #1 in your life and that ministry comes only after the relationship. Thatwill give Jesus a Very Merry Christmas indeed!

Discuss this article
(Kidology Network Forums)

If you could benefit from some time away from ministry to focus on your relationship with Jesus, please take a look at Yosemite Summit or Unbridled. Yosemite Summit is a four-day retreat for men in Yosemite National Park, while Unbridled is a three-day women’s retreat in Ohio. Information on both can be found at YosemiteSummit.org

Big Turkey, Little Turkey

This was the quietest Thanksgiving I’ve ever experienced, but I liked it! For the first time ever, neither of us had parents nearby and all our other local relatives had special plans so it was just the three of us. At first we were kinda bummed being used to big noisy family gatherings… but it was a nice change. Yesterday we dug out the Christmas stuff and got the tree up and started the always difficult task of figuring out how to arrange the furniture to accommodate Christmas. We have one of those front rooms where no matter what you do, something ends up awkward. I’d had a long nap so when Sara went to bed I was still full of energy. (Also in part due to some medicine that tends to put my metabolism into overdrive!) So I stayed up super late and got the whole front room all set up and decorated as a surprise for the wife, so she could just enjoy preparing the meal without the hassle of the dysfunctional house! Anyway, all that to say, the day started out wonderful as the little boy got to come down and see the tree, the fire place, and the new arrangement of his “car table,” media center and toy box.

I so enjoyed explaining that today was a special day called Thanksgiving. This was the first year we could explain it and know he understood. At breakfast we started by going around the circle several times to say something we were thankful for. Luke surprised and delighted us when the first thing he said was “Jesus.” Which honestly was a surprise! Obviously, Jesus is a part of our life, but we aren’t teaching him parrot answers when it comes to our faith – so for him to answer that way was a positive reflection of our family and life, and perhaps some church influence played in there as well. (we certainly hope!)

This will sound odd, but I spent the bulk of the day cleaning out the garage – with a little helper – and getting all the outdoor decorations ready to set up so that by nap time I would be ready to get it all up in that two plus hour window without little eyes. I was just putting up the final lights when he woke up! Whew!

The Thankful Bastian Family

I had offered Sara the option of us going out to a nice restaurant for Thanksgiving Dinner – maybe Cheesecake Factory or a Steakhouse (or should that be Turkeyhouse?) in order to save on cooking time since she was only feeding two men, but she loves to cook and when I tasted the turkey I was so glad we ate at home. WOW! She rolled the turkey breast in some kind of garlic salt with ground pepper and baked and sha-zam! It was the best turkey I’ve ever had. We used an alphabet puzzle to focus Luke on thinking of things that start with every letter that we are thankful for, and one of Sara’s was the Internet for finding recipes. Me too! The best thing is, there is left overs for tomorrow!

Then came the “surprise” Luke had been promised since waking up – that there was something outside for him after dinner. He was so excited. Even after he said, “A car?” and I had to break it to him that I hadn’t bought him a car. (It’s gonna be a long time until he is sixteen!) FINALLY, we bundled up and headed outside into the dark. Mom and the boy cuddled on the swing and Dad turned on the lights:

Oh if you could have seen his face! He ran around the yard beside himself with excitement! I didn’t bother with the camera then, we just wanted to enjoy the moment, so I took these pictures later after he was in bed. Then we got to introduce him to Joseph and Mary and begin the anticipation of Christmas.

On a humorous note, we got the lawn nativity set from Grandma and Grandpa who moved to California this summer and gave us some of the larger things they didn’t want to haul across America. (including the swing!) When I did my first “test” to see if everything worked, the only light that was out was baby Jesus! I quipped to Sara, “I had to change the light bulb in the Light of the World.” Just another reminder that our world is broken – the very reason He came to BRING Light into this dark world.

I can’t end this post without expressing gratitude for so many blessings from the Lord this year. Last night I asked Sara to help me make a list of things all three of us were thankful for and then I entered them in Wordle and after she went to bed I snuck over to the office and laminated four of them and made them place mats for the beautiful table arrangement she had made for our feast today.

Rather than try to express all my gratitude, here are my Wordles:

What are you thankful for?

Got some encouraging feedback on over the years:

“This is your best yet. I showed this episode to my class this past Sunday and they loved it. It had us all laughing. I especially like the ending when Dude flies off and forgets his baby the 1st time and then the 2nd time and finally remembers to take the baby the last time.”
Frank Torres, CA

The kids enjoy you, but we youth workers do too! I almost wish we had a Sunday Night Live telecast for the high school and college groups featuring, of course, Toybox Tales. Thanks for allowing God to use you in such a creative and wonderful way. My favorite is the Dude of Grattitude, with take your baby to work day attached–of course.
Lynne M. Thompson, Modesto, CA

So, enjoy this FLASH BACK: The Dude of Gratitude

If you want to download it to show in children’s church, be sure to visit the original post page. If you use it, let me know, it’s always encouraging!

Little Luke on my First Father’s Day

Then I had my first official Father’s Day and blogged about it in 2007.

Luke on my second Father’s Day

Well, my third Father’s Day is just around the corner. It’s hard to believe – the time travels fast, but no complaints, Luke is at such a fun age and is so delightful to play and live with. Today we went on a hike in Oak Lawn at what we call the “secret river” – a beautiful hidden man made river tucked away in a busy suburb just a few houses from my wife’s folks. Granted, its more of a drainage ditch than a “river” but its still pretty beautiful. Especially a walk with daddy and son…

We started out around the block and discovered a hidden bridge! the ends led to a chain link fence that was chained and locked, but could be entered from the side quite easily.

There’s just something fun about going exploring!

Look at that happy boy!

Just too cute!

What fun hiking and climbing around!

It looks like a real river anyway.

Awwwwwwwww

I wonder where this path goes?

Later, we got the sidewalk chalk out.

Not quite a Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet or Pierre-Auguste Renoir, but I did my best.

Father’s Day 2008 here I come!
Being a dad is the greatest thing in the world!

There are so many subtle jokes that only true fans will catch, but even a casual Star Wars fan will still get a laugh out of it! ENJOY!

Well, we are coming to the end of our 12 Days of Christmas! TOMORROW THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED RIGHT HERE ON THE SITE… someone will have a Very Merry Christmas with a special gift from me and toyboxtales.com! WHO WILL IT BE? TODAY is your LAST CHANCE to post a comment or post to be entered! So, what are you waiting for??

HERE IS YOUR ELEVENTH CHRISTMAS TALE: A ToyBox Tale Christmas

This was a fun tale to make. My entire K.C. Krew helped write it and did the acting, er, voicing of the characters. The angel, which caused the most controversy (not too bad) was done by the senior pastor’s son, so that helped. But overall the kids did a great job! And since this was made in my pre-Mac days, I need to give credit to Jim Crouter, the youth pastor at my previous church who did all the editing, music and title screens for me. It turned out fantastic! ENJOY!

From The ToyBox Tales Christmas DVD.

TOMORROW: The 12 Days of Christmas Toybox Tales… WINNER!

LAST CHANCE TO BLOG or COMMENT and WIN!
BLOG ABOUT THE 12 DAYS OF TOYBOXATALES or COMMENT on posts and you could win a very VERY cool toybox prize! WIN an orginal ToyBoxTales set used in a Toybox Tale! I’ll post the set and the tale it was used in half way through the contest. Every comment and post you make gives you another entry in the contest! So comment and post away! Just point your links to: www.kidologist.com/12-Days-of-ToyBoxTales so I’ll know you linked!

HERE IS YOUR TENTH CHRISTMAS TALE:

A Galactic Christmas Carol – Episode Three

From A Galactic Christmas Carol Series on Toyboxtales.com

TOMORROW: A Toybox Tale Christmas

REMEMBER: BLOG or COMMENT and WIN!
BLOG ABOUT THE 12 DAYS OF TOYBOXATALES or COMMENT on posts and you could win a very VERY cool toybox prize! WIN an orginal ToyBoxTales set used in a Toybox Tale! I’ll post the set and the tale it was used in half way through the contest. Every comment and post you make gives you another entry in the contest! So comment and post away! Just point your links to: www.kidologist.com/12-Days-of-ToyBoxTales so I’ll know you linked!

HERE IS YOUR NINTH CHRISTMAS TALE:

A Galactic Christmas Carol – Episode Two

From A Galactic Christmas Tale Series on Toyboxtales.com

TOMORROW: Galactic Christmas Carol – Part 3

REMEMBER: BLOG or COMMENT and WIN!
BLOG ABOUT THE 12 DAYS OF TOYBOXATALES or COMMENT on posts and you could win a very VERY cool toybox prize! WIN an orginal ToyBoxTales set used in a Toybox Tale! I’ll post the set and the tale it was used in half way through the contest. Every comment and post you make gives you another entry in the contest! So comment and post away! Just point your links to: www.kidologist.com/12-Days-of-ToyBoxTales so I’ll know you linked!

Seems the field of competition is pretty small! But all it takes is ONE comment or post to have a chance at winning a Muppets Pigs in Space set – BRAND NEW IN THE BOX – with three action figures, yes, Miss Piggy in her space outsite and her two co-pilots!! SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Register to win by commenting!

Rudy, the Red Nosed Reindeer!

From www.toyboxtales.com on Toyboxtales.com

Galactic Christmas Carol – Part 1

REMEMBER: BLOG or COMMENT and WIN!
BLOG ABOUT THE 12 DAYS OF TOYBOXATALES or COMMENT on posts and you could win a very VERY cool toybox prize! WIN an orginal ToyBoxTales set used in a Toybox Tale! I’ll post the set and the tale it was used in half way through the contest. Every comment and post you make gives you another entry in the contest! So comment and post away! Just point your links to: www.kidologist.com/12-Days-of-ToyBoxTales so I’ll know you linked!

Birthday Party for Who?

From www.toyboxtales.com on Toyboxtales.com

Red Nosed Rudy

REMEMBER: BLOG or COMMENT and WIN!
BLOG ABOUT THE 12 DAYS OF TOYBOXATALES or COMMENT on posts and you could win a very VERY cool toybox prize! WIN an orginal ToyBoxTales set used in a Toybox Tale! I’ll post the set and the tale it was used in half way through the contest. Every comment and post you make gives you another entry in the contest! So comment and post away! Just point your links to: www.kidologist.com/12-Days-of-ToyBoxTales so I’ll know you linked!

HERE IS YOUR FIFTH CHRISTMAS TALE:

The Wise Guys (aka The Three Wise Men)

From Christmas in Playmobile Land on Toyboxtales.com

TOMORROW: Birthday Party for Who?

REMEMBER: BLOG or COMMENT and WIN!
BLOG ABOUT THE 12 DAYS OF TOYBOXATALES or COMMENT on posts and you could win a very VERY cool toybox prize! WIN an orginal ToyBoxTales set used in a Toybox Tale! I’ll post the set and the tale it was used in half way through the contest. Every comment and post you make gives you another entry in the contest! So comment and post away! Just point your links to: www.kidologist.com/12-Days-of-ToyBoxTales so I’ll know you linked!

HERE IS YOUR FOURTH CHRISTMAS TALE:

Away in a Manger (Jesus is born)

From Christmas in Playmobile Land on Toyboxtales.com

TOMORROW: The Wise Guys

REMEMBER: BLOG or COMMENT and WIN!
BLOG ABOUT THE 12 DAYS OF TOYBOXATALES or COMMENT on posts and you could win a very VERY cool toybox prize! WIN an orginal ToyBoxTales set used in a Toybox Tale! I’ll post the set and the tale it was used in half way through the contest. Every comment and post you make gives you another entry in the contest! So comment and post away! Just point your links to: www.kidologist.com/12-Days-of-ToyBoxTales so I’ll know you linked!

HERE IS YOUR THIRD CHRISTMAS TALE:

While Shepherds Counted Their Sheep by Night (The Shepherds Learn about Jesus)

From Christmas in Playmobile Land on Toyboxtales.com

TOMORROW: Mary and Joseph

REMEMBER: BLOG or COMMENT and WIN!
BLOG ABOUT THE 12 DAYS OF TOYBOXATALES or COMMENT on posts and you could win a very VERY cool toybox prize! WIN an orginal ToyBoxTales set used in a Toybox Tale! I’ll post the set and the tale it was used in half way through the contest. Every comment and post you make gives you another entry in the contest! So comment and post away! Just point your links to: www.kidologist.com/12-Days-of-ToyBoxTales so I’ll know you linked!

REMEMBER: BLOG or COMMENT and WIN!

BLOG ABOUT THE 12 DAYS OF TOYBOXATALES or COMMENT on posts and you could win a very VERY cool toybox prize! WIN an orginal ToyBoxTales set used in a Toybox Tale! I’ll post the set and the tale it was used in half way through the contest. Every comment and post you make gives you another entry in the contest! So comment and post away! Just point your links to: www.kidologist.com/12-Days-of-ToyBoxTales so I’ll know you linked!

HERE IS YOUR SECOND CHRISTMAS TALE:

Donkey 4000 (The Story of Mary and Joseph)

From Christmas in Playmobile Land on Toyboxtales.com

TOMORROW: While Shepherds Counted Their Flocks By Night

I’ve created more than 12 Christmas Toybox Tales over the past several years, and they are all available on www.ToyBoxTales.com, but I will post one a day here in easy-to-view flash each and every day! If you want them for Kid’s Church use, I will also provide a link to the download page.

BLOG ABOUT THE 12 DAYS OF TOYBOXATALES or COMMENT on posts and you could win a very VERY cool toybox prize! WIN an orginal ToyBoxTales set used in a Toybox Tale! I’ll post the set and the tale it was used in half way through the contest. Every comment and post you make gives you another entry in the contest! So comment and post away! Just point your links to: www.kidologist.com/12-Days-of-ToyBoxTales so I’ll know you linked!

HERE IS YOUR FIRST CHRISTMAS TALE:

Struck Speechless (The Story of Zechariah)

From Christmas in Playmobile Land on Toyboxtales.com

TOMORROW: DONKEY 4000

Josiah and the Mysterious Child is a short story that tells the Christmas Story in a fresh new engaging way. Our hero Brent is still living in a post-Christian world, but as a secret member of the undercover Remnant of believers. Struggling with how to share the Truth with his best friend, and wondering why December 25th, known as Gift Day, is such a big deal.

I wrote this story for parents to read with their kids, or for children’s pastors to give out to the kids at church. It includes some discussion questions at the end to help parents and teachers engage their children in discussing the significance of Christ.

Those who love the book and are buggin’ me for “Book 2″ will enjoy returning the world of Brent and Amy and the Remnant – but you don’t need to have read the novel to enjoy this story.

ORDER TODAY! Only $5 for Kidology members, and only $10 for permission for unlimited reproduction within your church! SEND EVERY CHILD HOME WITH JOSIAH, AND THE MYSTERIOUS CHILD!

I look forward to hearing your feedback, either here in comments, or in the official Josiah and the Mysterious Child discussion on Kidology.org

ENCOURAGING FEEDBACK ALREADY COMING IN:

I love the fact that from the very beginning this story starts with action and adventure even with the first chapter title “A Shadow.” There was a very readable progression in the story line and a very powerful plot being set up all the way through this short story. The Cliffhanger at the end was well I will just say the word WOW so that I don’t give it away. I as a father really appreciated the discussion questions. The great thing was that we all sat around our Christmas tree and really used the questions. This whole series of the Order of the Ancient has really been a catylast for brining my family even closer together.  – Alan Phillips

Loved loved loved it. I’m so glad I found this on a Wednesday, so I could get it into the hands of my die-hard OOTA kids tonight. Thanks, Karl! I think my kids would be happy to have short stories every few months if they can’t have another novel next summer. -  Donald Martin