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

Five Ways Our Minivan Drew Me to Christ

I was blessed to drive some decent vehicles before moving overseas in 2002. Courtesy of my parents, I drove a Chevy Camaro during high school and part of my college years, and later they gave me a first-generation two-door S-10 Blazer. The first wheels I purchased was a Chevy Silverado, which my dad wisely sold when I was in China. When we moved back to Indiana last summer (the kiddos had actually never lived outside of China), my pops gifted us with a 97 hunter green Plymouth Voyager minivan, a.k.a., the Wickmobile. I'm extremely thankful my dad (and my in-laws) gave us some transpo. Our transition back to the States was met with some challenges, but having working vehicles certainly made life a whole lot easier.

At the start of this month, it was time to end an era and part ways with the Wickmobile. I don't want to sound like an ungrateful wretch, but like me, she had some issues. Despite this, God used her to draw me to Christ in several ways. Let me explain.

1. Humility – The Wickmobile could spend some more time in the shop. This summer, the blower motor went out, so that meant no AC and heat. The headliner is sagging in multiple locations, and the wheels always made some unique sounds that I couldn't figure out how to fix.

2. Joy – Inside the Wickmobile, we experienced the joy of the Lord by listening to Christian music via the radio. The Wickmobile has a vintage cassette player, and this joy would have only increased had I not donated all of my MC Hammer tapes. 

3. Kindness – Sometimes I was asked to deliver or pick up items by way of the Wickmobile. I’ve also been able to pick up a couple of large pieces of furniture that Megan selected for our home. I’m such a kind guy.

4. Prayer – Although this didn't happen very often in recent months, there was a time when the Wickmobile would occasionally be in the middle of the road and just stop running. I'm confident that my constant prayers were being heard.

5. Strength – Crank windows, power locks that didn’t always work, and having to remove two rows of heavy seats to haul items - my 150-pound Spirit-filled temple was definitely being used as a living sacrifice.

Every so often, I would shake my head and wonder how I ended up driving a twenty-year-old minivan. Although the Wickmobile isn't something you'll find on the cover of Car and Driver, she definitely drew me to Christ.

Eight Reasons Why Fishing is Da Bomb Diggity

Last year, I lived in a Chinese city with an urban population of nearly 13 million. That's the population of the entire state of Indiana times two. Now I live in a "city" of 120,000. Life has changed a wee bit. One of the countless changes that have taken place is that I'm surrounded by less concrete and a lot more greenery and places to fish. Change can be hard, but I really like this change. Family and close friends know that I enjoy being in the woods and that I'm often seeking out water bodies to cast a line. So what's the big deal about fishing? Below are eight reasons why I think fishing is da bomb diggity.

1. I like the quiet. I'm not a fan of noise and crowds, and living overseas for so many years probably made me more introverted.

2. I like the pace. Sometimes life feels a little hectic when you have a million responsibilities screaming for your attention, so fishing provides a little relaxation.

3. I like the sport. Fishing can require a certain level of skill - what lure to select, where to cast, when to fish, and how to reel are all to be considered.

4. I like the strike. Fishing requires some patience, but when a big fish hits, it's all worth it!

5. I like what I'm learning. I'm constantly learning about new fishing techniques, terms, bait, equipment, locations, species, and more.

6. I like who I meet. Fishing has allowed me to build relationships and, surprisingly, given me opportunities to have deep conversations about tough topics.

7. I like creating memories. I love watching my brother pull in a big fat channel catfish, or when Josiah Lee gets excited when he catches a tiny green sunfish.

8. I like the time to pray and reflect. Sometimes when I fish, I'll take a break and read Scripture, and I frequently pray and think about this amazing life we live.

Fishing isn't really a big deal, but it is definitely a blessing that I thank God for. If you've never been fishing or your pole has been collecting dust, unplug and find some water. I'm sure it can be a blessing to you as well.

So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, Genesis 1:21a

This evening, I caught this largemouth bass on a Strike King gizzard shad crankbait.

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

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

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

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

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.

Reviewing Ryan Haack's Different is Awesome!

In case you didn't know, my son Josiah Lee was born with only his right hand. Because of that, I'm often looking for resources for people with limb differences. Megan purchased this 30+ page book, Different is Awesome!, so we could read it to Josiah Lee and show him that others like him don't have two hands. The book is written for children ages four to eight years old and contains fun and colorful artwork from cartoonist Wes Molebash.

The story of Different is Awesome! takes place in an elementary classroom. A little boy named Joey brings his older brother Ryan to show and tell. The story is actually a real-life experience of the author's. It emphasizes how everyone has challenges in life, but having one hand doesn't mean you won't be able to accomplish much - life's tasks might just need to be done differently. The students ask Ryan various questions, such as if he can tie his shoes, ride a bicycle, and play baseball. Joey notices that each person who asks his brother a question is a little different. He has classmates of different sizes, skin color, and facial features. The story concludes with author Ryan Haack stating that being different is awesome.

If you have a young child with a limb difference or know of a child with a limb difference, I highly recommend getting them this book. It would definitely make a great addition to a children's library. You can learn more about this Jim Abbott-endorsed book at http://www.livingonehanded.com/differentisawesome/.

Happy Birthday to my Father-in-Law

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Six Most Popular Facebook Pictures in 2016

Below are my most popular Facebook (via Instagram) pictures taken during 2016. Five of them include a little guy named Josiah Lee, and three of them were taken at birthday celebrations. All of them include smiles. If you want more, here are my most popular Facebook photos from 2015.

And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13

After living in China for a few years (19 for Megan & 13 for me), we moved back to Indiana - this time with three kids.

I ran into one of my former sixth graders at my birthday celebration at the Frankfort Great China Buffet. He grew.

Our last visit to the Great Wall of China (near Beijing)

Megan took this fun birthday pic when Josiah Lee turned the big five.

Rosalie turned 14 this summer, & Grandma Downs made a special birthday cheesecake that was super yummy!

There were many tears during the season, but Josiah Lee enjoyed being a Red Shark this day.

My Six Most Popular Posts in 2016

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

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

Wick's 2016 Highlights

2016 was a year of major changes. Some of the changes were challenging, but they were also good. Read below. Here are past Wickersham highlights: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, & 2015.

January - I preach my last sermon at Tianjin International Fellowship: Psalm 8. Praise, worship, and bring glory to God.

February - After a 13-year break, I return to coaching a high school girls' soccer team. Go Lady Eagles!

March - We visit Grace Noel's orphanage in Hubei Province and meet her foster mother. It's hard to believe it has been ten years.

April - We accidentally leave Rosalie's $3600 French horn in a taxi, but it's returned to us a few days later. We're thankful for the police and our Chinese friends. Why are French horns so crazy expensive?!

May - I accept a new position as a 6th-9th grade assistant principal at Evansville Christian School (ECS). God is good.

June - We leave Tianjin and move to Newburgh, Indiana. I started driving a 1997 Plymouth minivan.

July - We drive to Florida and attend a family wedding. It's great to catch up with those we haven't seen in a long time.

August - Rosalie tries a new sport, cross country, Grace Noel makes the 5th-6th grade soccer team at ECS, and Josiah Lee joins Newburgh Youth Soccer as a Red Shark.

September - Megan and I speak about our Tianjin lives to a group of Chinese at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. It's good for us to be able to connect with the Chinese in the Evansville community.

October - The University of Southern Indiana (USI) hires Megan as an ESL instructor. Go Screaming Eagles!

November - I start coaching soccer players at the Metro Sports Center and decide to start playing on a team. The knees aren't the same, but I can still kick a ball.

December - Megan gets hired as an ESL instructor at Vincennes University. We owe a few people a debt of gratitude.

Reviewing Kevin DeYoung's The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is a 32-page booklet by Kevin DeYoung, pastor of a reformed church in Michigan. It was published by The Gospel Coalition almost six years ago, and I believe it's one of 14 booklets produced by this broadly reformed network of churches that champions the gospel. I've read a couple of Pastor DeYoung's books, and once again, I did not come away disappointed. The Holy Spirit has just three chapters:

1. The Holy Spirit in All the Bible
2. Who is the Holy Spirit?
3. The Work of the Holy Spirit

The second chapter consists of three sections (see below) and is very short, like the first chapter.
1. A person
2. God
3. Distinct from the Father and Son

The third chapter is the bulk of the book and is organized in the following fashion:
1. The Holy Spirit Convicts
2. The Holy Spirit Converts
3. The Holy Spirit Applies
4. The Holy Spirit Glorifies
5. The Holy Spirit Sanctifies
6. The Holy Spirit Equips
7. The Holy Spirit Promises

The book concludes with 21 endnotes and a description of The Gospel Coalition. If you want a better understanding of this often forgotten member of the Trinity, check out Kevin DeYoung's The Holy Spirit. The book is filled with Scripture and Scripture references, and it can help us better understand the person and powerful work of the Helper that Jesus promised His followers.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26

Reviewing Paul Washer's Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church

Paul Washer's 55-page booklet, Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church, is a free Kindle download I picked up four years ago. It's actually a sermon he preached at a conference in Atlanta nearly a decade ago. Although I found the book to be a good read, I could see many Christians being offended by Washer's direct charges against the American church. Paul Washer was a missionary in Peru for ten years, and today he preaches passionately against false gospels. After a brief introduction, the Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church is organized in the following chapters:

1. A Denial of the Sufficiency of Scripture
2. An Ignorance of God
3. A Failure to Address Man's Malady
4. An Ignorance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
5. An Unbiblical Gospel Invitation
6. An Ignorance Regarding the Nature of the Church
7. A Lack of Compassionate Church Discipline
8. A Silence on Separation
9. A Replacement of the Scriptures Regarding the Family
10. Pastors Malnourished in the Word of God

The book concludes with a brief mention of Chapel Library Resources and 45 endnotes. The Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church will take maybe a little over an hour to read, and it's not for those who are looking for a positive message and a pat on the back. However, if you are seeking something with lots of Scripture and much to ponder, I recommend checking out the book.

Reviewing Trace Wilson's Uniquely Me

Since Josiah Lee was born with one hand, Megan saw the importance of purchasing Trace Wilson's Uniquely Me. Last year, Uniquely Me was written by Trace Wilson, a marketing student who was born with only a left hand (Josiah Lee has a right hand). The story consists of 24 pages and is geared towards those who are four to eight years old. Words are found on just over half of the pages, and the book contains very colorful pictures from illustrator Ana Sebastian. The children in the story are different from one another, although if you're looking for a book that contains kids from every ethnic group, you'll need to go elsewhere.

As far as the story itself, it is not the same as Different is Awesome, another children's book with a person who was born with only one hand. I like both books for different reasons. Something I like about Uniquely Me is how it's a story of a young child, whereas Different is Awesome is focused on someone who appears to be in high school or college. Uniquely Me's story concerns a little boy who one day notices his friends have two hands. This starts him on a special journey to figure out why he wasn't born with two hands. Four wild animals help him come to understand that we are all uniquely made.

We're thankful for Trace Wilson and those who supported him in writing Uniquely Me. Uniquely Me is a great book for families with children with limb differences and would be a wonderful addition to any children's library. We're thankful Josiah Lee is growing up during a time and in a culture where he can be taught that there was no mistake in how he was created.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14

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 C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1898, Clive Staples (C.S.) Lewis wrote more than 30 books, several of which are classics of children's fantasy literature and Christian apologetics. You'll find C.S. Lewis on the lists of greatest 20th-century writers, and rarely will you not find Mere Christianity at or near the top of the most influential Christian book lists. I read the theological classic as part of a book study soon after moving to China back in 2003. Mere Christianity is less than 200 pages and is divided into four books:

1. Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe (five chapters focused on the law of human nature)
2. What Christians Believe (1942 - five chapters that include rival conceptions of God)
3. Christian Behaviour (1943 - twelve chapters covering topics such as marriage, forgiveness, hope, and faith)
4. Beyond Personality: Or First Steps in the Doctrine of the Trinity (1944 - eleven chapters comprising of time, the cost of following Christ, and more)

The books were originally given as a series of BBC radio broadcasts during World War II in which C.S. Lewis provides much-needed answers to complex questions for both believers and nonbelievers. If you have any interest in learning about the fundamentals of the Christian worldview, it is explained sensibly and logically in Mere Christianity. Some, such as the late Chuck Colson, have stated that the book was instrumental in helping them know Christ. If you have an interest in apologetics or you consider yourself to be an intelligent skeptic, I recommend checking out Lewis's Mere Christianity. It is a significant piece of work that has impacted many.

For a more in-depth look at Mere Christianity, check out this outline provided by the C.S. Lewis Society of California.

Reviewing Eric Liddell's The Disciplines of the Christian Life

Nearly seven years ago, I read an outstanding biography of Eric Liddell, the Olympic gold medalist whose life story inspired the 1981 "Best Picture," Chariots of Fire. I found Liddell's story to be of great interest since he served in my former home of Tianjin, China, during the first half of the 20th century. When Christianaudio made The Disciplines of the Christian Life available for free four years ago, I quickly downloaded it. I started listening to the book this year as part of my morning devotions, and it took no time to complete it.

Eric Liddell wrote The Disciplines of the Christian Life to help Christians grow in Christ through daily Bible study and prayer. Below you'll find the foundational topics showing that Liddell starts with discipleship. He gives a Bible reading plan with a recommended reading for each day of the year, with the readings organized into 12 chapters for each month of the year. Knowledge is not just given, but practical ways to live for God's glory. The Disciplines of the Christian Life is simple and straightforward, but should stir up some emotion. Prior to hearing Liddell's thoughts, Herbert S. Long provides us with information concerning how the book came about.

A Word by Herbert S. Long 15:30
Preface 30:56

Part Two: A Year of Discipleship:

1. January: God the Nature of God 8:40
2. February: The Life of Jesus 5:55
3. March: The Life of Jesus Continued: The Cross 10:40
4. April: God's Moral Law - The Law and Sin 9:56 
5. May: The Character of Jesus - Jesus Our Example 7:56
6. June: The Kingdom of God - The Kingdom of Heaven 9:15
7. July: God is Love 9:40
8. August: The Life of Paul - The Act of the Apostles 5:54
9. September: The Epistle to the Romans - Paul's Gospel - The Face of Christ, A Face for the World 11:25
10. October: The Holy Spirit 10:12
11. November: Victory, Victory Over Temptation 9:07
12. December: The Fellowship, The Church 8:17

Part Three: The Disciple and the Church 2:21

• Baptism - The Symbol 4:00 
• The Communion of the Lord's Supper 11:58
• The Three Great Festivals of the Church - Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving 6:29

If you want to hear from a servant of strong convictions who ran for Jesus, I recommend The Disciplines of the Christian Life. The paperback is only 160 pages, should you choose to read it.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

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

Moving From Tianjin to Evansville

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

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

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

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

Xie xie.

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

"Name That Chip!": Spring Edition

In the latest edition of "Name That Chip!", we tried three unique flavas: Cucumber, Lime, and Finger Licking Braised Pork. I've seen these flavors for some time, but I never really had the urge to try them. Below is what world-famous food critics Rose and Grace thought about the chips.

Rose...
Cucumber: They are sort of plain. I personally don’t like them.

Lime: They taste kind of like a lemon, but salty and good.

Finger Licking Braised Pork: They are very salty and personally my favorite between the three chips.

Grace...
Cucumber: I thought they were okay. They are definitely better than the yogurt-flavored chips we had back in December. Three stars.

Lime: These chips were just okay, too. They were limey, so I didn't like them too much. Two stars.

Finger Licking Braised Pork: They were delicious!!!!! I give them 5 stars. They taste like any other kind of meat flavor. Delicious!!!!!

So there you have it. It sounds like fruit and veggie flavored chips can't compete with meat flavored chips. I have to agree.

Reviewing dc Talk and VOMs' Jesus Freaks

Jesus Freaks is a book that I've recommended to my sixth graders for many years. The nearly 400-page book was published in 1999 and was reprinted two years ago. A second volume was published in 2002. Although Jesus Freaks has a low readability and is targeted to American teenagers, new adult believers might want to consider using the Gold Medallion-nominated book as a devotional. Perhaps some will consider the topic of persecuted Christians as an odd choice for a devotional; however, I believe reading the historical accounts of those who have been martyred can be powerfully encouraging.

Jesus Freaks starts with introductions from the members of DC Talk, a super popular Christian band in the 90s. An introduction from the former director of the Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) is also provided. Approximately 150 personal testimonies and moving quotes were taken from VOM archives, and dozens of profiles of martyred figures are presented. Reading these summaries of Christian persecutions can show us how easy we often have it and stir us to unashamedly live out our faith. We need more books that tell young people how hard life can be, but that we have a life-giving Savior who provides all our needs.

40 pages of Jesus Freaks are dedicated to explaining where persecution is taking place today - restricted nations as well as hostile areas. Each country has a brief prayer request, and another four pages explain what we can do. The thick paperback ends with endnotes, a list of resources about martyrs, alphabetical and chronological indexes, and information about dc Talk and VOM. If you're looking for a book for teens that contains gripping stories of truth with Scripture sprinkled throughout (several versions are quoted), I recommend Jesus Freaks. 

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Matthew 5:11

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)

Reviewing The Early Reader's Bible

The Early Reader's Bible was a Bible we bought for Rose for her 6th birthday. Zondervan advertises the Bible for those who are 4-8 or in preschool up to third grade; however, I wouldn't recommend the Bible for seven or eight-year-olds who have strong reading skills.

Here are some of the many great features of the Bible:

• The 525-page Bible isn't big (6 x 7 inches or 16 x 18 centimeters), so little ones won't have trouble carrying it. 
• The pictures are colorful and are found throughout the book.
• The pictures of the crucifixion and people complaining or crying are age-appropriate. 
• The titles of the 64 stories are big and bold and are based on standard American public school word lists. 
• A list of the stories, 250 basic words, and 230 new words is found in the back of the book.
• No more than five new words are used in any story, and usually, a smaller number is used. Words as simple as bread and paper, and less common names such as Jairus and Onesimus, are found on the new word list. 
• Each story ends with a "something to ask" section and a "something to do" section. Questions include: 

1. How did God make the bad water become good water?
2. Who did the shepherds see?
3. How can you show Jesus that you love Him?
4. What can you do for a friend when he hurts?

What do I not like?

• Only Scripture references and not actual Bible verses are provided under the titles.
• There isn't a whole lot of diversity amongst the people. Unfortunately, I've seen this problem in a few children's Bibles.

Despite the criticisms, I still think this Bible can help children know the Son of Man. I recommend having your child add some color (don't forget the freckles) to a few of the people and adding a NIrV Bible verse each time a story is read.

Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

"Name That Chip!": Chinese New Year Edition

This evening, I hopped on my mountain bike to make a chip and liquid refreshment run. Almost everything was closed since it was the first day of the Chinese New Year, but the local 7-Eleven had its doors open. I found a few chip flavas that we had never consumed, so I spent the big bucks in order for us to play another game of "Name That Chip!". Prior to watching Woodlawn (which I highly recommend), I introduced mi familia to three new chip flavas: lemon chicken, green tea, and bacon sausage. Megan was the first to figure out the Lay's lemon chicken flava. Chalk it up to her culinary expertise. The Lay's green tea chips were straight up nasty, but somehow Rose was eventually able to decipher the green tea nastiness. I like green tea, but my recent green tea exploration has been quite disappointing. The bacon sausage Pringles were a hit, and Rose was able to taste the crispy, salty, and delicious. I was really surprised to see this flava in the store and hope China will make more porklicious products. Go China. Despite the funkiness of the green tea chips, the lemon chicken and bacon sausage chips made this edition of "Name That Chip!" an enjoyable experience. Xin Nian Kuai le!

Lay's green tea chips are just wrong.

Bacon sausage Pringles make Josiah and me so happy.

China isn't afraid to try new chip flavas. Some are yum while others taste like scum.

Adoption Books I've Reviewed

Because I have three kiddos adopted from China (Tianjin, Henan Province, and Hubei Province), I've read and reviewed more than a dozen books about adoption. Most of these books are for children; however, parents who've adopted or those who have a heart for orphans could certainly benefit from reading the books. If that happens to be you, check out the links below.

• Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families & Churches by Russell D. Moore 
• At Home in this World...a China adoption story by Jean Macleod
• Happy Adoption Day! by John McCutcheon
• Hello, I Love You: Adventures in Adoptive Fatherhood by Ted Kluck
• I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose A. Lewis
• The Lost Daughters of China: Adopted Girls, Their Journey to America, and the Search for a Missing Past by Karin Evans
• My Mei Mei by Ed Young
• Our Adoption in Christ: What it Means for Us and for Orphans by Dan Cruver and Jason Kovacs
• Over the Moon: An Adoption Tale by Karen Katz
• Shaoey and Dot by Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman
• Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis
• Three Names of Me by Mary Cummings
• Welcome Home, Forever Child: A Celebration of Children Adopted as Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Beyond by Christine Mitchell
• Zachary's New Home: A Story for Foster and Adopted Children by Geraldine M. & Paul B. Blomquist

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27

Ten Cool Facts About Tianjin, China

Although I’m not a city person, I’m thankful to have lived in the metropolis of Tianjin for nearly 13 years. A lot of people knock Tianjin for being crowded and polluted, but there are a lot of cool things about this city. Below are ten cool facts about the city where I reside.

1. Did you know that worldatlas.com ranks Tianjin as the 30th largest city in the world (when including the immediate suburbs)? Tianjin’s nine million people make it bigger than London, Bangkok, Toronto, Rome, and even my giant muscles. When I moved to Tianjin in 2003, it was ranked as the 20^th largest city in the world.

2. The Tianjin Olympic Centre Stadium cost 230 million dollars to build and has a seating capacity of nearly 55,000 people. We rode our bikes to the stadium to watch some 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches and 2008 Olympic soccer preliminaries. We ride in style.

3. The Tianjin World Financial Center is over 1100 feet high (335+ meters) and has 79 floors. It’s taller than the Chrysler Building in New York, which used to be the tallest building in the world (currently the third tallest in NY). That be one tall building.

4. Tianjin is constructing a building called the Goldin Finance 117. The building is expected to be nearly 2000 feet (610 meters) and 117 stories. When it’s completed, it will be the fifth-tallest building in the world. That be one crazy tall building!

5. The Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway is a high-speed rail between China’s capital and Tianjin. The 70+ mile rail (117 kilometers) has bullet trains going over 200 mph (330 km/h) and makes the Beijing-Tianjin trip only 30 minutes. That's faster than even me.

6. The Tianjin Radio and Television Tower cost 45 million dollars to build and is the eighth-tallest tower in the world. It used to be the third-tallest tower in the world and is ten meters higher than Beijing’s tower. Go Tianjin!

7.  The Tianjin Eye is the sixth-tallest Ferris wheel in the world and holds the distinction of being the only Ferris Wheel constructed over a bridge. When it was completed in 2008, only three Ferris wheels were taller than it. This ain’t no 4-H Ferris wheel.

8. The St. Joseph Cathedral in the former French concession of Tianjin was built over one hundred years ago and holds mass every morning. There is even an English service every Sunday, and a Starbucks is right next to the historical relic. I like Starbucks, but why are they taking over the world?

9. Puyi, the last emperor of China, used to make downtown Tianjin his home. Several years ago, I visited Puyi’s pad, the Garden of Serenity, where he lived in the late 1920s to early 1930s. It’s a beautiful home combining Spanish and Chinese architecture.

10. Olympic champion Eric Liddell was also a resident of Tianjin. His gold medal performance in the 400 meters at Paris can be seen in the Oscar-winning film, Chariots of Fire. Check out one of his homes at 38 Chongqing Dao.

How Majestic is His Name!

How Majestic is His Name! (Psalm 8) from Mark Wickersham