Bick's Quicks

Olivia 12 for 12

Olivia has punctuated our life with joy, happiness and blessing.  As the last addition to the Bicks5 she has made her presence known and enriched our lives.  Anyone who has ever met "Liv" knows her engaging personality, smile and infectious enthusiasm are a force to behold.  Here are twelve things I love about my "little"

 

 

1. She is passionate-if she's doing something she's all in.

2. She is creative and loves to imagine new ways of doing something.

3. She does her homework way, I mean WAY in advance. She is the first and only child to have this characteristic.  I'm praying she maintains it throughout her education career.

4. She is sensitive, sweet and caring.

5. She is generous and giving.

6. She loves to read and is easily absorbed by good stories.  

7. For many years she was my traveling buddy on my days off.  We still like to say; "Tomorrow we Spend!"

8. She is a great conversationalist and knows how to connect with people of all ages.

9. She wants my 88' Honda Prelude when she turns 16.

10. We play basketball together.

11. She frequently initiates a dinnertime conversation by saying: Dad, would you rather.......

12. She will forever be my "Little"

(disclaimer-Olivia's birthday was yesterday--this post is a day late because we were busy preparing for her party of 20+ 6th Grade friends and putting her basketball goal together)

 

Silent No More

There are times when it is wise to stay out of the public and political fray.  I'm often reminded that Jesus used silence as a response.  There are also times when we should add our voice and speak out on matters that are important.  

A few of my Pastor friends and Christian Organizations have posted links detailing the horrific case involving Dr. Kermit Gosnell of Philadelphia.  The atrocities are simply unimaginable, shocking and sickening.  

The story isn't receiving wide spread major media attention.  An excellent documentary details the case which you should take the time to view.

As Christians feel compelled to speak out it's important to remember that as we do many of the women who are in our congregations, gospel communities, who are our Facebook Friends may have experienced abortion personally.  In our efforts to stand for life we must also stand for and with those who have been marked by this horrific tragedy.  

We must remind them of the good news of the Gospel: that God loves them and sent Jesus to forgive, redeem, heal and restore all who trust him.  The women who have had an abortion often suffer in silence.

As a much younger pastor I spoke about abortion, while serving a congregation in Texas.  My prayer was that the message would bring hope, help and healing to those who have experienced this trauma.  My prayer now is the same--that the women, their husbands and children would find hope in Jesus as this story unfolds.

May God heal us and our nation, and may the Church point to Jesus in all of this horrible mess.

Download Silent No More

 

Emily 18 for 18

My first little girl turns 18 today.  I remember her arrival day, her curly hair, pleasant smile and that she slept through the night.  She later found her voice and her way into our hearts and lives.  

It's been a delight watching her become a lovely young woman and we've been very blessed to have her in our family.  Here are the 18 things I love about my "peanut".

1. She loves watching football with me in the big blue chair--our team may not win often but we enjoy some good quality daddy and daughter time.

2. She has a strong sense of justice--she is an advocate for what's right and good and is finding a way to be an advocate for truth.

3. Her laugh is infectious and her smile lights up a room--she brings great joy to us thorugh her sense of humor and outlook on life.

4. She is a great conversationalist--she is able to carry on conversations with anyone and carries herself well, she's smart, funny and engaging.

5. She is dilligent and committed--during a particularly challenging Junior year in high school she worked hard at learning what she needed to know to excel and succeed in the classroom.  There were many late nights and early mornings--way to go Em!

6. She is a great dancer.

7. She likes steak medium rare, just the way it should be.

8. She loves little kids and they love her--I know she'll do well in her chosen profession, Elementary Education.

9. She's not fast or slow but steady--those who know her know that she is dependable and she'll do what she says, always.

10. She is an intense and passionate competitor--when we moved to Webster Groves she joined the volleyball team.  Each year she grew in skill and had great success as a Senior, earning the Statesmen Award.

11. Texas Forever--(thanks Tim Riggins)

12. She loves to bake and I get to sample the goodies.

13. She is sensitive, caring and thoughtful--she asks how people are doing and takes time to listen.

14. She still sits on my lap.

15. She is reflective and takes time to think--quality "me" time is a neccesity for her.

16. She is respected and admired by her Teachers and other Adults who know her--it's a huge compliment to hear that from others.

17. She has not settled in her standards for a guy who will one day have privlege of dating her.

18. She still calls me daddy.

 

Love you baby Ems!