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And now…

Posted on by Wick

I went to college from 1999 through 2003. These were pretty awesome years.  I grew, I learned, I played, I loved, and I graduated.  I attended classes where I heard lectures, read books, participated, took tests, and wrote papers.  Parts of it excited me for how God might use my life.  Other parts of it, I’ll confess, I sat through in order to earn my grade and ultimately my diploma.  I learned a lot outside of class during these years, and I would never give up those experiences or opportunities.

That was over a decade ago.

Since then, something in me has transformed.  I have gained a greater context for the need of wisdom and understanding that comes from studying.  I have gained a thirst for reading and learning that I never had in college, and writing regularly has given me the ability to articulate and understand thoughts I skimmed over in college.

All of that to say – I’m going back to school.  Or better put, I’ve gone back to school.wesley

I was drawn to the program of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University.  Many of the places I looked into furthering my education said things along the lines of “Even though you’re serving a church full-time, we’ll help you pursue your Graduate Degree, etc.”  Wesley Seminary seemed to fit better when it came across as, “We know you’re serving a church full-time, and so your coursework and learning experiences will be integrated with the place and people you’re presently serving.”  In the context of a 3(ish) year cohort where I connect with pastors and leaders from all types of churches and backgrounds, it’s already becoming a valuable experience.

Humbling as well.  There are so many people out there doing incredible things as they join in the mission of God.

I suppose what I also want to communicate here is, “It’s not you, it’s me.”  I probably won’t be around much as a “blogger” during these classes.  I might post work from a paper here and there if I feel like it offers my readers (hi mom) something valuable.  But, for the most part, I’ll be doing good if I still say something through here once a month or so.  It hasn’t been “crazy busy” with coursework yet, but I know it’s just beginning.

Most of you have my e-mail address, and I encourage you to stay in touch.  It’s true, I’ve not been on Facebook since last summer.  I will probably even “go dark” on Twitter here in a week or so.  I’m having to re-learn what it’s like to ask people what’s going on in their lives, not assuming I know.  I’m also having to re-learn what it’s like to need to tell people what’s happening in my life.  All of these changes are helping me to be significantly more “present” with those I actually live with, and more purposeful (as I’m re-learning, please be patient) in my communication with those I’m apart from.

We’re still in the midst of our adoption from the DRC (our case is finally in court, hurray!!), and praying for the country to open so that we can bring her home someday soon.  We are also praying for peace, stability of their government, and for the health/redemption of the people and family systems there in the Congo.

No worries…when we bring Phoebe home….you’ll know. 🙂

Thank you for not unsubscribing in disgust.  I promise, there’ll be great stuff to read ahead (well, maybe not great, but nothing worse than what you’ve already read….hopefully?).  God is moving in my family, in my life, and in our community.  I’m praying He continues what He began…and believe this is a neat step in that direction.  Thanks for your prayers!!

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How to Make Fans & Influence People

Posted on by Wick

I grew up in Michigan, and bleed red for my Detroit Redwings.  I still have love for the Hawks and Blues.  I’d love to see a “Hawks/Blues vs. Wings” Stanley Cup Final series someday.  I’m even training my daughters to love hockey, and they’re constantly asking me throughout the season how the team is doing.  My oldest daughter melted my heart recently when she used the name “Datsuk” in a large game of charades some families were playing.

I’ve been wanting to take my girls to watch a local hockey game, ever since hearing the “Decatur Blaze” had come to town.  Even though it was a church-night, I headerdecided to try it once last month.  We were all bundled up, and ready for action.  At an inexpensive $5/person, I wasn’t too worried if they ended up getting too tired to stay for the whole game.  On the way in, the friendly woman selling tickets asked my girls if they were staying after the game to skate with the players?  Giant smiles on their faces, they looked at me.  As if I had any power to deny.

As it turns out, the team Decatur Blaze was supposed to face Saturday night had their franchise folded suddenly on Friday morning.  Instead of locking the doors for the weekend, the Blaze wanted to use the opportunity to offer something special to their fans.  A black/white scrimmage was put together, with plenty of fun and talented puck handling.  The atmosphere was still pretty exciting for a fan-base that was cheering for and against the same team, ultimately.  Our girls chose the black team, and were not disappointed.  Even though it was obviously a bit more fun than competitive, there was still some great puck handling and teamwork.  Watch out for these future stars, like # 95 from Illinois, Micah Young, or Slovenian #11, Luka Znidarsic.  We even had some great local talent represented, in #52 Ty Gehrken and #58 Ryan Redpath.

The night was made even sweeter, as my girls were invited to come help collect the “Chuck-A-Pucks” between periods.  Getting on the ice, and seeing the Zamboni made them even more excited to skate after the game.  So when the time finally came, close to 9pm (keep in mind, these girls usually head to bed around 7:30), they were first in line for their skates.

Here’s the problem:  I was skating solo that night.  My wife was attending the local production of “Peter Pan” with her parents, and I was pretending to be the image1(7)responsible adult that night.  How could I juggle three girls who’ve never skated before?  As we walked awkwardly toward the ice, my girls and I had no idea what to expect.   The loud music and low lights seemed fun, but also very distracting.  That’s when the first hand reached out.  Wearing #88, and coming all the way from Belfast, UK, Gareth Smyth instantly become a part of my daughters’ life.  For the next hour, I successfully navigated caring for all three girls, and even took some pictures/video to prove it.  Whenever one of them struggled away from me, there was usually a helpful Blaze jersey skating nearby.

As 10pm approached, I knew my girls needed to head to bed soon or they’d never make it to church in the morning.  Being the responsible father that I am, I spoiled the party, and promised we’d skate again soon.  As my girls skated around in their dreams that night, they’d solidified their love both for ice skating, and for a sport who’s players show heart both between buzzers, and after the game.