Jesus' Parables: Perfect Stories That Speak Profound Truth

Everyone loves a good story. If I talk about how Megan and I fell in love, how we were led to adopt our three children, or how we moved from a Chinese city of 15 million to Southern Indiana, people are all ears. It doesn't matter if the person is seven or seventy, Jew or Gentile; people of all ages and all walks of life find good stories engaging, prompting them to think and feel deeply.

Jesus, of course, knew the power of stories. He was the master storyteller, and He frequently told stories to teach truth in a way that was relatable and easy to remember. These stories, called parables, may seem simple, but they have deep symbolic and spiritual meaning. Over 30 of them can be found in the Synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John. 

You don't have to be a Christian to be familiar with some of the parables. Many people can tell you a little about the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Do you have a favorite parable? What is it about that parable that you like so much? If you have children, consider discussing this with them this week. A conversation like this will probably stick in your child's mind longer than a long list of do's and don'ts.

So what's up with all the parable talk? Well, it happens to be our theme for this year's chapels. At our SIX chapels (preschool and prekindergarten, kindergarten-1st grade, 2nd-3rd grade, 4th-6th grade, 7th-8th grade, and high school) at Evansville Christian School, we'll teach six popular parables from the Gospel of Luke. Please join us if you can! I also want to encourage you to read and study these parables on your own and with others. If you have a genuine hunger for the Lord, I assure you that you will be blessed with divine truth that can help you live a life honoring to God. To God be the glory!

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1

Movies, Music, & Video Games: Helping Our Children Be Spiritually Discerning

My favorite comedy, which happens to be based on a true story, is Nacho Libre. Any Nacho Libre lovers out there? It's a fairly clean underdog movie that was released in 2006 (rated PG). Nacho Libre is about a Catholic monastery monk in Mexico who is a wrestler at night so he can buy better food for the orphans in his care. It is filled with cheesy humor and a happy ending, and I'm a sucker for happy endings. If you have a middle school boy, I highly recommend watching Nacho Libre with him. Some notable quotes from Nacho include:

• "My life is good. Really good. I get to wake up at 5 AM every morning and make soup." 
• "They may have the appearance of riches, but beneath the clothes, we find a man... and beneath a man, we find his nucleus."
• "Get that corn outta my face!"

There are more quotes I like; however, they aren't exactly what I want our elementary students to be quoting (e.g., how much Nacho knows about the gospel). :-)

Recently, my family enjoyed watching the Michael Jackson biopic (rated PG-13) on a flight to Korea. This led my teenage son, Josiah Lee, and me to examine some of Michael Jackson's song lyrics. Some of Michael Jackson's lyrics are great ("I said if you're thinkin' of being my brother, it don't matter if you're black or white"), and some of his lyrics are not so great ("You can't hurt me; I found peace within myself"). Hee hee. Ow!

It can be hard to navigate our entertainment-driven culture, but if we want our children to grow closer to Christ, we must actively disciple our kids. If we don't, the world will influence them in ways that don't honor God. As our children make choices about what they watch, listen to, and play, how can we protect them, help them be wise, and encourage them to think critically? Below are five points to consider.

1. Remember what Scripture says and share it with your children REGULARLY. We are to do everything to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful and build up (1 Corinthians 10:23). The Holy Spirit is our guide into all the truth (John 16:13). 

2. Use http://pluggedin.com/ to help discern the good, the bad, and the ugly. This Focus on the Family website has been extremely helpful to us, providing detailed information about movies, music, video games, and more.

3. Ask yourself and your children: 

• How does the movie, music, or video game affect my heart and others? 
• Does it glamorize wealth, drug use, and fame? Does it demean women? 
• Is it biblical? 
• Does the movie, music, or video game help my child positively connect with others? 
• Can they learn anything from the movie, music, or video game? 
• What time constraints should I put on my child? Is my child completing their schoolwork and chores?

4. Pray with your children REGULARLY, and don't ignore your conscience (Romans 9:1). The prayer of a righteous person has great power (James 5:16)!

5. Look at the MPA and ESRB ratings and take notice of the parental advisory labels, but be the parent. Hollywood and New York City aren't Christian meccas, so don't be surprised when that PG-13 movie contains some nudity and foul language.

These guiding principles, tips, and questions have helped Megan and me teach and train our three children to grow in discernment. Mistakes will be made, but major growth and maturity can happen if holiness is pursued. 

What suggestions do you have in helping your children grow in discernment? Post a comment or drop me a line. I would love to hear what has worked for you and your family!

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Beatitude 7: Are We Teaching Our Kids to be Peacemakers?

My name, Mark, originates from the Latin word Marcus, which means warlike and is associated with the Roman god of war, Mars. As a kid, I sometimes had a Mighty Mouse complex and lived out my name. When I was in sixth grade, I got paddled for getting into a fight with my classmate at lunch. I decided to make fun of Andrew's watch, which led us to duking it out and being sent to Mr. Kamm's office. When I was a high school junior, I decided to knock down the goalkeeper who blocked my weak PK. That led to a red card and a suspension in my next soccer match. There were other dust-ups I had at recess and in the neighborhood when playing football, camping, and skateboarding that never led to formal consequences. By God's grace, my aggressive and nasty ways are a thing of the past, although I still battle sin every day. 

Our world is filled with so much hate and violence. I'm not sure how anyone thinks we are born good. We don't have to teach our kids to be mean, impatient, or lazy. We have to teach them how to be kind, patient, and hard-working. We adults sometimes have difficulty getting along with each other, which can result in online arguments, shouting matches, divorces, or even prison time. Watch the news, and you'll see that global leaders have conflicting national interests and ego clashes that fuel catastrophic results and threaten regional and global security.

So how can we bring peace to our divided relationships and world? How can we be peacemakers and bring peace to others despite all of the feuds, rivalries, and conflicts? The key is Jesus. Without Jesus, there is no real peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) who can give us a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday to make peace between God and sinners. We are to share His message of peace, His good news, to all those we can. When we trust in Jesus, we are blessed with peace and joy regardless of our circumstances, and an eternal home free from sin, Satan, suffering, disease, death, and destruction. We become peacemakers who are adopted into God's forever family. 

So, do you know Jesus, Our Peace, as your Lord and Savior? Not just know about Him, but do you follow Him? Worship Him? Love Him? Are you a peacemaker who brings reconciliation to broken relationships? Let's not gloss over problems, but teach our kids about the Peacemaker. And if possible, let's live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18). 

If you would like to discuss any of this further, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'll do what I can to listen and point you to the One who can give us perfect peace.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

Let's Not Forget About Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is next week, but many Americans have been in Christmas mode since November hit. While I'm a fan of Christ-centered Christmas celebrations, let's not forget about Thanksgiving. Thankfulness is a major Bible theme, and we have much to be thankful for! James 1:17 tells us EVERY good and perfect gift is from above; therefore, we should thank God for all the good He gives us. And 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, it's God's will for us in Christ Jesus to give thanks in ALL circumstances. 

It's easy to complain and question God when hard things happen, but giving thanks should be a lifestyle for Christians. Those close to me know that my family has been experiencing some bumps lately, but through the Holy Spirit, we can still give thanks to our Heavenly Father. Thank You, Lord, for the finances. Thank You, Lord, for the insurance. Thank You, Lord, we don't have to get on a plane to visit our family. You are good. All the time.  

So how can we cultivate a heart of thankfulness, especially when life is challenging? Three years ago, I wrote a blog post about this, and I want to remind us of five simple spiritual practices that can help not just during Thanksgiving, but all the time.

1. READING God's Word - I can't emphasize how much being in my Bible has helped me to better understand how to be like Christ and give Him thanks for my family, church, job, and life. Read your Bible, and you'll realize it has much to say about how God's people should be a thankful bunch.

2. REMEMBERING God's Goodness - God has been so good to me. I've been able to adopt three children from China, watch our two daughters get married to godly men, celebrate over two decades of marriage with Megan, encourage all kinds of people in their Christian walk, and more. Take time to thank God for all the good He has done for you!

3. REFLECTING on God's Splendor - We need to stop dwelling on our ever-changing circumstances and look to the awe-inspiring, glorious God who is the Beautiful One. When we think deeply about who Jesus is, the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature (Hebrews 1:3), we can be thankful people who reflect Christ to others.

4. REQUESTING God's Help - We aren't made to be independent, doing life on our own. Our Triune God created us and wants us to trust Him with our lives. When believers are humble and cry out to God as the Psalms instruct, God hears us and can provide comfort and peace during difficult times. This helps our hearts to be thankful regardless of the storms of life.   

5. RESTING in God - Are you a doer and fixer like me? Are you trying to control things and make sure everything is nice and neat? Well, life gets messy at times, and we must always trust Christ to be the source of our strength. If we don't, we will fall apart. Let's slow down, be still, and surrender ourselves to our Sovereign Lord who has everything in control.

There you have it. Read. Remember. Reflect. Request. And Rest. Nothing earth-shattering, but five ways that can cultivate a thankful heart. Who doesn't want that? May your heart be full of thanks this Thanksgiving and every day. To God be the glory.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

The Importance of Family Worship

Before Megan and I adopted Rosalie, Grace Noel, and Josiah Lee, we were blessed to observe godly families we served with in China having family devotions in the evenings. Their beautiful example helped us understand the importance of family worship. God should be worshipped not just on Sunday mornings and during Bible class and chapels at a Christian school; He should be worshipped all the time and in every place. I can't just allow the local church and Christian school to teach my kids about Jesus. I have the enormous responsibility (and privilege) to lead my family in worshipping God in our home. 

Family devotions have been a regular part of our lives, and over the years, they have looked different depending on the age of our kids. When our kids were younger, we sang and danced more. Today, we often watch Bible study videos on RightNow Media. We've catechized our kids, read from God's Word, memorized Scripture together, and used a wide selection of Christian devotionals. We always end our devotions in prayer, and we pray in the same order every time. If we have guests over, we include them in our devotions.

A special time to hear Scripture, pray, and talk about Jesus at home doesn't have to be long, but it needs to happen. Dinnertime or before bed has worked best for us because we wake up at different times. Our devotions have typically been in the living room or at the dining room table, but there's no rule saying they can't be done in a bedroom or bathtub. Be sure to use age-appropriate resources and try to get your kids actively involved in the devotions. Lecturing them for ten minutes probably isn't the best, regardless of how theologically correct you are. You want your kids to enjoy learning about Jesus in hopes that they receive Christ as their Lord and Savior and grow in His grace and knowledge.

Regrettably, I've made some mistakes when leading family devotions (e.g., failing to get family input, being too serious, lack of consistency). What's most important is that you're Bible-based, Christ-centered, and Spirit-filled. If you have family devotions at your home, I would love to hear what you do and what resources have helped your family. If you would like to discuss this topic further with me, please email me or give me a call. I would enJOY doing whatever I can to help your family create more meaningful times around God's Word!

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Wick's Highlights of the Past Decade

A new decade is upon us, and I have been reflecting on the past ten years. There were certainly some tough times for us in the last decade, but God blessed us with much. Below are some of those highlights.

2010: It took 3.5 years, but Rosalie became an official Wickersham and an American citizen. Shortly after that, I started an M.Ed. in educational administration before starting my new job as the middle school principal at TIS.

2011: I baptized Rosalie, and later in the year, unbeknownst to us, Josiah Lee was born.

2012: I received a picture of my son. I never wanted a boy or a third child, but God radically changed my heart.

2013: We adopted Josiah Lee, and I completed my degree at CIU. Megan provided me critical support and helped me see the choices I needed to make.

2014: I returned to the classroom and got to teach and coach Rosalie. I also coached Grace Noel in her first soccer matches.

2015: We told family and friends that we would be moving back to the States in 2016. I added middle school boys' basketball and volleyball to my coaching resume and conducted soccer camps for Indy Eleven in the summer. I coached a boys' soccer team for the first time since 1996, and it was announced that I would coach the TIS high school girls' soccer team the next season - my first high school team since 2003.

2016: I'm hired as the 6th-9th grade assistant principal at Evansville Christian School, and we moved back to Indiana. This is the first time our kiddos have lived outside of China. I was overseas for 14 years of my adult life, and Megan was in China for 19 years. Megan eventually lands ESL positions at USI and through Vincennes University.

2017: Just a few weeks into the school year, it was announced that I'm now the Cullen Campus principal. I wasn't sure if I would like being a principal again, but it has been a great fit. I'm thankful to be able to work in a growing community of believers who desire to know Christ and make Him known.

2018: We watched Grace Noel get baptized at Faith Bible Church. I'm regularly reminding my children that all of our accomplishments amount to nothing if we aren't following Christ and bringing God glory.

2019: This year's highlight was all the time we got to spend with our family and old friends. We are grateful when friends from other parts of the country or world visit us, as well as God's provision that enables us to visit amigos in Central Indiana, Ohio, and the Deep South.

2020+: We do not know what God has planned for us, but I know that He is good and will bring what He began to completion. We must trust Him and strive to bring joy to our Father.

to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:21

Happy 15th Anniversary, Megan!

Today, Megan and I celebrate 15 years of marriage. Where did the time go?! Our marriage has not always been pink fluffy unicorns dancing on rainbows, but through it all, Christ has been at the center. Megan continues to draw me closer to Christ, and I certainly know I wouldn't be where I am today had God not brought us together. Of course, I still have much to learn and can be a little rough around the edges, but thankfully, God isn't finished with me. Below are 15 ways that God is using Megan to point me to the King of Kings and Lord of All, Jesus Christ.

1. I like to fix things, but Megan has taught me the importance of listening and asking questions. It can be hard for me(n), and I (we) don't always do a good job in this area, but I think I've come a long way!

2. Sometimes I forget that toughness is not one of the fruit of the Spirit. Megan will provide me with a look, a touch, the words, or a prayer that helps me take it down a notch when some gentleness is needed.

3. Megan has helped me be more generous with our finances, something I need help with and something I struggled with tremendously in the past. I don't always remember to be a cheerful giver.

4. I often prefer reading about service instead of doing it. I've shared with many people about a time when I didn't want to be a part of a community project. Megan told me I should start doing what I'm reading. Ouch.

5. There was an occasion when I had very unloving thoughts toward someone important in my life, and instead of criticizing me, Megan prayed and allowed the Spirit to do His work. I don't think I'll forget that.

6. Life can be hard, and Jesus promises that suffering will take place. I hate watching Megan experience pain, but she often suffers well and points me to the cross.

7. Megan has been instrumental in helping me better understand several spiritual disciplines, such as Scripture memorization, small group studies, praying with others, and reading solid Christian books that help me know Christ. I'm blessed.

8. Sometimes people praise me for being a good communicator. Much of what I write or present is edited by Megan. She provides excellent feedback that I typically agree with.

9. There is no doubt that I'm a better parent because of what Megan has taught me. She has read a ton of parenting books and gleaned much from Godly people.

10. Megan asked me what I thought about adoption when we were just getting to know each other. Her advocacy for adoption has resulted in a world I never knew.

11. Megan has taught me much about evangelism and opening our home to others. She has a heart for God and others that is the real deal.

12. Megan is very relational and loves our family and friends. When I want to retreat and selfishly eat beef jerky in the corner of a room, she gets me out of my shell to connect with people.

13. I tend to have a critical eye, but Megan is much better at seeing the glass half full and encouraging others. I know this is one of the million reasons why God brought us together.

14. I don't always smile like I should, and sometimes I'm responding to others way too seriously. When Megan sees this, she'll sometimes make a joke or give me a hug that helps me lighten up.

15. Although I'm not a big art guy, this weekend we'll watch a romantic musical in Lexington. Score. Megan's B.A. has an emphasis in visual art, and I know art will have a much bigger emphasis in Heaven.

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3

Seven Ways My Seven-Year-Old Points Me to Jesus

A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated Josiah Lee's Gotcha Day by zooming down a hill on sleds and eating some tasty steakburgers. We also spent time thanking God for the gift of adoption and prayed that we would see Josiah Lee's biological parents in Heaven. It's hard to believe Josiah Lee has been a Wickersham for six years now.

Megan and I adopted Josiah Lee in 2013 in Wuhan, a Chinese city of over 10 million people. I wasn't planning on adopting a third child, especially if it meant a boy; however, God changed my heart. I'm so thankful God rules my heart. God is sovereign and fashions us according to His will. As a result of God's work in me, I now have the privilege of training a little boy to be a little Christ.

Although Josiah Lee is only seven, he actually displays Christ better than me at times. It's ridiculous, but sometimes I wish I were more like Josiah Lee. Yes, he sins every day just like me, but by God's grace, he is doing some things right. Below are seven ways my seven-year-old points me to Jesus.

1. Disappointed When He Disappoints Us - Josiah Lee doesn't give us the eye roll or talk back to us; he's genuinely disappointed when we aren't pleased with his behavior.

2. Filled With Joy - I often allow my circumstances to steal my joy, but Josiah Lee can often be found smiling or laughing. He's definitely a joy to be around.

3. Gentle - I forget that toughness isn't a fruit of the Spirit. Not Josiah Lee. He has a gentle heart, and I have much to learn from him.

4. Obedient - Josiah Lee routinely does what we ask of him. I'm sure when I was seven, my teachers wouldn't have said the same thing.

5. Patient - Josiah Lee was born with one hand, so some things are just going to be harder for him. Try tying your shoes, peeling an orange, or casting and reeling a fishing rod with one hand. I'm amazed at how he doesn't express frustration when things take him a little more time to figure out and do.

6. Quick To Forgive - Sometimes I'm not a very good daddy, but Josiah Lee is quick to forgive me when I'm a little frustrated or barking out orders. Josiah Lee is definitely a Colossians 3:13 guy.

7. Servant's Heart - Josiah Lee frequently asks if he can help the family. It can be cutting veggies in the kitchen or raking leaves in the yard. Josiah Lee wants to help.

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." Mark 10:14-15

Wick's 2018 Highlights

It's hard to believe that we've been back in the States for 2.5 years now. God continues to shower his blessings on us. Here are past Wickersham highlights: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, & 2017.

January - We celebrate five years of having Josiah Lee in our family. Where did we celebrate? At a Chinese restaurant, of course!

February - My dad turned the big 80 on Groundhog Day. I'm thankful to have a dad who has been very supportive of me throughout my life.

March - The Wickershams take a mini vacay to Nashville, Tennessee. This might be the closest we get to the Parthenon in this life.

April - Grace Noel makes a public profession of faith by getting baptized at Faith Bible Church. There were lots of tears of joy.

May - We take another mini vacay and enjoy the rides at Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay in Louisville. I'm grateful for a job that provides the finances and time to get away with the family.

June - I get a nice suntan while directing three ECS soccer camps, one of which Josiah Lee attends. It was especially cool to have Rosalie & Grace Noel assisting me.

July - I help chaperone a youth group trip to Cedar Point and Scene75 Entertainment Center. I had no idea roller coasters could hit 120 MPH in four seconds. Woo!

August - We finally became members of Faith Bible Church. A humongous shout-out goes to my Heavenly Father for giving us a church that is Bible-based, Christ-centered, and Spirit-filled.

September - We end our first season of ECHS girls' soccer with a tie against Owensboro High School. Although we didn't have a winning record (3-4-1), I'm pleased with the team's effort and see the program headed in the right direction.

October - Rosalie and a classmate represent ECHS in UE's Changemaker. I'm glad Megan was such a big support in this innovative project.

November - Old friends we worked with in China, the Headricks, pay us a short visit. It's great to catch up and share how God has been working in our lives now that our families are in the States.

December - Megan and I throw a 50th-anniversary celebration for her parents. They are an incredible testimony to a life dedicated to being doers of the word, and not hearers only.

I Have a 16-Year-Old

Rosalie turned the big 16 on Friday. Where does the time go? Below are 16 interesting facts about my oldest child.

1. Rosalie used to have a British accent and occasionally used words that we didn't know.

2. One week before Christmas, Rosalie entered our family as a 4.5-year-old; however, it took 3.5 years before her adoption was finalized.

3. During Rosalie's first-grade year, Megan homeschooled Rosalie in core subject matters.

4. Like her brother and sister, Rosalie's middle name is Chinese - Jinmin. The "Jin" comes from the city she is from, Tianjin, where we used to live.

5. Like her dad, Rosalie has consumed salted scorpions. Yum, yum to the tum, tum.

6. Last year, Rosalie participated in cross country, swimming, and track & field. This year, she has returned to the soccer field and is playing on my high school squad.

7. Rosalie was placed on a "B" team for an open futsal tournament in 7th grade, and she ended up leading the team in goals and helping the team win the tourney. Her coach was a short, intense dude who wouldn't shut up.

8. I served as Rosalie's assistant volleyball coach during her sixth-grade year, her first of two years of playing organized volleyball.

9. Rosalie played on the middle school basketball team at her international school in China for two years. Despite standing at a gigantic 5'2", she still can't dunk a basketball.

10. Rosalie has a TCK blog that she started in 8th grade. I've encouraged her to keep writing, but I think she needs to hear that from others.

11. Rosalie played the French horn for five years and once left her $3600 horn in the back of a taxi. I praise Jesus for the help we received from our local friends, the expat community, and the police in retrieving the horn. Did I mention how crazy expensive French horns are?

12. Grace Noel and Rosalie have always shared a bedroom, and although they may prefer having their own rooms, I think this brings them closer.

13. Rosalie has done well in some elementary Bible memorization competitions and has forced me to work on this spiritual discipline.

14. This past year, Rosalie took Chinese language lessons on Sunday afternoons. I went fishing instead of participating in language studies.

15. Rosalie will be getting her learner's permit soon. Pray for us.

16. I baptized Rosalie in a hotel pool several years ago. I'm thankful for the privilege it is to train Rosalie in God's ways and hope she will always seek hard after Jesus and bring Him all the glory.

12 Years Ago on June 12th...

12 years ago on June 12th, Megan and I adopted our 12-year-old, Grace Noel. Below are 12 interesting facts about my first child.

1. Grace Noel is our first child. We adopted her when she was nine months old, and six months before bringing Rosalie into our family as a four-year-old.

2. Grace Noel is from the southernmost part of the central province of Hubei. Her village of one million people is surrounded by rice paddies and water buffaloes.

3. Like her little brother and big sister, Grace Noel's middle name is Chinese. It's Siyuan, and it means to remember your origin.

4. Grace Noel's favorite sport is Association football or soccer. I might have played a part in this. She also participates in track and field and recently attended a basketball camp.

5. Grace Noel is a much better middle school student than her dad. Unlike her daddy, she didn't get paddled by the principal for fistfighting.

6. Like her daddy did, Grace Noel plays the alto sax. She took piano lessons for many years when we lived in China. She can also play a mean recorder.

7. In China, I've been mistaken for Grace Noel's English teacher. People sometimes found it confusing that she spoke English so well.

8. During her fourth-grade year, Grace Noel earned second place at an international school badminton tournament. A little birdie told her to play.

9. When Grace Noel was two years old, we rode our bikes to a nearby stadium and watched some Women's World Cup matches. The next year, we rode our bikes to some Olympic soccer matches.

10. Grace Noel has lived in five apartments (all in Tianjin), one townhouse (Newburgh, Indiana), and one house (Evansville, Indiana) in her twelve years of life.

11. On her "All About Me" kindergarten poster, Grace Noel said beef tongue was her favorite food. Moo.

12. Grace Noel was recently baptized, and she's a God-given gift that I don't deserve. I'm thankful that God chose me to be her father, and I look forward to seeing what God will do in her life as she grows in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A Changed Heart: Adopting My Son

Five years ago tomorrow is the day Josiah Lee officially became a Wickersham. We talked about it a good bit today and looked at pictures of that first week back in 2013. One thing I reminded Josiah Lee about is how God changed my heart. I was content with two daughters and did not want to throw a boy into the mix. Boys can be proud jerks who don't know how to stay still. Who wants that? But over time, I began to think, by the power of the Holy Spirit, boys can grow up to be strong men of God who bring God glory. God can even use a sinner like me to help a boy grow in wisdom and stature. Absolutely amazing.

Josiah Lee isn't afraid to tell you that God radically transformed my selfish, sick heart and gave me a desire to adopt the boy who is sleeping next to me right now. Although it's not always fun and games, I had no idea how amazing raising a boy could be. There are a ton of super cool aspects of raising girls, but Rosalie and Grace Noel don't quite appreciate my "pull my finger" jokes like Josiah Lee. Josiah Lee is the one who will go fishing with me or do crazy dances when we score goals in our FIFA soccer video game. I especially love hearing Josiah Lee pray and answering my questions after a church service. He has a real servant's heart and often displays Jesus in ways far greater than I. I'm so thankful God chose me to be Josiah Lee's dad, and I look forward to seeing what God does in his life.

In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, Ephesians 1:4-6

Wick's 2017 Highlights

2017 was our first full year back in the States, and God once again blessed us abundantly. Read below. Here are past Wickersham highlights: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, & 2016.

January - We attend a God-glorifying wedding at Indiana Wesleyan University and have a Chinese mini-reunion.

February - We decide to purchase a brick ranch house in Evansville and like it for numerous reasons.

March - I visit Las Vegas with my dad and brother and watch the Kobalt 400, consume fantastic food, and have crucial conversations. Megan and I provide a little glimpse at FSBC about what the Father has done and is doing in the Middle Kingdom.

April - I attend the Gospel Coalition conference in Indianapolis and hear the gospel of grace proclaimed by men who have taught me much over the years.

May - We now have a high schooler, a middle schooler, and a kindergarten student in the Wickersham household. How did this happen?

June - My dad treats us to a two-night stay at the Peabody Memphis: Bass Pro Shops, BBQ, Graceland, Shelby Farms, and more!

July - We go to the Ark Encounter and hang out with friends we did life with in China. A few days later, we visit family in Richmond, Indiana, and make a presentation at their church. Soon after that, we visit St. Louis and enjoy time at the zoo, Science Center, and World Chess Hall of Fame.

August - We host a Chinese college student for three weeks and are invited by our friends to speak about adoption at a church in Johnson City, Tennessee.

September - I became the Cullen Campus principal at Evansville Christian School - so thankful to have a great job in a great community.

October - It's the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Soli Deo Gloria.

November - We part ways with the Wickmobile, and I spend some time in Bloomington, Indiana, on an ACSI accreditation visit. I also enjoyed catching up with an old buddy from Avon.

December - We celebrate Christmas with our families in Avon and Frankfort, Indiana, and spend time with other family members at various times during the month. God is good.

Wick's 2016 Highlights

2016 was a year of major changes. Some of the changes were challenging, but they were also good. Read below. Here are past Wickersham highlights: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, & 2015.

January - I preach my last sermon at Tianjin International Fellowship: Psalm 8. Praise, worship, and bring glory to God.

February - After a 13-year break, I return to coaching a high school girls' soccer team. Go Lady Eagles!

March - We visit Grace Noel's orphanage in Hubei Province and meet her foster mother. It's hard to believe it has been ten years.

April - We accidentally leave Rosalie's $3600 French horn in a taxi, but it's returned to us a few days later. We're thankful for the police and our Chinese friends. Why are French horns so crazy expensive?!

May - I accept a new position as a 6th-9th grade assistant principal at Evansville Christian School (ECS). God is good.

June - We leave Tianjin and move to Newburgh, Indiana. I started driving a 1997 Plymouth minivan.

July - We drive to Florida and attend a family wedding. It's great to catch up with those we haven't seen in a long time.

August - Rosalie tries a new sport, cross country, Grace Noel makes the 5th-6th grade soccer team at ECS, and Josiah Lee joins Newburgh Youth Soccer as a Red Shark.

September - Megan and I speak about our Tianjin lives to a group of Chinese at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. It's good for us to be able to connect with the Chinese in the Evansville community.

October - The University of Southern Indiana (USI) hires Megan as an ESL instructor. Go Screaming Eagles!

November - I start coaching soccer players at the Metro Sports Center and decide to start playing on a team. The knees aren't the same, but I can still kick a ball.

December - Megan gets hired as an ESL instructor at Vincennes University. We owe a few people a debt of gratitude.

Adoption Books I've Reviewed

Because I have three kiddos adopted from China (Tianjin, Henan Province, and Hubei Province), I've read and reviewed more than a dozen books about adoption. Most of these books are for children; however, parents who've adopted or those who have a heart for orphans could certainly benefit from reading the books. If that happens to be you, check out the links below.

• Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families & Churches by Russell D. Moore 
• At Home in this World...a China adoption story by Jean Macleod
• Happy Adoption Day! by John McCutcheon
• Hello, I Love You: Adventures in Adoptive Fatherhood by Ted Kluck
• I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose A. Lewis
• The Lost Daughters of China: Adopted Girls, Their Journey to America, and the Search for a Missing Past by Karin Evans
• My Mei Mei by Ed Young
• Our Adoption in Christ: What it Means for Us and for Orphans by Dan Cruver and Jason Kovacs
• Over the Moon: An Adoption Tale by Karen Katz
• Shaoey and Dot by Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman
• Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis
• Three Names of Me by Mary Cummings
• Welcome Home, Forever Child: A Celebration of Children Adopted as Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Beyond by Christine Mitchell
• Zachary's New Home: A Story for Foster and Adopted Children by Geraldine M. & Paul B. Blomquist

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27

My 15 Most Popular Posts in 2015

Although I've been blogging for nearly 14 years, I'm a horrible blogger according to the blog experts. I don't blog on a regular basis, and I can go months without blogging. I post my blogs at times when there might be little traffic, and I unpredictably post at all times of the day. I blog about several topics that interest me instead of focusing on just one topic, like quilting or manliness. I think my header and how my blog posts are displayed could be revamped; however, I don't want to invest the time to figure that out and make the changes. Despite all of my bad blogging habits, I'm more than fine with Wick I Am. This blog, in many ways, is a sort of online journal and a way for my American and Japanese family and my international friends to get a glimpse into our lives in the Middle Kingdom. For those of you who don't know us, I hope the blog can bless you as well. Below are the 15 most popular posts I wrote in 2015. Woo!

15. At One Time, I Never Wanted...
14. Happy Patrick of Ireland Day IV
13. Reviewing John Seyfarth's Human Resource Leadership For Effective Schools
12. Reviewing Ella K. Lindvall's The Bible in Pictures For Toddlers
11. Six Deep Questions My Sixth Graders Ask Every Year
10. The Beautiful Game: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
  9. Family Devos During Advent - The Wickersham Way
  8. My Amazing 4-Year-Old Foosball Player
  7. What If Your Daughters Weren't Soccer Players?
  6. The 2014-2015 Wickersham Christmas Break
  5. 12 Ways Tianjin Transpo Has Changed During My 12+ Years Here
  4. 12 Ways the Tianjin Food Scene Has Changed During My 12+ Years Here
  3. "Three Adoptions? You're So Good, Wick."
  2. The Story of the Wickersham Adoptions
  1. I'm So Thankful My Son Josiah Only Has One Hand

Ten Things I'm Thankful For

1. I have a job (that I enjoy). Nearly 8 million Americans are unemployed.

2. I have a home (with heat and hot water). Over 500,000 Americans are homeless.

3. I have friends (who pray and laugh with me). Loneliness affects 60 million Americans.

4. I have a family (that supports and loves me). There are 20 million orphans in the world.

5. I have insurance (to help pay for great medical care). 33 million Americans lack insurance.

6. I have a healthy body (which enables me to run and jump). Diarrheal diseases will kill over 2,000 kids today.

7. I have Internet access (to show me what is happening in the world). Billions are excluded from the online domain.

8. I have an education (that gives me access to countless opportunities). 775 million adults are functionally illiterate.

9. I have issues (that show me my weaknesses and how much I need Him). 1/3 of the world's seven billion people claim to follow the Son of Man.

10. I have the love of the Father (giving me purpose and everlasting life). Do you know His love?

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
           

    

"Three Adoptions? You're So Good, Wick."

"You're So Good, Wick." It's something I hear from time to time. Typically, I'm told this when people find out I've adopted three children. Although I'm tempted to tell others that they're so right, that I'm really a nice guy, I usually tell them that I'm actually bad - downright wicked bad. If others knew all of the evil things I've thought of, said, and done, I would never want to show my face anywhere. Any good seen in me isn't me; that is the Spirit's work in me. He's good, and He's the one producing the good.

I've adopted three Chinese children, not because I'm good, but because this is what I've been called to do. It's a beautiful calling that God has blessed me with tremendously. Although I taught at a children's home in Indiana and occasionally visited orphans in Korea before Megan and I got married, little did I know how much adoption would impact my life. Not all are called to adopt; however, all believers should be involved in adoption in some way or another. Some are called to visit orphanages, foster children, donate finances to adoption causes, intercede for orphans, and/or read adoption material. Believers should all be involved in adoption care to point to the Father who adopts us and to bring Him the glory.

If you're interested in learning more about adoption, below are some great links that can get you thinking about how you can help children who are without parents. Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Psalm 82:7

Adoption Guide
Adoption Resources
Financing Your Adoption
Tianjin ICCO

My children - Grace Noel, Josiah Lee, and Rosalie

The Story of the Wickersham Adoptions

For the most part, the post below was written 1.5 years ago by Megan.

Our Father has blessed us with three pretty cool kids, all brought to us by the miracle of adoption. Their stories are different, and yet through each story, we see clearly our Father’s faithfulness and care. 

Our middle child, Grace Noel, was the first to join the Wickersham clan. In September of 2005, Grace was brought to her county’s orphanage as a newborn, and she lived in foster care until the day we traveled to Hubei Province to meet her. Grace was nine months old when we first met her and seemed to have been well cared for by her foster family. She was developmentally on track, emotionally resilient, chubby, and alert. Although Grace was quite reserved in her first few days with us, by the end of our first week together, she was already giggling and wrestling with me. In the following months, she bonded quickly with us, and her transition seemed nearly seamless. Grace is now nine and in the 3^rd grade. She is bright and creative, forever performing skits for her family to watch. She enjoys school and playing outside on her scooter or on rollerblades.

Our oldest daughter, Rosalie, was brought to the Tianjin orphanage when she was just two months old. Not long after, she underwent surgery to repair spinal meningocele. She spent most of her early years in foster care, and then in December of 2006, she joined our family as our own foster daughter. She was four and a half. Because the circumstances of her arrival in our family were unusual, the legal process of the adoption itself was complex and lengthy. Dad truly moved mountains during this period of time, removing obstacles and granting us favor in the hearts and minds of those in positions of influence. He also graciously made a way for her to remain in our care for the entire duration of this process! In May of 2010, when Rose was eight years old, her adoption was completed. Finally, the law reflected what we had felt in our hearts and been experiencing as a family for years; she was our daughter. Rose is now 12 and one of my 6th-grade students. She is fun-loving and hangs out with a diverse group of people. Rose especially enjoys sports and participates in soccer, volleyball, and basketball.

Our youngest child, Josiah Lee, joined our family in January of 2012. Josiah spent the first year of his life in an orphanage and was 14 months old when our family traveled to Henan Province to meet him. Although he was a bit out of sorts in our first hours together, it wasn’t long before he began to show his charm! In those early weeks, we saw a boy ready to laugh, entertain, and make friends wherever he went.  He is truly a performer at heart, happiest when he has the attention of an adoring crowd, which he’s found in his two big sisters! He’s been with us for two years now, and it’s impossible to imagine life without him.

Our family has been shaped, blessed, and transformed by adoption. We have certainly been blessed and changed through the gift of our three children, as well as through the responsibility and joy of parenting. Our family has experienced the joy-filled side of adoption. However, it is the loss and pain inherent in each adoption story that has been the place of seeing the good news more clearly. As parents, we are thankful for the way that our children’s stories have caused us to enter into shades of loss and pain that we never experienced in our own childhoods. We are humbled at the way our Father has used us to be a part of His restoration and redemption. Through the gift of these three beautiful children, we have been given countless opportunities to reflect on earthly adoption and its parallels in the spiritual realm, as Christians are all, by his great mercy, adopted children in the family of God.

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27

2014 Indy Eleven Soccer Camp - Westfield/Grand Park

I'm So Thankful My Son Josiah Only Has One Hand

I'm so thankful my son Josiah only has one hand. If Josiah were born with two hands, he wouldn't be my son. Josiah was probably born to Chinese peasant farmers who didn't know what was wrong with their son. Amniotic bands severed his left hand, and that makes life a little more challenging for Josiah. I'm thankful for the way our Father designed Josiah, and I'm especially thankful that He chose me to be Josiah's father. Sometimes Josiah is a big pain in the butt (literally, like the time he bit my butt), but I can't imagine what life would be like without him. I love how Josiah always wants to watch monster truck shows on YouTube, how he loves to dance to my pathetic beatboxing, and how he wants to use my electric razor whenever I'm shaving. I never thought I wanted to have a son, but I'm so thankful my Father changed my heart. I'm so thankful my Father created Josiah with only one hand.

learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. Isaiah 1:17

Josiah is always ready to ride on daddy's motorbike (with a helmet, of course).