Give Complaints In All Circumstances

This blog post title might seem a little odd, but check out the comments section of any social media post, and you’re likely to find lots of complaining. People frequently head to the comments of social media to be entertained because we know the comments might consist of ruthless complaining. We not only fail to remember that complaining is a sin (Philippians 2:14), but we often don’t care. How are the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart (Psalm 19:14)? Are you good at complaining or are you known as someone giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)? Thanksgiving is around the corner, and there is so much to be thankful for, yes/no? Consider some of these things we should be thanking God for all the time:

1. We live in a nation that allows us to vote for our leaders. We may not always like the candidates, but we could live in a country where everything is picked for us.

2. We live in a nation with a strong military. While I look forward to the day when armed forces won’t be needed, I’m thankful for our troops.

3. We live in a nation with thousands of academic programs and world-class institutions. Our schools are far from perfect, but hundreds of millions of primary and secondary school-age children in developing countries don’t even attend school.

4. We live in a nation with clinics and hospitals around every corner. We may not always like the medical bills we receive, but thank God, many amazing resources are available in our communities. 

5. We live in a nation where we can gather with others and worship the risen Christ. Being a Christian certainly looks different in 2024, but it still isn’t dangerous to be a Christian in America.

Instead of constantly complaining like the culture around us, how can we be different and cultivate an attitude of thankfulness? Consider some practices I mention here.

Let’s be thankful not just when it’s Thanksgiving or when life is smooth. Let’s be different and give thanks in ALL circumstances.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! Psalm 100:4

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

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

Why I'm Thankful to Live in America

Presidents' Day is on Monday, a day to honor the incumbent president and all previous U.S. presidents. During my time overseas from 2002 to 2016, we had two very different presidents who led us through a great deal of change in America. Some of the changes weren't the best; however, there is much about this country that is a big-time blessing. I'm thankful that my children can receive a Christ-centered education now and later as adults. We can listen to Christian radio and even get our dance on. Below are five more reasons why I'm thankful to live in the US of A.

1. There is no shortage of churches in this country. Each month, there are 214 churches and Christian properties destroyed around the world.

2. We have access to a million Christian resources at local stores and libraries. Over 200 million African Christians don't own a Bible, and millions of leaders lack written materials to equip their ministry.

3. I'm free to witness and share the gospel with others. Approximately 215 million Christians experience significant persecution.

4. Christian websites aren't blocked. I haven't always had that free online access.

5. I don't have to be concerned about hosting Bible studies in my home. That's certainly not the case where I used to live.

Yes, there is much we could complain about America, but it certainly could be far worse. What ways can you give thanks for living in the States? What's preventing you from giving thanks for your life in this land of opportunity?

Reviewing Byron and Robin Yawn's What Every Woman Wishes Her Father Had Told Her

As the father of two daughters, I thought Byron and Robin Yawn's book, What Every Woman Wishes Her Father Had Told Her, should be something I read. It was definitely a good purchase. The book is filled with Scripture, real-life stories, humor (you might laugh out loud a few times), and practical advice on how to be a Godly father that draws his daughter (s) to Christ. The Harvest House published book is less than 200 pages and consists of the following 12 chapters.

1. A Man Gladly Wrapped Around a Finger
2. Life - You're Not Crazy
3. Love - Find This Man (Lt. Todd Weaver's Letter to His Infant Daughter)
4. Purity - There is no Such Thing as Casual Sex (Adoniram Judson's Letter to His Future Father-in-Law)
5. Biblical Womanhood - It's More Ridiculous Than You Think (Adoniram Judson's Letter Regarding Marriage to Ann Hasseltine)
6. A Spiritual Leader - Be Careful What You Ask For (The Seven Stages of the Married Cold)
7. Marriage - Complex Problems Start from Simple Failures (Husband's Communication Safety Guide)
8. Freedom - Never Fear Answering the Door (The Good Wife's Guide)
9. Beauty - You Are Beautiful (Safe)
10. Husbands - Seriously, You Cannot Change Him (Application for Permission to Date My Daughter)
11. Strength - You Cannot Do All Things in Christ (Rules for Dating My Daughter)
12. Grace - You Must Love Christ More to Love Him as You Should

I like how you get two Christian perspectives throughout the book - one from a reformed pastor endorsed by John MacArthur and the other from a pastor's wife and mother of two daughters and a son. It's a book written specifically for dads; however, I know the book has been a blessing to moms and daughters as well. If you desire to communicate more effectively with your daughter (s) and be someone she/they can trust, I highly recommend What Every Woman Wishes Her Father Told Her.

Happy Birthday to my Father-in-Law

Today marks my father-in-law's 72nd birthday. I first met Fred more than two decades ago when I was a new teacher at Frankfort Middle School, home of the Hot Dogs. I was a 6th-grade geography teacher, and he taught math. We didn't have much of a relationship back then, but a few years later, Fred asked me if I would be interested in meeting his oldest daughter. The rest is history.

I'm not exactly sure what Fred saw in me back in the day, but I will never be able to thank him enough for all that he has done for me. Fred is a man of few words, but he has spoken volumes into my life. He is undeniably a man of God whom I desire to emulate. Below are just a few of his traits that display our King of Kings and have made a profound impact on countless other people and me.

1. Patient - I get impatient when driving, when things break, and when my children don't follow my instructions, but this isn't what I see from Fred. Fred has been given an increasing faith in God's timing, power, and love. Various trials in Fred's life have helped develop this Christlike patience, and I so look forward to seeing Fred being rewarded in the end.

2. Faithful - Fred is faithful to his family, friends, and fellowship. You won't find a single person who would say Fred hasn't devoted himself to helping his family, being a good neighbor, and serving in a local body of believers. If the Lord allows me to live as long as Fred, I would be honored if people said I was half as reliable, steadfast, and loyal as him.

3. Gentle - Sometimes I forget that toughness isn't one of the fruits of the Spirit - not Fred. Fred is not one to boast, desire revenge, or be impolite. He's humble and understands that God's ways and thoughts far exceed our own. Fred accepts God's righteous judgment on people and circumstances, and he overflows with the fruit of gentleness.

4. Servant's Heart - Fred serves our Heavenly Father by doing His will and not his own. I desire to have this mature spirituality and leadership ability that Fred possesses. I certainly know that Fred isn't perfect; however, it's quite evident that Fred gives himself to others in order to bring God glory. He has the power of the Spirit and is always pointing me to Jesus.

Happy Birthday, Fred. I'm so thankful you are my father-in-law. 

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

My Six Most Popular Posts in 2016

Last year, I blogged about my 15 most popular posts from 2015. This year I'll only be sharing my 6 most popular posts from 2016 since I posted far less this year than in past years. You could say it was kind of a busy year for the Wickershams. Although I blogged less this year, "Wick I Am" received quite a bit more traffic in 2016 compared to past years. I would like to think it's because my writing has captivated millions of readers, but I'm thinking it has more to do with the big move. That's okay. If the blog has blessed you in even the tiniest of ways, I'm happy. Happy New Year!

6. 13 Ways How I Became More Asian in the Last 13+ Years
5. Reviewing Eric Liddell's The Disciplines of Christian Life
4. My Hobby of Writing Amazon Reviews
3. 10 Cool Facts About Tianjin, China
2. "Name That Chip!": Spring Edition
1. Moving From Tianjin to Evansville

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.

Three Resources That Have Impacted Me & Many Others

Although I wrote fewer Amazon reviews and blog posts this year, I did have the privilege to write for a few publications that produce a significant amount of exceptional content. These sites include ASCD, ChinaSource, and Master Teaching.

ASCD (formerly the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) is a nonprofit organization that supports the global community of educators dedicated to excellence in learning, teaching, and leading. It comprises of 125,000 superintendents, principals, teachers, and education advocates from 140 countries.

Do you want a window into Christianity in China and the key issues that impact the Church? Then you want to check out ChinaSource. It is a reliable resource connecting Christians with important information for working with and contributing to the Chinese church and community.

Nurturing the development of education in Asia is Master Teaching, sponsored by LEAPAsia. Their purpose is "to begin a crescendo of praise for Yahweh starting with what the authors write and growing into classrooms around the world."

I'm thankful for the work these organizations are doing and encourage you to spend time at their sites. If you would like to receive ASCD's free e-newsletter twice a month, click here. You can also provide financial support to the publications and projects of ChinaSource and LEAPAsia.

Ten Things I'm Thankful for in 2016

Although the Thanksgiving holiday is over, being thankful shouldn't be. Below are ten things I'm thankful for this year. What are you thankful for?

1. I have extremely fulfilling jobs at Evansville Christian School and the Metro Sports Center. Nearly 8 million Americans are unemployed.

2. I have a beautiful rental home in the small town of Newburgh. Over 500,000 Americans are homeless.

3. I have new friends in our Southern Indiana community. Loneliness can be a serious health issue.

4. I have a wonderful family that supports and loves me despite my countless flaws. There are approximately 150 million orphans in the world.

5. I have good insurance to help pay for crowns, physicals, and shots. Nearly 30 million nonelderly Americans lack insurance.

6. I have a healthy body, which enables me to lift weights and play indoor soccer. Every year, diarrhea kills 760,000 children under the age of five.

7. I have unrestricted Internet access that allows me to stay connected with family and friends around the world. 1/3 of Internet users worldwide face heavy Internet censorship.

8. I have a fantastic education that provides me with unique speaking, writing, training, and employment opportunities. 32 million American adults are considered functionally illiterate (1 in 7).

9. I have serious sin issues that show me my many weaknesses and how much I need Jesus. Less than half of all American adults think the Bible contains everything a person needs to live a meaningful life.

10. I have the love of the Father Almighty, who graciously gives me purpose and everlasting life. Do you know His love?
         

Moving From Tianjin to Evansville

In a few weeks, our lives will radically change. The Wickershams will be leaving the Middle Kingdom and moving to Southern Indiana. I've accepted a great position as the middle school assistant principal at Evansville Christian School. We are sad that we're having to say goodbye to the TIS community, but we know this is only temporary for those who believe.

Why the move? We feel led to be closer to our Hoosier family members and desire for our children to better understand where their parents once lived. We're unsure when we'll come back to the country I've called home for 13 years (19 for Megan), but we are confident we have not seen the last of China. China is a part of us, and we have eternity to make some trips back.

Below are three ways you can lift us up during this time of transition.

1. We're lookin' to rent an affordable home near where I'll work.
2. We want to find a gospel-centered church where we can connect with people.
3. Pray that Megan and the kiddos make a friend or two and feel a sense of community.

Xie xie.

Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

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

Reviewing Albert Mohler's The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles For Leadership That Matters

I bought Albert Mohler's The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership that Matters back when I was a principal, but I only recently completed the book. Although I've listened to many of Dr. Mohler's podcasts, watched many of his videos, and read many of his articles and blogs, this was the first book I've read by him. Like what I've listened to, watched, and read of Dr. Mohler's, I wasn't disappointed. Dr. Mohler understands what it takes to be a leader. Dr. Mohler is the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, a seminary he helped transform in the 90s despite much opposition. Time magazine called him the "reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S." He is a man of truth who isn't afraid to tackle challenging moral, cultural, and theological issues.

Dr. Mohler's book, The Conviction to Lead, is over 220 pages and consists of 25 short chapters. It covers a wide variety of topics ranging from character and credibility to managers and media to writers and worldviews. Although this book is written for Christian leaders, the book can benefit any person who desires to be a leader or is already in a leadership position. Of course, non-Christians will disagree with some of Dr. Mohler's views on leadership, but Dr. Mohler will provide challenges and ideas that will make anyone think. It would be a mistake to simply dismiss the book because it is written by a seminary president. The Conviction to Lead is not a book about preaching, and it certainly does not come across as preachy.

I've read several books on leadership over the years, and The Conviction to Lead is the most enjoyable book on leadership I've read. Dr. Mohler tells us about some of his real-life experiences as well as major historical events to provide insight into how to make a greater impact in our spheres of influence. If you're looking for a book about managing people, look elsewhere. The Conviction to Lead is a book with firmly held beliefs that can be used to help ignite heart and mind transformation in our classrooms, churches, communities, and culture. I recommend The Conviction to Lead and look forward to reading other books by Dr. Mohler in the near future.

Reviewing John Seyfarth's Human Resource Leadership For Effective Schools

Human Resource Leadership For Effective Schools was one of my required M.Ed. textbooks at CIU. It consists of 14 chapters, which are outlined below.

1. Human Resources Leadership and Effective Schools
2. Planning for Staffing Needs
3. Evaluating and Selecting Applicants
4. Selecting Administrative and Support Personnel
5. Motivation of Personnel
6. Induction
7. Professional Development for Educational Personnel
8. Evaluating Employee Performance
9. Compensation and Rewards
10. Creating Productive Work Environments
11. Legal Issues in Human Resources
12. Collective Bargaining in Schools
13. Managing Conflict in Schools
14. Termination and Reduction in Force

This 300-page book uses the latest research, provides real-life applications, and emphasizes the relationship of the decisions of human resource leadership to student learning effectiveness. The end of each chapter contains a nice summary, a few suggested activities, several online resources, some case studies, and numerous references. Although the book is an excellent resource for school principals (e.g., classes, meetings, workshops), it's ridiculously overpriced. I recommend purchasing a used copy, renting the book, going to the library, or locating a foreign or online edition that could be much, much cheaper.

Reviewing Theodore J. Kowalski's Case Studies on Educational Administration

Typically, I'm not a fan of textbooks, but Case Studies on Educational Administration can actually make for an interesting read. Theodore Kowalski provides 24 unique case studies that help educators think about possible job scenarios, ways to tackle them, and the solutions that can come about. An introduction identifying key concepts and areas for reflection is provided before each case study, and each study ends with three parts:

1. Problem framing
2. Questions and suggested activities
3. Suggested reading and references

I read this book for a grad class I took at CIU, and it was good for me to discuss the case studies with my classmates. The book helped us formulate important questions we wouldn't have asked, share mistakes we could have avoided, and figure out how to resolve complex matters in the right way. The studies cover a wide range of issues involving weak administrators, maverick school board members, tough students, and more. Each case requires you to:

1. See the situation correctly
2. Devise possible solutions to the problem (s)
3. Use facts to respond to politics and emotions
4. Develop and integrate knowledge as you imagine being in the situation

I recommend this book to any school administrator or anyone who is considering being a principal. The cases are generally only four to eight pages long, and they would be good to discuss amongst administrators and other school leaders.

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

From Principal to Teacher

In a couple of months, I will move across the hallway from my second office to my sixth classroom. Many of my present duties will change as I transition from a middle school principal to a classroom teacher. Although I am excited about the change, there is still much to be done in my present position. Below is some of what the next school year will look like, which I'll give more thought to when the summer hits. I will go from...

1. assigning teachers to spring trip teams to chaperoning the sixth-grade spring trip to Liaoning Province.
2. emceeing major House events to sponsoring House 4 - a mixed group of more than 20 middle school boys and girls who meet once a week and compete against four other Houses.
3. presenting faculty devotionals several times a year to facilitating the middle school team devotionals.
4. providing advisory resources and schedules to advising a small group of sixth-grade students.
5. speaking at middle school assemblies every month to emceeing the assemblies weekly.
6. visiting the cafeteria occasionally to serving lunch duty every Friday.
7. watching middle school athletic events to coaching the middle school girls' soccer squad.

Serving as a principal these past four years has blessed me in numerous ways, and I look forward to seeing what our Father will do in the coming months. I'm blessed to work with such a great team of teachers who understand the great responsibilities we have and the great expectations that are placed on us.

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. James 3:1

What Mistakes Did I Make As A Middle School Principal?

As I finish my fourth and final year as a middle school principal (at least for the near future), I've been pondering how God has used me and what I could have done better. If I had a do-over, these are three things I would do differently:

1. Not Respond To Emails So Quickly - If you wait to answer emails, you can often provide better answers, or an answer may not even be needed because the matter gets resolved.

2. Not Accept So Many Unscheduled Meetings - Telling a person that you don't have a minute and scheduling a meeting with that person can enable you to have a better meeting and be more productive.

3. Not Place Work Responsibilities Ahead of Family Time - Who is more important: your colleagues or your family? Too often, we bring our work home when, in many cases, it needs to stay at work. Don't blur the lines.

I made a ton more mistakes than what I mentioned above, and I certainly continue to mess up, but I'm extremely thankful to work in a great community of believers and to have such a patient and gracious family. More importantly, I'm thankful for the merciful Father who never gives up on me, the Spirit who works in me, and for the Son who said, "It is finished."