Kid U Columbus has begun…

Tonight was the Kid U Pre-conference: Creativity Blitz! It was a showcase of our speakers talents all centered around the theme of “Bear Much Fruit!” We have people attending from Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia, Michigan in addition to throughout Ohio. (not counting our speakers from Illinois and Indiana.) Kid U has begun! First to arrive was Pastor Kal Kilchrist, her amazing son Chad (not pictured here) and a youth helper Cheryl. (http://kidzkick.org) Kal is one of the most creative children’s pastors I have met! She is highly energetic and always brings a bunch of people with her and a host of props. She had to drive from Chicago because of all the props she brings to her workshops! Next, the Laflins arrived! (David and Teesha) They are the BEST Christian Illustionist team in the country! We have used them at our church for an outreach, as well as featured at Kid U North last year! Their performances are incredible – but even more amazing is their heart and kids and ministry. They came all the way from Sterling, Colorado! On of our sponsors for the event is Discipleland. They have been long time supporters of Kidology…

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Off to Kid U Columbus!

It all started this morning, at some insane hour of the morning. I didn’t bother praying, because I’m not sure God was awake yet. (just kidding!) It was still dark when the team assembled at the church to head to O’Hare to fly to Columbus. Pictured here: Theresa, Sara, and Kelly. Getting onto the plane… Tanner (Kidology Director of Web Operations) joined us at the airport. He lives in Chicago, and has the coolest blog. How to stay awake on the plane? Dew and Tazo Chai. ‘Cept, I still fell asleep. Kelly is my preschool director/a Kidology customer support rep/ and most recently, my book editor. It gonna be a fun weekend with the team here in Columbus. Branden was supposed to be here, but it home sick with mono… (everyone who reads this, say a prayer for him – we need him back and well soon!) Despite Tanner’s fears, we arrived safely in Columbus! (Yes, I am still walking with a cane) Kim Bobb – one of the coolest children’s pastors in the world – from Grove City Church of the Nazarene. Her ministry is called Kids Matter Ministries. I visited Kim’s church on my sabbatical and the picture…

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Pirate Parker Packs a Bootyfull Pirate Party!

WOW! I have been so insanely busy, I’ve not been able to do any blog posts and there’s been tons to blog about! This post took me over a week to finish and post, uploading about a pic an hour in the midst of the madness, but I wanted to get some pics up of my nephew’s pirate party last Friday! It began with a treasure map at his house, that led through some clues (including a stop at my house down the street) and was to end up on the beach at the ‘ship.’ Since there was no ship, I went up in the 100 degree attic at church and dragged out the pirate ship from 2002 VBS! And put it on the beach as a surprise complete with treasure! Kaptain Kid, Pirate Parker, and Long John Sara. Pirate Parker grows a Piratey Beard! Me and Zack, the Maniac! Me holding up Pirate Shane! In the end, it’s all about the cake!

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A Magical Trip to California….

This week I had the distinct privilege of getting to travel to California and speak/perform at the Magic Castle in Hollywood as a guest speaker for the Southern California chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. For those who are not familiar with the Magic Castle, as stated on it’s website, The Magic Castle is the private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts, a very special organization devoted to the advancement of the ancient art of magic. The purpose of The Academy is to encourage and promote public interest in the art of magic, with particular emphasis on preserving its history as an art form, entertainment medium, and hobby. Beginning with a charter membership of 150, the Academy has grown into a world-renowned fraternal organization with a membership of nearly 5,000. The Magic Castle is known to magicians all over the world as the premier magic venue and the virtual center of the magician’s universe. It is an authentic Victorian mansion, built in 1908 in the hills above Hollywood, and has been the “Magic Castle” for over thirty years. While I have been to the Castle many times as a guest of members, it was an extra special treat…

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Addicted to Speed? The Cure has been discovered!

BOY I can’t wait until my little brother is in town! (Yes, Jordan, that is a challenge!) I just might have a new hobby! This is the coolest thing! WOW! WOW! WOW! After Sports Camp finished up (final post on that coming soon!) a bunch of us all went out for some Chicago Pizza and it was there that I learned about an awesome sport – a sport that you must be 18 to play and have a driver’s license – and yet, ironically, it was introduced to me by a friend who is 15 and doesn’t have a driver’s license! (he knows the guy who owns the place…. cool!) So the next thing I know I am blowing off work… er, um… I mean, going on a pastoral visit to encourage our guest missionaries by treating them to an outing to thank them for all their hard work all week…. (yeah, that’s better) and it was off to Chicago Indoor Racing! The VCB Racing Team! Rob, Tiffany, Steve, Tye and Me (Tiff and Tye were our Uncharted Waters Coaches all week)   Team Ninja? Here we are in our Ninja Pose since you have to wear a ‘head sock’…

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