The Wilkes Team

Dismal clouds overshadowed the parking lot of Interstate  Movers Saturday morning in Springfield, VA. But in no way did the extremities cast a blanket over the enthusiastic crowd who had gathered together for to hear Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling, & Ken Cuccinelli: Republican candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, & Attorney General.

A litany of VIPs were also present to include the Gov. of  Missouri, Rep. Frank Wolfe, former VA Senator and Gov. George Allen, and former Rep. Tom Davis.

Shortly after 9am, the rousing speeches began.

The impact of each volunteer was gratefully recognized.

Unlike most of their opponents who have resorted to negative ads & reports, the Republican candidates told the audience how they had run ‘Issue Focused Campaigns.’

McDonnell reminded the audience that the key to VA’s problems was not more programs but rather, smaller government.

In response to the issues of a struggling economy, failing healthcare, transportation crisis, educational  improvement, and others, Bolling told the cheering crowd that, "Help is on the way!"

But though enthusiasm was running high as the finish line comes in site and with rising polls, Cuccinelli soberly reiterated the fact that polls don’t vote, people do. In a sense, he told the audience to, "Be not weary in well doing…" We must finish strong.

Why vote for these three candidates?

All three oppose the repeal of the marriage amendment, support the banning of embryonic stem cell research, oppose the homosexual hate crime statute, support the teaching of abstinence, support VA’s private property rights, and supports the prohibiting of state funding for low-income elective abortions.

Election day is only hours away. Who do you know that should be reminded to vote? When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice….(Pr 29:2). As Virginians, we have an opportunity to elect three candidates who share Judeo-Christian values. Let us not sit idly by and so allow wicked to corrupt.

5 Comments » | posted in On the Issues

In a momentous event, occurring only 5 times in the last 20 years, the President of the United States called for a joint session of Congress this past Wednesday evening. The purpose of the session being an effort of the President to convince both Senators and Representatives along with the American people of why they should support his proposed ‘Health Care Reform.’

On this particular evening, we had the joy of fellowshipping with the Hynes Family. Both Mr. Hynes and Dad have a burden for making an impact in our nation. To this end, they are leading our families in developing Biblical perspectives on the major issues affecting our country, culture, church, and family. And healthcare fits right in. We usually spend about 15 minutes discussing different issues of the day, followed by 15 minutes of prayer, and concluding with about 30 minutes of action (ie. writing to the editor, elected official, etc).

President Obama gave his speech which we were able to listen to and take copious notes on (For the Liberty Counsel overview of HR 3200 – healthcare bill – proposed by Congress, click here). Following the address of the president, Mr. Hynes and Dad encouraged everyone to take a moment and write a letter to one of our elected Congressman.

Though sending a letter or making a phone call seems rather small and insignificant, when joined together with dozens, hundreds, and thousands of other concerned American citizens, we can make an impact. Edmund Burke said all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. We can make an impact in our nation. Why not take a few minutes and send a quick note to one of your elected representatives.

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O beautiful for spacious skies for ambered waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain!

America! America! God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.

How often we take for granted the spacious skies, the purple mountain majesties, and the fruited plains which we enjoy here in the United States. It is but by the grace of God shed upon our country and His undeserving mercy that has allowed  us the privilege of experiencing peace and liberty from sea to shining sea these last 233 years. What a blessing from the hand of Providence it is to live in this Great Country.

On Independence Day we call to remembrance those who gave their lives for our inalienable, God given rights as described in our Nation’s Declaration of Independence. It is to be a day of celebration and contemplation.

Our family had the joy of celebrating July 4th with each other. The day started out bright and early as we made our way to the farm for some exhilarating work all together. Planting, weeding, mowing, mulching, & enjoying the blessings of family relationships or as was said in the Declaration of Independence, the blessings of liberty secured to ourselves and our posterity.

After a morning and early afternoon of good hard work, we headed home for an evening of family fun! Whether baking in the kitchen, shucking corn outside, grilling the hot dogs & hamburgers, or preparing something to share about Independence Day, joy abounded and memories were made.

A meaningful part of the day was gathering together for the delicious meal which almost everyone helped contribute to under Mom’s guidance. While eating, different ones shared of the importance behind this day. We were exhorted by the writings of William Bradford & the Mayflower Compact as these were fundamental to the birth of our nation. We heard a biography on Clayton Braxton, one of 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Also read was a powerful summary of the Declaration of Independence from the Heritage Foundation.

The day ended with the watching of an amazing recorded re-enactmen
t of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. We went to bed that night inspired, recognizing the amazing miracle God wrought in the formation of the United States of America.

4 Comments » | posted in Family News, On the Issues

Since the Presidential race of Al Gore, and George W. Bush, the dislike for the Electoral College has slowly been rising. The critics proclaim the need for true democracy and that those 538 members of the Electoral College hamper the purity of the people’s will. Unfortunately, these are just the beginning of a long list of reasons for the overthrow of this constitutional function.

Discerning the attacks, Dr. George Grant, a professor, lecturer and writer, wrote a book titled  The Importance Of The Electoral College. In this book, Grant eloquently presents the intent and the need for the Electoral College. Initiating with  the full text of Article II; Section I, amendment XII, and Amendment XX, of the U.S. Constitution he lays the building blocks. Next, he manifests how the reasons for destroying the Electoral College are lame and foolish. They were purely developed from a lack of understanding of good government. Furthermore the numerous benefits from the Electoral College truly outweigh any possible defects.

With resolve and purpose, Grant then launches into these beautiful benefits by relating the long history of the Electoral College. He explains how it protects the essence of a federalism; a joining together of sovereign communities for the goal of a greater good while never losing their distinctiveness, it protects America from anarchy, and it produces true respect for all parts of the United States whether it’s  the farmer in Iowa or the merchant in New York City.

Building his case, Grant creates the seriousness of revolutionizing America’s Political System. He holds up the illustrious Founding fathers as individuals worthy of imitation. Calling them “reluctant revolutionaries” to their Mother country, Grant, pleads for the same application to the perception and handling of the Electoral College.

Slowly but surely the foundations of America are being eaten away. The destruction of the Electoral College will be just another step in the slow surety. The only hope is in followers of Jesus Christ defending what they hold dear. They only can do this through preparing themselves by delving into God’s principles and knowing how the principles relate to government, politics, business, etc.

Herein lies the importance of Dr. George Grant scholarly work. He’s helping fill a void by assisting other’s in their preparation to defend America’s most cherished beliefs. He declares the founding principles, he presents the proper applications, he persuasively leads to the correct conclusions.

4 Comments » | posted in Book Reports, On the Issues

Embarking upon certain endeavors produces interesting inspirations. Has this ever occurred within you? Energy seems to immerse every part of your body and your full of jubilee of what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen. You begin to realize the never ending strength of the one and only omnipotent God. He is able – so very able. Your perspective changes as you see a vindicating reality – Yes, Evil is not triumphant. The workers of darkness don’t even compare in strength, wisdom and vision to the Almighty God.

  We as a family embarked upon such an endeavor February 11th, 2009. The Virginia Family Foundation, a lobbyist group promoting conservative Christian values, invited supporters to an Advisory Council Meeting. Having received the invitation, it was determined that all persons of the Wilkes Family should travel, yes travel to the Capital of the grand state of Virginia.

Virginia’s Family Foundation office is situated in the heart of Richmond, VA. The Virginia General Assembly convened January 14th and is in session 50+ days. This short time period is extremely busy for both Senators and Delegates as hundreds of bill are voted upon. The Family foundation is also laboring hard to make their voice heard on this scene of political action. Always ready to inform their supporters, Family Foundation put’s together these Advisory meetings to show what is going on and how Virginia leaders are handling those stalwart Christian values

We as a family arrived minutes before the first speaker began. This first Speaker was Virginia’s Lt. Governor, William Bolling. To tell the truth, I was not quite sure what to expect when the Lt. Governor, of my beloved state Virginia, rose and began his introduction. I had heard he was conservative – was it only a physod? Yet then, what matters if he’s a conservative if he doesn’t have a strong foundation from which his conservatism stems? Sometimes, one short 20 minute speech cannot answer the above questions. This time it did! After his introductory remarks the Lt. Governor let his listeners know what made him act, what was important him, and how he prioritized his life.

I wish I had a scrip of his speech but since this is not possible I shall have to follow secondary measures by delving into memories recesses and paraphrasing. Bolling covered all the issues being voted upon in the General assembly from State Budget, energy alternatives, education, etc. however, the zenith of his speech, at least for me, was reached when he stated what was most important to him. He let it be known that though he was Lt. Governor, Politics and Government were fourth priority in his life. Number 3 was business, number 2 – family, number 1 – …at this point anticipation was engulfing my senses – what would he say? Then it came…”My relationship with Christ.” Incredible! A Lt. Governor declares he’s a follower of Jesus Christ.

It’s one thing to read or hear second hand accounts of Christian leaders performing and doing but to actually perceive a true statesman, unashamedly declaring his true colors and standing upon biblical principles right in front of your very eyes…well, it’s plain inspiring!

When the “Righteous are in authority the people rejoice”  – what a blessed truth and what new meaning it now has for me.

We as a family are truly Grateful for the incredible work performed by the The Virginia Family Foundations and the opportunities they present to fill the citizens of Virginia with inspirations and encouragements.

9 Comments » | posted in Family News, On the Issues

Wheat is so important in today’s world. Have you ever pondered what life would be like without this crop?� It would be quite dreadful, to say the least. Think about it – no more cookies, cakes, muffins, Hotdog buns, spaghetti, Home made bread, cereals – Wow! Life would sure be different. Let’s take a quick look at Modern wheat production and consumption to better appreciate the work that goes into producing this needed grain.

To begin with I’ll first compare 2007 wheat production and consumption rate to two other crops:
(Production Rate = PR, Consumption rate =CR, Measuring unit – bushels)

Wheat
PR – 1.81 Billion
CR – 2.05 Billion

Corn
PR – 10.54 Billion
CR – 11.27 Billion

Soybean
PR – 3.19 Billion
CR – 3.07 Billion

With wheat particularly, 50% is exported, 33 percent is domestically consumed, 8% is livestock feed and 4% is used for seed.

Globally, America is the third largest wheat producer with China and India taking first and second and Russia fourth. It’s interesting to note that the annual world grain production rate will need to increase by 20 to 30 percent according to an Australian food report. The reason for this prediction comes from the fact that 12 Asian countries (representing over � the World’s population) will have a meat consumption increase by the year 2020: beef� 50%, pork- 30%, chicken� 40%, and diary� 55%. Wait a minute!… Might be the words your thinking… this is meat consumption not grain. But once you realize that for every pound of Chicken on the dinner table, it took two pounds of feed (grains) to get it there, your thoughts might change.

Now, don’t be aghast! This is not the worse.

For every pound of pork 4 pounds of feed entered the pig’s digestive system and for every pound of beef a record seven pounds disappeared from the feeding trough. If you start thinking exponentially here there is a magnificent amount of grain consumption. It seems to me an Agricultural crisis is looming in the hazy future. Will the world be able to properly prepare for it? It remains to be seen.

There are many reasons we might not be ready with the continual decrease in good soil for growing the crops and apathy ruling in certain spheres.

A Southern Virginian farmer, Joel Salatin, truly understands the fearful position of U.S farm life. He clearly sees the problem, but what’s even better is that�he has proven solutions.

1. Increase organic matter, through compost piles, crop rotation, animal rotations and manure, etc.

2. Have less grain-fed animals and more grass-fed animals.

These are very general and broad, it could be said they are a summary of some of his major points. He’s written several books all on the subject of agriculture.

I believe if Americans and the rest of the world can better understand how God made this world to work there will be better farmers and more� capable individuals. We’ll be able to meet the near future crisis in global agriculture. It’s incumbent upon us to understand God’s principles and how they work into his creation. In addition we must also have purpose, for it says in the Bible: “my people perish for lack of knowledge” and also “without a vision the people perish”. If were not careful their might come a day, where there will be life without wheat. There will be no cereal, cake, or hotdog buns. Gratefully, it has not happened yet and we still have time to prepare.

7 Comments » | posted in Farming 101, On the Issues