The Wilkes Team

Discouragement can easily come yet may we remember where our joy comes from and how easy it is to grasp and live in…

 Psalms 51: 8-12

“Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”

Christ, our Redeemer is the giver of joy. Trial and problems will always come but what is even more sure then those trying circumstances is the beauty and sublimity of everlasting joy. May we live in this joy! Let it envelope our thoughts, our actions, our words. Ask God for joy – he is abundantly able to provide.

Ps 30:5 ” …weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. “

2 Comments » | posted in Proclaiming the Truth

Oh the memories, the adventures, the camaraderie, the   opportunities, the giggles, the fun, and the way life wondrously slows down as the snow descends!

Northern Virginia has weathered seven fantastic snow storms this winter: breaking all time national weather service snow accumulation records (since their inception in the late 1800s) across the region. Our little corner of Virginia has seen close to 75 unprecedented inches of snow.

Reports and stories have come from far and wide! And though there were the long lists of canceled appointments, changed plans, and government, school, & business closings, it was the resulting family time, Providential protection, reaching out to neighbors, and enduring hardness through somewhat extenuating circumstances that resulted in opportunities for families to draw closer to each other, serve their local communities, and rejoice in the  marvelous doings of our Creator God!

God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength (Job 37:5-6).

A Highlight of the last big snow was having our cousins over to sled on the big tubing hill which was created under the creative leadership of Daniel & Dad!

2 Comments » | posted in Family News, Outdoor Adventures

“Without God there is no virtue because there is no prompting of the conscience….without God there is a coarsening of the society; without God democracy will not and cannot long endure….If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a Nation gone under.”  – Ronald Reagan

“Religion and virtue are the only foundations, not only of republicanism and of all free government, but of social felicity under all governments and in all the combinations of human society.” – John Adams

“The laws of nature are the laws of God, whose authority can be superseded by no power on earth.” – George Mason

“And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.”

These words from Ezra 9:8 offer a bulwark of hope amidst the carnality of a nation forgetting that they are under God. For though the “heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing….” and though, “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed (Ps.2:1-2),” yet have we a king who sits upon the holy hill (Ps. 2:6). He is Sovereign in the affairs of men, putting down one and setting up another (Ps. 75:7).

Through the Divine Providence of Almighty God, Virginia received the blessing of righteous leaders this past November: Governor Bob McDonnel, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

Having now held office for just over 30 days, we rejoice to report that they are holding high the principles of morality. They are making the difficult choices and preserving the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

Wednesday night of this week, we had the distinct honor of attending a meeting hosted by the Family Foundation in Richmond, VA. The purpose of the meeting was to report on  the work of the Family Foundation and on how the Lord has been at work in our state’s capitol. Three of the night’s featured guest speakers were Gov. Bob McDonnel, Speak of the House Bill Howell, and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

Chairman of the Board, Dave Barrett, shared with the audience that each of these men could be introduced as a man of prayer, a man who believes the Bible, a man who  believes life begins at conception, a man who is committed to the sanctity of marriage, and man who is seeking to protect the family.

Mr. Barrett, challenged us that with the election of these Godly men to positions of influence, we have a Divine opportunity. For to whom much is given, much shall be required (Luke 12:48). It is not a time to sit idly by. There is much work to be done.

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli reminded us that the principles upon which our nation was founded transcend time and cultural change. These principles, said Cuccinelli, originate in our Creator God. Government has a first and foremost responsibility to uphold righteous law before the will of the majority.

A candle shines brightest within the darkest corner. We praise the Lord for these lights God has raised up to shine. They are standing as bulwarks of freedom and preservers of liberty’s light.

5 Comments » | posted in On the Issues

A few days ago an email landed in our inbox from Virginia’s Attorney General, Kenneth Cuccinelli II. While a state senator he frequently sent out emails titled the Cuccinelli compass. Though not quite as frequent he still sends them out in the midst of fulfilling his new important service to Virginia. The most recent Cuccinelli Compass included an article he had written and then was published in the Washington Examiner.

Reading the article sparked hope within me first of all for my state but then also for  the United States. The essence of it was the checks and balances for Government provided by the constitution. Cuccinelli spoke of horizontal checks and balances- Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. He also mentioned the oft forgotten vertical – federal and states. The impetus for the article is summed up best in the writer’s own words,

“Virginia is moving towards passing legislation that would make it unlawful to implement federal legislation to compel Virginia residents to buy health insurance, a/k/a, Obamacare.  On Monday, February 1st, the Democratic-controlled state senate of Virginia passed a bill that would block the implementation of the individual mandate of Obamacare.”

Simply put, Virginia is in the process of passing legislation to make it illegal, according to state law, to implement an unconstitutional federal legislation. Cuccinelli states that this is pure application of vertical checks and balances. America’s Founding fathers would also of called this interposition – lesser powers standing between the misguided greater power and the people.

It’s easy to think of the federal government as an untouchable and unwieldy giant that only can be influenced through our national elections. However, if the states begin practicing interposition, we the people can deepen our influence on the federal giant through our votes in state elections and our communication with the not so sophisticated state offices.

Virginia until recently was considered a purple state. Obama easily swiped her electoral votes during the 2008 elections. Yet now she is acting very conservative. both through the recent governor race and the opposition of the liberal agenda of Obama. This dynamic and miraculous shift should send thrills of hope to all conservatives across America. If Virginia is making stands any other states can do the same. What happened in Massachusetts just a few weeks ago – the home state of Kennedy and a fortress of liberalism? Republican Scott Brown won a strong victory. New Jersey another Blue state recently voted in a republican Governor.  I pray these steps are not just a change of parties but rather are results of a changing worldview and perspective; a beginning of a reformation. If so and even if not so, let us who are the children of light pray to the Giver Of Light to illuminated the minds and heart of Americans all across these 50 states.

Conservative Government holds no eternal significance for the sake of it’s conservative qualities or even for it’s benefits to economics and business. The reason our founding Father created the Republic of the United States was so that it’s citizens could enjoy and keep the liberties that they were endowed with from God Himself. Those liberties properly applied bear eternal significance. The liberal agendas of the Federal government are taking away the protections of the liberties. The American people’s defense against these agendas is first prayer and second interposition.

I’m burdened with the need to pray for state and local leaders. Being the lesser power, their responsibilities increases when the greater power begins operating unconstitutionally. Attorney General Cuccinelli, with many others are beginning to fulfill this incredible responsibility. Let us pray that they won’t compromise and that their energy for fulfilling this responsibility stems (if not now, will be) from Him who is the Alpha and Omega, He who was at the Beginning and will meet us at the End (Rev.21:6).

7 Comments » | posted in On the Issues

Where does one begin??? Being with the Neely Team is always so refreshing and inspiring.

We had many things to accomplish this past weekend. One being lots of planning for the up and coming “Family Encouragement Weekend.” God truly blessed our time of preparation. And we had a lot of fun doing it too!

There was one event that happened that surprised us all!  Daniel noticed something in one of the Neely’s live traps out back. He thought he saw a house cat in their cage.  But upon closer observation he realized it was no domestic cat. It was a bobcat!! Everyone scurried up to get a closer look at this wild cat. My was she angry!!! We were glad she was in a cage!

Neely Team thank you for making our stay so special! From the meals, music times, games, skits and time around the table reading the word of God together. We are forever grateful to God for each and everyone of you!

Meal times:

Family singing and playing:

Children’s choir and skits:

Other special moments:

It is so important for like minded families to come together. We all need encouragement to continue on in the course that God has called us to.

In this day and age the family is attacked and bombarded tremendously. It’s only by the grace of God that we will be able to hold the tide and to stand for what is right when others are compromising. May you be encouraged that you are not alone in standing for the truth.

6 Comments » | posted in Family News

“…..but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life (Pr 13:12 ).”

The long awaited moment had come! Numerous obstacles had arisen, plans changed, opportunities to rejoice  abounded, but when at last our van pulled into the driveway of the Stelzl’s home, a season of inspiration and encouragement began!

Though the North Carolina skies stood full of thick, dark clouds and heavy rains were just beginning to fall, spirits were lifted & warmed as the fellowship began: laughing  together, making meals, cleaning up the dishes, catching up on each others lives, playing games, and even sharing goals for the new year!

Reports were heard on how the Lord is opening doors for the Stelzl family to disciple others in their local community! How? Through faithfully studying the Word of God and strengthening their relationships with Him, they are equipped to give an answer to a watching world – praise the Lord!

During family devotions the next morning, Mr. Stelzl asked everyone to share how the Lord has been working in our lives. We heard testimonies on listening to the Lord, hospitality, discipleship, and how God’s Word is changing hearts.

Thank you Stelzl family for being a living testimony of hospitality. We felt right at home! May the Lord use the work He is doing in your family as a means of encouraging and discipling many more.

The desire came and it was a tree of life indeed!

5 Comments » | posted in Family News

The precious hand of Providence never allows but what is within His Sovereign will. Furthermore, as one Pastor puts it, “He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Satisfied in all that He brings our way!

  The long awaited date for departure had come. Bags were packed and confirmation made with our dear hosts. Anticipation was building and all was coming together well until word arrived that our van needed some unexpected major repairs which would deter departure until the following day. The situation was beyond our control – He is trustworthy. It took a choice to rejoice.

Joyfulness: the spontaneous enthusiasm of my spirit when my soul is in fellowship with the Lord.

While sitting around the family table later that evening, we received news that our usual means of care for our dog would not be available due to an unprecedented 12-40 inch snow forecast. Plan after plan was proven futile until a complete change of decision arose, through the gracious offers of our dear hosts, to bring the dog.

Flexibility: Not setting my affections on ideas or plans which could be changed by God or others.

Early next morning, the van was packed with great  enthusiasm as we anticipated a quick departure. But upon inspecting the van, we were alarmed by an unexplainable flat tire. A motivated team was set to work on inflating the tire followed up by a trip to the gas station to finish the inflation. Seeing obvious roadblocks for a trip that we knew the Lord desired us to make, we were encouraged to press on. That tire remained inflated for the rest of the trip.

Determination: Purposing to accomplish god’s goals in God’s time – regardless of the opposition.

Rainy weather in North Carolina made for potentially adverse driving conditions. While many were taking a much needed nap and a couple others engaged in conversation, all eyes suddenly became alerted to danger. The pickup truck immediately in front of us hydroplaned and so began spinning uncontrollably from one side of the road to the other. Through the direct hand of almighty God our van narrowly missed the spinning truck by but a few inches. His guiding hand moved our van safely to the side and out of the way of danger. Immediately following, each member from the youngest to eldest praised the Lord for His watchful care. Later on, we discovered that two different people were praying for the safety of our trip.

Reverence: Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me.

As subsequent posts will relate, the Lord blessed the visits with our friends exceedingly more than we could of asked for. Much was accomplished unto the furtherance of the Kingdom of God!

The trials were not over, however. On our return trip home, we were somewhat concerned when the power windows, windshield wipers, turn signals, and radio ceased working. Knowing it could be one of several causes, we pulled off the interstate and stopped by an auto store. The Lord allowed us to get in touch with a friend who is a car mechanic. We discerned the issue not to be a serious one. And after shutting off the car and restarting, all mechanisms were restored.

Cautiousness: Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions.

A final tribute to the divine hand of God upon our trip was seen as we drove into our snow covered court Monday night.  24+ inches of snow covered the back half of our court all the way across our  driveway and up to the front door. Realizing we had an amazing amount of snow to shovel, preparations were made to begin removal. Suddenly, the lights of our neighbor’s truck came shining down upon us. He asked us to move our van over and then proceeded to clear all the snow from in front of our driveway leaving us with a greatly reduced amount of work.

Love: Giving to others basic needs without having as my motive personal reward – thank you Mr. Vilareal!

For our family, the trials proved to be a strengthening of character as we came to recognize once again our need to fully submit to God’s Sovereign will. For from God’s perspective, it matters not so much our circumstances but rather our response. For, “He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

5 Comments » | posted in Family News, Proclaiming the Truth