26Sep 07
Happy Birthday Matthew!
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Birthdays are a wonderful part of family life, and this last one was no different. On the afternoon of Matthew’s 19th birthday earlier this month, most of the Wilkes Team young 
men headed out of the city for an evening of fishing. No trip would be complete without some sort of memory to recount and this one was to be no different 
.
The truck rumbled to a stop at what was thought to be the lake’s location.
Fishing gear was unpacked and everyone began a hike through the woods to the lake. After almost a quarter mile, something began telling us we may be at the wrong spot. Matthew dashed back to check the map that we overlooked. Sure enough we were at the wrong spot. Maybe that was why a couple of local farmers who stopped by to see if we had seen a loose bull had a strange smile on their face when we promised to look for the bull once we arrived at the lake :-) .
Anyways, we spent the next 15 minutes or so driving back and forth along the road looking all around for the lake…hmmm. At last, a kind hearted gentleman was ever gracious to point us in the right direction (just beyond where we had been looking) and the fishing began! The ambiance and serenity surrounding the lake was breathtaking. Though no fish tried out the tasty dinner we were offering, it made for an unforgettable birthday evening.
Last week we were finally able to celebrate Matthew’s birthday. Grandpa, Grandma, and even our cousins, Grace 
& Benjamin came over for the festivities. The effort that each one (from Grace to Benjamin 
to Grandpa & Grandma and the whole family) put into blessing Matthew that evening is certainly evidence of the impact Matthew has made on our lives. His eagerness to wait on the Lord, strengthen the world’s most important relationships (the family), and faithfully apply himself to the tasks before him is an inspiration to us all. Happy Birthday Matthew!
My, what a couple of great days those were! That fishing trip was certainly a hi-light for me, and we almost found ourselves in another bull-chasing escapade
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Great work on the cake everyone. I heard that Kenan sparked the idea for the design and even helped draw out the shotgun pattern. Oh, and Sarah, the cake certainly passed my taste test! The shotgun shells you made with frosting would probably be my favorite part
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Wow, what a creative cake! I really liked the shells on the side of the cake. I have no idea what that “3×1.5×1.5 ft present could be. Happy Birthday Matthew and many more:)
That must have been another special birthday to remember Matthew. And I almost feel like I was there after reading that post! As for the mystery gift I’ll have to guess a hand made bookshelf, night stand or corner table.
What a strange object…it doesn’t look like Josh is lifting or carrying it, so the only clue I have is that maybe it’s something on wheels? I am very curious!
Wow Matthew, it’s hard to believe we are both 19 now! I’m really dying to know what those fabulous new books are about. You’ll have to write me a detailed overview of each of them by the end of a few weeks.
Because of your continual sacrificial service to Christ, I know God has a WHOLE LOT in store for you this next year! God bless you richly!
Matthew I praise the Lord for placing you in my life. You are a constent source of encouragment to me to not let the urgence of the moment change my view of what Christ might be trying to do in my life. Thank you for letting the Lord be the one who defines who you are! May the Lord richly bless you this year in growing closer to Christ.
OK, Josh, enough suspense for one week. What is the mystery 3×1.5×1.5 ft object that is causing such great curiosity??? Please?
Hey, I haven’t forgotten you all. Our internet connection is up and running so it was great to see so many new reports but please don’t forget to unveil the mystery object! Do we have any more birthdays to anticipate this year?