The Wilkes Team

"Hallelujah! Hallelujah! For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth – Hallelujah! Hallelujah! And He shall reign forever and ever! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! King of Kings and Lord of Lords -                         Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Well over 2000 people gathered on the eve of December 23rd at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC for a Christmas event of wonder, grandeur, and glory – the annual Handel’s Messiah Sing-a-long. People from over 2000 miles traveled specifically for this event, waited in line for 1-3 hours, and for some even endured 20+ degree weather as the line overflowed out into the bitter cold December weather. Yet, the wait was worth it.

The Butler family has enjoyed this spectacular event for years. What a joy it was to accompany them. The long awaited moment finally arrived and with tickets in hand we walked up the ramp towards Concert Hall. Entering the room, you are struck with awe upon noticing the grand chandeliers hanging from the ceiling well over 50 feet high. Three levels of balconies surround the room that will hold over 2200 people. And then your attention zeros in on the stage with a plethora of instruments and on this occasion a full choir.

At 7pm, the conductor walked on to the stage – welcomed us to this glorious event and then a hush fell upon the crowd as the heavenly music began to resound across the hall. On cue, we arose to our feet and had the joy of singing and following along through almost 2/3rds of the complete Handel’s Messiah during the 2+ hour performance.

Singing of the birth, the life, the death, the burial, and glorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with over 2000 people and a full orchestra was almost beyond words. Christ is born today! Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

And yet, this was but a small glimpse of the overwhelming joy and glory that will welcome each one who has received the Messiah, Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Savior. Hallelujah!

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Visiting Historic Williamsburg is not just visiting a small American town. Nor is it just seeing old places and learning new facts of history. Rather, the visit is like stepping back in time. A time when men, such as Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington, stepped forward to lead their countrymen and women as defenders of Liberty.

The Hynes family joined us in our visit making the end result a deeper camaraderie and a more enjoyable atmosphere. There is something wonderful in joining fellow Christian Americans for the purpose of remembering what occurred to make the United States of America possible.

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I just love the time we spend together as a family! Thank you  Lord for the way you have richly blessed us. It brings me great joy to know that except for a couple of the little ones, each person on Dad’s side of the family has made a commitment to follow Jesus Christ. We are not perfect but because of Jesus Christ we know we are forgiven. May we never take for granted what God has so graciously given us.

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Each Christmas it has always been a family tradition to go out all together and find the perfect Christmas tree.

This year was no exception.

It sure is fun taking 11 people out to stroll around Lowes and investigate their supply of Christmas trees. We make quite a scene. We’re a walking party wherever we go!

We all went on this escapade with one desire -  to find the perfect tree for the farm house. But everybody had slightly different opinions as to what that looked like….

Some really enjoyed picking out trees that were barley 5 feet in height.

While other’s didn’t want it too fat or too thin…

After searching diligently and having a couple good laughs over some of our options we settled on a tree like none other – it would be the farm house Christmas tree!

Upon arriving home we set it up right away but we had one slight problem. Due to most of our belongings being in storage we had not been able to find our Christmas decorations yet. We were a bit perplexed as to what to do.

A couple young men decided to exercise their creativity. They decorated our tree in a country-western style. Well…. it made for a good laugh.

Thankfully the next day we were able to find our decorations!

O the memories that were made….. Don’t you just love doing things as a family?

Write them down so you don’t forget them!!

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The Apostle Peter wrote in 2 Peter 5:8,

“Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

Have you ever felt alone? Your the only one suffering? The only one going through trial and problems? Peter beautifully tells us that these thoughts are untrue. You are not alone, not the only one suffering, not the only one facing trials, for “the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren throughout the world.” Therefore be encouraged! God will not give you more then you can handle; others have already gone through or are also going through what your facing.

This wonderful truth helps describe the felicity of visiting likeminded believers in Christ—brothers and sisters of God’s family. The fellowship, the joy, the atmosphere are used by God to build, replenish, and prepare.

A few weeks ago, we, as a family, enjoyed such felecity in the home of the Neely’s.  Though terribly cold weather outside, there was wonderful warmth inside! A type of warmth not generated from the large number of people moving around in one house but coming from charity-filled actions and words which flowed around and around.

We always enjoy meal time at the Neely’s table.  Nearing the closure of each meal, Mr. Neely brings out the Bible. A thoughtful reading the scripture follows, responses are shared, and then hymnals are drawn and voices begin reverberating praises to God. Not just one song but many will be sung as we unite in giving honor to Him whom it is only due.

Every visit to the Neely’s home generates equipping and replenishing. A preparation occurs to return into the corner of the world God has placed us. We appreciate the Neely’s for letting God use them in this way. It is so needful as the world around us becomes darker and darker.  Yet as it becomes darker, may we who are the children of light, members of the family of God, reach out to our brothers and sisters in Christ; reminding ourselves and others that “the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

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A few weeks ago, we enjoyed, an exuberant filled time with the Stelzl Family. It is so encouraging to see how God is working in the lives of others; how He is molding and shaping each family uniquely to accomplish his unique will and vision for them. Visiting the Stelzls and enjoying  their wonderful hospitality, amazing buffets, God-ordained ministering, uplifting discussions and so much more, helped drive this point home tremendously.

A certain aspect of the Stelzl family that sparkles from each of them and made abundantly evident was joyfulness. They have joy in ministering to others, joy in giving testimony of the Lord’s working in their lives, joy in serving, joy in singing, joy in conversation, and joy, joy, and more joy.

One of the special highlights of our time with them occurred the morning before we left. Both families, sitting in their family room, encouraged each other with  what God had been teaching them or testifying of God’s blessings and leading in their lives. It was so motivating to hear verses from scripture read, real life examples shared, and exhortations given.

Thank you Stelzl family for following Him who hath called you. May He continue blessing you as you submit to His working which worketh mightily in you.

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