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

This year’s Thanksgiving celebration abounded with blessings! Grandpa & Grandma and all four of their children with spouses and total of 19 Grandchildren gathered in wild, wonderful (and snowy) West Virginia for what we count as our best Thanksgiving celebration ever.

In between the traditional Turkey Bowl and a full fledge snow ball fight, everyone enjoyed warm fellowship as memories of the year were recounted. Grandma lead her team of cooks in the preparation of a tasty Thanksgiving feast complete with Grandma’s world famous sweet potatoes and 3 different gravies…..scrum-dilly-licious! Grandpa lead in prayer and the dining began.

Following dinner and clean-up, the family gathered in the living room for a season of singing and gratefulness.

What fun everyone had writing out on a foam leaf one or two things to be grateful for. These were later hung on the ‘Count Your Blessing Tree.’

Singing and giving of thanks have a way of bringing a group close together. Thursday evening was no different.

The powerful spirit of one accord continued and before ending our time together we were able to gather around as a whole family (29 in all), lay hands upon, and lift up in prayer a family member who is undergoing some trying health conditions.

There were many blessings to count from this years Thanksgiving. We rejoice in how the Lord worked in our midst as He was praised and received the glory due unto His name (Ps. 96:8).

4 Comments » | posted in Family News

Leaves are almost all off the trees, hints of winter are settling in across the landscape with pockets of snow and touches of frost. Final produce has been harvested, the winter jackets are out of their  boxes, and chimneys can be spotted far and wide billowing with puffs of grayish white smoke – the season set aside to thankfulness is upon us.

Now in our lives, is thankfulness a once a year event or a way of life? Perhaps one would rejoice over being thankful for a couple days here and there throughout the year, but does gratefulness define our lives?

The key lies in recognizing that whatever God sends our way, good or bad, has been Providentially allowed for. When we choose to rejoice, the result is satisfaction in our hearts and great glory unto God. As this joy abounds, the result is a love for others.

Recently, Markie wrote the following paragraph as part of his penmanship.

May you be blessed this Happy Thanksgiving with great joy that overflows into abundant love one towards another. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

“Sweet is the shout of joy which is heard at the farm when the last load of corn is brought home, and the tables are spread for the harvest feast. But far more sweet than any of these is the love of brothers and sisters for each other. It talks away many a sad tear from grief. And, oh with what joy is it seen.”

We would also encourage you to browse through the stories, poems, facts, and recipes especially chosen for this wonderful Thanksgiving season in Project Remember.

Resources include:

Five Kernels of Corn by Hezekiah Butterworth

The Official Thanksgiving Proclamations of Presidents Washington & Lincoln

When the Thanksgiving tradition of 5 Kernels of Corn began

and much, much more!

3 Comments » | posted in Family News, Tid Bits

This past Tuesday Joshua and I had an exciting opportunity present itself. Mrs. Gomez, a staff member of the Indianapolis Training Center runs an hour long radio program once a week. She was going to be on a trip and so requested for some substitutes. Now the interesting dynamic about this radio program is that it is targeted towards Hispanic listeners. Her son, however, was going to act as translator and therefore, all she needed was willing participants.

The participants ended up being Robert and Michael Staddon, Nate Paine, and Joshua & I. The topic for the radio show was how to develop successful families through honoring parents and building relationship with siblings. Speaking for myself, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had prepared something to share but was slightly nervous about the whole process. Praise the Lord, he doesn’t need able vessels but just available vessels. Not persons who are confident in themselves but rather those that lack, make mistakes, but all the while depend on Christ for fulfillment in all things.

The radio show started with a couple minutes of melodious music and then Ernesto Gomez opened the show…

He turned to us and began with questions: How old are you? Are you bored with life? How do you and your family face challenges in life? He had given us the questions before hand, so that we knew which order they came in even though they were asked of us in Spanish .

Nate shared about some Family experiences in his past which God used to teach him patience and love for his siblings.

Robert and Michael also shared on similar levels but then Michael delved into how God changed his perspective with his siblings relationships. At first they were his enemies but God changed his heart and therefore developed in him a true love for his siblings to the point where they were his best friends.

Joshua and I presented the Five Love Languages: Encouraging words, Physical touch, Act of service, Quality time, and Gift giving.

It was truly encouraging to be ambassadors for Christ on the radio. The radio is so full of evil and wickedness; I praise the Lord we were able to play a part in combating it. This incredible opportunity has motivated me to continue playing a dynamic role in combating against the evil in our culture.

6 Comments » | posted in Family News, Ministry Reports