Beatitude 3: Are We Teaching Our Kids to be Meek?

When I was a wee student, I used to think dodgeball was the best game. Even when I became a teacher and principal, I found great delight in hurling a blazing ball at an athletic kid and showing the students that they should have a healthy fear of Mr. Wick. I also found great delight when students ganged up on me and got me out. I'm sure that was the first thing mentioned when the students saw their parents after school. :-) 

Although my 51-year-old body can't do what it did decades ago, if I were in a dodgeball game with a bunch of 1st graders, I could totally dominate that court! Imagine if I went all out and threw the dodgeballs at full force against kids who I outweigh by over 100 pounds! I'm sure I would get a few phone calls from some irate parents. But what adult wants to flex their muscles against youngsters who still pick their noses and eat their boogers? Is this what would show Christlike character, meekness, or is it the win-at-all-costs attitude that the world teaches? My example might be extreme, but our society, whether it be the corporate world, sports culture, or the media and entertainment industry, honors those who win big, even if people get hurt, and cheating is involved. Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing, right?

When my girls were little, I read them the first book written and published in the Chronicles of Narnia series, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. We also watched Disney's cinematic adaptation of the book. In this seven-book children's fantasy series by C.S. Lewis, there is a lion, Aslan, who is the creator and king of a world known as Narnia. Aslan serves as an allegorical figure for Jesus Christ. Early in the story, we are introduced to the eldest sister of the Pevensie family, Susan. She has a conversation with Mr. Beaver and learns that Aslan is a lion. 

Susan asks, "Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion." Mr. Beaver replies, "Safe?... Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you." I love these lines. They are key to understanding who Aslan is.

Aslan isn't safe. He's a lion. We all know lions are big and strong. They are also heavy (males can be 330 to 550 pounds), have roars that can be heard up to five miles away, and can run as fast as 50 MPH. Lions have sharp retractable claws, and their bite strength can crush bone. It's safe to say that we shouldn't mess with lions. 

Aslan is no ordinary lion, though. Lions are symbolically known as the kings of the jungle, but Aslan is the king of the entire world of Narnia. He has a power like no other, and all should have a healthy fear of him, showing him the utmost respect and honor. Although Aslan is capable of ripping everyone to shreds, He is also kind, compassionate, and lovingly committed to his creation, Narnia. In the later chapters of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Aslan leads armies and fights battles. He also allows Susan and her sister Lucy to ride him. Aslan is the definition of meek. Aslan has the power to run over everyone, but instead, he humbly serves those weaker than him. He has the right and power to do whatever He wants, but he often shows a spirit of gentleness, patience, and love. Aslan could dominate every dodgeball match, but he delights in helping others find success. 

Are we teaching our kids to be meek like this? This is not weakness. This is how to be blessed, to receive favor from God and have a satisfied soul. This is how true Christians will be. We trust Christ in our hardships instead of taking control of matters or manipulating the situations. Our strength is guided by the Spirit under His control instead of us seeking to be in control. And those who submit to the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, will receive peace and joy in this challenging life and a perfect eternal home on a new earth. Do you believe this? Do others see this? Let's show others God's work in us and bring Him the glory!

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

Building Resilient Families

PARENTING CAN BE HARD STUFF! Can I get an amen? Even if you have "good" kids, parenting is sometimes tough. BY GOD'S GRACE, our three kiddos have done okay. I would love to tell you I've always been a perfect father who was never impatient, selfish, or easily angered. I would love to tell you that I've always been thankful for my children and pointed them to Christ. No, that would be a BIG FAT LIE. I have been downright lazy and childish at times. I've been emotionally out of control and a monster at times. I'm thankful a camera hasn't been on me 24/7 so the whole world could watch the sins I committed against my kids. I'm thankful God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) and that He doesn't quit on those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). I'm thankful for the Spirit's work, making us who trust in Christ more and more holy. Can I get an amen?

Being a good parent is of the utmost importance to me. It should be of the utmost importance for anyone who has kids. Unfortunately, lots of parents are struggling. There's hope, though - His name is Christ. Any fruit Megan and I have seen in our children is God's blessing on us. I'm thankful for the godly people God has put in our lives who have shown us how to parent our children well. God has also provided us with amazing resources that have helped us know how to raise our children in godly ways. Something that has blessed my family tremendously for a decade is RightNow Media. RightNow Media gives us access to 25,000+ Bible-based videos, enabling us to grow in our faith and disciple our children. Of course, I don't always agree with all the content I hear; however, SO MUCH is helpful.

Starting next Thursday, February 13th, I will facilitate our second annual Resilient Families study for anyone who wants to raise children to live God-honoring lives. This six-week study will be from 8 to 9:30 AM at Epworth Community Church in Newburgh, Indiana, and you can sign up here. Regardless of where you are in your faith, whether you are struggling or doing alright, YOU are invited to join us for a time of ENCOURAGING FELLOWSHIP. This will be a time to pray, talk, laugh, cry, and watch Natasha Crain's video series on RightNow Media, Talking with Your Kids about Jesus. There is NO COST, and you can walk away with the tools needed to help explain who Jesus is, why He matters, and how kids can be radically transformed by Him. 

If you can't attend the study I'm facilitating on Thursday mornings, check out one of the five other Resilient Families studies happening in Henderson, Evansville, and Newburgh on Wednesday evenings. 

• Christian Fellowship Church - 6 to 7:30 PM from February 12th to March 19th
• Crossroads Christian Church - 6:30 to 8 PM from February 12th to March 19th
• RiverWind Church 6 to 7:15 PM from February 12th to March 19th
• One Life Church - 6:30 to 8 PM from April 2nd to April 30th
• Henderson's First Baptist Church - 6 to 7 PM from April 2nd to May 15th

Raising children can be a challenging task, and there is no need to do it alone. Join one of the Resilient Families studies and grow in your faith with others who see the importance of sharing Christ with young people. To God be the glory!

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your might. 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 6:5-7

Resilient Families: Faithfully Different

We are just weeks away from the 2nd annual Resilient Families luncheon hosted by Comfort! This will happen on Friday, October 25th, and dozens of church and ministry leaders from the tri-state area will gather to hear from key people from the Welborn Baptist Foundation, Diehl Consulting, Evansville Christian School, and local church partners. We will pray and process this year's fall and spring Resilient Families studies and the presentations that will take place in February. We ask that YOU also pray about the studies and presentations. 

What is Resilient Families? Resilient Families helps equip young people in this confusing culture to be confident in their Christian walk. We want to assist YOU, the parents and guardians, with Christ-centered resources and tools to help your children grow in their faith. From late October until early December, movers and shakers from our community will participate in a 6-week Resilient Families study. This study will be offered to families from February to March or April. Make sure you stay tuned for details in the coming weeks and months.

I'm excited to announce that on Friday, February 7th, national speaker, author, blogger, podcaster, wife, and mother to three children, Natasha Crain, will give three presentations! Who is Natasha Crain? Be sure to check out her books on Amazon. You'll quickly realize her books are quite popular, and three of them were written specifically for parents. Natasha will give three presentations for 6th-12th grade ECS students, ECS faculty and staff, as well as area leaders, and for the general public at the Old National Events Plaza. If YOU are a parent or work with young people, don't miss the second-semester studies and presentations, all of which are FREE.

Natasha has a new book being released on February 4th, and her newest book, Faithfully Different, Regaining Biblical Clarity in a Secular Culture, is one that I've listened to and recommend. Natasha is passionate about helping Christians think more clearly about holding to a biblical worldview in an increasingly secular culture and has been interviewed by Sean McDowell, Kirk Cameron, Focus on the Family, The Colson Center, Stand to Reason, and more. If you're interested in diving deeper into her content, Natasha hosts a podcast, The Natasha Crain Podcast, and co-hosts the weekly Unshaken Faith Podcast with Alisa Childers.

If you have questions or want to learn more about Resilient Families, email me, call the school, or contact me on social media. I would be more than happy to talk about good parenting and our good God. To God be the glory!  

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your might. 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 6:5-7

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

Cherishing Christ This Easter Season

Easter is just around the corner - April 9th to be exact. According to a recent survey by Statista.com, Easter ranks as the 11th most popular holiday in the United States. Mother's Day (#3), Labor Day (#7), and Halloween (#10) all outranked celebrating the Resurrection of Christ. Something isn't right here. Easter (or Resurrection Sunday) is a time to rejoice in Christ's victory over death, disease, and destruction. It's a time to rejoice in Christ's victory over Satan, sin, and suffering. Jesus paid the price for our sins and rose again to reconcile us to God. Because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, there is hope. Followers of Christ will spend eternity in Heaven and have peace and joy in this life despite the life storms we face. Praise King Jesus!

We, of course, are to cherish Christ each and every day; however, Easter is a special time of remembering His resurrection and the life we have in Him. So how can we cherish Christ this Easter season? Below are four simple ways to cherish Christ more during this Easter season. Just do it!

1. Read, study, and talk about Easter. Here are several passages to choose from: Genesis 22:9-14, Matthew 28:1-10, John 20:19-23, Romans 5:6-11, 8:3-9, and 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. 

2. Watch Easter videos. Igniter Media has a variety of powerful short videos pertaining to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you do an Easter search on RightNow Media, you'll find several excellent choices.  

3. Worship at a church service and invite others to join you. What better time is there to worship with others than at Easter? Pastors know that the sanctuaries typically have more people on Easter Sunday, so they typically pull out all the stops. 

4. Lead Easter-themed family devotions. Don't know where to start? Check out some of these resources: A free 8-day Easter devotional guide from Lifeway, Easter-themed books recommended by Tim Challies, and Resurrection eggs.

So, how will you cherish Christ this Easter season? I would love to hear what you've done, what you're doing, and what you're going to do!

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6

Celebrating Christ During the Christmas Season

Christmastime is a time that countless people can't get enough of...

• decorating the Christmas tree and house with a gazillion lights
• chomping on peppermint bark and other yummy Christmas goodies
• listening to Christmas classics while the fake fire crackles on the TV screen 
• watching Elf, Home Alone, A Christmas Story, or some other "Christmas" movie

These are all fun Christmas activities that we might enjoy, but is this what Christmas is about? To help my family remember that Jesus is not only the reason for the season but the reason for life, we celebrate Christ in some unique ways during the Christmas season. Below are some activities you might want to consider during this year's Christmas season!

1. Advent Calendar - We have used a simple Advent calendar to help count down the days to Christmas. When our kiddos were little, they would get super excited to open the window to see a Christmas symbol that we would discuss before saying a prayer.

2. Advent Candles - For many years, we have lit Advent candles on an Advent wreath on the four Sundays preceding Christmas. The fifth candle is a white candle at the center of the wreath, known as the Christ candle, and we light it on Christmas Eve. I discuss the symbolism behind the candles and wreath and read Scripture pertaining to Christmas.  

3. Advent Devotional Book - For our family devotions in the evenings, we have watched videos on RightNow Media, talked about the sermons we heard on Sundays, or memorized and discussed Scripture being taught and learned in the classroom.  During December, we typically read Let's Go Straight to Bethlehem by Ray Pritchard. It's a simple read where we retrace the ancient journey to experience the mystery, wonder, and glory of Jesus' birth. 

4. Christmas Eve Service - We have gotten decked out to attend evening services on Christmas Eve. We sing classic Christmas hymns, carefully light candles, hear a Christ-centered sermon, and take family pictures around all the Christmas decor.

5. Jesse Tree - A few years ago, we were gifted with this Jesse Tree. It comes with a devotional book with a reading for the 25 ornaments that are to be hung. Here is a great site that tells you more about the Jesse Tree and how you can make this a part of your Christmas traditions. 

What are some ways you celebrate Christ during the Christmas season? I would love to hear from you!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Why Go to Church?

Although I'd like to think that you would learn a great deal in one of my high school Bible classes, it simply wouldn't be enough. We need to go to church. Seven years ago, Grammy award-winning pop star Justin Bieber said, "...you don't need to go to church to be a Christian. If you go to Taco Bell, that doesn't make you a taco." This might be a true statement (I praise Jesus that I'm not a taco); however, I don't know any strong Christians who aren't worshipping at a local church on Sundays. In fact, most strong Christians are probably serving at their local church in some capacity. When I've heard people say that they don't need to go to church, they tend to be people who aren't exactly spittin' out Scripture like the Apostle Paul. Over the years, I've heard some really interesting excuses as to why we don't need to go to church. I could share a million reasons why we should want to go to church on Sunday mornings, but I'll just start with four. :-) 

1. God's Word Is Preached - At a Bible-based church, the pastor has spent significant hours in preparation to preach a Spirit-filled sermon that teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains us how to be Christ-centered people. I have a gifted pastor who clarifies the text for me and helps me better understand who God is. He helps me better understand what is expected of me in building God's kingdom.

2. You Worship With Other Believers - I'm an introvert, but the music sounds so much better when I sing with others! I don't possess mad musical skills, but my heart is often moved during corporate worship. Additionally, I hear Scripture read with reverence, crucial prayers that can only be heard at church, take part in communion with my brothers and sisters, and celebrate the baptisms of new believers.

3. To Become Stronger Christians - When you go to the gym, you get stronger. Sure, you can work out at home, but the gym has more equipment and people to push you. At church, you are surrounded by godly people who listen, ask questions, keep you accountable, provide counsel and encouragement, and maybe even discipline you. Furthermore, gospel-centered churches have libraries with solid resources that support what Scripture says.

4. To Bring God Glory - Worshipping at a church is important because it brings God glory. It brings God joy when he sees like-minded people from all walks of life come together to praise His name. Why wouldn't you want to do that on Sunday morning? What better thing do you have to do on Sunday morning than gather with God's people and worship Jesus Christ? Let's do this. Let's get excited about worshipping together on Sunday mornings and bring God the glory!

Please join the conversation! What are some other reasons why we should want to go to church on Sunday mornings?

not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25

Discipling New Believers

A few days ago, a colleague told me they have a heart for new Christians at our school and want to see them nourished and rooted strongly in Christ. I love hearing that. This is how we should be. So what should our response be to those who make a profession of faith? This is what I recommend:

1. Someone should meet and pray with the new believer every week, two weeks, or month. If someone isn’t talking with the student and asking them questions about Jesus and life, the student is less likely to grow in their relationship with Christ and may even prove to be a Demas (2 Timothy 4:10). 

2. We should encourage the student to read their Bible every day (2 Timothy 3:16). They're more likely to do this if they have some kind of reading plan. BibleGateway.com has numerous plans to choose from here. I recommend starting in Mark (the shortest of the four Gospels) or John (simple, clear, and deep passages).

3. Consider gifting the student with a book that will help them grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Here are a couple of excellent sites that provide books for new believers that can help them better understand what it means to follow Christ:

• https://www.crossway.org/articles/for-new-christians/
• https://www.challies.com/resources/ten-books-every-christian-teenager-should-read/

4. Get them connected with people at a local Bible-believing, Christ-centered, Spirit-filled church (Hebrews 10:25). Church is where they can participate in communion, watch baptisms, hear sermons and testimonies, sing songs, serve, and more. The student is a member of the body of Christ, and we need them at church to bring God greater glory.

So there you have it. We have a tremendous responsibility and honor in discipling others. Let’s make sure we’re doing our part in pointing new Christians in the direction they should go!

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:6

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

Why I'm Thankful For My 20+ Years Overseas

Although I claim to be a Hoosier, I'm a mixed-up one. Nearly half of my life has been spent overseas, which has made me a little unique. I like to catch largemouth bass and eat sushi. I'm comfortable with a fist bump, handshake, or deep bow. My "love" for soccer started in Brazil, and I wear a wedding band purchased in Thailand - a country I lived in before moving to "The Hoosier State." Living overseas has profoundly impacted me, and I'm thankful for all that I've experienced outside of the States. Below are seven reasons why I'm thankful to have spent so much time around the world.

1. You get to try new food. Scorpions, starfish, and seahorses. Yes, I've consumed all of them (just not at the same time).

2. You get to learn new languages. It's interesting when a language you once thought sounded a bit funky becomes normal to you. Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto.

3. You get to celebrate new holidays. If you like fireworks, try the Chinese New Year in China. It's like a battle zone.

4. You gain new friends. Who doesn't want that? Only a Scrooge. Don't be a Scrooge.

5. You learn about the world in ways books and videos simply can't teach. As a former geography teacher, I often know more facts about a country than the people from the country. Despite this, you need to experience the culture to truly begin to understand it.

6. You learn about yourself. Living overseas can definitely be character-building and a time of growth. You'll be placed in uncomfortable situations that will humble you and show you how you're not all that.

7. You can worship with other believers in different languages. I have sung, prayed, listened to sermons, and read the Bible with brothers and sisters in atheist, Buddhist, and Muslim nations. God has provided me a little glimpse of Heaven during my time overseas.

Never been overseas? What's stopping you? Have you done any traveling? What have you enjoyed about being overseas? I would enjoy hearing from you.

March 2012 - We're leaving our apartment complex in Tianjin (China) to go out to eat.

Wick's 2015 Highlights

The Father blessed me a great deal in 2015, and below is a little glimpse of those blessings. Here are past Wickersham highlights: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, & 2014.

January - I traveled to Nanjing International School with the TIS Kids' Read team and served as a judge at the competition. It's exciting to see middle schoolers get pumped about books.

February - After years of considering the Kairos course, I finally find the energy to give up some vacation time to participate in it. Definitely worth it.

March - Soccer, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling are all sports I've coached. Now you can add basketball to the list since I served as the assistant coach of the 7th-grade boys' basketball team at TIS.

April - It was announced that I will serve as the TIS girls' high school varsity soccer coach in the spring. This will be my first high school team since 2003. Where does the time go?

May - Megan and I worked at an English Camp in nearby Jixian. It was great to get away from the city and teach English to youngsters.

June - I coached five weeks at the Indy Eleven Youth Soccer Camps, and Rose and Grace joined me for three of those weeks. I'm thankful to have daughters playing on some of the same fields I did as a kid.

July - I professionalized and renewed my Indiana educator's license, so I'm good to teach U.S. history, geography, and sociology in the Hoosier state for at least another ten years.

August - We moved over a gate and to the ninth floor to occupy a beautiful two-story apartment, courtesy of LDi. It was the seventh apartment move in 12 years, but each apartment was an upgrade.

September - My in-laws and nephew from Indiana paid us a visit, and we celebrated Fred's 70th birthday in style at Pizza Bianca.

October - I presented a coaching workshop at the ISC Conference and reconnected with some old friends. It was wonderful that I didn't blow chunks and have the Hershey squirts like last year.

November - I started coaching the under-12 boys' volleyball team at TIS. All of my players are my students, and most of them were on my soccer squad.

December - We hosted a Christmas Eve gathering after singing Christmas carols in the neighborhood. We've done this for a few years now, and it felt extra special this year to be able to open our home.

Best Books of 2014 According To...

I certainly don't endorse all of the books on the lists below; however, it's good to know what books others are soaking up. I usually have bookmarks in several books, and I'm thankful that this year I'm finding more time to read. I hope to soon complete Susan Cain's Quiet, Albert Mohler's The Conviction to Lead, and Byron & Robin Yawn's What Every Woman Wishes Her Father Had Told Her. I'm enjoying all three books and hope to complete several book reviews during the break.

Amazon's Best Books of 2014

Barnes & Noble Best of 2014

Christianity Today's 2015 Book Awards

Goodreads Choice Awards 2014

The Gospel Coalition's Best Books of 2014

2014 National Book Awards

NPR's Guide to 2014's Great Reads

Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2014

The Wall Street Journal's Best Books of 2014

The Washington Post's Ten Best Books of 2014

What I Miss About Indiana

Although my citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20) and nearly half of my life has been spent overseas (the past eleven in Tianjin, China), I have strong Hoosier roots. I'm super thankful for the summer breaks I get to spend in the great state of Indiana. There is much I miss about life in the Crossroads of America, and below are ten things I miss about living there.

1. Hanging out with family & friends
2. Driving a truck on long country roads
3. Worshipping at reformed church services
4. Juggling a soccer ball on a freshly cut lawn
5. Being able to check out a ton of books at the local library
6. Observing wildlife - gray squirrels, cottontail rabbits, white-tailed deer
7. Seeing amazing blue skies and giant white clouds nearly daily
8. Fishing in peaceful locations - largemouth bass, white crappie, longear sunfish
9. Eating homestyle cooking - pork tenderloins, catfish fillets, chicken n' dumplins
10. Going to parks - little league baseball games, swimming pools, creative playgrounds

The Top Ten Reads of the World

Some Recent Articles About Books IX

Youth Reads - Breakpoint has a new page focusing on Young Adult books. It's designed to help parents and educators find good books for preteens and teens to read, as well as to provide a Christian perspective on Young Adult books.

Cherish the Book Publishers—You'll Miss Them When They're Gone by Eric Felten - "The e-book era promises us all the pleasure of wading through the slush pile ourselves, even as the pile grows exponentially."

Scholar Defends New NIV Bible; Says Critics Have Been Unfair by Lillian Kwon - The updated NIV continues to receive many negative reviews.

Art University Library by Amy Frearson - Check out this ingenious piece of Japanese architecture in Tokyo!

ESV Student Study Bible

Chuck Says Read a GOOD Book

Some Recent Articles About Books VIII

John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock by Travis Allen - This is a 240-page biography from Iain Murray that has received great reviews.

June Book Briefs by Kevin DeYoung - "Ah, summer sabbatical - more time to breathe and more time to read."

How to Write a Great Book Review (Or at Least How Not to Write a Bad One) by John Starke - Answer the question everyone is asking, show the consequences of an idea, ...

Some Recent Articles About Books VII

The Leisure Reading Racial Gap by Mark Bauerlein - "These numbers confirm the rule that the more young people read on their own, voluntarily, the better they do in school."

Amazon Kindle Tips, Tricks, & Resources by Nathan W. Bingham - I still do not own one, but perhaps you do.

Gospel Pioneer to China by Tim Challies - Vance Christie's biography of Hudson Taylor receives a favorable review.

How to Survive the Age of Distraction by Johann Hari - "...we need dead trees to have fully living minds."

These are some varied resources that I am using this summer at CIU.

Some Recent Articles About Books VI

Five Reasons Why E-Books Aren't There Yet by John C. Abell - E-Books cannot replicate everything about the print book culture.

Building an eBook Library on the Cheap by Tim Challies - Looking for a deal?

House Collapsing Under Weight of Rescued Books by Alison Flood - I think they have too many books.