The Wilkes Team

For those who like to go bird watching or to attract different species of birds to their feeders, here is an idea you will enjoy!

Besides watching the birds, we also enjoy taking pictures of them as they eat and interact with each other. But there was a problem, it is hard to get real close with the birds and our cameras don’t zoom in real far. A couple weeks ago we came up with a creative idea for getting as close to the birds as possible.

We began by first pulling down the window in our bed room and from the roof line above hung a suet and regular seed feeder. Using a small plastic container, we also made a place on the window sill for bird seed. The container keeps the birdseed from flying away. A few branches were also hung off the window so the birds have another place to perch before grabbing a seed. Then off we went to Wal-Mart to grab a bag of seed. After pouring in the bird seed, we waited patiently.

One late afternoon while reading in my bed, lo and behold, a Chickadee jumped on the little feeder and took a seed just before flying off again. Soon after that, many other birds such as the Tuft Titmouse, Cardinals, Nuthatches, Junco’s, Hairy and Downy woodpeckers, Finches, and many other birds.

The neat thing about this was that it made it very easy for us to take pictures of birds. I have been able to take some really close up pictures. It sure is enjoyable to wake up in the morning and watch the many different types of birds near our window. Watching God’s creation in action each day is just amazing.

"The flowers appear on the earth the time of the singing of birds is come… (Song of Solomon 2:12)."

10 Comments » | posted in Outdoor Adventures, Photography

Do you know what one of our family’s favorite sounds is? The cries, the coos, and the giggles of a baby.

Over these past ten days we had a dear, dear family from Texas come up to the  Northern Virginia area. We hadn’t seen this  family for over two years. How fun it was to have Team Southerland come to visit.  We enjoyed our time so much with all 1/2 a dozen of them, especially those babies . One thing that really encourages our family is their joy in serving Jesus. Its hard not to smile when they are around.

We enjoyed talking about what the Lord is doing in our families, playing army men wars, having entrepreneurial conversations, and of course holding little Joshua and baby Ezra.

The Bible says, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for  brethren to dwell together in unity (Ps 133:1)!" This definantly was the case for our time with Team Southerland. Thank you Team Southerland for being an inspiration for joy!

10 Comments » | posted in Family News

You read correctly…. .

Thanksgiving weekend, our family had the joy of spending several days with the Staddons. Each day was full of creative fun and joyous adventures as everyone strove to make the most of every moment and finding that things are ‘more fun with everyone.’

Friday morning was a highlight of the week. Dad and Mr.  Staddon promised a very unique wisdom search. With anticipation, everyone gathered in the family room, Bibles in hand. For over two hours, we were renewed as both Mr. Staddon & Dad lead us in what should be a yearly Thanksgiving tradition for all families.

On Thanksgiving Day, Mr. Staddon had Reviewed a list of accomplishments the Lord graciously allowed them to complete over the course of the past year.

On this special morning, the Need was made clear: the world is crying out for light. When a closet door is opened, the darkness is not what spills out but rather the light pours in vanquishing the darkness. We were made aware once again of the current state of our country. Throughout history, never has a nation been at the verge of great revival than when faced with economical, family, health, and government crisis.

We were then Reminded of the power that lies in a one accord family submitted to Christ. This is maintained through regular times of confessing sin and asking one another what is the true state of our hearts.

Finally, everyone was asked to take a moment and share the  activities, pursuits, and Visions that ‘bring joy’ which we would like to be involved with as this ‘New Year’ begins. Creative ministry opportunities and ideas were given. We look forward with great joy & anticipation for what God will do between now and next Thanksgiving!

7 Comments » | posted in Family News