The Wilkes Team

Psalm 16:11 says,

" Thou  (God) wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

Why do we fear the future? Why do we worry about the unknown? We must remember that the thoughts that the Lord has towards us are not evil but peace, to bring us to an expected end. (Jer 29:11)

We can boldly step forward and do what God has called us to do. Not because we feel like we have it all figured out but because we know the one who does! Be willing to do the not so popular thing. Be  men and women of your word. Stand for truth sell it not!

The world is looking for answers. We as followers of Jesus Christ must be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. Why? So we may shine as lights in the world! (Php 2:15)  This will only be possible once we allow the truth of God’s word dwell in us richly, then apply it to our every day living!

Isaiah 30:21 says, "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."  Praise the Lord that we have the promises and the truths of God’s word!

These thoughts were spurred by this picture below. We are all on this faith walk together! We must continue to lift each other up in prayer before the throne of grace.

Earlier this month we took a hike with some dear friends through a section of the Shenandoah Mountains known as White Oak Canyon. It was absolutely stunning, and breath taking!

As we were pulling out Dad said " Here we are overwhelmed and delighted by the beauty of God’s Creation, can you even imagine how beautiful this world must have been before the fall?"

One day we will see Him in all of His beauty! What a glorious day that will be!!

9 Comments » | posted in Outdoor Adventures, Photography

It was upon one wonderful afternoon that the unbelievable discovery was made that Grace Ann Westfahl would be competing in the National Bible Bee. A quick family consultation resulted in a unanimous decision to invite the Westfahls to the Honey Brook Lodge – they graciously accepted and anticipation began to build!

Though we had only spent a small time together in the past, from the moment they arrived, we found our fellowship with their family to be joyous, wholesome, and ever so memorable – joy and laughter was abounding in the halls. In between their trips to DC and the Bible Bee, we savored each and every minute of the warm fellowship and memorable activities. How beautiful is the unity we experience as believers through Christ!

Planted in key locations across the United States and around the world are families – imperfect families seeking to live their� lives in such a way so that others are drawn to Christ and God is glorified. How important it is for us to spend time one with another -� exhorting and building each other up around our Savior. Hearing the testimonies of Mr. Westfahl’s bold stands for Christ, the impact their family has in their local Wyoming community, the evangelistic opportunities God has opened, and the faithful every day living was a source of great inspiration!

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May we as families continue in the things we have learned and been assured of from God’s Word (2Tim. 3:14) as we shine as lights in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation (Phil. 2:15).

7 Comments » | posted in Family News

In an unprecedented and extraordinary line up of events, the very first ever National Bible Bee took place this past week. 100 Contestants from each of three age categories advanced from a pool of over 17000 applicants. Through diligently applying themselves to the memorizing of nigh 1500 verses and a detailed study of the Bible, Daniel Staddon & Grace Ann Westfahl – dear family friends, found themselves among this special group.

Thursday was a big day for the 300 contestants. They were drilled from early morning and into the evening quoting Bible Verses, taking written tests, and participating in oral exams. Hearing reports from both Westfahl and Staddon representatives, we were encouraged to hear of the positive atmosphere amidst the intense testing. Regardless of the ultimate winners, every contestant who had truly hidden the life changing Word of God within their heart would leave a recipient of the blessing in Psalm 1.

Thursday night, we received the call that Daniel had advanced to the semi finals and would compete with 19 others in his category Friday morning. It was while raking leaves at a couple neighborhood houses, that ‘little blue’ came rolling up with the unbelievable news that Daniel had advanced as 1 among 7 into the Bible Bee Finals.

Work quickly finished up and a group (Michael, James, Jonathan, Daniel Westfahl, Jennifer, and Kenan) headed into DC to watch the finals in person while the rest crowded around the computer to watch the online broadcast. With resoluteness and quiet confidence, Daniel proclaimed passage after passage of Scripture. Of great encouragement was the ability to watch the interaction of the contestants – the way they edified and cheered one another on made for a beautiful, God glorifying event to behold. In our house, Bibles were carefully watched as Daniel quoted each passage with 100% accuracy!

And then……..almost as if in a dream……..the announcement was finally, after two tie braking rounds, declared …….Daniel Staddon won 1st place! Oh what joy and celebration we had!

Thank you Daniel for your testimony of discipline and determination! There has already been much talk in our household about entering the 2010 Bible Bee – what a dynamic opportunity to learn God’s Word!

5 Comments » | posted in Family News

Highlights from the 2009 apple sauce days:

Three days of diligent work!

12 Bushels of apples which is about 18 file boxes of apples!!

Many willing hands making the job a fun endeavor.

The weather could not have been more beautiful.

The fall colors were in full bloom, giving you breath taking views as you worked.

Memories of our dear Grandmother on Mom’s side were brought back to memory as we worked. She is the one that got us all started on this.

By the end of those three days we had 254 quarts of apples sauce and apple pie filling stored away for the winter.

 It was truly worth all the work! Great job everyone!!

6 Comments » | posted in Family News

One of America’s founding Father, John Jay (1745-1829) played an important role in the birth of America. He was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Governor of New York, Ambassador to Britain and Spain, writer of many Federalist papers, 2nd President of the American Bible society, and could also be called the penman of the American Revolution. Because of his skill, he was commissioned by the Continental Congress to write letters both to Canada, the British people, and 13 colonies.  Below are excerpts from a letter he wrote and then was circulated through the colonies:

“…And why all this desolation, bloodshed, and unparalleled cruelty? They tell you, to reduce you to obedience. Obedience to what: to their sovereign will and pleasure. Why then you shall be pardoned, because you consent to be slaves. And why should you be slaves now, having been freemen ever since the country was settled? because, forsooth, the king and parliament of an island, three thousand miles off, choose that you should be hewers of wood, and drawers of water for them… For shame! for shame!…You may be told that your forts have been taken; your country ravaged; and that your armies have retreated; and that, therefore, God is not with you. It is true, that some forts have been taken, that our country hath been ravaged, and that our Maker is displease with us. But it is also true that the King of Heaven is not like the king of Britain, implacable. If we turn from our sins, He will turn from his anger…Let a general reformation of manners take place–let universal charity, public spirit, and private virtue be inculcated, encouraged, and practiced. Unite in preparing for a vigorous defense of your country, as if all depended on you own exertions. And when you have done all things, then rely upon the good Providence of Almighty God for success, in full confidence that without his blessing, all our effort will inevitably fail….”

     But if there be any among us, dead to all sense of honor, and love of their country; if deaf to all the calls of liberty, virtue and religion; if forgetful of the magnanimity of their ancestors, and the happiness of their children; if neither the examples nor the success of other nations–the dictates of reason and of nature; or the great duties they owe to their God, themselves, and their posterity, have any effect upon them–if neither the injuries they have received , the price they are contending for, the future blessing or curses of their children–the applause or the reproach of all mankind–the approbation or displeasure of the Great Judge–or the happiness or misery consequent upon their conduct, in this and a future state, can move them;–then let them be assured, that they deserve to be slaves, and are entitled to nothing but anguish and tribulation. Let them banish from their remembrance the reputation, the freedom, and the happiness they have inherited from their forefathers. Let them forget every duty, human and divine; remember not that they have children: and beware how they call to mind the justice of the Supreme being: let them go into captivity… and be a reproach and a by-word among the nations. But we think better things of you–we believe and are persuaded that you will do you duty like men, and cheerfully refer your cause to the great and righteous Judge. If success crown you efforts, all the blessings of freemen will be your reward. If you fall in the contest, you will be happy with God in Heaven.”

- Letter discovered from The Life of John Jay written by his son William Jay.

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

Dismal clouds overshadowed the parking lot of Interstate  Movers Saturday morning in Springfield, VA. But in no way did the extremities cast a blanket over the enthusiastic crowd who had gathered together for to hear Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling, & Ken Cuccinelli: Republican candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, & Attorney General.

A litany of VIPs were also present to include the Gov. of  Missouri, Rep. Frank Wolfe, former VA Senator and Gov. George Allen, and former Rep. Tom Davis.

Shortly after 9am, the rousing speeches began.

The impact of each volunteer was gratefully recognized.

Unlike most of their opponents who have resorted to negative ads & reports, the Republican candidates told the audience how they had run ‘Issue Focused Campaigns.’

McDonnell reminded the audience that the key to VA’s problems was not more programs but rather, smaller government.

In response to the issues of a struggling economy, failing healthcare, transportation crisis, educational  improvement, and others, Bolling told the cheering crowd that, "Help is on the way!"

But though enthusiasm was running high as the finish line comes in site and with rising polls, Cuccinelli soberly reiterated the fact that polls don’t vote, people do. In a sense, he told the audience to, "Be not weary in well doing…" We must finish strong.

Why vote for these three candidates?

All three oppose the repeal of the marriage amendment, support the banning of embryonic stem cell research, oppose the homosexual hate crime statute, support the teaching of abstinence, support VA’s private property rights, and supports the prohibiting of state funding for low-income elective abortions.

Election day is only hours away. Who do you know that should be reminded to vote? When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice….(Pr 29:2). As Virginians, we have an opportunity to elect three candidates who share Judeo-Christian values. Let us not sit idly by and so allow wicked to corrupt.

5 Comments » | posted in On the Issues