The Wilkes Team

 Lest any of us think that with the advent of computers, the day will come when spelling and grammar are deemed not as necessary, this poem is sure to show that old Microsoft Word has a fallacy point or two . Though a little out of the ordinary, this post will bring a good laugh to your day as it sure did us. There is certainly an analogy or two wrapped up in this phenomenon that is worth the heeding – any thoughts?

Keep up the diligent work on spelling & grammar and don’t depend too much on that old “pea sea“!

Ode to the Spell Checker

I have a spelling checker.
It came with my PC.
It plane lee marks four my revue,
Miss steaks aye can knot sea.

Eye ran this poem threw it,
Your sure reel glad two no.
Its vary polished in its weigh,
My checker tolled me sew.

A checker is aye bless sing,
It freeze yew lodes of thyme.
It helps me right awl stiles two reed,
And aides me when aye rime.

To rite with care is quite a feet,
Of which won should bee proud.
And wee mussed dew the best we can,
Sew flaws are knot aloud.

And now bee cause my spelling,
Is checked with such grate flare,
There are know faults with in my cite,
Of nun eye am a wear.

Each frays come posed up on my screen,
Eye trussed to bee a joule,
The checker poured o’er every word,
To cheque sum spelling rule.

That’s why aye brake in two averse,
Bye righting wants too pleas,
Sow now ewe sea why aye dew prays,
Such soft wear for pea seas.

7 Comments » | posted in Sunny-Side Up

It was truly a fast moving morning. The beginning of the busy period started with Joshua, Daniel, and myself driving over to the house of our good friends the Hynes’ and checking on their chickens, since they are away for the week. We fed those chickens, filled their water pail, and gave a few of them some exercise. As we did all this, I couldn’t help but thinking how ludicrous chickens are. First, with their attempts of flying, second, their fearful attitudes, and last but not least their noisy behaviour. What comical creatures! Then a question hit me. How much different am I? How easily do I think, say, or do vain and frivolous things? How often do I become animal (or bird)-like in my attitudes?

This was convicting. As I continue thinking on this, I begin to see more and more similarities between the comical chicken and my plain own self. This can actually seem more ludicrous but the truth of it doesn’t change.

The chicken is dependent upon it’s owner and master for it’s very life. Food, water, and protection are all given from it’s owner. The chicken definitely enjoys complete freedom, where it can feast upon it’s favourite beetles and bugs with no confinements or restrictions. The chicken, however, doesn’t realize that the restrictions are for it’s benefit. Furthermore, the chicken runs from it’s master or cowers on the ground just as if a hawk was coming to pounce on it. At times, the chicken seems to percieve it’s sustainer of life as it’s greatest enemy of life’s enjoyments. How could a chicken be so ridiculous? But since I have many similarities to this feathered creature, I must also ask; how could I be so ridiculous? I so often try to live life in my own strength. I will forsake or forget God’s restrictions and commandments and then try to enjoy life independently. How could I do this? God is my master, he is the Creator and Sustainer of my life. As it says in Colossians, ”…by him are all things and by Him all things consist.” I should be only obeying God’s Laws, resting in his promises, and performing his will. Unfortunately and so often this is not the case.

How grateful I am that God’s plan is not for us to continue in our similarities to this interesting feathered friend. His goal, as should also be ours, is for us to become more and more like his Son, Jesus Christ. Who, as it says in Hebrews 12, ” …for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The providential hand of God will continue placing trials and tribulations in our life to show us our chicken like characteristics so that we can purge them from our lives. We must then develop in their place Christ like character and a greater love for Him and His Word. This should embolden us to press on and endure every difficulty placed our way and rejoice when the Chicken’s attitudes are conquered and replaced with Christ’s Character.

6 Comments » | posted in Family News

One day last week a need arose for a few items at the grocery store. I was available and drove over to Wegmans. Spanning thousands of square feet with more varieties & types of food than you can imagine, Wegmans is a one of a kind store. A little tired from earlier activities, I found myself slowly wandering about looking for the needed groceries. Thankfully, I remembered everything on my mental list and so proceeded to check out.

I greeted the young cashier (probably not much older than I), Dan, and watched as he loaded the bags. Noticing the great amount of people and probably close to 20 check-out lines that were open, I commented on it being a busy day. Dan replied that it was, but said that Sunday was actually busier and in particular Sunday afternoon when all the church people come in. I listened and my sleepiness gave way to alertness as Dan went on to say one of the most impacting phrases I had heard in a while. “…and those church people sure are rude.” About that time he had finished checking me out. Dan handed over the receipt and I was on my way with a full cart and troubled heart. What a poor testimony Christians have in our world! When was the last time I showed Christ by my actions?

How many times would Christ like to show Himself through me to a wondering world but I allow urgencies, worries, and pride to take over. The verse comes to mind, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me (Matthew 25:40).

Walking out of Wegmans, I saw my lack and the need to be a ready and willing testimony (2 Cor. 3:3). Burdened greatly from this quick but profound encounter, I received new enthusiasm for serving. We have a mighty task before us. While I can easily talk the talk, walking the walk is what the world is looking for. This is ministry! Praise the Lord for the timely reminders of His commands. May we continue to be open to His lessons along the way!

You and I, as Christians, may be the only physical encounter a lost soul has with Christ.

5 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports

On a hot summer day, our brain knows all too well the feeling of thirst! Christ knew this and used this need of every human to reach a lost woman in Samaria. While the physical thirst was evident, Christ wisely directed the woman to her spiritually dry and thirsty soul.

Recently, our family’s eyes were opened to the power of natural and spiritual water on the body and soul of  individuals. Close to 30 members of the Virginia 1st Bravo Alert Cadet Squad ventured on a worthy mission against the gates of hell. The location was Loudon County, the occasion was the County Fair, and the method was water.

I often wonder what a successful median between everyday chit, chat and the gospel is. Our median at the fair proved effective – praise the Lord! We simply requested that the passing fair attendees fill out a 4 question survey in exchange for ice cold water. The questions were along these lines: 1. Have you ever sinned? 2. Do you know that your sin makes a wall between you and God? 3. Did you know that Jesus loves you so much that He died to forgive you of your sins? 4. Would you like to talk to someone now about what it means to be a Christian according to the Bible or how to give your life to Christ?

Many of us had the awesome privilege of presenting the gospel as a result of this survey. Though no decisions were made that we know of, seeds were certainly planted. Opportunities also arose to serve the fair staff by way of trash clean-up, daily flag hoisting, traffic directing, locating a missing child :-) etc.

Many testimonies were shared by the fathers and sons who participated, but there is one in particular I would like to recount. While directing traffic one afternoon, Dad noticed a need to exhort the young men to turn away from evil sights. He began quoting Philippians 4:8 (Whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, etc) outloud with Adam. A passing father overheard the recitation and later came up to Dad to express the inspiration this was to him. There is power in the spoken Word of God!

Overall, we saw the presence of the Lord amongst the haze of worldliness surrounding us. What a joy it was to be savoring salt before the world while offering the all quenching living Word of Jesus Christ.

Do you have a favorite median between everyday chit, chat and the Gospel that would be an encouragement?

5 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports

Are you in the mood for a mouth watering sensation? Or something that just hits the spot? Then you are a candidate for this incredible dish!!

There has been number of requests for this incredible dish of chicken enchiladas so I thought I would put it up for you all to enjoy!

It yields about 6 servings (we usually double it) 

Cooking time: 1 hour 

  1. Make the sauce

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of butter             

 6 Tbsp of Flour

2 Tblsp of Chicken base

1/8 tsp of white pepper

3/8 tsp of Garlic, granulated

1/8 cumin4 cups of milk, warmed

2 & 3/4 oz. of green chilies

Melt butter in saucepan. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Add chicken base and spices. Cook on very low heat for 5 minutes. Add milk while stirring with whisk. Bring to a full boil. Decrease heat to low and cook 2 minutes. Add green chilies. 

 2. Sauté 2/3 cup of diced onion. Set aside in a bowl. 

 3. Fill the tortillas!  

12  6″ flour tortillas

For filling the tortillas add the next 8 ingredients to onion in bowl.

3 cups of 1/2″ diced cooked chicken

6Tbsp (3 oz.) Sour cream1 oz. of green chilies

1 tsp. of salt

1/8 tsp of white pepper

1/4 tsp of garlic, granulated

1/4 tsp of Chili powder

3/4 cup (3oz.) Shredded cheddar cheese

  5. Add 2/3 cup of white sauce to filling.

Portion 1/4-cup scoops of filling onto flour tortillas. Roll up tightly!

 6. Assemble all into the 9″x13″ baking dish 

Pour 1 cup of white sauce in bottom of greased backing dish

.Placed filled tortillas in pan, seam side down.Pour remaining sauce on top of tortillas: 2/14 cups.

Cover with foil.

  7. Baking instructions

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 -45 min. or until hot and bubbly.

  8. Uncover enchiladas and add  1 1/2 cups of Shredded cheese to top. Then bake uncovered for 5 -10 min.

Extra sour cream and salsa make great toppings for it too!

Enjoy! 

4 Comments » | posted in Recipes