The Wilkes Team

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Is. 55:8-9)

Our family’s desire was to build on the property as soon as possible. There was much excitement over meeting with builders. However, in each situation the builder’s estimate came in above our budget – in one instance almost 3 times the budget. Months began ticking by, then a year, two years, three, four, six years. We saw a death to the vision.

Meanwhile, the Lord was mightily at work. His perfect plan was still being performed. He had a greater work in mind. As Proverbs 16:9 reminds, “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” The Lord was directing our steps. In looking back over the past 8 years and considering the lessons God taught us, the character He had us develop, and the local ministry He lead us to do, the Lord has confirmed His reason for the apparent obstacles. "As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.” (Ps. 18:30)

Through a series of Providential encounters, the Lord lead us to a builder who is a fellow believer in Christ. We presented him with our plans and he proceeded to put together a quote. During the fall of last year, he came back with a price that was within our budget. Oh the rejoicing there was in our home as the Lord suddenly resurrected the vision.

Throughout December and January, the builder spent time finalizing the plans and seeking county approval. On February 5th of this year, we received the call that the county had issued a building permit. Just under two weeks later (February 18th, 2010), we broke ground.

Once again, God’s timing was perfect.

In our lives, we will not always see the divine hand of God orchestrating events according to the beautiful display of His glory. But He is trustworthy. He promises to finish that which He hath begun in each one of His own (Phil. 1:6). All things worth together for good (Rom. 8:28). What joy – What peace – What confidence when we know we are in the center of His perfect will.

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The vision was born and with much zeal we began the process of interviewing builders. Time passed as builders were consulted, pricing reviewed, and options discussed. Time after time our hopes were lifted up only to be dashed on the rocks of disappointment. Months began ticking by, then a year, two years, three, four, six years. Oh how small is our frame (Ps. 103:14) of reference. His ways are higher than ours (Is. 55:9). He is more concerned about producing the character of Christ in us than the timeliness of events.

The prospect of moving to the property seemed ever so removed. Builder after builder were consulted but with little progress. Our budget never matched the builder’s prices. For years, the property sat dormant. Occasional visits were often accompanied with longing conversations. But the door remained closed. Our loving heavenly Father desires that we place our vision, our aspirations, our desires upon the altar. For when we die to our plans, we receive the joy of watching God work in supernatural ways.

One afternoon while enjoying some time together as a family, a discovery was made that would forever change our life. We were discussing a favorite family topic: moving to the property. A couple of eager people were reviewing some sample building plans. There were a couple nice features here and there. Some good ideas were properly noted for possible inclusion in the ‘new house’ – whatever that would be. Suddenly, Dad’s attention was drawn to a rather unique structure. As the family gathered around for a closer look, excitement began to build. A sample copy was printed off and with pencil in hand, Dad began editing the interior of what was originally plans for a horse barn with living quarters above. A new page had been turned. In the ensuing weeks and months, we reconfigured the interior, widened the sides, and transformed the structure into a home ready for our family’s vision.

The hand of the Lord was clearly evident. Though we thought the plan was to construct a house, the Lord had us wait and in His perfect timing manifested His will which far exceeded our imaginations. The Lord had directed us to build more than just a house.

But the path of the just is as a shining light that shineth more and more until the perfect day.” (Prov. 4:18) Praise the Lord for the way He illuminates enough light to take the next step.

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“And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey.” (Deut.26:9)

12-15 years ago, our family began to develop a vision for living in the country. Driving down the interstate beyond the city and suburbs and off into the breathtaking countryside of Virginia has long been a memorable past time of our family. The rolling Virginia hills, expansive fields, lush forests, rushing streams, and quaint farmsteads are simply awe-inspiring.

The Lord knew our desire but He also knew the purposes for which He had planted us in the Washington DC suburbs of Fairfax. Many astounding opportunities to buy out in the country were presented to us over the years. However, time after time the Lord would gently lead us otherwise and the opportunity would fade away. At one time, a much desired  piece of land came on the market. It was in our preferred location and at a good price. However, to purchase the property would have required us to ignore a decision the Lord had lead Dad to make years ago – never to go into debt again. But it was such a great opportunity and at a good price. However, satan often brings his best just before God’s best appears. Dad let the opportunity go. The Lord had other plans.

In Proverbs 31, the qualities of a virtuous woman are described. How grateful I am for a mother who is a virtuous woman and one who exemplifies the qualities contained in this beautiful chapter. Verse 16 declares, "She considereth a field, and buyeth it.” On one expedition into the country around 9 years ago, Mom came across a beautiful ‘field’ that was on the market for sale. It was a beautiful rolling piece of property located amidst numerous active farms and offered gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Within a couple days, our whole family drove out to inspect the premises – absolutely stunning!

In the fall of 2001, we placed a contract on the property. We found out there was at least 5 other interested parties. However, the Lord gave us favor in the eyes of the seller. He, having a desire to see our family live on this land, signed off on our contract. Compared to the other property, this lot was much larger, in a better location for our family’s vision, and through a, then recent, change in tax laws, we were able to purchase the property without debt – a further confirmation of the Lord’s will. After a series of perk tests and soil research, we went to settlement in February of 2002. Excitement grew as we began the next step of meeting with contractors for building a house. (Stay tuned for part 2)

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The blessings and gifts of God are so numerous and wonderful.  If we could only begin to grasp and cognitively realize what he has poured upon us we would be deeply encouraged. The 2010 North Carolina FEW Conference definitely helped remind all those who attended the never ending energy of Him who blesses, who gives, who promises, and therefore encourages. He is so abundantly able – May we all live in this abundance.

Here are a few pictures capturing certain moments of an inspiring weekend:

Praise the Lord for the great things He hath done!

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“…the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many…” (Dan. 11:32b-33a)

When families “know their God” they will “be strong and do exploits.” What hope! What peace! What joy divine! Brethren, “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6).

This passage from the book of Daniel was a theme of the 2010 North Carolina FEW Conference, hosted by the Neely family of North Carolina.

Normal, every day families who desired to be encouraged came from West VA, New Hampshire, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. What was the goal of the conference?  To provide an environment where families could come together for a weekend of exhorting one another to faith and good works while taking to heart our responsibility to shine as lights in this world (Phil. 2:14)! The attacks on the Christian family are coming from every side and the pressure to conform to the world is intense. In times like these, it is imperative that we draw nigh to Christ.

The sessions were on a variety of topics that included: Blessing your children, Practical tips on making siblings best friends, Having a form of religion but denying the power thereof, Building character into your children, and more! We are thrilled to announce that the Staddon family has provided MP3s of the messages. These are available for download at: www.FEWconference.com.

There is hope for imperfect families who are willing to step out by faith and take God at His Word. Through attending this weekend, we were encouraged and reminded once again that the Lord is preserving a remnant amidst these uncertain times. Only may we not grow weary in well doing!

Our family was encouraged to continue onward in the corner of the world God has placed us in. He writes the final chapter. The results are in His hand. As a family, we are simply called to be faithful and obey!

Be sure to check out the Staddon, Neely, & Hynes Family Web Sites for a FEW more reports, pictures, & testimonies!

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2Cor. 4:17-18)

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