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

Is Your Speech Gracious Or Are You An Impatient Yeller?

Next month, Rosalie will graduate from college, Grace Noel will graduate from high school, and Josiah Lee will enter middle school. What?! How did this happen? Time certainly flies! Despite our countless parenting mistakes, our kiddos have done okay. They kept up with their studies, contributed to their clubs and teams, gained valuable work experience and skills, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, they follow Christ. Thank you, Jesus. This is all God's grace, and ALL the glory belongs to Him.

Sometimes I receive praise for how our kiddos turned out, but I've made a TON of parenting mistakes that I wish I could take back. I wish I could tell you that I never yelled at my kids, never exasperated them like a little boy, and never showed them my mean Wick face. This would be false, though. At times, I've been an impatient and ungrateful dad. It doesn't have to be this way, and I want to help you to not repeat my mistakes. Colossians 4:6 says, Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. I memorized that verse over two decades ago when I felt a leader didn't give me the full picture.

How do you respond to your children and others when they question your authority, try to deceive you, or give you the cold shoulder? Is your speech gracious (kind and courteous) and seasoned with salt (preserving Christ's loving message), or do you fly off the rails, finger-point, and run wild like a WWE wrestler? How would you feel if a camera were on you 24/7 and all of your home interactions were played at a chapel or church service? I'm pretty confident that things aren't always looking pretty in your home.

So how can we be gracious with our speech, seasoned with salt, regardless of how we're treated or what our circumstances are? How can we tame our tongue and use our words so that we draw our children and others to Christ? Below are four simple but powerful ways to encourage and build up our children and those around us with our words.

1. Look to Christ and tap into the Spirit. Philippians 4:13, an often misquoted verse, says I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me. This verse doesn't mean that we can accomplish any task in front of us, but it does mean that regardless of the hardship we face, we can respond with gracious speech like Christ. Look at Christ's example and, through His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, have Him guide you in what you say (and don't say) and how you say it.

2. Pray Constantly. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says never stop praying. Prayer should be a lifestyle, not just something we do before meals or when we want something. If we are constantly communicating with God, thanking Him, confessing our sins, pleading with Him, and praying for others, our words will be more gracious. Prayer brings us closer to God, so we can better serve our children and the people God places in our lives. 

3. Meditate on Scripture. Fix your mind on God's Word and think deeply about it. Don't just read James 1:19; meditate on it! Emptying your mind isn't found in the Bible. We should fill our minds with verses like James 1:19, which says, Know this, my beloved brothers; let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. Doing so makes me much more likely to speak words of grace and display Christ to my children and others.

4. Remember, we will be judged for our words. Matthew 12:36 says, I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. I know this verse may not be at the top of your favorite Bible verses list, but it's important to remember that when Christ returns, we will be held accountable for our words and actions. Having that at the forefront of my mind motivates me to do what is right. We should want to please God in all that we think, say, and do, so we can hear God say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Having gracious speech, seasoned with salt, isn't always easy, but it can be done. It should be done. Our children need this, and so do others. If we look to Christ, tap into the Spirit, pray constantly, meditate on Scripture, and remember that we will be rewarded for the good we do, our speech will grow in grace and bring God the glory. Do it. Speak words of grace and bring God the glory. 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

My Ten Most Popular Facebook Pictures in 2020

Below are the most popular pictures taken and posted on my Facebook account (all but three via Instagram) in 2020. Only one picture doesn't contain a smile, so it appears this is what people want to see. We'll keep working on that. Here are my most popular pics from Facebook in the past years: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019. Happy New Year!

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

A shout-out goes to Diana Tkachuk for the great family pic at the State Hospital Park.

Megan and I took this selfie on our 16th anniversary. It has been an incredible journey!

Josiah Lee and I went camping at Beall Woods State Park in southeastern Illinois.

Josiah Lee caught this bowfin (over two feet long and a new Wickersham record) all by himself.

Grace Noel scored a couple of goals, including the game-winner on Rosalie's senior night.

We enjoyed the beautiful March weather and went hiking at Lincoln State Park.

On Christmas Day, I showed Rosalie the Purdue campus where I attended from 91 to 93.

I tap into my inner middle schooler and get in the Christmas spirit at ECS.

I caught this record-setting bass on my kayak at Blue Grass FWA.

Another picture from Diana Tkachuk on a beautiful fall day in southern Indiana.

Wick's 2020 Highlights

2020 was a wacky year, but 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says to rejoice always. Below are some ways that we rejoiced this year. If you're looking for more, here are past Wickersham highlights: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019. Rejoice!

January - Josiah Lee plays in his first-ever organized basketball game as a member of the Huskies in an Upward Basketball league. I can't say enough about how Upward Basketball is a slam dunk.

February - Grace Noel and I go to Memphis, where she guest plays for an older Sporting SI squad in a college soccer showcase. She knocked in her first goal for the club, and the team left with two wins and a tie.

March - Schools close their buildings, and Megan and I start providing emergency remote learning. I tap into my Japanese side and create a YouTube channel for school purposes, and learn how to use Google Meet and Zoom.

April - I get the honor to give the middle school & high school Easter chapel talk at ECS. I continue to learn that I strongly prefer speaking to a live audience instead of into a camera. Despite my introverted ways, I really do like seeing people.

May - Megan and I find ourselves doing activities we haven't done in ages. Occasionally, I skateboard with Josiah Lee, and Megan and I visit the tennis courts. I don't ever remember as a 16-year-old getting sore from skateboarding. What happened?

June - Josiah Lee and I go camping and fishing at Beall Woods State Park in southeastern Illinois, and the entire Wickersham clan visits Gulf Shores, Alabama, at the end of the month. Everyone enjoys the beach, and to my delight, I catch several new species.

July - We make a stop in Montgomery, Alabama, and meet up with some old "China" friends. I also decided to accept a club soccer position that allows me to coach Josiah Lee and see him hit the back of the net and dish out some assists. 

August - I complete my third two-week course and earn an Evangelism & Leadership in Crisis certificate from Wheaton College, Megan's alma mater. My soccer squad loses its first three matches, but they win four of its six matches in October. HUGE improvement.

September - We are thankful to see Rosalie and Grace Noel competing on the soccer field together. ECHS has a dream season and goes 9-1-1 during the regular season and finishes with a #7 ranking in Class 1A. Rosalie served as one of the captains again and was named ISCA Academic All-State for the second time.

October - Despite nearly getting into a panic after I spotted a bear, we had a great time during our fall break in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. At the end of the month, ECHS wins the NCSAA soccer tourney, and Grace Noel is named to the all-tournament team.

November - Josiah Lee starts playing basketball for ECS, and I give a presentation about Eric Liddell at Faith Bible Church. Grace Noel has a match that Sunday morning, but we leave it early so she can hear me talk about the "Flying Scotsman." 

December - We celebrate Christ's advent with Megan's parents. Fred comes home from the nursing home on Christmas Eve, and we drop off some gifts with my parents. God is good.

Wick's 2018 Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our First Three Years: A Long-Distance Relationship

Megan and I got married on July 10th, 2004. This was almost three years after our first date at Ruth's Chris Steak House, and a year after I asked Megan to marry me. I wanted to ask Megan to marry me sooner; however, I lacked some spiritual maturity and waited for a summer break to ask Megan's dad for permission to propose to her.

During our first year of courtship, Megan lived in Changchun, China, and I lived near her hometown of Frankfort, Indiana. Megan taught English to university students in a Chinese city of three million, and I taught Western Hemisphere geography to 6th graders in a small Indiana town. Our worlds were just a little bit different.

During the start of our second year as a couple, God brought me a little closer to Megan when I started teaching English at a hakwon on a Christian university campus in Cheonan, South Korea. During this time, Megan and I were able to visit each other a bit more since our flight time went from roughly 22 hours to two hours.

During our year of engagement, I found a sweet social studies job at an outstanding international school in China, and Megan accepted a new position in Beijing. We were now only 1.5 hours apart by train.

Having a long-distance relationship during our first three years together was tough, but it was good in numerous ways. I'm thankful for how God planned it out and wouldn't want it any other way.

1. We got to know each other better via email, messaging, phone calls, and letters. Megan taught me how to be a better listener (I'm still working on this) and how to ask questions (about how she felt).

2. We had a deeper appreciation for the time when we were together. We often were in two vastly different worlds, so when we did get to spend time with each other, it made it that much better.

3. Being apart showed me how much I wanted us to be together. We complement one another. I'm an ISTJ, and she's the exact opposite - ENFP. Where I'm weak, Megan is strong.

4. Most importantly, Megan taught me much about myself and drew me closer to Christ. We read and discussed the same devotional books and memorized the same Bible verses. I had to pray more than ever and apply what God was teaching me. God certainly used Megan to shape me and point me in His direction. To Him be the glory.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. Proverbs 18:22

Megan, the donkey, and I took a pic at the El Sol de Tala Mexican restaurant on the east side of Indy.

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?

Wick's 2017 Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ten Reasons Why I'm Thankful to Live in Evansville

We've been back in Indiana for nearly 1.5 years now, and I'm extremely thankful our transition has been good. We certainly miss various aspects of our lives in China, but we know this is where we're supposed to be. I often think how great it is to live in Evansville. Below are ten reasons why I'm thankful to live here.

1. Church - We worship at a solid Bible-based and Christ-centered fellowship on Sundays.

2. House - We were able to purchase a nice home in a peaceful neighborhood that is close to parks, hospitals, restaurants, stores, and our jobs.

3. Location - A big reason we moved back is to be closer to our parents. A three-hour drive north sure beats an overseas flight.

4. Megan's Jobs - Megan gets to teach ESL to people from around the world.

5. My Job - I work with a great team of teachers, partner with super supportive parents, and help guide a diverse group of students.

6. Nature - Although Evansville is the third largest city in Indiana with a population of 120,000, we're surrounded by lots of places to fish, hike, and view wildlife.

7. People - The people are friendly, and you see folks from all walks of life. We fit right in.

8. Restaurants - There are all kinds of eateries here, including multiple BBQ & sushi joints. Both sides of me get their fill!

9. School - All three of our kiddos receive a top-notch education at a school they enjoy.

10. Stores - We don't have IKEA, but Evansville has every other store imaginable. Walmart is just a five-minute drive, so I'm good.

So there you have it. God is too good to us. Live here? What do you like about Evansville? Live elsewhere? What makes your community special?

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Reviewing John Murray's The Atonement

Although The Atonement is only 34 pages and can be read in less than an hour, it's not light reading. Written by the Scottish-born Reformed theologian, John Murray, The Atonement covers important theological topics such as justification, predestination, propitiation, reconciliation, and redemption. These are topics I used to teach to international 6th-grade students in China; however, if you're unfamiliar with these terms, I wouldn't recommend starting with Murray's book. Murray taught at Princeton Seminary and helped found Westminster Theological Seminary before going Home to be with the Lord in 1975. His language is not from 2017, and it's of an academic nature. Murray defines the atonement as "the term that has come to be widely used to denote the substitutionary work of Christ which culminated in the sacrifice of Calvary." If that excites you, I recommend dropping 99 cents for the Kindle edition or four bucks for the booklet. The Atonement is divided into five short chapters and contains a preface, conclusion, a bibliography containing several works from the 1800s, a short biography of John Murray, and a description of Chapel Library Resources, the book publisher.

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?
         

Reviewing Jonathan Edwards' Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God

275 years ago, Jonathan Edwards preached what many consider to be the greatest sermon ever preached by a sinning saint. Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God was preached to a Connecticut congregation in the summer of 1741, and it uses somber language that is rarely found in today's sermons. Words like devouring flames, pit of Hell, sentence of condemnation, vessels of wrath, extreme torments, angry God, and infinite misery are used. I'm guessing these words aren't among your favorites, but Jesus used them, and the Spirit guided Jonathan Edwards to preach them calmly so that lives were transformed.

Jonathan Edwards starts the sermon with four points regarding the suffering that the Israelites faced. Then Edwards states ten points showing how only God's sovereign joy keeps people from perishing. The third and final part of Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God uses Scripture to prove his points and plead with those listening to trust in the only One who can save them.

It's a shame that many are afraid to discuss what Jesus saves us from and are critical of Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. I'm thankful that Jonathan Edwards, a former president of Princeton University, boldly preached what truly is a message of love and hope. The detailed descriptions of man's sinful state and the misery of Hell helped bring spiritual awakening to the lost. If you desire to better understand what it means to be a true follower and know His forgiveness, I recommend reading this important piece of the Great Awakening. If you're interested in reading more classic sermons by Jonathan Edwards and other great theologians, click here.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

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 Thomas H. Jeavons and Rebekah Burch Basinger's Growing Givers' Hearts: Treating Fundraising as Ministry

Growing Givers' Hearts is not the type of book I normally pick up. I read the 200-pager for an Institutional Advancement class I took at CIU during the summer of 2013. It is divided into the following three parts and eleven chapters:

I.    What is Christian Fundraising?
       1. Creating Resources for God's Work
       2. What the Bible Says About Giving and Asking
       3. A Brief History of Christian Fundraising
II.   Six Essential Characteristics of Fundraising as a Ministry
       4. Confidence in God's Abundance
       5. A Holistic Perspective on "Kingdom Work"
       6. Clarity About Core Theological Beliefs
       7. Giving Donors Opportunities for Participation
       8. Integrated Organizational Planning
       9. Spiritually Mature Leadership
III. The Fundraiser's Ministry
      10. Fundraising as a Calling
      11. Fundraising as an Invitation to Cooperate with God's Grace

For three years, Jeavons and Basinger studied seven Christian organizations that successfully raise resources. The goal of the authors is to show how fundraising is a ministry and an opportunity for deep spiritual growth. Fundraising can include numerous staff members with a wide set of skills, develop leaders, and be something done creatively with confidence and generosity. Although I don't possess much expertise in the area of fundraising, perhaps it will be a big part of my future one day.

I like how Jeavons and Basinger have Scripture references (NIV 1984) and look at fundraising from a spiritual aspect, but keep in mind that they go about it from an ecumenical approach. They quote passionate reformers, popular Catholic priests, and Quaker theologians. Unfortunately, Chapter 1 starts with a misquote from Saint Francis of Assisi: "Preach the Gospel always; and when necessary, use words." Not only was this quote never said by the friar, but it also goes against Romans 10:17. Despite the theological differences I have with Jeavons and Basinger, I'm sure Growing Givers' Hearts has benefited many and will continue to help believers to be good stewards of our God-given resources.

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 Tempel, Seiler, and Aldrich's Achieving Excellence in Fundraising

During the summer of 2013, I took a grad class for school administrators called Institutional Advancement. Achieving Excellence in Fundraising was one of the three books I read for this class at CIU. Achieving Excellence in Fundraising is not a small book (500 pages), but it's organized into eight manageable parts consisting of 41 short chapters. Below is how the book is divided.

Part 1 - Fundraising: The Art of Relationship Building
Part 2 - Structuring Your Fundraising
Part 3 - Discovering What Donors Value
Part 4 - The Art of Solicitation and Stewardship
Part 5 - Involving Volunteers in Fundraising
Part 6 - Managing the Fundraising Process
Part 7 - Ethics and Accountability
Part 8 - Your Career in Fundraising

You'll also find:

• A one-page of essential texts for nonprofit and public leadership and management
• An instructor's guide that is available free online
• Numerous tables, figures, and exhibits throughout the book
• A 15-page glossary of fundraising terms
• 10 pages of references
• An 18-page index

If you are looking to cast a compelling vision, creatively build a professional network, and ethically fundraise large sums of money, I believe you'll find Achieving Excellence in Fundraising to be of help. The editors are leaders at the Lily Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, headquartered at my alma mater, IUPUI. They explain the major truths, theories, and techniques of fundraising and share what other top leaders in the field have said.

Ten Things I'm Thankful For

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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