The Wilkes Team

Eight Wilkes team members plummeted into an automobile. They were off to a battlefield! As the sun moved closer to the horizon, the automobile driver purposed to make the most of each precious minute. You must understand this driver, he had and actually still has a certain propensity which manifests itself at such inopportune times. The propensity most often arises after reading directions. To put it simply, the driver confidently assures himself of reaching the destination with no mishaps but then somehow takes himself, the automobile and all it’s occupants to….well…let’s say…complete confusion!

After handling the confusion and actually regaining proper direction, the automobile with it’s driver and seven patient occupants arrived at their destination – the famed Cedar Mountain Battlefield. Not sure what to expect the team of eight entered the field warily. Of course they couldn’t enter such a place weaponless so one of the members made sure to bring her cannon. Her name soon became “artillery regiment” and because of the number of important shots that needed to be taken  she ended up in the rearward position of our operations. Just in case of possible doubt, I assure all readers, that the artillery regiment performed it’s duties with utmost carefulness and diligence.

The rest of the team attacked the imaginary foe, carried wounded solider’s, considered battle plans, surveyed the landscape, enjoyed conversation, and took part in some rather interesting phenomena’s.

Finally the team meandered their way back to the automobile. And while driving home the eight members were quite unified in the conclusion that the place should be visited again.

“Cedar mountain battlefield is where the great “Stonewall” Jackson almost lost a battle but saved the day by rushing against his retreating troops. He pulled his sword to rally his men but couldn’t get the sword out of the scabbard. Finally he ripped his scabbard off his belt and using scabbard and sword brought order to confusion, stopped the retreat, and in the end proved victorious over his adversary.

(Further info about this battle can be found by clicking the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cedar_Mountain)

5 Comments » | posted in Family News, HIS-story, Photography

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.

2 Comments » | posted in Family News

On a sweltering hot day, a group of railroad workers were diligently repairing a railroad track. Work was going smoothly when an unexpected interruption arrived; a train car stopped near them and out walked the President of the railroad. Surprise was written over many of the workers faces which then only intensified as the President called one of them to have lunch with him. The worker smiled and followed the President into the train leaving the other workers in wonder. A few hours later out stepped the worker, shaking hands with the President and giving a hearty farewell. Joining his fellow workers they asked why he had received such a wonderful opportunity?

He responded: "The President and I are good friends, we both began working for the railroad at the same time over twenty five years ago."

"That doesn’t make sense, why is he the President of the railroad and you are out here working with us?" They asked.

"Well it’s like this" He said, "Twenty five years ago I went to work for $2 an hour while he went to work for the railroad"

I’ve always appreciated this story. Not for the story itself but for the powerful analogy that relates so well to our own lives. The way we live, in a way, is similar to how we work for the railroad or anything else for that matter. We are either living life for ourselves or for something bigger than ourselves. We either are living for worldly achievement or  the advancement of God’s Kingdom. As children of God we are commanded to *"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." This commandment leaves us with only one course of action; life is to be lived for the Kingdom of God.  Our purpose is to bring honor and glory to the King of kings and Lord of lords.

On most tombstones, there is a birth date and a death date. In between those two dates is a dash. What will that dash consist of when your tombstone is placed? Will it be full of temporal endeavors, successes, and praise? Or will it consist of eternal relationships, heavenly blessings, and supernatural works of God? The dash’s consistency is dependent on your choices. It is dependent on whether you live for self or live for Christ. The choice is made minute by minute; one to be made now and not tomorrow. When the inclination for passivity rises, reject it and cling to initiating action. Then throw yourself on the grace and wisdom of God to enable you and empower you.

Fellow citizen! You are called to a pilgrimage! Your home is an heavenly kingdom but now your on a journey. Live for your King, live for the advancement of His cause, His glory, and the expansion of His kingdom. Study His laws, understand His vision, and seek His will. Your a pilgrim for such a short time. It’s even as a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Don’t let it be wasted on yourself! Don’t satisfy your foolish desires! Choose to serve Him who created you, gave you life, loves you, and redeemed you. The greatest fulfillment will result from this choice. You won’t look back and regret it. Therefore I write, in agreement with scripture:

Be a faithful pilgrim!

Live for His kingdom!

Live for the Lord – not $2 an hour!

*Matt. 6:33

4 Comments » | posted in Proclaiming the Truth, Tid Bits

On a recent Saturday I arrived home  from a necessary undertaking. Planning for a time at home, I was unprepared for what was coming my way. This Saturday was different then most for it was a memorial to my physical birth. It also would be the day that I would witness the singular sight of an animal, actually of many animals. Animals which magnify the power of our Creator who so masterfully appointed his creatures with unique characteristics. Animals which have a history of being tremendous in both body and herd size. Holding populations, 200 years ago, in the millions. These animals are known as the American Bison – also called the Buffalo.

Once when visiting the Bad Lands in South Dakota, I witnessed a  wild buffalo bull walk right in front of our Family’s Dodge Caravan while I sat inside the caravan with wonder. To put it simply, a bull Buffalo, which has reached maturity, is gigantic. This one was no exception. I remember it’s towering form slowly lumbering over the dirt road in front of me. If it had thought it appropriate, our car could of been easily destroyed with one fatal charge by this massive creature. Gratefully it chose to continue it’s lumbering.

Back to the recent Saturday: Upon arriving home, I was told that I was to be taken to a particularly wonderful place. Where was it to be? Well, that was kept from my knowledge. I was told it was a surprise. Around 3:00pm, we jumped into the van: Mom, Sarah down to Mark, and myself. I was given the directions and noticed our destination was Cibola Farms. Hmmm… wonder where this journey will end. After a  half hour drive, we noticed an entrance sign: Cibola Farm, Buffalo meat and Jerky  (or something of such likeness). Everyone began to chuckle in the back as the secret was a secret no longer; we were visiting a buffalo farm.

Arriving at the front gate of the farm, we found a call box. Pushing the call button, we listened expectantly;  "Hello" emitted from the device. We responded with, "Hello, we’ve come to tour your farm"  The voice replied, "I’ll be right up to let you in". Few minutes later we heard the rumblings of a tractor coming over the hill and down the road towards us. The driver jumped off the tractor, opened the gate, and with wonderful cowboy flare greeted us and introduced us to the Cibola Farm. After receiving directions of where to walk we departed for a tour of the farm. It was to be a self led tour since Saturdays were not scheduled days for guided tours. As we went our way, the cowboy casually mentioned that the herd of buffalo down in the valley were going to be moved in an hour or so. "If you go up that hill, pass the barn, and stand next to the gate directly following the barn, ya’ll be able to see me move buffalo".

After letting us through the gate, he jumped back on the tractor and rumbled over the hill. It was awesome to see this 300 acre farm, consisting of large rolling hills, sprinkled with trees, and then surrounded by dense forest. As we walked, we saw gardens, geese, chickens, beehives, and a slaughtering house. Yet the highlight, the climax of the drama, the zenith of excitement, began when we arrived at the gate directly following the barn; there below, along the hillside was a herd of buffalo, 150 to 200 strong.  Soon we heard the tractor rumblings and watched as it came up the hill in front of us. Our new friend jumped off the tractor, opened the gate and proceeded to get a four wheeler and prepare for herding the buffalo. While preparing, he shared a few stories and insights about the buffalo. He told us the largest bull in their midst had a head weighing 400 to 500 lbs. Description also was given of the quietness of the Buffalo. You’ll enter a field, no buffaloes around, begin working, turn around 10 minutes later, and the whole herd, much too close, will be suspiciously eyeing you.

Upon finishing his preparations, he opened the gated, closed it, and zoomed down the hill. Going to another gate, 50 to 75 yards away from us he stood gazing over the field with the buffalo scattered over it.  The stillness of the valley was soon broken, with his booming voice, as he bellowed, "Come on Buffalo, Come on Buffalo, let’s go…. come on Buffalo…." At this moment the grazing sluggish animals transformed into a wild running herd. As they approached,  the man swung the gate open and leaped onto the four wheeler. It roared to life and lurched forward,  "Come on Buffalo" continued to echo through the valley, as the buffalo herd charged through the gate and raced after the four wheeler. For that brief moment we caught a glimmer of what it must of been like to witness the herds of the West where thousands upon thousands of Buffalo would be stampeding through the grassy plains.

It was a wonderful scene to behold. It made me realize the importance of observing creation variability. As we realize this we then our filled with  praise and worship to our wonderful Creator. Why do we ever doubt? Why do we fear? Why do we resist His guiding hand? His power is so clearly evident throughout His creation. Whether it’s the spider forming his web or the stampeding buffalo racing across the prairie. Let us never tire from seeing his powerful hand at work. May it embolden and empower us to fulfill the work that he has called us to do.

Leaving Cibola Farms, we all were elated and excited by the wonderful time we experienced. Later on in the evening, dinner was full of wonderful stories as we shared about the wildness of the buffalo and the power of our Creator made evident through His creation.

7 Comments » | posted in Family News

A Compilation of thoughts on a Biography of 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

2 Comments » | posted in Book Reports, HIS-story, Proclaiming the Truth

On a wonderful Thursday morning an allotment of the Wilkes team headed down to Liberty Hill Farm for an enjoyable afternoon of  farm work. Liberty Hill Farm is run by our good friends the Matich family. Situated in Berryville VA they initiated this year into a full fledge agricultural enterprise. The enterprise is growing healthy, grass-fed chickens and taking them to farmer’s market to sell.

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.

3 Comments » | posted in Family News