The Wilkes Team is committed to living their lives in such a way so that others are drawn to Christ and God is glorified

Hallelujah – He shall reign forever!!

We had the privilege the other night to go and hear the Handel’s Messiah. What a blessing it was! Not only did we enjoy listening to it but we also were able to sing along with 2500 others in the magnificent Kennedy Center. Lead by three different lively conductors, and accompanied by a full orchestrate and harpsichord!

It was incredible! We are already looking forward to going again next year!

Us and our dear friends the Potters!

The Hallelujah Chorus:

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The kingdom of this world is become
the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and of His Christ;
and He shall reign for ever and ever
and He shall reign for ever and ever
and He shall reign for ever and ever
and He shall reign for ever and ever
King of Kings,
for ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
and Lord of Lords,
for ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
King of Kings,
for ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
and Lord of Lords,
for ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
King of Kings,
for ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
and Lord of Lords,
for ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
King of Kings, and Lord of Lords,
and He shall reign for ever and ever
and He shall reign for ever and ever
King of Kings
for ever and ever. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
and He shall reign for ever and ever,
for ever and ever,
King of Kings,
and Lord of Lords,
King of Kings,
and Lord of Lords,
and He shall reign for ever and ever,
King of Kings,
and Lord of Lords.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Two sweet couples

Joel and Sarah Josh and Lisa Our wonderful parents

The Wilkes Team

Jesus is Born!!!!

The Wilkes Team wants to wish you all a very

Merry Christmas!!!

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May we not forget the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! 

” For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” ~ Isaiah 9:6

A Christmas Progressive Dinner!

“….and breaking bread from house to house, did they eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,” Acts 2:46

This was a Christmas party that will be in our memory for years to come!

 

What wonderful food!!! We enjoyed it immensely! Taking on a puzzel

Joel and Sarah Potter putting together their gift box! Sarah and Grandpa enjoying hot cider

Our exciting adventure began at the home of Joshua and Lisa. We all enjoyed a tasty array of festive hors’dourves and drinks. While there, each family was given a box to decorate and prepare to fill for a family or individual in ministry. What a wonderful time of the year to let other’s know that you are praying for them and are blessed by their service to our Lord Jesus. Praise the Lord for those who He has called to serve the Lord in full-time ministry.

 

What a beauitful dining hall!  Seeking to bless the body of Christ. Miss Noelle writing her note of encouragment

Thank you Joel and Sarah for all that you did! Enjoying this bountiful meal!

Our next stop was at the home of Joel and Sarah Potter. Here we partook in a scrumptious family style Christmas dinner and enjoyed more wholesome fellowship. Each person was given the opportunity to write a short note to their ‘ministry family.’

 

Merry Christmas!! Two dear friends - Two dear sister's in the Lord - Two precious young wives!!

The spread of desserts! Which one shall I pick? This looks like the perfect gift..... ....well maybe for my sister it would be! :-)

 a......toilet paper roll!!! Wow! Not just a toilet paper roll....:-)

hmmm.... Peanuts! What did you get? A nice picture frame! :-)

The last stop of the Christmas Dinner was the Barn where awaited a fine spread of desserts and Christmas goodies.

Here we filled our boxes with little gifts, goodies, and words of encouragement. 

A time of talking, laughing, and fellowship over the delicious desserts were enjoyed by all. As well as a memorable gift exchange. :-)

A Christmas Family Reunion at the Barn!

What a wonderful group!

We had the joy of hosting the Snively Reunion at the barn during this wonderful time of the year! Words can’t truly express the blessing it was.

There was many wonderful activities, food, and fellowship to enjoy. But the sweetest time was when we all gathered together for a time of prayer and praise to our Lord. The presence of the Lord was truly there! I was left in awe as I heard the passion, fervency, gratefulness, and longing to be all that Christ would have us be.

As we concluded the evening there was a tighter bond between us all. The desire to spend more time together was evident. Praise the Lord for family!

Hannah enjoying the gift exchange!!!

Kenan recieved a toothbrush and toothpaste!!! Nice scarf Cousin Kevin! :-) Special times to talk

Speed Scrabble! 

Mark with some of is awesome cousins!!!

Making Memories…..

Ready to find our tree!

There is a ‘Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farm’ about ten minutes from the barn, which offers a great assortment of fir trees to pick from.

Our dear parents Sisterly love

When we heard about it we thought it would be a great memory if we all went and cut down our Christmas tree this year. We all cheered at the idea and anticipated the evening together.

Mark Josh and Lisa's first Christmas!!

We made some fun family memories that night! O, the joys of doing things together!

 We found the perfect tree! What do you think about this one? :-) Taking the tree home

Working together Our trees!

Carrying them back to the van. I didn't know that trees had legs....:-)

As we go through these last 9 days before Christmas may we take the time to make family memories. Enjoy one another!

  • As our dear friends the Neely’s would say, “Sit long – Talk much -Laugh often.”
  • Make cookies and Christmas goodies together for your neighbors.
  • Invite a couple families over and go Christmas caroling! Hand out cookies and a Christmas track. The candy cane story is a great track to give out!
  • Send a ‘Box of Blessings’ to a missionary, or a family that is in need.
  • Look for people that you can bless through your words, time,  a note, or gift.
  • Be available! Sometimes we miss those opportunities to bless others because we are so wrapped up in what we are doing! Evaluate what is truly important? How does the Lord want me to be spending my time, energy, and gifting’s?
  • But most of all, don’t let the days slip by without taking the time to truly bask in the greatest gift that we have been given- Eternal life through Jesus Christ!

With Grandma And Grandpa

Spending time with Grandma and Grandpa has always been a real delight to the Wilkes Team! No matter what you are doing with them you leave their presence encouraged, blessed, inspired, and grateful to God for the gift of Grandparents!

Well done!!

Last Thursday was no exception! Almost all of the extended Wilkes family was able to meet at our Grandparent’s house for a day of making gingerbread houses!

This is fun!  

Wilkes guy at work!

Rebecca helping her mommy decorate. As well as making sure the decorations taste good too! Charle and Jeremiah

The Wilkes girls house 

But it wasn’t only about making gingerbread houses. It was also about being together, “working” together :-) , eating together, as well as having time to fellowship and encourage one another in our walks with the Lord.

It was a day we wont forget!

Josh and Lisa's little house!

A Few Good Links:

Creation Museum
Prepare for a blessing at this museum which clearly reveals the origin of our world. Well designed & family friendly, the museum will make a memorable stop if you’re ever in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. Visit June 2007 archive for our Report!
The Staddon Family
The Staddon family has been a big source of enouragement and were the inspiration for our blog.

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