Summer break is only a few short weeks away, and I can’t wait! I plan on taking my kids to the 2nd happiest place on earth. Southern Hills being THE Happiest Place on Earth…of course.
I. A Chance to Unplug
If you’re like me, it’s difficult for you to disengage. I’m always thinking about ministry. I can’t get my thoughts away from the mission my dear Lord has assigned me to. I think about the sermon. I think about the ministries. I think about the people and their subsequent problems. My mind is a whirlwind of evangelism, worship, discipleship, fellowship, and ministry. However, when I travel 4 hours southwest in my powder blue, 2007 Hyundai Elantra to the gates of the magic kingdom…I’m set free! I love my life! I love my “job!” I love Las Vegas! But when you need a break, you need a break.
II. A Time to Focus on Family
In a setting like Disneyland, I can ignore the world and focus on my children. Though I treasure bedtime and our weekly family day, quite often I find myself ignoring my children and focusing on the world. THIS IS WRONG! After my ministry to Heather, my children are to be my primary focus in ministry. They are to come first! At Disneyland I can turn off the cell phone and ride Space Mountain with Jonathan. At Disneyland I can stand with Scarlett as she has a chance to meet her hero, Jasmine. At Disneyland I can shiver and shake out of fear with Savannah (my little daredevil), as we wait to board the haunted elevator in the Tower of Terror. My kids need me, and I need them!
III. A Chance to Ride, MY RIDES!
Alright! I’ve got to tell you about my favorite rides. Not that you care. But if you’re still reading, you might love Disneyland as much as I do. I love Star Tours! Though I love the new one which has several possible destinations and endings, I remember the original. I’m not talking about the one that premiered in 1987. I’m talking about the ride that predated Star Tours all together. I’m talking about Adventure Thru Inner Space. That’s right, I’m old school. I also can’t go to Disney without stopping by Soaring Over California. Though I’m in love with Nevada, every time I ride this ride my heart pines for our neighbor to the west. Yet, greater than any of these, my favorite ride in all of the lands of Disney would have to be… Pirates of the Caribbean. Since the days of my early childhood, I’ve loved the 20 minutes of immersive pirate life. I despised their treachery and admired their debauchery simultaneously. It’s a great ride!
For us, it’s Disneyland. What is your family place to unplug and focus on the kids? Do you have a favorite Disneyland attraction?
24 Comments
Nancy Bradley
April 20, 2013 at 10:02 amA hard question….I always loved Peter Pan’s ride over London and Storybook Land thru the whale’s mouth….it has been about 15 years since I have been. One of the few times I ever felt trapped was on the submarine ride….Logic told me it was only a few feet of water and my emotions told me to panic, I was going to drown. The youngest grandchild is now 20 and I haven’t been able to take the great grand kids yet.
Joshua Teis
April 20, 2013 at 11:06 amPeter Pan’s Flight is a classic! The submarine ride has changed. They have reopened it with a Finding Nemo theme.
Kenneth
April 20, 2013 at 11:09 aml think one of the reasons my parents moved to Florida was because of Disney. That’s their escape from reality for a day or two… When ever they settle down in their new home, AJ is going to be super spoiled by momma and poppa.. can’t wait…have fun!
Joshua Teis
April 20, 2013 at 11:32 amAre they moving to town Ken?
Nicole Hunt
April 20, 2013 at 11:14 amDisneyland! Without a doubt!
We’ve taken the kids since Alex was 1yrs old (now almost 10 and little sis Sarah already 6 1/2!)! When we went for Alex’s 1st birthday (and mine) it was to the grumblings of family that ‘he won’t remember anything’ or ‘he won’t be able to do anything’. Perhaps not, but we did and we have the memories to share with him! And you just can’t beat the bright eyed wonder when there – young and old alike!
Now we try go at least once a year (they will outgrow it way too soon) and usually broaden our vacation with side trips to Sea World, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, La Brea Tar Pits, Natural History Museum, Legoland, Wild Animal Park, The San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Navy Pier, the various beaches, oh, the beaches (our favorite is in Carlsbad!)!
We’ve gone having planned months in advance and we’ve gone semi-spontaneously; we’ve gone when we’ve pre-paid the entire trip except spending money and we’ve gone when all indications were that we probably should postpone (usually money related as just a huge splurge; but also time, work, school, etc.)…
It’s not just Disneyland or any of the other places we go to; but more of the fact that we are all together as a family and out to have some fun together, create memories together, have some laughs and thrills, experience new things, go on adventures together, learn new things, etc. – all while letting the cares and worries of the world melt away for those few days or week!
It’s always ‘back to reality’ and kinda sad to leave and come home; yet we’re always refreshed and glad to be home as well. Back to the reality we escaped from; but rejuvenated and refreshed to tackle life again! And… until the next time!
Nicole Hunt
April 20, 2013 at 11:19 amPS – the family Disney decals on my van says it all!:)
Joshua Teis
April 20, 2013 at 2:04 pmNicole – you are right. It doesn’t matter where the family is having fun, just that they are doing it together! = Creating memories
Jennifer Beeson
April 20, 2013 at 11:24 amWe LOVE Disneyland too… And that we are only 50 min away. Its nice to be able to spend the evening there after school gets out when are crazy lives have been too hectic. While Josh and I both love Tower of Terror.. we think the new Cars ride is one of our favorites. They did such an awesome job making the movie come to life. Just reading your blog makes me want to get the family packed up and had over there right now. There is nothing better than seeing the joy on your child’s face when they enter the Magic Kingdom!
Joshua Teis
April 20, 2013 at 11:34 amSavannah and I love the Tower of Terror ride. She is such a weird, brave little girl.
Michael Rhoan
April 20, 2013 at 12:08 pmYou have written some great blogs but this is one of my favorites 🙂 I proposed to beautiful bride at that magical place.
Joshua Teis
April 20, 2013 at 2:01 pmMichael – that’s awesome! Where did you propose?
Anonymous
April 20, 2013 at 1:59 pmTrains from las Vages to Springfield Mo.
Joshua Teis
April 20, 2013 at 2:01 pmThere is a train that goes from Las Vegas to Springfield?
Alan Ladd
April 20, 2013 at 2:09 pmEvery one should have there day in the sun, joy, fun, happiness. I Know when we get to heaven God will someday wipe away our tears, but sometimes I wounder if we will always remember the good times we hade here. For we above all have been so blessed by God that we even now have such joy. Often when things may go bad for us I still thank how good God has been to me. When I look at others in the world and how they suffered by the hands of Satan and sin in this World in other countrys I thank how good God has been to us. For I believe God always ment for joy and happiness to be in our life.
Some day when we have our new body in Christ there will be no more paine no more suffering, no more lost of love ones forever being together in the Lord in the sun, Jesus Christ the true light of the World.
Joshua Teis
April 20, 2013 at 2:33 pmWhat a great point you bring!
Raquel Wallace
April 20, 2013 at 8:53 pmWe love Disneyland! My family just went last month and had a wonderful time. This summer we are going to Sea World and Universal Studios. We like to switch it up throughout the year. Hubby and I enjoy a trip to Disneyland in December by ourselves for some last minute trinket shopping and much neeeded end of the year time alone. What I love the most about family vacation aside from being together having fun is the food on a ROAD TRIP!!!! Frequent pit stops is a must! Whether it be a quick stop at a fruit stand, ice cream, candy, or beef jerky shop, or a sno cone shack, we highly enjoy our stops. I think we enjoy road trips more than the destination sometimes!
Joshua Teis
April 20, 2013 at 10:47 pmI love Sea World and Universal! About 10 years ago, when heather and I were just married, Universal Studios was giving away season passes for the price of a day’s admission. We had to have gone there a dozen times that year.
I too love the Road Trip part of it too. I agree that getting there is half the joy of traveling.
Debbie Raley
April 20, 2013 at 9:56 pmPastor Teis,
Our favorite is Pirates of the Carribean. Bob bought the music and memorized the song. Lol. We love the movies too. Johnny Depp is so goofy. Our next favorite is The Haunted mansion. We use to scream in the elevator with the kids. Bob and I have celebrated many anniversaries there. We’ve taken our rain poncho’s and walked in Disneyland from ride to ride ( No lines) and we both love to chase the rain. I can remember all the times two little girls were sound asleep before we even left the parking lot. Lol. We are definitely due to go there. I could go on and on.
Joshua Teis
April 20, 2013 at 10:42 pmWonderful memories at a wonderful place. You and Bob have a great relationship and a very sweet family! Thankful to have you in our church!
Ryan Bonsignori
April 20, 2013 at 11:33 pmThat’s awesome pastor
Steven Miller
April 25, 2013 at 5:21 pmGreat post I love Disneyland too
Brenda
April 30, 2013 at 7:26 pmMy daughter, BECKY SCHULZ, is there with you THIS VERY MOMENT, I think! 🙂
Brenda Schulz
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