FredMcKinnon.Com

Isn’t it amazing how we can experience totally different emotions simultaneously? I’ve tossed and turn for the past hour or so trying to fall asleep yet wrestle with two emotions which war against each other.

Excitement:

On Monday morning I’ll be flying out to Franklin, TN for one of the highlights of my year – the “re:create” conference.  It’s my 3rd year attending and it’s just flat-out “good for me”.  I look forward to this every year and can hardly sleep I’m so excited.  As for the title of this blog … so .. what is this #recreate11 anyway? It’s a “hashtag” – something we use on Twitter to easily identify our postings about a specific event or topic.  In this case, the “re:create 2011″ conference.

Enter great disappointment:

The only thing better than enjoying re:create is the pleasure of enjoying it with my lovely wife.  I’ve wanted to take Joy with me many times and this was finally the year.  Lots of other “spouses” are attending this year and I really think Joy would be blown away by this experience.  Unfortunately, our household was attacked by the flu bug this week.

It started Tuesday with our oldest son, Jon Michael. (who is now well)
Then it hit our 2nd son, Will. (who is now well)
This morning we woke up to our 3rd, Rebekah, with the same fever and symptoms. (who should be OK by tomorrow afternoon, praying sooner!)

Thankfully, neither Joy, myself, or Andrew (the 4th) has had symptoms and we’re all taking preventative meds. (continue to pray!)

We’d made arrangements for some family to come spend the week w/ the kids – our flights leave early Monday morning.  Understandably, they decided it would be best for them to stay away from the germs.  That means Joy has to stay home.  I’m pretty sure all the kids will be fine by Monday AM but even if one kid had a hint of fever Joy would not have left them anyway.  She’s an awesome Mom.

We’ve tried to process the disappointment and we realize these things happen.  You shrug your shoulders and move on.  You try not to have the vain speculations about the why, the what if, and the how come.  As for the prayers and pleas that it all work out – I’ve already vented to God about that.   I know God never fails and He’s always good, though this week I’ve only been able to say that by faith … and not by feelings.

Next week will be an incredible experience – one that will inspire me, challenge me, break me, encourage me, and renew me.

But it will be bittersweet.

Hey Everybody,

I’m about to board a flight to Nashville, TN with my good friend Russ Hutto for the annual “re:create” conference.  Can’t wait to make new friends and see lots of folks like … well, to list all of their names and link to their blogs would take all morning!

I want to be “in the moment” as much as possible so probably will restrain myself from blogging every day and “tweeting” about every nuance.  (Can I hear an “amen”!?).  So, I’m going to embed the code that will allow you to view all tweets from myself and others who attend that use the #recreate hashtag.  Enjoy.  Be sure and view the Media tab as well!

You’ll hear from me whenever I can.

Well, it’s official.  I just paid my “early bird” registration deposit for the re:create conference, hosted by Randy Elrod and Co in Franklin, TN.  For 2+ years I’ve been hearing about the awesomeness of this conference.  I don’t even like calling this a “conference” when you consider that it’s limited to 150 folks.

It’s dubbed as the “Annual Thinktank for Arts and Worship Leaders”.  What appeals to me most is the smaller group, and the ability to connect on a more personal, meaningful level with the leaders in worship and arts.  In addition, lots of folks I’ve “met” through blogging go, so it should be a nice reunion or first-time meetups!

I am so far from having it all figured out, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to go and get equipped and resourced from great leaders who are preparing the way.

How about you?  What plans to you have for “equipping” in 2009?  It will be here before you know it.  Comment and let us know.