The Wilkes Team

"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time… (Eccl. 3:11)."

How I rejoice over the faithful prayers of parents for their children. Oh the precious thoughts of a father and mother towards their newly born baby. The vision and desires they hold for this new life. Such love for the dear little one turns their hearts to fervent prayer – prayers for salvation, a tender heart, a love for God’s Word. These prayers continue as the baby grows. They realize the day will come when their precious son or daughter follows the leading of the Lord unto the establishment of the next generation. The day seems so distant, but the loving father & mother lift their hearts in prayer for the future spouse and children of this little one who now sits upon their lap.

The Scriptures say that, ‘Except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it (Ps. 127:1).’ ‘For he established a testimony……that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them…. (Ps. 78:5-6).’

Several months ago, I had the joy of approaching a father and sharing with him my heart and how I believed it was the Lord’s will for me to marry his daughter. This began a season of waiting on the Lord’s direction and His perfect timing. His daughter – she had desires but rather than leaning upon her own understanding, she purposed to rest in the loving arms of her Savior. She was at peace with how the Lord would guide and direct.

In God’s timing, He makes everything beautiful. We rejoice to say that through the leading of the Lord and our precious parents, the Lord has confirmed that it is His will for Lisa Butler and I to be united together in marriage.

We are grateful for the way our parents fervently seek the will of the Lord and for the way they have faithfully prayed for their children and the generations to come.

Thank you for the legacy you are laying for the future generations.

25 Comments » | posted in Family News, HIS-story, Photography, Tid Bits

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. 

Leave a Comment » | posted in HIS-story, Proclaiming the Truth

“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)

3 Comments » | posted in Family News, Farming 101, HIS-story

The great attention to detail, order, and beauty within Williamsburg was a real joy to behold during our December visit to Williamsburg. 

It is a testimony to the Word of the Lord when He beheld His creation and declared, “…it was very good (Gen. 1:31).” Why do such manifestations as the golden mean, evenly ordered landscapes, and beautiful floral arrangements strike such awe and wonder to the eyes of the beholder? They are in harmony with what God designated as beautiful.

Furthermore, as was accounted of in a post early last year, beauty and order should be present at our abodes, ”So…That the traveler would not have passed it, without wishing to see it’s inhabitants: and the weary wanderer would have approached the door, in confidence of a kind welcome to nourishment and repose.” It creates a hospitable atmosphere so that souls may be warmed with the love of and thereby drawn to our Shepherd and Creator, Jesus Christ.

Christmas time in Williamsburg is beautiful!

4 Comments » | posted in HIS-story, Photography

Facts for Patriots – January 2010

I’ve been studying the scriptural basis for patriotism for the last couple of months. I came across a fascinating example of true patriotism solidly built upon faith and love for God. It’s from the Old Testament. May it inspire you as it did for me:

Years upon years had passed. The gloomy scenes seemed steadfast and everlasting. They suffered, some captivity in a strange land, others meagerly living in their homeland; and all under the judgments of God for their past wickedness. Their homeland was torn by war, devastated through greed and avarice, and ruled by selfish men. The walls of their cities were broken down and their temple in ruins. To make it all worse, of all the nations and people, this happened to them, the Israelites, the one nation chosen by God.

How were these dismal scenes to be handled and perceived? Was there any qualified substance worthy to hope in? Answers to these questions are found in the life of Nehemiah. He being the former cupbearer to the King whose nation conquered the Israelites.

Some of the first words we hear from Nehemiah come in the form of a prayer. He heard of the gloomy scenes and it led him to this profitable discipline:

“I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven.let thine ear be now attentive. both I and my father’s house have sinned.Remember I beseech thee the word.if ye turn unto me and keep my commandment and do them.I will gather them from thence and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. Let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant and to the prayer of thy servants.”

Here we see Nehemiah hoping in a truly worthy substance, no, much greater then any substance. He had his hope in the Almighty God. He manifests this hope not only through prayer but also in determined action. Boldly he approaches the king with the situation of his country people, boldly he asks for help in rebuilding it. With permission granted, he wisely plans out his future steps for rebuilding the capitol of his beloved country. Off he then travels to his country. Already, enemies are forming at his homeland. They catch a whiff of someone seeking the welfare of Israel and become determined in halting the effort. Soon after arriving, Nehemiah secretly surveys the broken walls and gates of the city of Jerusalem. With a developed plan for rebuilding the walls and gates he then declares to his fellow country men his reason for coming; that God’s hand “was good upon me” and asking them for their assistance. His enemies hear. They laugh and scorn. Nehemiah boldly withstands them. His fellow Country men rally around him. They accept him as their leader and quickly begin rebuilding. The enemy plans to attack the builders yet Nehemiah hears of their plans and foils them. Before reaching the 53^rd day, the whole wall with all the gates were rebuilt. The enemy was astonished and depressed. God had done a marvelous work through Nehemiah.

Nehemiah doesn’t stop now; he continues the process of rebuilding; this time, not of stone and wood but of relationships and God’s law. Hearing of nobles extorting debts, he reprimands them and abolishes all interest payments. Knowing of the economic difficulties his fellow countrymen were in he refused to enforce taxation, willing to suffer discomfort rather then take from others. Daily the word of God was read for the people and expounded upon. Daily the people were coming to repentance and desiring to obey God’s law.

What motivated Nehemiah to do all this? Was it a desire for fame or wealth? No, it stemmed from his Hope and Faith in God, and a love for his country, He grasped the reality of God at work even in difficult times and willingly banked upon the resource of divine providence to bring restoration to his country.

2 Comments » | posted in HIS-story, On the Issues

Prominently situated betwixt the might James and York Rivers in southern VA lays a living historical monument to the founding of our United States some 233+ years ago. During the early 1900s, a growing Virginia population was threatening to put this once bustling town into extinction. However, one local pastor took the initiative and helped birth a vision for what has become an interactive learning center of American History – Colonial Williamsburg.

Have you ever wanted to meet Patrick Henry, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or perhaps Peyton Randolph, a British Red Coat, or a 1700 era slave?

What would it be like in a mid 18th century blacksmith, silversmith, gunsmith, shoe peddler, apothecary, printing, or even a colonial coffee shop?

How did American families live in the mid to late 1700s? What would their children be involved with? How did their furniture, clothing, eating, and free time activities differ form or emulate those of today? How did they decorate for Christmas?

Colonial Williamsburg brings history to life through remarkable re-enactments of both historical and daily events which would have taken place around 1775.

On a recent visit to Williamsburg, we participated in such events, including a mock trial. We entered the town courthouse  wherein three cases involving a number of spoiled hog heads of tobacco, a complaint against spoiled meat in the market place, and the legalities of marriage were brought before the panel of justices (in Colonial America, a justice had to be a white, protestant,  land owning, male). It was noted by several of us, the clear Biblical principles used by the actor playing the chief justice as he explained both the responsibilities of men and women in marriage and the purpose of marriage being to raise children.

With so much to see during our day long visit, we only covered a small portion. Stops included the Governor’s Palace, Courthouse, Blacksmith, Printing Press, and town Gaol (jail).

The day was extra memorable as we were able to spend it with dear friends. Each one of us left Williamsburg encouraged as was later testified of during our return trip home.

We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: (Ps. 78:3-7)

6 Comments » | posted in Family News, HIS-story

This past week, our nation celebrated the Thanksgiving. Our family found great joy in this precious time of yes, gathering with dear family, but more importantly as a time for giving our  thanks to Divine Providence – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During the Thanksgiving meal, Grandma had two glass bowls situated on the table. On each plate were 5 kernels of corn (popcorn kernels) in commemoration of the hardship of the Pilgrims in 1620. After hearing the poem, “Five Kernels of Corn by Hezekiah Butterworth,” we were told to drop a kernel of corn into the glass bowls throughout the meal when we recalled something to be grateful for. And so it was that during our joyous conversations around the abundant dinner table, a little ‘ping’ here and there were heard thus providing a divine opportunity to turn our attention heavenward unto the giver of all good things.  

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On the Wednesday preceding Thanksgiving, our President proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving but for what purpose? President Obama says it is set aside, “to express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own and to share our bounty with others.”

Former President George Bush proclaimed the 2008 Thanksgiving Celebration to be a time to, “give thanks to God who blessed our Nation’s first days and who blesses us today. May He continue to guide and watch over our families and our country always.”

President George Washington gave the first Thanksgiving proclamation in the fall of 1789. He unashamedly declared that, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” President Washington went on to give the two purposes for this day: 

1. Be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation “

2. Unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions

(read the entire proclamation in December’s Facts for Patriots)

What an impacting focus for this most significant holiday!

4 Comments » | posted in Family News, HIS-story