When is the Time to Trust?

This morning I was able to talk with Megan for about ten minutes. Thank you, Jesus, for Skype. Megan told me about a classic book by L.B. Cowman that she just received from a family member. Until today, I was not familiar with Mrs. Cowman.

Mrs. Cowman and her husband, Mr. Charles E. Cowman, served in Japan and China for over 15 years in the early 20th century. After Mr. Cowman became ill, Mr. and Mrs. Cowman returned to the States where Mrs. Cowman cared for her husband until his death six years later. Mrs. Cowman's adventures and lifestorms resulted in a collection of prayerful meditations and Christian writings called Streams in the Desert. I have not read a devotional in several years, but I did check out this book from the school library to see what made the 366 daily devotional readings so popular. I really like how the daily readings come from hymns, poems, and Scripture. Apparently, L.B. Cowman was greatly influenced by the "Prince of Preachers", Charles Spurgeon. Mr. & Mrs. Cowman also ministered with Oswald Chambers, the author of My Utmost for His Highest.

Megan and I have different reading tastes so we usually do not read the same kind of books. However, I enjoy hearing about what she is reading. I look forward to hearing what Megan gleans from reading Streams in the Desert in the coming year. I am also looking forward to having a conversation with L.B. Cowman one day and thanking her for her July 21st entry.

When is the time to trust?
Is it when all is calm,
When waves the victor's palm,
And life is one glad psalm
Of joy and praise?
Nay! but the time to trust
Is when the waves beat high,
When storm clouds fill the sky,
And prayer is one long cry,
O help and save!

When is the time to trust?
Is it when friends are true?
Is it when comforts woo,
And in all we say and do
We meet but praise?
Nay! but the time to trust
Is when we stand alone,
And summer birds have flown,
And every prop is gone,
All else but God.

When is the time to trust?
Is it some future day,
When you have tried your way,
And learned to trust and pray
By bitter woe?
Nay! but the time to trust
Is in this moment's need,
Poor, broken, bruised reed!
Poor, troubled soul, make speed
To trust thy God.

When is the time to trust? 
Is it when hopes beat high, 
When sunshine gilds the sky, 
And joy and ecstasy 
Fill all the heart? 
Nay! but the time to trust 
Is when our joy is fled, 
When sorrow bows the head, 
And all is cold and dead, 
All else but God. 
--Selected 

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

Should We Be Surprised?

Top 10 Most-Searched Bible Verses: What’s Missing? by Collin Hansen

How Do You Read (The Bible)?

Don't Let Google Make You Stupid by Stephen Altrogge

Reading is Real Work by Matt Perman

Happy Birthday, Mr. Prescott!

Anna is raring to go!

Tonight I had a yummy West African dinner along with birthday brownies with some dear old friends. If you are wondering just what kind of candle you are seeing, you can find them on Amazon.com. I highly recommend the experience. The man whose birthday we celebrated is my good pal, Mr. Mark Prescott. Mark was born on this planet 61 years ago, and I have had the privilege of praying with him almost every Thursday morning during the school year for 7.5+ years. Mark and I arrived in China in 2003, and I am thankful that he is part of the TIS middle school team. He has been a great friend. Mark has listened to me talk about my junk, and he has provided me with much counsel. I am thankful that God brought our lives together. One thing that stinks about living here is that we see lots of people come and go. I am not looking forward to the day when Mark and I have to say goodbye to one another. However, I am thankful it will only be temporary.

Fortunately, Anna allowed Mr. Prescott to take part in the blowing of his birthday candles.

                                                                                                                                                         "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:1-4

Reviewing Jerry Bridges' The Pursuit Of Holiness

This is the second book by Jerry Bridges I have completed. I was introduced to this member of Navigators a few years ago, and I quickly became a fan of his after reading Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate. Portions of The Pursuit of Holiness actually reminded me of Respectable Sins.

In The Pursuit of Holiness, Bridges reminds us that God commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:16). We are also told that we have a responsibility to pursue a life that is holy. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are to train ourselves to regularly practice spiritual disciplines. This, of course, includes studying Scripture deeply and praying constantly. Bridges' is not saying that our works save us, but He is saying that we cannot sit back and simply live in the same manner as the world. We are saved by faith alone in Christ alone, and if you truly believe that, you strive for holiness. You seek it out. You do not want to be God or worship other "gods", but you desire to be like God, the Holy One of Israel.

The Pursuit of Holiness is divided up into 17 chapters and takes only four hours to complete. Although Bridges is covering a serious topic, the material is presented in a clear and engaging manner. I chose to listen to several chapters more than once. The book is endorsed by a number of people that I enjoy listening to such as Chuck Colson, John Piper, and J.I. Packer. If you desire to learn about God's holiness and how to develop habits of holiness, I highly recommend Bridges' book. It is filled with tons of Scripture, real-life stories, and plenty of pertinent counsel.

Some Recent Articles That Brought Out Some Emotion

This made me a little teary... A Pilot's Decision

This made me really angry... Mom on Facebook

This should make us seriously think... Are We Brothers and Sisters?

Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34

Reviewing Tim Keller's Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything

Keller's Gospel in Life DVD contains eight sessions with each session being approximately 11 minutes long. The sessions focus on city life, our hearts, idols, communities, witnessing, work, justice, and eternity. Although the sessions are short, there is much to reflect on, discuss, pray about, and share with others. Tim Keller is brilliant and knows how to speak to people from all walks of life. I highly recommend the DVD for both individual and group studies.

Session one is called City: The World That is. I prefer living out in the sticks, but God has called me to live in one of the biggest cities in the world. It is a city that has millions of people who don't know the gospel, but my identity in Christ has only grown. We do not have to remove ourselves from the city or resemble it, we need to serve and love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31).

Session two is called Heart: Three Ways to Live. This session focuses on the popular parable found in Luke 15:11-32, The Prodigal of the Lost Son. If you have read Keller's book, The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith, much of the material found here will be familiar to you. Despite that, we can listen to this message a million times.

Session three is called Idolatry: The Sin Beneath the Sin. What is your worst nightmare? If something was taken away from you and you believe you could no longer go on living without it, that is your god. That is your idol. You feel it justifies your life and gives your life worth and value. We must rejoice and rest in Jesus' atoning work on the cross so our idols can be replaced

Session four is called Community: The Context for Change. I am so thankful for the community I live in. Meeting with others here helps me to know God at a deeper level. Like Jesus, we are distinct from those around us, but we interact with everyone in service to Him. We are called as a community to respond to the glory of God in every aspect of our lives.

Session five is called Witness: An Alternate City. We are to be a city on the hill (Matthew 5:14). Our lives should shine in a way that points others to Him. What do our lives say to others about what we believe? Do we behave like the world or have we been transformed by the gospel? We need to be gospel-speaking, neighbor-loving, and community-transformed people.

Session six is called Work: Cultivating the Garden. The Bible is a single true story that shares God's perfect plan for the world. God's plan is to establish His Kingdom for His glory. The gospel is the means through which the Kingdom of God is advancing, therefore it should penetrate everything including our work. God is our boss so work for Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Session seven is called Justice: A People for Others. Jesus Christ identified with the poor and the oppressed so we must do the same. When we know the peace of Christ, we will want to share it with all people, not just those we are like. We will share the gospel humbly and seek justice because we have experienced the grace of God.

Session eight is called Eternity: The World That is to Come. Keller takes us to the Book of Revelation and begins talking about the Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem - the home that God is preparing for those who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are reminded of a vision of renewed culture, restored shalom, and remarkable spiritual intimacy. I am looking forward to that final chapter.

Fearing Not & Having Strong Faith in the Son of Man

"Where Is Your Faith?" by John Bloom

163 Million Orphans

10 Ways You And Your Church Can Be Involved In Adoption And Orphan Care In 2011 by David Wooten

“Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27

Some Recent Articles About Books

E-Book Sales Outdo Print by Bob Minzeshelmer and Carol Memmott, USA TODAY

The iPad Is Not A Kindle Killer by Erick Schonfeld, Tech Crunch

Why Barnes & Noble Is Thumping Borders by Rick Newman, U.S. News & World Report

The 100 Bestselling "Christian" Books of 2010 - Some of these books are garbage and some are not.

Six E-Book Trends To Watch In 2011 by Michael Hyatt

Cute & Interesting Robots: The Future of Education?

Before I moved to China in 2003, I taught English at a Christian hakwon in Cheonan, South Korea. It would have been nice to have one of those egg-shaped robots dancing in the classroom. :-)

Robot English Teachers Start Work in South Korean Schools

Takin' a pic with some of my younger students at the Nazarene Foreign Language Institute in Cheonan, Korea

The Son of Man in Every Book of the Good Book

I like this kid.

Rose's 2008 Gotcha Day

We celebrated Rose's Gotcha Day less than three weeks ago. This is a great Gotcha Day video from a couple of years ago that Megan put together.

"even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:4-6

Before I Became a Principal

This video of me coaching middle school girls how to play soccer was shown to the middle school staff at Tianjin International School less than a year ago. They found it amusing.

I Recommend Listening to Shai Linne, Curtis Allen or Lecrae

Here are a couple of recent articles that pertain to music that caught my attention...

Butt-Dialing Mistake Sends SWAT Team to Winnetka School by John P. Huston and Megan Craig, Chicago Breaking News Center

Wal-Mart Stops Selling Kids CD with Profanities by Tom Coyne, Associated Press 

Wick's 2010 Highlights

He is good.

January – God totally changes my heart, and I feel led to become a principal. Once again I learn to never say, “I won’t ever…”.

February – I played Mr. Mom for two weeks while Megan spent time with her family in Florida and Indiana. People feed us a lot of food so we don't go hungry.

March – Megan and I get all dressed up and attend our first charity ball to raise awareness about orphans in Tianjin. Megan spends the night throwing up in our five-star room.

April – After waiting for more than three years, we receive Rose’s referral which enables us to adopt her. I cried.

May – Rose is adopted into our family and receives a Chinese passport and visa to go to America. I cried.

June – We celebrate Grace’s 4^th Gotcha Day and go to America for the first time as a family of four. I cried.

July – I start an M.Ed. in Administration at Columbia International University. I learn that you should read the textbooks before beginning intensive courses.

August – Grace begins junior kindergarten, Rose starts second grade, I start a new job, and we celebrate ten years of my rebirth. God is good.

September – We move to a new home after living in our apartment complex for 7+ years. It’s my fifth apartment in China and definitely my favorite.

October – I am gifted with an iPhone 4 and now understand why people like it so much. I am starting to become an Apple snob.

November – I catch up with Megan and turn the big 37. Does this mean I am an adult now?

December – We celebrate Rose’s 4^th Gotcha Day and her first as an official member of the Wickersham clan.

Celebrating Grace's Fifth Birthday at Harvest Coffeehouse

Unreached Peoples - Do You Know The Real Deal?

2010 Year in Review: An Interview with Rose & Grace

Dad: 2010 is almost over. We only have one hour and 45 minutes before 2011 arrives. Do you girls think you will be able to stay awake to ring in the new year?

Grace: Yes. 

Rose: Well, I'm not really sure.
Dad: Grace, do you know what it means to ring in the new year? 
Grace: It's almost the new year. That's what it means. Does it mean that daddy? Does it really? Daddy, is it? Is it daddy? Daddy!
Dad: Yes, you are right Grace. To ring in the new year means to celebrate the beginning of the new year at the stroke of midnight. Rose, what are some things that you liked that occurred during 2010?  
Rose: What does occurred mean?
Dad: I'm sorry. When something occurs, that just means that something has happened.

Rose: Oh. Well, friends came over for dinner, and I really liked that. And the whole morning we went bowling, and we had lunch at the bowling place. I really liked that too.

Dad: Now you understand that I'm asking about the entire year and not just about today, right?

Rose: Oh okay. I'll tell the whole world about it. This Christmas was fun because I got this new game called Cadoo and our family played it once, and I really liked it. You can draw and like, uh, play with some play-doh that came with it, but ours didn't have it so mom made it.

Dad: What else did you like about 2010?

Rose: I also liked on December 3rd we had a fun play that my music teacher directed. I think she got it from a book called The Plane Truth.

Dad: Now you know that you are only telling me about events that occurred in December, right?

Rose: Right, I know. But I'm still trying to think about other events like Easter and stuff like that. But I have my mind on like other years like 2008 or 7. Well, this Easter we watched other kids get baptized and one of the kids was my friend Maya.

Dad: That was special to see your friends get baptized, huh?

Rose: Yeah, that was kind of interesting. When Maya made her speech she added a song to go with it. The speech is how you became a Christian. 

Dad: We need to talk about that with you soon. It is important to be able to share your testimony with others.

Rose: I really do, but I don't know what to say in my speech so we might need to talk about it like you said.

Dad: No worries. We'll do this very soon.

Rose: Okay. 

Dad: Grace, what did you think about 2010? What did you like that occurred this year?
Grace: On Christmas, we got to open presents on Jesus' birthday.
Dad: That was cool. What else did you like about this year?

Grace: Going to school. I'm still going to school, but on January I'm going to school for a couple of days because I'm going to America. 

Dad: That will be nice, huh?
Grace: Yeah.
Dad: Do you girls know what I liked about 2010?
Grace: No.

Rose: What did you like? 

Grace: What did you like dad? What is it?
Dad: Well there were many things that God did in 2010 that I liked, but one thing that comes to mind is that Rose was officially adopted into our family.
Rose: Yay.
Dad: I think we'll stop this interview. Is that okay?
Rose and Grace: Yeah.
Dad: I love you girls.
Grace: I love you too.
Rose: Me too.
Dad: That's nice.

Playin' video games on the Mac

Spreading Truth Via Books and the Good Book

In this Desiring God article by Bill Walsh, If Truth Be Not Diffused, Error Will Be: Books as a Powerful Tool for Global Theological Famine Relief, thought-provoking questions and stirring quotes are provided.

A Reduction of Melanin

Last night Grace and I read a children's science book about our bodies, and this morning I was explaining to Rose and Grace how my body is unable to do the things that it once could years ago. My girls have a hard time believing this about their daddy, but I am no longer able to sprint as fast or lift as much weight as I once could. In addition to that, I take a lot more to time recover from pickup soccer games and workouts in the gym.

All this talk about how God made our bodies led to a discussion of how some of my body hair is now white. Rose and Grace found it amusing to watch me pluck a couple of white hairs from my head as well as one from my soul patch. The graying of my hair does not bother me, however, I do find it a little amusing that this is occurring while I still get zits. Lookin' forward to that glorified body in Heaven!

"Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life." Proverbs 16:31

Reviewing Brian "Head" Welch's Washed By Blood: Lessons from My Time with Korn and My Journey to Christ

I was surprised to be gifted with Washed By Blood: Lessons from My Time with Korn and My Journey to Christ for Christmas by a family friend. Brian "Head" Welch is the former lead guitarist for Korn, an American heavy metal band that has won many awards, earned millions of dollars, and has had a huge following for more than a decade now. It is my understanding that the book is quite similar to Welch's first book and New York Times bestseller, Save Me From Myself. Apparently, the difference between the books is the version I have is written for teenagers so it does not contain the profanity and graphic details that Head's bestseller possesses. Washed By Blood also contains study questions at the end of each chapter, unlike Head's first book.

When I learned about Head's profession of faith a few years ago, I shared it with my brother who was once a fan of Korn. Although Washed By Blood is written for younger audiences, Head talks about his battles with anger, depression, drugs, suicide, and other serious topics. Part One (chapters 1-10) is called Life Without God, and Part Two is called God Finds Me (chapters 11-19). Part One and Two are quite different in that if you are not a Christian, portions of Part Two might seem a little odd to you. I totally respect Head's authenticity, humility, desire to be a good father, and hunger to grow in his relationship with Christ, but it should be noted that some of Welch's theology (prophetic dreams, prayer language, visions from Heaven) is very unorthodox. His association with controversial evangelists such as Todd Bentley and Kim Clement have undoubtedly influenced him. Despite this, I love hearing testimonies, and I am sure God will continue to use Head and his books to make an eternal impact on the lives of others.

Some Of My 2011 Commitments

As the year comes to a close, I have been reflecting on the challenges and joys of 2010. I have also been thinking about what I believe God wants me to work towards in the new year. A number of thoughts come to mind, but there are three specific goals I am setting out to accomplish in 2011. They are...

1. Recommit Myself To A Fasting Plan - For a number of years, I refrained from eating for at least 24 hours once a month. Unfortunately much of the time I spent fasting was not spent in the best of ways. I felt led to fast so I could grow in my relationship with the Lord, but during many of my fasts, I did not truly focus on the Lord. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that I have been neglecting that is going to be brought back in my life, but this time I plan to have the proper perspective in mind. Read Matthew 6:16-18.

2. Focus On The Book of Romans - Martin Luther called the Book of Romans the chief part of the New Testament and the very purest Gospel. I plan on taking a class on this profound book in the near future, but before I do so, I am going to read a couple of books that will bring me a greater understanding of what Paul wrote. I will also work on memorizing more portions of this book. Although I have memorized many verses over the years (and forgotten many verses over the years), I need to be more diligent in memorizing larger portions of Scripture. No excuses.

3. Taking My Girls On At Least One Daddy Date A Month - Occasionally I take one or both of my girls out on daddy dates. We usually go out to eat at a fun restaurant. We might go to a restaurant that has a playground or one that prepares the food in front of you. We have a good time enjoying the meals and talking about life. However, our dates have been sporadic and could be better if they were planned out. So that is what I am going to do. My girls are already looking forward to January's date: White Castle. Oh yeah - it's what you crave.

So what commitments do you plan on making in the New Year? Below are some links that can help you think about New Year's Resolutions and how to go about them.

Celebrating Rose's 4th Gotcha Day at Pizza Hill

                                                     
Make Plans Not Resolutions: Reflections On Proverbs 16 by Jeremy Carr

Ready For The New Year?  by T.M. Moore

Resolutions  by Tim Challies

Why Most People Don't Keep Their New Year's Resolutions  by Matt Perman

Reviewing Elizabeth George's God's Wisdom for Little Girls: Virtues and Fun from Proverbs 31

We purchased God's Wisdom for Little Girls for Grace as a Christmas gift and to my delight, she has become a fan of it. Although Rose has not shown interest in the book, I plan on reading it to her soon. Much can be taught from the book, and children need these reminders. God's Wisdom for Little Girls is written for young girls and focuses on the qualities and traits found in Proverbs 31:10-31. After some opening rhymes, every other page says in a large and bold font, "God's Little Girl Is...". The qualities and traits highlighted are priceless, kind, eager, helpful, cheerful, busy, hearty, diligent, caring, prepared, creative, prayerful, artistic, confident, gracious, careful, thoughtful, God's child, and cherished. I'm not a big fan of busy, but I understand what the author was intending. Below each quality or trait is a cute little rhyme that focuses on the actions that make up the daily life of a little girl. Below the rhyme is a verse or two from Proverbs 31. The paintings by artist Judy Luenebrink are delightful. On the next-to-last page, you can place the picture of your child. The last page has a mini-glossary and matches words to verses in Proverbs 31. I do wish that the girls in the story came from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, but it is still a nice book nonetheless. I definitely see myself reading and discussing this book with my girls from time to time.

A Christmas Question

Will we celebrate the birth of Christ in Heaven? - Resources - Eternal Perspective Ministries

The Real Christmas Story

Praying For and Discipling Our Children

31 Ways To Pray For Your Children by Bob Hostetler

How We View Our Children Determines How We Disciple Them by Brad Baugham

Raising Children in an R-rated World by Nick Laparra

Diggin' for worms so we can go fishin'

Retooning the Nativity

Son of Man and Santa

Why Christmas?

A Gotcha Day Interview with Rose and Grace (Part II)

DAD: So Rose, how do you feel about your Gotcha Day?

ROSE: I feel good about my Gotcha Day.

DAD: Please tell the world what we did today.

ROSE: For lunch, we went to Lotteria.

DAD: Okay, time-out. There are lots of people who don't know what Lotteria is.

ROSE: Lotteria is in the E-Mart complex, and E-Mart is in Tianjin, China. It is close to Ao-Cheng, an apartment complex. Your turn.

DAD: You still haven't told people what Lotteria is. :-) You've only told people where Lotteria is. :-)

ROSE: Lotteria is a restaurant which has a small playground in it. And our family kind of likes it - especially Grace, my little sister.

DAD: I like it a lot. Mom, Do you like Lotteria? What do think about Lotteria?

MOM: Yes, I like it too. It's not my favorite in the whole world, but I like it.

DAD: Grace, can you tell us more about what kind of restaurant Lotteria is? 
GRACE: It's a nice restaurant.
DAD: Anything else? What kind of food do they serve?

GRACE: Burgers and, um, cheese sticks.

DAD: Rose, what did we do after eating lunch at Lotteria?

ROSE: We went to a fun game place. There are lots of games there.

DAD: Grace, what kind of games did you play?

GRACE: A drum game. Um, a motorcycle game. 

DAD: Rose, can you remember any other games we played?

ROSE: I tried to get a little stuffed animal, but it was really hard so I didn't get it. And we played a little basketball game. It was really fun.

DAD: Grace, where did we go after playing games at the arcade?

GRACE: We went to Pizza Hut and got a dessert. It was good.

DAD: Pizza Hut? Are you sure? 

GRACE: Yes.

DAD: It was actually Pizza Hill.

GRACE: Oh, Hill.

DAD: What did you get there Rose?

ROSE: I got a Cookie Blast. It was really ice cream.

DAD: It's called a milkshake Rose.

ROSE: Oh.

DAD: Grace, what did you get?

GRACE: I got different kinds of ice cream in my special bowl.

DAD: Grace, isn't ice cream too cold to eat in the winter?

GRACE: Well, I like to eat ice cream.

DAD: Do you remember what daddy and mommy had? 
GRACE: Coffee.
DAD: Yup. So Rose, how do you rate your Gotcha Day?

ROSE: What does that mean daddy?

DAD: Would you give your Gotcha Day an A, B, C, D, or F?

ROSE: I would give it an A.

DAD: Really? You really enjoyed your Gotcha Day?

ROSE: Most of it I did.

DAD: What did you not like?

ROSE: I didn't like when the motorcycle was broken in my game.

DAD: Yeah, that stunk. Grace, did you enjoy Rose's Gotcha Day?
GRACE: Yes.  Especially when I got to eat, um, cheese sticks.
DAD: Yeah, cheese sticks rock. Grace, aren't you glad that God brought Rose into our family?

GRACE: Yes.

DAD: Isn't it super cool to have a big sis?
GRACE: Yes. I can play with her.
DAD: Yeah, God is good.

ROSE: God is good! 

GRACE: Yeah!
MOM: All the time.

Hunkering down on a mean burger

Mommy and Rose

Grace enjoyin' some ice cream at Pizza Hill

The Top Books of 2010 According to...

Barnes & Noble

The Daily Beast

Ligonier Ministries

National Public Radio

The New York Times

Publishers Weekly

I have read most of these books that are on our bookshelf. I am a big Piper fan.

A Gotcha Day Interview with Rose (Part 1)

DAD: Today is your Gotcha Day Rose. Why don't you tell the world what Gotcha Day is.

ROSE: Gotcha Day is all about when you got me from the orphanage.

DAD: What do you think about Gotcha Day?

ROSE: I think Gotcha Day is a great day because God put me in this family.

DAD: I think it's super great. What would you like to do on your Gotcha Day?

ROSE: Anything would be fine with me.

DAD: Would you like to...eat a bunch of worms?

ROSE: No.

DAD: But you said anything would be fine with you (We look at each other and smile.).

ROSE: Well, I wouldn't eat gross things or do gross things on my Gotcha Day or on any other day.

DAD: There are many cultures that do not describe eating worms as a gross thing. In fact there are people right now eating worms and enjoying it.

ROSE: Well, I wouldn't want to eat worms and enjoy it. I would want to go to a restaurant or mom cook for us...yummy food for us. 

DAD: What is mom cooking for you today?

ROSE: For breakfast, mom is cooking pancakes for us.

DAD: Yum. Where would you like to go for lunch or dinner?

ROSE: Probably Brazilian Barbeque.

DAD: Really? But mom does not like that food very much. What about the new Pizza Hut around the corner?

ROSE: No thanks.

DAD: Really? So where do you want to go? 

ROSE: I would want to go to a place our whole family likes.

DAD: But we all like Pizza Hut, and we have never been to the new one in our neighborhood. So where do you want to go? 

ROSE: Maybe the new place the Geswein family showed me...near Papa John's...in the building Papa John's is...in the building where Coldstone Creamery is. 

DAD: But that place is far. The traffic will be bad. It will take a long time to get there. There are a lot of yummy options closer. What restaurant are you talking about? ROSE: It's a Hong Kong restaurant. And the dish I got there was really yummy so I want to go there again.

DAD: Hong Kong restaurant (with a puzzled face)? Really? Is this a Dim Sum restaurant? You really want to go there for your Gotcha Day (with a puzzled face)? 

ROSE: Really.

DAD: But it's far away and will take a long time to get there. Aren't there a bunch of closer restaurants that are just as yummy if not yummier?  

ROSE: Okay, we can choose a different restaurant. 

DAD: Let's talk more about this after breakfast.

It's Not About Santa

Six Ways Satan Is Stealing Christmas  by John MacArthur

Schulz Wanted Bible in Charlie Brown Christmas by Mark Moring

Christmas Is for Those Who Hate It Most by Matt B. Redmond

Why is X Used when it Replaces Christ in Christmas? by R.C. Sproul

Ten Questions to Ask at a Christmas Gathering  by Donald S. Whitney

Books Vs E-Books Infographic

Feces Infographic

This morning a friend e-mailed me this nifty fact sheet. I never knew how amazing caterpillars, rabbits, and elephants are. I had three cups of coffee today, but none of which was civet coffee. However, I bought a bag of civet coffee beans on a trip to Vietnam a few years ago. Good stuff.

Reviewing Kathryn O'Brien's I'd Be Your Princess

 In Kathryn O'Brien's I'd Be Your Princess, a little girl imagines to be a princess and her father plays along and praises her for her Godly Character. With the exception of the first page, Bible verses are found on every page. There are eight verses from the New Testament and six are from the Old Testament. The colorful illustrations are outstanding. I like how the dad has dark hair, but the girl has blond hair. The people found in the drawings come from all walks of life - different professions, attire, ethnic backgrounds, etc. Unfortunately, Jesus is never mentioned in this 2005 ECPA Gold Medallion Book Award Winner, and only one verse is from the Gospels. I find that quite disappointing so I emphasize to Rose and Grace (ages 8 and 5) that in order to be humble, loving, generous, and all the things the Bible states we should be, Jesus needs to be our Lord and Savior.

Coffee and Cavities

Earlier today I was excited to learn that the coffee grinder I ordered 2 days ago arrived at our home safe and sound. Unfortunately late this afternoon the dentist told me I had four cavities and a cracked filling. Instead of getting upset, I choose to enjoy a hot cup of joe with my new teeth.

Thanksgiving Messages 2010

Abraham Lincoln Offers Thanksgiving to God by Randy Alcorn

What are your thoughts on celebrating God during the Thanksgiving holiday? by John MacArthur

Why Thanksgiving Matters by Albert Mohler

Thanksgiving  by R.C. Sproul

Floating Water Vapor

During my trip to Malaysia earlier this month, I was captivated by the blue skies and the amazing array of clouds. Blue skies are not common in Tianjin, and clouds like these simply can't be seen in these neck of the woods.

Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge?           Job 37:16

Saving His Brother's Life

Ryan Arnold saved his brother Chad's life by donating part of his liver - but died doing it

By PAULINE ARRILLAGA

                                                                                                                                                            By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 1 John 3:16

Bathroom Signs

Several days ago I had the opportunity to visit another international school, and I was very impressed with their facility. I especially liked their creative signs outside of their bathrooms. This school not only does a wonderful job of integrating art, English, health, math, science, and social studies into dynamic lessons in the classrooms, but they are even reaching the students during the passing periods. Signs like these need to be posted at every bathroom in the world!

Reviewing Kenneth O Gangel's Called To Teach

Dr. Gangel was one of the most significant Christian educators in the last century. A leader in Christian education for over forty years, he wrote or edited nearly sixty books. He strongly believed that studying God and His Word are the foundations of Christian education. Dr. Gangel stated, "If there is no integration of faith and learning, there is no Christian education." This was a man that was driven by the gospel and truly lived out his philosophy of education.

In Dr. Gangel's 186-page book, Called To Teach, he provides a compilation of 18 keynote addresses that he delivered from 1978 to 1995 at ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) conventions. Although the book covers some of the practical aspects of teaching, Called To Teach focuses more on the what and why of Christian teaching. The book provides a great deal of Scripture and highlights important events in the history of ACSI. I did not always agree with Dr. Gangel's interpretation of the Bible and felt he could have quoted more theologically sound people, but I still believe Called To Teach can help teachers teach Biblically. It is of the utmost importance that teachers teach Biblically integrated units, but many teachers simply do not understand how to do this. There are many teachers who believe adding a Bible verse to a lesson is Biblical integration. Dr. Gangel shows us that this is not Biblical integration.

Another issue related to improving instruction is that educators often forget that all teachers, not just Bible teachers, are to share the message of Jesus with others. However, Biblical teaching must permeate everything. God has called teachers to be different. Dr. Gangel reminds us that teachers are to be His teachers in His school system in His world in preparation for the coming of His Son.

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."                Philippians 3:14 (English Standard Version).

Reviewing Nancy Pearcey's Total Truth

Nancy Pearcey, former scholar for worldview studies at Philadelphia Biblical University's Center for University Studies, wrote Total Truth in 2004. The 512-page Study Guide edition was published the next year and won a Christianity Today Award of Merit and the ECPA Gold Medallion Book Award in the Christian and Society category. Total Truth is one of seven additional books you must choose from to read in order to complete the ACSI Christian Philosophy of Education requirements. It is a book that helps the reader understand how to develop a Biblical worldview and is a follow-up book dealing with the worldview themes in How Now Shall We Live?. Pearcey shows us that there are many, including Christian educators, who are dividing matters into sacred and secular. This is even happening at Christian universities across the United States. Many Christians fail to see that all truth is God's truth. Christianity is not just religious truth, but total truth. I have met in small groups on a couple different occasions to discuss the contents of this book, and more meetings are planned for the future. Total Truth is not light reading and much can be taken from it. I found the last two sections to be more enjoyable than the first two sections primarily because I found the first two sections to contain a lot of information that I have already read. Despite that, I benefited greatly from reading Total Truth and would recommend it to others.

Racist Candy

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Earlier this month some chocolate covered peanuts and raisins at the Kota Kinabalu airport in Malaysia caught my eye. Unfortunately, they're called NIPS which can be a derogatory term for someone of Japanese descent (a shortened version of Nipponese, from the Japanese name for Japan, Nippon). In an attempt to learn more about candy produced from Jack'n'Jill, I discovered that Jack'n'Jill is not the only company using this four-letter word. Nestle makes some hard candy called NIPS. There are Nik-L-Nips syrup-filled wax bottles, and let's not forget about Kraft's Cheese Nips. What up with this? Why everyone be attacking Japanese people? In all seriousness, I feel confident that these companies are using the late Middle English form of the word and not the mid 20th-century version. It's time to nip off to bed now.

Don't Read and Drive

A young Canadian man is charged with careless driving after reading behind the wheel. Unwise.

Books or TV?

Deliberately Uninformed, Relentlessly So (A Rant) by American entrepreneur, author, and public speaker, Seth Godin - "Many people in the United States purchase one or fewer books every year. Many of those people have seen every single episode of American Idol. There is clearly a correlation here...

Mr. President, Please Read My Book!

Book Hurled at President Obama

ABC News' Ann Compton reporting.

A Modern-Day Job

Joni Eareckson Tada on Something Greater than Healing: Now facing breast cancer and chronic pain, the author, speaker, and advocate talks about the blessings of suffering.

Interview by Sarah Pulliam Bailey

How Not to Read the Good Book

The Wrong Way to Read the Bible by David Dorr