Some desire wealth, others desire fame, while yet another yearns for peace and quietness, but E.M. Bounds loved prayer and the work of God. He truly had his affection set not on the things of this world but on things above where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and thieves don’t break through and steal. His treasures consisted not in temporal and worldly investments but in eternal and heavenly rewards. Waking up at four in the morning he’d pray till seven, and then numerous times throughout the day would enjoy intimate communication with his Dearest Friend. If God called him to a work it didn’t matter the trials, the fatigue, the obstacles; God called him to do it and therefore he was faithful.

Caught in the midst of the US Civil War, Bounds wouldn’t forsake the family of God even when danger loomed near. In the mid-1800’s, union Forces moved into Missouri bringing Marshal Law with them. Many pastors opted to flee to the south to safety but Bounds chose to not forsake those God had given him to shepherd. He traveled house to house. It was his duty to minister and preach to the family of God. Finally the inevitable arose, Bounds was banished from Missouri for not submitting to a tyrannical measure of the Union Government. He was soon after captured and sent to prison. While in prison he didn’t tire but sought for opportunities to share Christ, the concept of loving your enemies, and the means of salvation from sin.

Once being freed from prison, he ministered as a chaplain in the southern army. Often at the front lines, he’d help the wounded, stand by a solider while he breathed his last, and share the gospel whenever the opportunity arose. Revival after revival sparked in Military camps as Bounds with his colleagues forsook not the assembling of themselves together and preached the word. Living to the ripe old age of 76 years, he never wearied while in the work of God; he preached, he prayed, and ministered whenever opportunity arose. Though definitely not indwelt with perfection, E.M. Bounds was faithful. Because he was faithful God ministered his grace upon him and poured blessing after blessing of rich spiritual insight, deep intimacy with his Creator, and avenues in which to communicate those blessings that he had been given.

Let us follow this worthy example! May we forget the fascinations that this temporal life has to offer and become bound to prayer and the work of God.

“Good Prayers,” Says an old divine, “never come weeping home. I am sure I shall receive either what I ask, or what I should ask. Prayer pulls the rope below, and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly: others give but an occasional pull at the rope: but he who wins with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continually with all his might.”

That is the best kind of bell ringing—ringing the bells of heaven—making a sensation in the world celestial and pulling the power down upon the word terrestrial. Reader, do you know how to handle the bell rope, to pull it vigorously and constantly? We know some that do. Hell trembles when they seize the rope.

E.M. Bounds

Some desire wealth, others desire fame, while yet another yearns for peace and quietness, but E.M. Bounds loved prayer and the work of God. He truly had his affection set not on the things of this world but on things above where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and thieves don’t break through and steal. His treasures consisted not in temporal and worldly investments but in eternal and heavenly rewards. Waking up at four in the morning he’d pray till seven, and then numerous times throughout the day would enjoy intimate communication with his Dearest Friend. If God called him to a work it didn’t matter the trials, the fatigue, the obstacles; God called him to do it and therefore he was faithful.

Caught in the midst of the US Civil War, Bounds wouldn’t forsake the family of God even when danger loomed near. In the mid-1800’s, union Forces moved into Missouri bringing Marshal Law with them. Many pastors opted to flee to the south to safety but Bounds chose to not forsake those God had given him to shepherd. He traveled house to house. It was his duty to minister and preach to the family of God. Finally the inevitable arose, Bounds was banished from Missouri for not submitting to a tyrannical measure of the Union Government. He was soon after captured and sent to prison. While in prison he didn’t tire but sought for opportunities to share Christ, the concept of loving your enemies, and the means of salvation from sin.

Once being freed from prison, he ministered as a chaplain in the southern army. Often at the front lines, he’d help the wounded, stand by a solider while he breathed his last, and share the gospel whenever the opportunity arose. Revival after revival sparked in Military camps as Bounds with his colleagues forsook not the assembling of themselves together and preached the word. Living to the ripe old age of 76 years, he never wearied while in the work of God; he preached, he prayed, and ministered whenever opportunity arose. Though definitely not indwelt with perfection, E.M. Bounds was faithful. Because he was faithful God ministered his grace upon him and poured blessing after blessing of rich spiritual insight, deep intimacy with his Creator, and avenues in which to communicate those blessings that he had been given.

Let us follow this worthy example! May we forget the fascinations that this temporal life has to offer and become bound to prayer and the work of God.

“Good Prayers,” Says an old divine, “never come weeping home. I am sure I shall receive either what I ask, or what I should ask. Prayer pulls the rope below, and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly: others give but an occasional pull at the rope: but he who wins with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continually with all his might.”

That is the best kind of bell ringing—ringing the bells of heaven—making a sensation in the world celestial and pulling the power down upon the word terrestrial. Reader, do you know how to handle the bell rope, to pull it vigorously and constantly? We know some that do. Hell trembles when they seize the rope.

E.M. Bounds

We arrived to a bustling team of workers preparing for a  productive day. After some hardy greetings we helped move some 100 chicks or so from the coop to a mobile chicken shelter.

Next we moved to the butchering station. Here the Matich family had set up a very efficient system for butchering their  chickens. First they were placed into cones, and the main arteries along their neck were cut. After the blood had drained the chickens were placed into boiling water to prepare for the plucking machine. After a minutes or so in the steamer the plucker was turned on and four chickens quickly became featherless.

Taken from the plucker, Mr. Matich gave clear instruction on how the dressing of them should be performed. Carefully following his lead we dressed the first batch of chicken and prepared them for the “quality control” station. At this station, the chickens were meticulously studied for any possible parts which needed cleaning.

It was a wonderful process to take part in. By noon we had taken care of 50 or so chickens all ready for freezing and then selling. Liberty Hills Farm has a growing reputation for very clean and nicely butchered chickens. They clearly deserved this reputation based on their butchering of the chickens in a very meticulous manner.

At the end of the day, the Matich family graciously gave us three of their chickens. Since then I believe we’ve enjoyed at least one of them. Therefore I can honestly recommend that all those who enjoy the meat of a chicken if you can possibly fit it into your schedule please go to the Liberty hills farm website. There you’ll find the means of contacting the Matich family and possible reap the benefit of meat that is grass-fed, healthy, and wonderfully delicious.

The constellation of fifty stars, the thirteen strips, a cloth of red white and blue, rippling from wind’s touch, flying high to be seen of all, is the flag of the United States of America. Signifying a patriotism that has passed from generation to generation for 234 years. Causing remembrance of a momentous occasion when 50 or so stalwart patriots gathered together to bring a group of people into the sphere of nations. Henceforth, establishing themselves to operate according to certain Biblical principles without arrogant tyranny halting their steps. The flag, the occasion, the patriots, all made possible by Divine Providence are the reasons the fourth of July is a holiday. Let them never be forgotten!

Therefore, so as not to forget, the Wilkes Team piled into the van for a quick trip to the city of Culpeper. Being our first fourth of July in both county and city of Culpeper we decided to discover and explore. Joshua did some quick research on the internet, found some interesting events to go to, we looked them over and decided our destination.

Our destination turned out to be right next to the Culpeper courthouse. The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) were there, the city mayor, and the vice chairman of the city board. The centerpiece of the event was the reading of the Declaration of the Independence.

  Dad had the opportunity of speaking with the gentlemen who helped coordinate the event. The gentlemen actually was from Africa and had only been living in the United States for nine years. When he began figuring out how this nation was started he was inspired and became deeply motivated to remind Americans of their heritage. This was one of the reasons for coordinating the reading of the Declaration of Independence on the court house lawn. From the conversation we were encouraged by a man, not even born in America, holding up those principles and ideals so integral to the founding of America.

The same call is upon the rest of Americans but even more so upon Christian patriots. For too long the principles of God’s word which established this country have been hid behind the curtain and thrown under the rug. The confusing political drama of the last few years has effectively shown the result of such a seeming minor cover up.

Let us do our part so that the joy of seeing the US flag fly, the excitement of celebrating the fourth of July, and the effort of our forefathers won’t be lost to the preceding generations. 

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

Praise the Lord for the great things He hath done!

 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. “

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).

Bodies crammed to the front of our van, for we being the audience watched with surprise as mice, the actors, scampered around our precious bee hives. Earlier they had tried some scavenger practices but now with metal mesh and staples their endeavors have been successfully halted.

Shining the car headlights on the hives, we observed the mice quickly moving around. Our mice hunter, Adam, had placed several traps around the area – one mouse actually tried licking the tempting PB morsel off a trap. The audience was somewhat hoping the trap would spring but it ended up doing otherwise.

Because of time, the van moved away from the hive site, got on the main highway, and began heading back. Occupants were comfortable and ready to enjoy the hour long trip back home, when.”WAIT A MINUTE!” echoed from the back seat, “I FORGOT SOMETHING AT THE LAND” was the conclusion of the outburst.

Finding out what it was and perceiving the importance of retrieving it, the driver took the next available U-turn. Arriving back, we pulled into our property, the hive site not faraway. A skunk lumbered in front of us.  After observing the skunk, the retrieving of the forgotten was quickly accomplished. Then it was decided to take one last look at the hive site. We soon realized there was one less actor on the stage. Somehow, we believe, the PB wasn’t coming off smoothly enough, and.well. the trap was forced to do it’s work, and I have to say, did it in the most efficient and sufficient manner.  

Finally back on the road, no more “wait a minutes” were heard and closure was brought to yet another evening in this fast paced life God has called us to wisely steward and enjoy.

The address hit many of the major issues confronting our country. From Health Care, creating job bills, energy alternatives, forgiving student loans to help with education, holding up certain minority groups rights to enter the Military, the recent supreme court decision regarding funding of political campaigns, and the need to rebuild American’s trust in the US government. The president shared how the debt he created in his first year was necessary because of the mess he entered upon when first walking through the doors of the White house. He communicated how he was going to cut deficit spending and truly begin an honest and accountable budgeting of the US Gov. finances. Speaking both to Democrats and Republicans he spoke of the need for greater accountability, broader coverage of congress’s dealings, and the need for bipartisanship in bringing effective reform to America’s failing economy. He said he has hope even amidst the looming problems because of the American enduring spirit. He clearly let it be known that the Federal government will do what it needs to do to bring the necessary reform.

The Republican’s response, was solidly conservative.     McDonnell spoke of the importance of God-given liberties, the right to property, the importance of creating opportunity, and for innovation and enterprise in the private sector. He believes this is where true growth can occur. He agreed at times with the president in regards to education, to energy alternatives and other things. When speaking of the Outreach to Haiti, he mentioned the scripture verse, ” To whom much given, much is required”.  Speaking for the republican party, he had hope and optimism in the American people not the Government.

The basic difference between these two speeches was centered around the debate of Big Government vs. Limited Government. The President, kept connecting solutions to the need for Government expansion. On the other hand, McDonnell, believes the solution lies in freeing the private sector as much as possible. Which solution would be most effective? History clearly gives an answer.

Government expansion for the last 20 years has led to further and further debt, bondage, and future problems while limited Government (Coolidge and Reagan’s Administrations being examples) practiced could help bring down debt or at least stop the accumulation, allow greater money volumes for the private sector and encourage the much needed economic growth.

Of course, those who our faithful students of the Scripture, the written word of God, know that true lasting reform must first begin in the hearts of individual American. The Biblical principles, of Loving your Neighbor, of life, and of liberty, of not serving mammon, and so many others, are such basic building blocks for the proper establishment and longevity of any society. Yet how can these be in a society if they are not applied by the citizens of that society. Taking this thought one step further, how can these principles be applied without faith in the death, resurrection, and person of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11:6). For it is through Christ’s faith, which strengthens us to obey the word and principles of the bible.

External reformation was clearly communicated in both the State of the Union address and the Republican Response. I believe we should continue working for this external reformation (if done correctly), while also prayerfully and actively pursuing the internal reformation; the turning of hearts to Biblical principles and bringing the lasting change made possible by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The M&M Team were excited about this eye sore. They had the necessary medicine to cure it and they were ready. Though not completely finished (spackle drying), the corner is healing from it’s former sufferings and, Lord willing, by Monday, the nasty eye sore will be gone and a damaged corner will become orderly and appealing. M1 and M2 enjoyed this opportunity to be back in business and are anticipating the next wonderful eye sore.