The Wilkes Team

There’s a star in the sky!

There’s a mother’s deep prayer – and a baby’s low cry!

And the star rains it’s fire while the beautiful sing!

For the manger of Bethlehem  – cradles a King!

There’s a tumult of joy, O’re the wonderful birth.

For the virgin sweet boy is the Lord of the earth.

And the star rains it’s fire while the beautiful sing!

For the manger of Bethlehem – cradles a King.

What a glorious time of year. What a priceless gift we have been given- a Saviour and King!

Merry Christmas

and may the Lord richly bless you in 2011!!

5 Comments » | posted in Family News, Photography

Yes, it is true! The Wilkes team has not one, not two, but three chickens!! It has been a couple of exciting days over here as we have begun to take farming to another level.

Our Aunt had some chickens that she needed to find a home for so she brought them over to the great joy of many!

Mark and Hannah could not be any happier. They are thoroughly enjoying this. Kenan and Adam have spear- headed the building of a chicken coop and yard for them and the rest of us are truly enjoying the farm fresh eggs!

3 Comments » | posted in Family News, Farming 101, Outdoor Adventures, Photography

"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.

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

Oh the magnificent displays of God’s character to splendidly declared in the world of nature around us. Yet how often do we rush past these little tributes to God’s glory. What a blessing to have siblings who are alert to the beauty of God at work around them, especially in the world of nature.

During a recent dinner hour and while Kenan was walking into the kitchen, he suddenly exclaimed with joy and wonder, the spectacular setting sun. Amidst the shades of vivid pink, red, and orange, we marveled over the bold rays of sunlight emitting from behind the mountains. The wonder was magnificent to behold and a timely reminder to take the time to notice the hand of our loving Creator throughout His creation.

1 Comment » | posted in Outdoor Adventures, Photography

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

Psalm 16:11 says,

" Thou  (God) wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

Why do we fear the future? Why do we worry about the unknown? We must remember that the thoughts that the Lord has towards us are not evil but peace, to bring us to an expected end. (Jer 29:11)

We can boldly step forward and do what God has called us to do. Not because we feel like we have it all figured out but because we know the one who does! Be willing to do the not so popular thing. Be  men and women of your word. Stand for truth sell it not!

The world is looking for answers. We as followers of Jesus Christ must be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. Why? So we may shine as lights in the world! (Php 2:15)  This will only be possible once we allow the truth of God’s word dwell in us richly, then apply it to our every day living!

Isaiah 30:21 says, "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."  Praise the Lord that we have the promises and the truths of God’s word!

These thoughts were spurred by this picture below. We are all on this faith walk together! We must continue to lift each other up in prayer before the throne of grace.

Earlier this month we took a hike with some dear friends through a section of the Shenandoah Mountains known as White Oak Canyon. It was absolutely stunning, and breath taking!

As we were pulling out Dad said " Here we are overwhelmed and delighted by the beauty of God’s Creation, can you even imagine how beautiful this world must have been before the fall?"

One day we will see Him in all of His beauty! What a glorious day that will be!!

9 Comments » | posted in Outdoor Adventures, Photography