The Wilkes Team

How encouraging it is to come across men and woman in our world today who are willing to stand up for the cause of the weak, poor, and needy……..the cause of Christ. They are an encouragement to stand in the gap (Ezek. 22:30). One such man is Representative Sam Johnson from Texas. Just last week he came before the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capital in support of our soldiers in harms way in Iraq. Setting aside whether or not the United States should of entered this war, there is a call to finish strongly what you have begun. Rep. Johnson sees this. A former Vietnam War POW, he recognizes the inviolable need of support and faithfulness. 

Rich with American patriotism, his speech verberated the need for teamwork as he reminisced of his time in a Vietnam prison. He said, “We pledged to quit griping about the way the government was running the war in Vietnam and do something about it. We decided that we would run for office and try to make America a better place for all…….The pain inflicted by your country’s indifference is tenfold that inflicted by your ruthless captors…..We must stick by them (our troups). We must support them all the way…To our troops we must remain…always faithful. God bless you and I salute you all. Thank you.” I would encourage you to read his complete speech, here.

3 Comments » | posted in HIS-story, On the Issues

Ladies and gentlemen, we have an official anouncement to make! Though it cannot be traced back to an official date of origination, February 23rd hosts a number of special yearly traditions. Perhaps some of these not so well known yearly holidays were begun by eager farmers who were in great need of selling their crops (ie. National Potato Day or National Carrot Day ) or maybe by those with too much time on their hands (…….no comment please ). Nevertheless, February 23rd stands as official ‘Banana Bread Day.’

Our local weatherman, who we call up almost daily to hear his recorded daily forecast, informed us of today’s holiday early this morning. So in the spirit of good family fun and memory making, our favorite cook, Mom, baked up another one of her famous batches of banana bread (in the form of delectable, quaint muffins). So, with that said, my 4 favorite cooks would like to share one of their favorite recipies for Banana Bread! We’re sure you will enjoy!

Sunrise Banana Muffins (taken from one of Mom’s favorite cook books, the “No-Guesswork Cooking.”)

1. 3 Medium bananas (1 3/4 C. mashed)
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2. 2 Eggs
3. 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
4. 1/3 Cups Oil
5. 1/2 cup of honey (we actually did without on this today)
6. 2 Tbsp Buttermilk (this actually equals 1oz!)
   _____________________________
7. 2 cups whole wheat flour
8. 1 Tbsp Baking Powder
9. 1/2 tsp Salt
10. 1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
    _____________________________
11. 1/4 cup Pecans (for those who prefer a more crunchy and nutty taste)

Now, Add all the wet ingredients (section 2) to your mashed bananas. In a seperate bowl combine the dry ingredients and then add to liquid mixture. Mix with a spoon until smooth. If using nuts, fold them into the batter at this time. Then divide the batter into greased muffin pans and bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

Fun, A-peal-ing Banana Tid Bits:

Did you know that the banana is actually the world’s largest herb, and is a member of the lily family? (Luke 12:27 Consider the lilies how they grow…)

For some timely advice on storing bananas, please visit our favorite family blog site, www.staddonfamily.com and go to the Banana Post!

May you enjoy many more fun Banana Bread Days!

Scrumptously Yours, The Wilkes Team cooks……and their eager supporters! “…every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”

 For more exciting information and pictures of the banana plant, go to Dole5ADay.

6 Comments » | posted in Recipes, Sunny-Side Up

This past month Dad has been really encouraging us  to think. He has been giving riddles and math equations for us to think about. I am grateful that I have a Dad that helps me think.

Here are some riddles for you to figure out:

1.I,am a little, red fruit,
And I start with C;
George Washing with a axe,
Once chopped down my tree.

2.I mean to go fast,
And I start with R;
Of course you walk,
And go just as far.

3.My gun just cannot shoot,
But rolles on four wheels;
Alone my dog’s tail,
Tells just how good he feels.

I will post the answers later. Happy thinking – Adam

8 Comments » | posted in Outside the Box

Coming together with like minded believers is so inspiring! We had the joy of going out to the Matich’s home and home church with them this past Sunday. They encouraged us in many ways that day, the first being a very heart challenging time in the word. We studied the command of Christ # 15 ‘Judge Not’. After hearing multiple scripture verses, quotes and questions to examine our own hearts, I believe we all were challenged to think before we act!

James 4:11-12 really jumped off the page to me as one that really goes well with this command so I put it to memory and have been meditating on it the last couple of days.  Did you realize that when you point a finger at someone openly or secretly you are ”trying” to take the place of God? There is only one lawgiver and that is Christ. Who are we to judge? Christ calls us to have a discerning spirit vs. a judgemental spirit. Discernment is the ability to distinguish between what is good and what is evil, in order to make wise decisions. When a difficult situation comes up instead of reacting, put it to prayer and meditation. This cleanses the mind and heart which allows you to respond with the wisdom of God vs. human reasoning. What a rich time we had studying this command!! I would encourage you to look into this Command of Christ coures if you are searching for rich and rewarding results in your Christian walk!

After studying this command together. We opened the floor for everyone to encourage each other with scripture that they had memorized and meditated on recently. What another blessed 45 minutes as scripture was quoted and testimonies shared of how God has opened  hearts to the blessed truths of God’s word. It also encouraged us all to be ready always to have an answer of the hope that lieth in us! We ended our morning time together with a time of joyfull singing and a season of prayer.

We gathered together in the kitchen for lunch and once again had a wonderful time encouraging each other on to righteousness. While eating we enjoyed watching the snow fall on the already 4 inches on the ground! And it was not long before we had some eager young and old people ready to head out and enjoy it   

This was probably the best winter day we have ever had! The weather was not too cold nor hot, there was delightful off and on snow falls, beautiful mountains off in the distants to gaze upon and some amazing hills to sled down which had a thick layer of ice on top of the snow causing you to fly like grease lightning ( as mom put it   ). Now trying to get back up the hills was another story! The thick layer of ice took a lot of determination to climb. We had many good laughs as suddenly you would lose control and end up half way down the hill and have to try to climb again!

We did not stick to the sleds real long though, because we found that sliding down without them was even more thrilling! We made trains, chains and had some amazing downhill sliding races. We ended our time outside with a tour of the Matich’s beautiful land. It was a day we will not forget!

4 Comments » | posted in Family News, Ministry Reports

This past week some good friends of ours, the Hynes, came over for a bible study. Afterwards, we all went outside to go sledding. After a while, Jennifer called out a creative idea! She suggested that we play hockey on the snow which had a thick layer of ice over the top.
We all ran and grabbed the hockey sticks and zoomed down the hill. It felt as if we were on a real ice skating rink. We praise God for the creative ideas he helps all of us come up with like playing hockey on the snow! – Kenan

4 Comments » | posted in Family News, Outdoor Adventures