The Wilkes Team

Remove not the ancient landmarks which thy fathers have set. I was reminded of this important truth earlier this week when a sudden opportunity arose to accompany several good friends from the Indianapolis Training Center on a trip to Washington, D.C. Living this close to the Capitol of the United States, one would think our family has seen much of the city. Unfortunately, I take for granted this blessing and so have much yet to see. Matt Stewart did a fine job organizing the day and leading us through many of the war memorials.

I was struck with awe and great admiration for our founding fathers and the unchanging truths they supported and founded our nation upon. To whom much is given, much is required. As Benjamin Franklin wisely put, our Republic is up to us to continue.

While walking around the WWII memorial, an opportunity arose to speak with a former WWII soldier and his Jewish wife who was liberated from France at the age of 8. They shared for several minutes memories of those tough times. His wife was so grateful for America but said in so many words how sad it was that history seems to repeat itself because we forget the past. Though I don’t believe she was a Christian, her words are so true. May we not forget the past, but seek to pass on to future generations the glories of our Lord seen throughout His-Story.

4 Comments » | posted in HIS-story

I was scanning through Proverbs 31 to see ways Mommy has blessed my life. I was shocked at how most of the verses were relating right to Mommy. Mommy has done so much to bless my life that I don’t know where to start. From her tender care in raising me to the way she demonstrates how to be a Proverbs 31 woman, I count it a blessing to have her as a Mother.

Sunday morning Daddy asked Mommy what she would like to do for Mother’s Day. She said she would like to go to Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Everyone dressed in a hurry and bounded into the car for the 30-40 minute drive into the city. After church we walked by the Capital and took a family picture in front of it. While driving by the White House, a helicopter flew out which we believe had the President in it. We were trying to take a picture but were going to fast and the camera froze up. We then drove home and Matthew headed up preparations for a delicious Mother’s Day Drunch (lunch/dinner ).

Thank you Mommy for being an example to me and taking such good care of us.

6 Comments » | posted in Family News

Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house (Proverbs 24:17). Last weekend, this verse was very applicable as the whole family ventured out on a 3 day camping expedition to Culpeper. Our land is in need of much preparation as we continue moving forward with plans to move out there one day.

Each person fulfilled a different part in order to make the venture a success. First was Dad’s decision to spend the weekend out there (the potential of rain and wind didn’t deter). Mom and her menu planners put together a scrum-dilly-licous meal plan while everyone else packed the van and truck with camping gear and tools (both constructive & destructive).

Saturday morning came bright and early. The heavy dew, beautiful sunrise, cheery birds, and a babbling creek culminated in a perfect setting for devotions. Daniel even thought an orchard oriole may of flown by him. Mom put together a rowsing meal of Eggs, Potatoes, and Apple Sauce with oatmeal, yogurt, and an unexpected box of donuts – a real farmer’s breakfast! Energized for the day, work began.

Dad bushhogged most of the day while Daniel, Matthew, and I with the help of Kenan, Adam, Sarah, and Markie cleared over 1/4 mile of fence line. Thorns seem to have an uncanny way of growing all around fences . This required a great deal of team work. Dad mowed the overgrowth down real close to the fence. Matthew took our metal bladed weedwacker along the base of all the brush. Adam & Sarah cut away with clippers. Kenan chopped up tangled vines with the hedge trimmers and finally Daniel & I removed the dislodged debree with grass whackers. Markie chipped in whenever he was called and kept spirits high with his joy and energy. Great work, team!

Sunday was a day of rest, but in reality a day of excellent work. Dad lead us in an unusual time of worship by having each one share a verse of Scripture that they felt pertained to the land along with a prayer. This was done as we walked along Dad’s freshly cut paths around a good part of the land. Verses shared included Isaiah 58:11-12, Psalms 15, Isaiah 51:3, Deuteronomy 26:15, Proverbs 27:27, and more. I appreciate Dad’s leadership in seeking first the Kingdom of God. How easy it is to distract ourselves from the excellent while doing the ‘good’ things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

6 Comments » | posted in Family News, Outdoor Adventures

What a blessed time we had with the Staddon family!

We packed these 5 days from sun rise to sun set with lots of exciting activities. Bird watching was a huge highlight at Huntley Meadows, a near by 1500 acre park! Some went and visited a petting farm, as well as a horse riding competition.

Walking our 90 acres with the Staddons out in Culpepper was a wonderful time of sharing our vision for the land and talking about possible ideas of things we could do. Their insights were much appreciated! The Klawa family, who we have not seen in a while, was able to join us out there as well which added to the delight of the afternoon.

It worked out that we were able to combined the Staddon’s visit with a bi-monthly hymn sing that goes on in our area. This was a very encouraging evening of singing wonderful hymns of the faith and listening to music specials ranging from piano and string instuments to vocal pieces. I wish every family could be apart of something like this. It is such an encouraging and an uplifting experience!

Having families around you who are putting Christ first in their lives is vitaly important. We live in a world where the majority of people are seeking earthly and moment by moment pleasures. Multi-generational views, heavenly mindsets, and the willingness to take the time and count the cost of your actions, thoughts, and words before you act is not even considered in this day and age. By God’s grace may we make a difference! We are so grateful to know and have a relationship with such a family! The Staddons consistent encouragment to seek those thing which will last for eternity has made such an impact on our family. One of the many ways they encourage us, is how they look for opportunities to invest in the lives of others as a family.

Last time we were up visiting them in West Virginia, they invited us to join them as they went and lead an evening service at a church. Blessed by the way they allowed God to use them as a family to minister to other families, we began to pray that the Lord would open some doors of opportunities for us to work together as a family in our area.

The Lord did not wait long in answering our prayer! He opened up a wonderful opportunity to lead a Sunday evening service at a near by retirement home! When we heard about it our first thought was, maybe the Staddons could come down and we could do it together! The Lord answered that prayer as well! The Staddon familiy was a huge help in making our first major ministry attempt a success. Thank you Staddon family for coming and shinning your lights with us.

The hand of the Lord was constantly upon us through our time together and we are looking forward to future visits and ministry opportunities together!

9 Comments » | posted in Family News, Ministry Reports

What a wonderful way to think about the little places on earth God has given each one of us to beautify and be stewards of. Well Spring has hit full throttle across the Virginia Piedmont. Hints of summer can be found everywhere as leaves reach full maturity, Spring flowers lose their pedals, and temperatures rise. Most of us across the U.S. have probably mowed the lawn once and those timely weeds are well on their way. Like many of you, we are enjoying immensely the cooler temps and chances to stick our fingers in the dirt. We are grateful to Mom and Dad for instilling into each one of us an eagerness to work in the yard.

One joy of ours this year has been the frequent trips to Culpeper where we continue to work on beautifying our piece of property. An unexpected blessing has been the frequent accompaniment of friends. Last week the Staddons headed south with us to the land and helped water the fruit trees. For young trees, the recommended amount of water each week is up to 5 gallons per tree. This calls for a fair sum of water and much team work each trip down. In addition, we gave them a tour of our land and shared part of our vision. And of course, a trip anywhere with the Staddons would not be complete without some sort of family game. With tree stumps to dodge, ground hog holes to hop over, and cedars & brambles to hide behind, our game of capture the flag was extra exciting.

“For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will confort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.” Isaiah 51:3

May the Lord be your comfort as you and your family work in your “garden of the Lord” and may joy & gladness with the voice of song be found therein.

4 Comments » | posted in Outdoor Adventures