One of my heroes in history is Theodore Roosevelt. He is one of those individuals who went through adversity and life’s reproofs and then came out the other side stronger and wiser. Whether it was being the U.S. president, leading his wife and family of six children, or Calvary fighting in the War against Mexico, he was a man of principle, of character, and resolve. The following Roosevelt quote captures the essence of who this man was:

“It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena: whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood: who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again: who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotion and spends himself in a worthy cause: who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement: and who, at the worst, if he fails at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

Now take this bold persevering spirit of Roosevelt and unite it with the response of another man from another time. His name is William Bradford. Bradford was one of two governors who led the Plymouth settlement during its beginning years. When traveling with the rest of the pilgrims on their initial journey across the Atlantic, he recorded several near death experiences. Once, the main mast of their ship cracked in the midst of a serious storm. At another time, waves would be crashing on the ship’s deck nearly sinking the boat. During this sea voyage, Bradford documented the response the travelers made to the trying circumstances facing them: “So they (the pilgrims) committed themselves to God and resolved to proceed”

Let it be declared that Bradford’s response must be ours as well. Christ said, “Come unto me all ye that are heavily laden and l will give you rest.” This beckoning from our Master and the resulting promise doesn’t mean that by us coming to Christ we won’t have to suffer, labor, and courageously act. Rather it means we can have confidence and stability in Christ while pressing through the challenges of life. In other words, after committing ourselves to God we may step with resolution into the drama of life and still have eternal inner tranquility. Those dragons of life will come. The behemoths of trials will arise. Yet they will also be slain. Not by our prowess or ability but by God using them to forge and form us into the glorious likeness of His dear Son.

Some day we’ll be looking back at our lives. The future will be short, our past quite long, and the present faster then ever. Only time will tell what perspective each of us will have. Our prayer should be that it will consist of Roosevelt’s perseverance, our Pilgrim fathers’ commitment to God, and a resting in the lasting tranquility of our Dear Redeemer; so that our “…place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

THANKSGIVING DAY

WHEREAS, the first permanent English speaking settlement in the New World was established in Virginia at Jamestown in 1607, as Captain John Smith led a group of settlers across the Atlantic on a voyage that would entail much hardship over the coming years, including disease and starvation; and

WHEREAS, to show their appreciation for the colony’s success and to take stock and give thanks for their own gifts and blessings, and in spite of tremendous adversity, the settlers in Virginia found time to celebrate the first Thanksgiving in America at Berkeley Plantation on December 4,  1619; and

WHEREAS, while reflecting upon the actions taken by the colonists at the first Thanksgiving, we also honor the Indian peoples, for without their presence, the survival of the colonists would have been ever more difficult; and

WHEREAS,  American leaders and citizens have recognized a day of Thanksgiving since our first president, George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation in 1789,  stating “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 implore His protection and favor”; and

WHEREAS, it is a Virginia tradition for our citizens to come together in unity on Thanksgiving Day and give thanks for the great level of serenity, harmony and abundance with which we, as citizens of a free nation, have been blessed; the rule of law by which we peaceably govern ourselves and by which our civil and religious liberties are guaranteed; and the brave servicemen and women of our armed forces who risk their lives to defend the freedoms and blessings we cherish;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize November 25, 2010 as THANKSGIVING DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens; and

FURTHERMORE, I encourage all Virginians to give thanks to our Creator for our plentiful blessings, including the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as well as the unwavering strength of our families and communities.

A few weeks ago, dad put feet to this vision of being a "light on a hill". In Culpeper, there is an annual fourth of July Parade. Knowing this fact, dad shared with us the idea of putting together a float with the purpose of entering the parade. We, as a family, had never done something of this sort before but why not jump in and try?

The float would be patriotic but it would also have a strong family focus. On either side of the float signs would be put up proclaiming that the family is an indispensable building block of society. Other signs declared what is needed for a family to survive. In addition, a few short paragraphs were written on the family’s important part in the development of the USA, then printed off to hand out to those watching the parade. An integral aspect of the handout was the need for Jesus Christ in the life of a family. He is the one upon which the family should center their life.

When the fourth of July arrived, Grandpa and Grandma joined us as well as dad’s brother Nathan and his family. It was such a blessing to have their help and encouragement. Our good friends, the Neely family, also played an important part in the enterprise with their musical instruments, creativity in planning the float’s presentation, and their ever abounding cheerfulness.

We are still rejoicing over this experience and how God encouraged us through it. But now we are in a different period of history. It’s not the fourth of July but the 25th. How are we going to continue being the light on the hill? The next opportunity will be different. It might be a conversation, song, encouraging note, or a passing word to the cashier.  Purpose not to forget the vision – remember why God has placed you and your family on this earth.

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)

The Pilgrims endured hardness beyond belief but saw the divine hand of God at work in their midst. What inspired them onward? What gave birth to courage amidst great fear? It was the unchanging principles, promises, and truths of God’s Word. Emboldened by these, they reached out by faith unto their Heavenly Father, they opened their mouth wide and God sufficiently filled, they were lead up upon the high Rock.

Yesterday was a day of remembering God’s goodness. And what a joy it was to be invited up to the Butler family’s home to celebrate the day with their family and three other precious families from Ukraine. The Butlers did a beautiful job putting together a truly memorable and meaningful Thanksgiving celebration. Thank you Butler family!

There was a plethora of scrumptious meals to include 3 mouth watering turkeys, the tastiest cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, sweet potato fries, candied yams, mile high apple pie , triple treat tort, pumpkin pie, and much, much more – thanks to the first class team of cooks.

Following the meal, the families gathered together for a time of singing and recounting the blessings of our Heavenly Father.

One father shared of his growing up years in Ukraine. In recounting how little their family had, he communicated the precious perspective this had given. His gratefulness over the physical and spiritual provision of the Lord was an inspiration and timely reminder to count our many blessings. How many divine interventions and blessings from the Lord do we overlook each and every day! Oh may the Lord give us eyes of gratefulness to observe His work in our lives and so understand His loving kindness towards us. There was also much joy over thanking the Lord for His saving grace upon our lives. Insomuch that we ended our time of testimonies with the singing of ‘What Can Wash away my Sins?’ in both the English and Ukrainian language.

May the love wherewith Christ hath loved us motivate in us a spirit of true gratefulness and earnest desire to live our lives in such a way so that others are drawn to Christ and God is glorified.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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)