The Wilkes Team

It is with great joy that I report we have had 9 out of 10 grafted trees bud. Truly a miracle indeed. These sets of two individual pieces of wood, when unified together, will bring thousands of pounds of apples in the years to come. What a picture of marriage and of our union with Christ.

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit…” John 15:5

While it is possible for the pieces of scion wood to bud prematurely apart from the rootstock, they will never bear fruit and will wither away shortly after budding.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” John 15:4

Earlier this year, dozens of branches were clipped off and stored in pieces 12 inches long inside our refrigerator until the time for grafting arrived. Only a handful were chosen to be grafted.

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14

With warming temperatures, consistent moisture, and daily sunlight, 9 out of 10 unions are now bursting forth in radiant life.

“For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.” Eph. 5:29

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1Pet. 5:7

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 1 Peter 2:2-3

Every tree is different, grows at different speeds, and will only produce the fruit it was predestined to bear.

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:6-8

Through providing nourishment and caring for the apple trees, it is our desire that all 10 will bear much fruit in the years to come.

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and  that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

4 Comments » | posted in Farming 101

A target 4 inches wide is placed on the side of a building 1600 feet away from a survey point. What angle is subtended at the point between the left and right edges of the target?

Solution: The target width is 0.333 feet and thus the arc of the small angle is 0.333/1600 = 0,000208. The angle in seconds is then 0.000208/48,481 x 10 to the -10 power = 42.9" or 0.000208 x 206,265 = 42.9"

If you were able to follow this problem and understand the means to the solution, you are well on your way to becoming a surveyor .

Recently, our family was blessed to have a lesson on surveying from a friend of Mom’s sister (Mr. Wes). This gentleman had a wealth of knowledge that he knew how to apply (a key in learning).

Our day started off with a highly informative class on the fundamentals of surveying. The history of, basic math behind, and fundamental components of surveying were laid out to provide a foundation for what would be accomplished later on. We discussed how a surveyor must take into account the curvature of the earth when measuring long distances and how he compensates for these. Explanations were given for longitude, latitude, and true North.

One valuable piece of information we learned was the difference between accuracy and precision. An accurate measurement is an "indication of how close it is to the true value of the quantity that has been measured." A precise measurement has to do in part with "the quality (but not necessarily the accuracy) of an instrument and the repeatability of the measurement." And yet, how many of us have used these words as synonyms?

Next came field training. Everyone headed out to our property in the country where we surveyed an example building site and a soccer field. The tools used included a tilting level, a modern day transit (or theodolite), a sighting target, and a plumb bob.

Much could be shared on the detailed process. Mr. Wes allowed us to wrestle through several challenging problems that ranged from how to obtain a perfectly square building site to calculating how much dirt must be added or removed to created a level soccer field.

The relationship between surveying and the Christian walk is remarkable. Whether the transit is off 1/4 of 1 degree or a calculation falls short 1 inch, these seemingly minor errors will render a non-precise survey. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10)." There must be a standard by which all measurements are made. Government authorized survey points throughout the U.S. are acceptable standards. To keep costs low, surveyors often use a nail in a tree for on site calculations. "…Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded (1Peter 2:6)." While calculating a survey line, the transit must be kept perfectly level to provide accurate results. How imperative in our Spiritual life that we keep our vertical relationship with God unhindered. "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (James 1:6a)." Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity (Job 31:6). The other discovery made was how our perception could often differ from the precision of the tools. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD (Isaiah 55:8)."

The Lord Jesus has surveyed, or preordained, our lives. He has a perfect plan for each of His children and has provided all the grace to complete it. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began (2Timothy 1:9). We must realize our complete inability to follow His ways, yet we are commanded to be perfect (Matt. 5:48). Our hope lies not in achieving perfection on our own, but rather receiving by faith the grace which enables us to follow Christ. Herein lies perfection.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (1Peter 5:10).

5 Comments » | posted in Family News, Outdoor Adventures

One event our family looks forward to every year is our neighborhood’s community yard sale. Much preparation takes place as closets & boxes are looked through to evaluate what is a treasure and what is junk !

The highlight of preparations centers around a first class refreshment stand. This year, Sarah and Kenan took leadership in organizing the production of a vast array of tasty treats that ranged from strawberry smoothies to blueberry muffins, chocolate chip cookies, popcorn, lemonade, coffee, & more! Our kitchen became the scene of first class mixing, cooking, & baking.

Our family also had the privilege of organizing the community yard sale for the first time. This basically involved contacting the neighbors via email, putting together a list of all participants, hanging signs, and advertising in a couple local papers. Dad especially encouraged us in this venue and inspired our focus to be on serving so that the light of Christ would shine through.

Weeks before the sale, the first opportunity to bring God glory came when we ordered the newspaper ads. In years past, the rain date for the yard sale was always on Sunday. On top of all this, our area has been the recipients of an abundance of rain all spring. We knew that participating in a yard sale on a Sunday violated a Scriptural principle. The following Saturday would not work either being a holiday weekend. The Lord provided grace and we stepped forward by faith with no rain date.

Signs were hung all over the place during the week prior to the sale. It was an exciting adventure locating the most visible places for signs, hanging signs while standing on narrow medians between rushing traffic, and affixing signs to telephone polls with gusting wind.

Rain continued to pound Northern Virginia all the way up to Friday. What would Saturday bring? We called the local weather recording, checked online, and conferred with locals. Saturday afternoon was calling for clouds and possible rain. But Saturday morning between 8 and 1pm when the yard sale would be going, there was to be no rain. Not only did God keep back the rain, He provided perfect temperatures, blue skies, and a gentle breeze.

The morning of the sale brought well over a hundred people through our neighborhood. The refreshment stand was a big hit! Many who participated commented on how successful the sale had been and how pleased they were with the weather. In our final email to all the participants, following the sale, we expressed great joy over the weather  and the fact that prayers were answered.

While we worked hard to pull everything together, how exciting it was to see how God clearly was responsible for the success of the day! To Him be all the glory forever & ever!

4 Comments » | posted in Family News

God’s creation is an amazing classroom. The other day I experience this fact in quite an interesting way…

I was walking on our back patio to the basement door. My thoughts were centered on a work project, when a chorus of screeching birds erupted upon me. Curiosity ignited as I tried to pin point where the sound was coming from. Then I noticed, in the midst of a mess of thorns, grape vines, and shrubbery an Aviary fight impetuously raging. I haven’t seen anything like it before; there was blue jays, cardinals, catbirds, robins and I don’t know how many other species, swooping, diving, and screeching. There was also three crows and the more I watched I became fascinated by realizing it was a war between the crows and all the other birds. Why were they fighting? I wasn’t quite sure. Suddenly, two male cardinals made an incredible dive both landing on the ground but with great rapidity recovered and returned to the fray.  The blue jays kept a consistent cawing overhead, and the crows were continuing to maneuver in and through the plant life. To put it simply—I was amazed by this show of bird activity and agility.

Then it happened, the largest crow burst through the foliage and birds and landed directly on the ground. Cardinals were right behind as ferocious as cardinals can be. The crow dropped a limp form from it’s beak, quickly grabbed it again, and then flew off once more, getting free of it’s attackers and disappearing into the woods. By this time I was already making my way to this war zone. Upon arriving I observed the now quiet battlefield and noticed a cat bird alert for danger, a wren carefully peering around, and cardinals chirping as if trying to calm down…the cardinals? something about them made me study them more closely. Then I noticed a small brown form huddling on a branch–a baby cardinal. Now I understood the reason for the battle. the crows were the attackers and the other birds – the defenders.

Why was this part of creation a classroom? I thought it fascinating how completely different avian species will help each other out. The cardinals were being attack and the catbird, robin, and blue jays came to help. I was reminded that this same type of relationship is needed between those members of the body of Christ.  It states in the New Testament

“And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.” 1Co 12:26

Just as the Avian family willingly sacrificed of themselves to help another. We in the family of God must willingly sacrifice of ourselves for a brother or sister in Christ, whether at home, in church, in ministry, or at work. This encouraged me deeply and I thank the Lord for the avenue He used to create a classroom for me to grow in understanding.

3 Comments » | posted in Outdoor Adventures

We just ended another incredible year of Good News Clubs at our local elementary school. God was so faithful!

Seeing many of these dear children come to know Christ as their personal Savoir and then grow in their walks with the Lord with such great enthusiasm was a miracle in and of it’s self! Their childlike faith was such an encouragement to us all. Christ was at work and we were able to visibly see it every week!

God has such wonderful plans in store for these young lives. And we just wanted to say thank you to you all for your prayers. The testimonies and answers to prayers that we received this year by taking the time to invest into these children have left us in awe of God.

God says to step out in faith and to leave the results in His hands in all areas of life. Yet how often do we expect to see things go according to our expectations! God really taught us this year the power of trusting Him. He showed us the confidences we can have in Him when our hearts are stayed on him!

We are rejoicing in what God did and thank you for your support through your prayers! Without you all lifting us up before the Lord who knows what would have happened! Oswald Chamber has a very insightful quote and how true it is! " Prayer does not lead us to the greater work. Prayer IS the greatest work!" 

Phil. 1:6

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of

Jesus Christ:"              

3 Comments » | posted in Family News, Ministry Reports

Over a period of about 6 weeks so far this Spring, our family has had the joy of watching an astounding attribute of creation unveil before our eyes.

It all began a little over a year ago when Dad, Daniel, and I were blessed to attend a course of apple grafting with Vintage Virginia Apples just south of Charlottesville, Virginia. Under the first class training of Mr. Tom Burford and the Shelton family, all 3 of us were trained in the skill of bench grafting.

During the second week of April, we took on the grafting of 10 apple trees. One month prior, we ordered 10 Malling-Merton 111 (MM. 111) root stocks from Vintage Virginia. Clippings (scion wood) from branches 2 years or older were carefully selected from 3 different locations of mature trees and stored with lightly moistened paper towels in our refrigerator. We worked together to try and keep all fruit, especially apples, out of the fridge to keep the gas emitted from fruits from causing the scion wood to bud prematurely.

The grafting process involves the following steps:

1. Select a root stock that is similar in diameter to the scion wood you are using (leave root stock in bag for as long as possible to reduce the possibility of damage from exposure).

2. Cut out a portion of scion wood with 2-3 buds at least 1 inch from either end to avoid any dried out portion.

3. Using a sharpened knife, slice the scion wood about 3/4 to 1 inch below the first bud at a 45 degree angle. The face should be at least 1/2 inch long.

4. Slice a mirror cutting on the root stock approximately 1-2 inches above the roots (room for mistakes ).

5. In the center of each face gently cut a 1/4 to 1/2 inch cutting parallel to the pieces’ grain.

6. Gently force the two pieces into one another to form an union. Should the scion wood be smaller in diameter than the rootstock, be sure to align the cambium layers on at least one side.

7. Using a tape such as masking or blue painting tape, completely cover the union to deter drying out before healing.

8. Using a waterproofing substance like Doc Farwell’s Grafting Seal, seal the very top of the newly grafted tree.

9. Label the  tree and store in a cool location until outdoor temperatures are well above freezing. Should the grafting take place after the final frost, still allow approximately 7-14 days for the healing to take place before potting. During the healing period, keep grafted trees in a plastic bag (ziploc is perfect). Apply moisture every couple days so roots do not dry out.

10. After the healing period, place tree(s) in nutrient rich soil. Keep soil moist. Budding may take up to 2-3 weeks. Beware of small rodents which will destroy the young tree with little effort. I prefer to keep tree well protected for at least 1 year before planting in orchard.

Stay tuned for post number two which will feature the progress of the newly grafted trees.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing (John 15:4-5).

2 Comments » | posted in Farming 101

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and

purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:10-31

May every Mother out there have a blessed weekend! What would we do without you all! Your role is so important! The needs you meet and the way you bless each one of your children’s lives is going to impact them for the rest of their life.

Thank you for the commitments you have made to make your family successful. We can’t make it with out you! May God bless you in all that you do. May He give you and your husband wisdom to train your children in the ways of the Lord. May your spiritual walk with Christ grow and become even more intimate. For it is only through Him that you will have the strength to meet life’s challenges successfully.

We praise God for you! And may we as your children honor you and bring you great joy in all that we say and do.

We love you Mom!

5 Comments » | posted in Family News