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

Get in the Word and Don't Stop!

I was gifted with a New King James Study Bible when I was baptized in 1996 at a small Southern Baptist church in Central Indiana. It wasn't until early 2001, when I was 27 years old, that I read through that entire Bible. It was the toughest year of my life, so I committed to reading and studying my Bible regularly in a new way. The next year, I moved to South Korea to serve with a Christian organization, and my future mother-in-law gave me a New American Standard Bible. It became my go-to translation for six years until the ESV Study Bible was published in 2008. 

I used to write all 66 books and chapters of the Bible on paper and mark off the chapters when I completed them. I now do it on my Mac and highlight the chapters I've read. Keeping track of what I'm reading has helped ensure I don't neglect any part of God's Word. I have struggled through parts of Old Testament history and prophecy and often forget what I've read, but God's Word has been a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). 

Megan and I expected our three children to be in God's Word seven days a week. They didn't always accomplish the goal, which would result in a healthy talk from yours truly. Grace Noel completed her first reading of the Bible in elementary school, and Rosalie did it as a middle schooler. Josiah Lee, our 7th grader, has completed the New Testament and is now reading the Psalms. Are there parts of the Bible that went over their heads? Absolutely. Welcome to the club. We still wanted them to read every word of the Bible and ask us questions when things got confusing. Seeing my kiddos reading and studying their Bibles has helped me walk more closely with Jesus.

If little kids can read the entire Bible, there is no reason YOU can't do this. We spend so much time on social media, attending sporting events, and watching movies and TV shows. Yet it only takes ten to twenty minutes for the average reader to complete three chapters in their Bible. There are 1189 chapters in the Bible, and reading 3.25 chapters a day is all it takes to have it done in a year. If you don't like reading, then listen to the Bible. This can be done as you enJOY breakfast, complete a household task, drive to work, or before you go to bed. Consistently feeding on God's Word can help us progress toward holiness. It can help us resist accepted sins like complaining about our jobs, showing impatience with our children, and being anxious about our finances. It forms us. 

Consider downloading one of the Bible reading plans here and grow in your relationship with God. Figure out a Bible reading rhythm and let God speak to you in new and exciting ways!

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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

Ten Ways We've Trained Up Our Kiddos

Being a good parent can sometimes be HARD! We can be a messy bunch, and our communication is sometimes crazy confusing (Man, I hate sin). Can I get an amen? Being a good parent can also be some of the most rewarding and fulfilling work God ever gives us. Can I get an amen?

It's nice when your children do well in the classroom or succeed in the arts, music, or sports; however, this pales in comparison to when your children obey and worship the Lord. Megan and I have made countless parenting mistakes, but our gracious God has made none. The fact that our three kiddos are walking with the Lord is all God’s grace. This is what we care about the most. 

Although we've made our share of mistakes, we've also done a few things right - Thank you, Jesus! Below are ten ways we have TRAINED our children, which I hope can help you. 

1. We expect our kids to read and study God’s Word independently, and I ask them about what they’re learning from time to time. Scripture saves (1 Timothy 4:16), sustains (Matthew 4:4), and sanctifies (helps us become more like Christ). 

2. We often have family devotions in the evenings. Read more here: The Importance of Family Worship. 

3. We worship together on Sunday mornings and typically talk about the sermons during and/or after the service. I quiz my kids, and Megan reminds me not to forget to enJOY God, church services, and the car ride home. :-)

4. Our kiddos usually attend youth group at our church on Wednesdays and sometimes other church youth groups and trips that we think would be good for them. We need help in training our kids to grow in their faith.

5. Rosalie & Grace Noel were discipled by godly women from our church and were part of all-female small groups at ECS. Again, we need help in training our kids to grow in their faith!

6. My kiddos have spent most of their lives in schools where Truth was taught. We are so thankful for the role TIS & ECS played in their lives.

7. We confess our sins to each other. When daddy messes up, I specifically say what I did wrong, what I plan to improve, and ask for forgiveness. When I'm struggling to think in a Christlike way, I let my family know and ask for their prayers. James 5:16

8. I routinely exhort (strongly encourage and urge) my children when I leave the house. I remind them to give God the glory and enJOY Him (from the Westminster Catechisms). I might also tell them to serve their classmates and do what they can to bless those around them.

9. When we watch movies, listen to music, play sports, etc., we talk about Jesus and what the Bible says. We don't live a dualistic life, separating our faith from everyday matters. We want our children to think and act like Jesus, so we try to look at everything through a gospel lens. 

10. When our children display Christ, we try to praise them for the work God is doing in them. When our children are loving, filled with joy, patient, and bearing other good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), we want our children to know that this is far more important than the academic and athletic achievements they accomplish.  

There you have it. Of course, if we do everything above in our own power and without love, we are nothing but noisy gongs and gain nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). We have to constantly pray and trust that God will give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-8). 

If you would like to share something that has worked for you or have a question about anything I shared, let me know! I would love to hear what God has taught you or help in whatever way I can. To God be the glory! 

Seven Ideas For A More Christ-Centered Christmas

Christmas can often be a fun time of receiving silly stocking stuffers, eating cute Christmas cookies, and seeing family you haven't seen in months or years. During all of the hustle and bustle that surrounds the world's most popular holiday, let's remember what the true meaning of Christmas is. Let's remember Jesus came 2,000 years ago with a loving plan for redemption. Last year, for my blog post preceding Christmas, I shared five special activities that my family has done to celebrate Christ during the Christmas season. This year, I want to share seven simple ideas of how you can have a more Christ-centered Christmas. I hope this will help you and your family celebrate the birth of Christ, God Incarnate. 

1. Attend a Christmas concert at a church or school. Hearing little kids or your close friends play The First Noel, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and Joy to the World is good for our souls. These carols are lyrical masterpieces that create community and remind us of profound truths. 

2. Be a blessing to a nursing home and sing classic Christmas carols to the residents there. Music is powerful, and singing O Holy Night, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and O Come, O Come, Emmanuel are sure to bring smiles and perhaps tears to people's eyes. 

3. Buy gifts for those who have far less than us. Search through Samaritan's Purse Christmas catalog, and bring clean water to a community, stand with persecuted Christians, or provide life-saving medical equipment. 

4. Consider serving at a homeless shelter such as the Evansville Rescue Mission. Volunteers are needed to serve food, organize clothes, and complete clerical work. Display the love of Christ to those who are in need.

5. Elf and A Christmas Story are often at the top of people's favorite Christmas movies, but those movies aren't really about Christmas. Watch The Nativity Story, The Star, or Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night. These movies have their weaknesses; however, they do focus on the greatest gift we have - Jesus.

6. Go on a prayer walk in your neighborhood, at your child's school, or at a local church. Walking near the people and places you are praying for might help you better know what to pray for and can show others that you care.

7. Last, but not least, read about Christ's birth (Luke 2:1-20) on Christmas Eve or Christmas, or better yet, both. Get in God's Word and rejoice at the miracle of the virgin birth. Give God the glory and have your most Christ-centered Christmas ever!

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

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

Do You Have A Biblical Worldview?

Worldview. We throw this word around a lot, but what is a "worldview?" Simply put, a worldview is a system of firmly held beliefs concerning how we see the world and how we are to live in the world. If you're reading this, you have a worldview. 

A biblical worldview is rooted in the Bible, and when you aren't in the Good Book, your worldview will get diluted. You'll allow Hollywood, Netflix, TikTok, The View, Taylor Swift, Jake Paul, Kim Kardashian, Oprah, friends, and everything else to form your worldview. There are many who say they are Christian and can even explain the gospel, but when one lives in a way that isn't Bible-based, he or she doesn't have a biblical worldview. 

You don't need to take a college worldviews class or be part of a small group focused on living a biblical worldview to cultivate a biblical worldview. What you need to do is be transformed by the renewal of your mind (Romans 12:2). Interpret life through the lens of the gospel instead of following the world's ways. Fill your head with God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to form convictions in your heart so you live a God-glorifying life. 

As you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, you'll make decisions pleasing to God concerning what you watch, wear, buy, eat, listen to, and participate in. You'll examine Scripture, pray, and ask yourself if this is the job God wants you to take, the school God wants you to attend, the vehicle God wants you to buy, and the home God wants you to purchase. There are no shortcuts to developing a biblical worldview, but fostering a strong biblical worldview enables us to think more clearly about life in this troubled world. Why anyone wouldn't want that is beyond me.

If you're interested in seeing what kind of worldview you have (e.g., Christian, Marxist, postmodern), you can complete a free worldview checkup at the Summit Ministries site. I recommend filling out the short assessment with family members and discussing your results. If this is something you would like to process, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Remember, the coffee is on me!

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8

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

Reflecting on Billy Graham's Passing

Back in 1999, I went to the Billy Graham Crusade in Indianapolis. In 2005, I went to the Billy Graham Center Museum at Megan's alma mater, Wheaton College. During my early years as a Christian, Billy Graham's website was my go-to place whenever I had a theological question. I've used Reverend Graham's videos for family devos, classroom lessons, and chapel presentations. To say Billy Graham has impacted me would be quite the understatement. I'm extremely thankful for how God used Reverend Graham to preach the gospel to me and millions around the world, and I look forward to the day when we'll be together again. Below are a few notable quotes from this great man of God.

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?

Igniter Media Easter Videos

This week I have been teaching about what happened 2,000 years ago - Passion Week. Tomorrow we will not have school since it's Good Friday, so today I'll show a few Easter videos from Igniter Media. I highly recommend taking a few minutes and checking out the videos below. He is good.

And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen. Remember how he told you, when he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise." Luke 24:5-7

An Easter Message: Facebook Style

Doubt Has Long Been Part of Easter

Happy Patrick of Ireland Day V

Today is March 17th, so that means it's St. Patrick's Day. Like most Americans, I grew up not ever knowing who St. Patrick was and why we celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick. I just made sure I always wore something green on March 17th so I wouldn't get pinched. Odd. If you're interested in learning about this great man of God, click one of the links below or watch the short video. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Patrick: Missionary to Ireland by George Grant (Ligonier Ministries)

Patrick of Ireland by Reid Monaghan

Remember St. Patrick by David Mathis (desiringGod)

St. Patrick Knew All About Human Trafficking by Clint Humfrey (National Post)

The Life and Mission of St. Patrick by the Crossway Staff

Who Was St. Patrick? by Kevin DeYoung (The Gospel Coalition)

Please Don't Call Me Wicket

I’m looking forward to seeing The Force Awakens when it is released in China on January 9^th. I saw all of the other movies in the Star Wars series at the theater, and that includes a midnight showing of The Phantom Menace. I chewed on the hands of Star Wars action figures when I was a kid, and had Star Wars Pez dispensers on my desk when I first started teaching. I even collected the Star Wars cup toppers given at Taco Bell. Although not everything about Star Wars is commendable, I’m a fan of the series like so many of you.

When I was a fourth grader, Return of the Jedi was released. The movie was the ending I had hoped for; however, it also brought back many painful memories. In the movie, there is a brave young Ewok who helps the Rebel Alliance defeat the Galactic Empire during the Battle of Endor. This warrior's name - Wicket. Unfortunately, Wicket is also a super short and cute teddy bear, which I wasn't into back in my elementary years. That didn't matter to my classmates. I soon find myself with a new nickname - Wicket.

I am quite excited about the latest Star Wars movie, and it is a massive relief knowing that Wicket is not in The Force Awakens. I was concerned that people would stop calling me Wick and start calling me Wicket again. As you can see in the picture below, we share quite a resemblance - we're short, cute, and warriors. If you sense the force telling you to call me Wicket, that would be the dark side. Beware of the dark side. You must learn control. Wars make not one great.

My Five Most Popular Facebook Pictures in 2015

People like pictures, especially when they contain smiley people - smiley couples, smiley kids, smiley families, lots of smiles. One of my resolutions for 2016 is to work hard on my smile. Below are my most popular Facebook (via Instagram) pictures taken during 2015. Enjoy.

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Psalm 105:1

In the spring, we went on a Beijing excursion, and Megan and I took a walk in the hutongs (alleyways).

Earlier this month, Megan and I ate at a nearby Korean restaurant (part of Rose's Gotcha Day celebration).

The Wickershams at the TIS International Day 

Cow Appreciation Day (July 14) with Grandpa & Grandma Downs - Lafayette, Indiana

An 11th Anniversary selfie at Purdue University, where I attended from 91 to 93

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.

Happy Patrick of Ireland Day IV

Tomorrow is March 17th, so that means it's St. Patrick's Day. Like most Americans, I grew up not ever knowing who St. Patrick was and why we celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick. I just made sure I always wore something green on March 17th so I wouldn't get pinched. Odd. If you're interested in learning about this great man of God, click one of the links below or watch the short video. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Patrick: Missionary to Ireland by George Grant (Ligonier Ministries)

Patrick of Ireland by Reid Monaghan

Remember St. Patrick by David Mathis (desiringGod)

St. Patrick Knew All About Human Trafficking by Clint Humfrey (National Post)

The Life and Mission of St. Patrick by the Crossway Staff

Who Was St. Patrick? by Kevin DeYoung (The Gospel Coalition)

BGEA's Heaven: A Firefighter's Story and the Death of a Father

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Reviewing Curtis Allen's Does God Listen to Rap?: Christians and the World's Most Controversial Music

I became a fan of rap during my upper elementary years when I sported red parachute pants and wore out a breakdance cassette tape on my Toshiba boom box. You gotta love the 80s. Although I no longer wear pants with zippers all over them, I still often listen to rap. My rap collection has changed quite a bit over the years. I no longer listen to what I would now deem as controversial crap, but instead to what many would have to respect for great theological depth and creative artistry.

Last year, when I saw that Curtis Allen, one of my favorite rappers, released a book about rap, you know I dropped the paper, pronto! Does God Listen to Rap? taught me not only a great deal about how rap music came to be but also about the differences between much of the rap music I listen to today. It really was a fascinating read. Below you can read the chapter contents. Perhaps many would not be interested in this book, but if you have ever enjoyed the music of Lecrae, Trip Lee, or Shai Linne, I highly recommend checking out Does God Listen to Rap? The book is easy to read, has received glowing reviews, and points you to the One who gave us music. Peace out.

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! Psalm 150:6

1. Reformed Rap? The Story Behind This Book
2. Dirty Roots - The Origins of Rap
3. Rotten Fruit - The Influence of Rap
4. The Indictment of Origin - What's Missing from Heaven's Playlist
5. The Acquittal of Conversion - God is a Redeemer
6. Rap and the Mission of the Church - Of Similarity and Sin

Reviewing Kevin DeYoung's Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book about a (Really) Big Problem

Before this school year, the past four years were the busiest time in my life. I accepted a new job as a divisional principal, completed an M.Ed. in educational administration, moved to a new school building, moved to a couple of new apartment complexes, adopted a third child, and tore my ACL for a second time. I read Kevin DeYoung's Crazy Busy in December when I wasn't feeling crazy busy, and it's the second book by Pastor DeYoung I've read. Once again, I wasn't disappointed. I found Pastor DeYoung's award-winning book to be a quick and enjoyable read. Crazy Busy is less than 130 pages and is endorsed by numerous big Christian names, many of whom are authors and musicians who have blessed me. Although Crazy Busy didn't cause me to make radical changes in my life, it did cause me to rethink my priorities in life. I'm happy to say life doesn't feel crazy busy now, and I'm thankful our Father has given me this time to slow down and smell the roses. Below are the ten chapter titles.

1. Hello, My Name Is Busy
2. Here, There, and Gone: Three Dangers to Avoid
3. The Killer P's - Diagnosis #1: You Are Beset with Many Manifestations of Pride
4. The Terror of Total Obligation - Diagnosis #2: You Are Trying to Do What God Does Not Expect You to Do
5. Mission Creep - Diagnosis #3: You Can't Serve Others without Setting Priorities
6. A Cruel Kindergarchy - Diagnosis #4: You Need to Stop Freaking Out about Your Kids
7. Deep Calls to Deep - Diagnosis #5: You Are Letting the Screen Strangle Your Soul
8. Rhythm and Blues - Diagnosis #6: You'd Better Rest Yourself before You Wreck Yourself
9. Embracing the Burdens of Busyness - Diagnosis #7: You Suffer More because You Don't Expect to Suffer at All
10. The One Thing You Must Do

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

Crazy Busy - Justin Taylor Interviews Kevin DeYoung from Crossway on Vimeo.