The Wilkes Team

A Dad’s Poem To His Sons

The world sings it’s lullabies
Of pleasure and escape
The noise seems so soothing
As it puts you fast asleep

Awake I urge you, awake!
The stakes are much too high
To let one moment of obedience
Ever pass you by

Be vigilant, be sober
The enemy is at hand
He’s trying every port and border
To infiltrate your land

The call of manhood is upon you
The childish things must go
Trust you in the Lord above
And let His glory show

So put you on your armor
The enemy’s pressing hard
Faith, righteousness, peace and truth
Must be the desire of your heart

The road, it will not be easy
Many times you will feel faint
But God will lift you up on eagle’s wings
To strengthen you in His way

For you see, the battle is the Lords
The victorys already won
The sin that caused us to be dead
Is taken away by Jesus Christ, His Son

So I urge and beseech you
Valiant son of mine
To lay aside your fears and cares
And submit to God’s design

That you may stand in that holy line
Of faithful men before you
That paid the price of sacrifice
And stemmed the evil tide

That after you have done your all
And there is nothing left of you
The Lord Himself who is faithful
Will show His promises are true

So fight the fight
Don’t quit the race your on
The prize is set before you
It is Jesus Christ, God’s Son

And when your days are over
And your body is lying cold
What memories will be left behind?
What story will be told?

The people they will stand and shout
O God be praised again
That we lived during a time
When God raised up mighty men

For God has raised you up, my son
To stand before the evil flood
By conforming and transforming you
To bear the message of His enduring love

This lost and dying world’s a mess
Their lot,…. a destiny of Hell
Unless the word of God is preached
By men who have to tell

So I praise God for the man I see
In you today my son
The hand of God is upon you
Your life of service to Him begun

Keep your heart in tune with His
By submitting to His will
His grace and mercy are complete
His ways will never fail

Then answer now God’s call, ….with yes!                       
That your joy and peace may be complete
Knowing your life is hid with Christ in Him
And there…. you will never see defeat!
Copyright 2007 The Wilkes Team

4 Comments » | posted in Family News, Tid Bits

I was recently asked to share on the role of the older brother to a small group of fathers and sons. In spending time preparing, I began to realize how the following principles relate to every relationship where influence is exerted. How can our influence be more effective? What is the Lord’s view on this indispensable responsibility?

Each father and son took out a piece of paper and drew a circle which was to represent their sphere of influence (the small world around them). They quickly jotted down individuals and groups of people who are influenced by their actions. Next a flashlight was drawn with the reference Matthew 5:16 underneath. This is the light Christ shines through us upon our world of influence. Lastly, a line was drawn between the light and the world to represent the veils that refract and distort this Light. Specific veils were written in which included anger, lust, disobedience, fear, selfishness, foolishness, failure to stand alone, worldly ideals, carelessness, etc. Our response to offenses, free time, and peer pressure often manifest any veils that are blocking the Light of Christ in us.

In continuing with the theme of the older brother’s role, it was pointed out that the family should be among our sphere of influence. Heart searching questions were then asked: Have you asked your Dad what his vision is for your family? Are you supporting the family vision? Do you resist having younger siblings copy you? Do you put your schedule ahead of the needs of family? What 3 things take the majority of your time – are these supporting the family vision?

Across America, there is an abundance of successful individuals. What is missing? – Successful families. While the practical outworking of a successful family will vary across the board, we must be wary of upholding worldly models. Our tendency, out of fear of the unknown future, is to jump into the world’s pattern for success. The role of young men in the raising of successful families cannot be too strongly emphasized. The young men were asked, “Are you willing to set aside worldly ambitions? Are you willing to look different than even fellow Christians?” The pressure to conform to the world will increase. A vision must be caught for impacting one’s siblings, their family, friends around, and generations to come. How much money is made, how many letters follow one’s name, how much knowledge is acquired, and where one lives pale in comparison with the impact had on the family and the legacy left behind for future generations.

Sometime ago, Mr. Don Staddon gave me an inspiring word picture which beautifully portrays successful individuals vs. successful families. A flash light, which we began with up above, protrudes only so far before darkness overwhelms the multiple rays emitting from the light. The farthest distance a flashlight will travel is only several hundred yards. Contrariwise, a quality laser light when pointed at the moon will reflect off the moon. Unlike the flashlight, the laser combines all rays of light into one impacting beam. When a family catches a vision of working together, their impact will be felt on generations to come.

May God continue to raise up successful families across our land.

Click here for an account from the annals of U.S. History of one whose light has impacted generation after generation.

6 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports

Earlier this winter, Mom and I found a home made hot cocoa recipe. We tried it out on the family and there were oohs and ahhs over the delicious taste. After a snowy adventure or game of soccer in the cold outdoors, this recipe is one every one will definitely enjoy!

Homemade Hot Cocoa 

____________________

1 cup of sugar

2/3 cup of cocoa

1/4 teaspoon of salt

8 cups of milk

2/3 cups of water

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Combine the sugar, cocoa and salt in a large pan. Stir in milk and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat and stir in extract. Serve in your favorite mugs with a few little marshmallows on top to finish it off. Yields: 10 servings (some of you may have to double it )

10 Comments » | posted in Recipes

Sunday afternoon, Kenan gave an excellent overview on Christ’s command to rejoice (Matthew 5:10-12). He exhorted us to remember that Christ is in control of every situation we encounter. Our response then should be one of joy and contentment. “For I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Phil. 4).” Few of us realized the memorable application that was on its way. Monday began as one of the warmest and cheeriest days of 2008 yet. A brisk breeze couple by mid 70 temperatures made the outdoors a desirable place to be. Because of that, the decision was made to go clean up a large fallen limb and carry out minor landscaping work at a piece of real estate we maintain in Alexandria.

Joshua, Daniel, and Kenan drove to the dump for a large load of mulch while just about everyone else headed to the house. Weeding, chain sawing, edging, and trimming were performed with great care and attention to detail. Kenan and Adam scrambled around the tree out front, removing overgrown limbs. Daniel worked faithfully on cutting up the large sycamore branch while the rest prepared garden beds for mulch. Merry tunes, laughs, and hearty conversations went on amidst the progress.

Then it happened….dark clouds began to form. Work continued. The breeze picked up and a cooler temperature settled down on the area. We awaited the inevitable and within a short time, rain began to descend. Sprinkles gave way to drizzle and then a steady, windy rainfall, and the work was still not done. Now a decision had to be made. Circumstances were not about to change. What would be the response? Joy! From Markie all the way up to Dad, smiles were maintained and the diligence continued (even more so with the motivating weather). The work performed in the rain and cold ended up being the most memorable & joyous of the entire afternoon. All tasks had been completed when our wet, cold, but cheery selves hopped in the vehicles for a warm drive home enriched with a scrumptious meal prepared by Sarah and Kenan.

A simple decision within each one to rejoice amidst the uncomfortable circumstances turned a potentially awful afternoon into a profitable, fun filled memory.

8 Comments » | posted in Family News

The power of a letter ought never to be underestimated. People are encouraged, behavior is influenced, and lives are changed through the writing of letters. The secular world recognizes this effect. As a matter of fact, over the next few weeks you will probably notice a rather interesting cancellation stamp on the mail you receive. It reads, “Let us dare to read, think, read, and write (John Adams 1765).” Former U.S. President John Adams and his wife Abigail took the time to write extensively to each other when apart during the early beginnings of America. This simple discipline provided strength in their relationship and an example that continues to inspire many to this day.

Recently, I had the privilege of reading a compilation of nine letters from John Quincy Adams to one of his sons attending school in Massachusetts. Letters received from a father leave a profound impact on his children and even generations to come. John Quincy was apparently impacted by the letter writing of his father. The book, entitled, “The Bible Lessons of John Quincy Adams for his son, shows the love Adams had for his son, the passion he had towards the Scriptures, and the proper balance he had between his time consuming responsibilities and fatherly obligations.

The letters’ contents are rich with doctrine. Many encouraging thoughts were shared by Adams. At one point he describes the three points of doctrine and how in absence of any one, man will have no conscience. One will reject the Gospel if he rejects anyone of these principles. It would be a wonderful list to remember while witnessing.

He further summed up the essence of Christian morality in six practical ways which will make one “superior even to a sense of wrong, or the resentment of injuries.” Adams clearly laid out the fallibility of the flesh but left his son with a key for overcoming. Each of us desire character in our life, yet find the propensity towards evil to be overwhelming. How can one live a life of moral excellence? Adams gave one simple practical statement that, to the degree it is applied, will produce moral excellence in one.

This book was of great inspiration to me as I know it will be to each one of you. I would be happy to lend our copy or feel free to purchase your own here.

I close now with an excerpt from a poem John Quincy Adams wrote at the age of 74 entitled, “The Wants of Man.”

I want a kind and tender heart
For others’ wants to feel,
A soul secure from Fortune’s dart,
And bosom armed with steel –
To bear diving chastisement’s rod,
And mingling, in my plan,
Submission to the will of God
With charity to man.
Par. 18 of 25

4 Comments » | posted in Book Reports, HIS-story

   The desire to be surrounded by beauty is a wonderful God given gift to us all. Our tastes may differ but our utmost goal I pray may be the same. Which being that our surroundings would cause others to be drawn to Christ and give honor and glory to His name.
   Keeping up a home: from decorating it, to painting, as well as just keeping it clean can be an overwhelming task. But with team work and some delegating of tasks, we, as a team, can be successful! We have a saying in our home which goes:
We’re the Wilkes team!
We’re not perfect but we’re quick to obey,
We’re quick to repent, we’re quick to forgive,
We pray for each other while we disciple one another
And we STICK TOGETHER!!

Make the cleaning and the decorating of your home and opportunity for discipleship! God wants to use the daily tasks as spring boards for future success! Team work requires a leader as well as submissive followers. What an awesome opportunity for each member in the family to learn how to lead each other and submit to one another in keep their home in order.
   The process of learning to submit and lead one another with joy will not happen over night but through day by day, month by month, year by year commitment to each other. Work through the differences, be willing to let others teach you things, serve one another not for personal gain but for their edification.

 
  There is a saying in our home that Mom and Dad have often told us throughout the years and that is “If you are not willing to work through the differences and struggles you have now with those God has placed in your life. God will only magnify those struggles and cause bigger issues once you enter the next stage of your life!” Every time I remember this it causes me to search my heart! God has given me the grace to work through this issue now. But the question is will we receive His grace and submit ourselves to Christ and each other? 
   I am blessed! And I know many of you can say the same. I look back over the years of those who have invested into my life with deep awe and great gratefulness. My Mom comes to mind as one who has invested into me in many ways. And because of her investment, I have had the joy of meeting a need in the home recently and doing it at a 3rd of the price! Mom taught me to sew at an early age. She learned to sew from her mom who learned from her’s.
 Mom has always made sewing a blast and because of her uplifting and encouraging influence on me I was able to take on the task of making fitted slip covers for a couch and chair, drapes, and pillows for the family room! Mom’s faithful encouragement throughout the years in giving me the understanding I would need to be successful as well as how to walk through failure was so key in me taking on this task.
 This is the kind of impact God want us to have on others. But it all starts with having a mind set of discipleship. View each task from the eyes of Christ! Whether it is cleaning the home, making a meal, or counseling a friend or loved one. Ask yourself how you can build up those around you. Invest into those that God has placed in your life. Teach them what it takes to succeed and as well as how to walk through failure. Life is going to be full of successes and failures and you might just be the one that God will use to impact ones view on life! Be on the watch for opportunities today!! This is true beauty in God’s eyes!!

4 Comments » | posted in Family News

I am 4-8 inches tall and between 2 and 5 inches in diameter. I have been known to live hundreds of years. Firm leaves, acting as exterior walls, create a hollow interior known as a spathe which hides my small flower (called a spadix). I prepare my leaves in the fall and will burst into life at the earliest possible moment, even melting snow above me. Through a simple respiration process where oxygen combines with food, I produce temperatures of up to 72 degrees. Should outside temperatures reach about 45 degrees, I will send out green shoots and if temperatures stay at or above 45 degrees for approximately 3 days, my spadix will form. Honey bees enjoy my presence and are able to move about freely amidst cool temperatures when I’m around. My unusual name, as you will see, does not come from the honey bee. Hungry bears, elks, and more, will search around the forest floor. Little food is sure to be found, but remember in cool temperatures, I abound. When they find me and take a bite, I leave a sting and awful stench. Many an Indian have used my leaves for flour in bread and to test a new chief. Break off a piece and place it on your tongue, the spicy, bitter taste won’t keep me there long. Any idea as to what I am?

The other day, Tim Hynes and Daniel went for a hike through the woods and wetlands behind our house. They came back with an array of beautiful photos ranging from pine cones, to fungus, trees, and more. As would be expected during this time of year, the forest was quite destitute of living flora with the exception of moss and ferns. After tramping around for close to an hour, they came back with around 200 photos. We gathered around the computer to review the shots. The photos were well taken and showed the results of creativity and forethought.

One scene stuck out more than any others however. A small 6-8 inch plant containing, of all things, a pollen laden flower! Remarkable! Unfortunately, I was unable to identify the species. Within the hour however, keen eye Kenan came upon the exact same plant in a nature book – wow!

Sunday rolled around a couple days later. Early that morning, I was contemplating the lesson for Children’s Choir later on and thought this plant would be a great object lesson. A light rain and brisk wind had descended upon our area as I threw on a coat, some grubby pants, and my muck boots. After hiking around the woods and wetlands for sometime, I finally came upon the small, unique plant. Two or three were dug up and placed in my bucket where they would stay until the afternoon.

This plant, known as the ‘Skunk Cabbage,’ provided a perfect lesson for us that day. The skunk cabbage, as described in the Character Sketches, is a bitter tasting plant that produces an awful stench when its leaves are broken off. The honey bee, however, shows how the Christian ought to respond to both the sweet and bitter events of life. The bee takes the distasteful plant and turns it into food that nourishes many. When we look for the hand of God in every circumstance of life and seek to understand His principles, we will be able to say with joy that all things do work together for good (Rom. 8:28). No situation happens by accident but was preordained by God to conform us into the image of His dear Son, create a testimony, and thereby disciple many! Keep your eye out for the skunk cabbages of life.

6 Comments » | posted in Outdoor Adventures, Photography