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posted by Donald on 02/29/12

From “A Mother’s Parting Words to Her Soldier Boy”

Ah, my son, if you have no soul to save,—no sins to be forgiven, if Christ did not die for you,—if there is no Heaven, ho hell, no immortality,—then you may live without repentance and salvation. But you have a soul—you are a sinner—Christ shed His blood for you—you are immortal, and destined to the joys of Heaven or the woes of perdition, and therefore, religion is your supreme necessity. You have motives to piety, not only as a man, but as a soldier. Of  all men the soldier has the greater need of piety. . . .

Piety will not make you effeminate or cowardly. Some of the bravest soldiers of the world have been humble Christians. Cromwell, Gardiner and Havelock, thunderbolts of war, were as devout as they were heroic. Our own illustrious Washington maintained the claims of Christianity, amid the demoralizing influences of the Revolution, with a zeal corresponding with the heroism with which he fought the battles of our independence. Why should not the Christian be courageous? He has less cause to love life or dread death than other men. In the path of duty he has nothing to fear. Life and death may be equally pleasing to him. The apostle Paul, in the prospect of martyrdom, could say: “I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better,—nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

And now, my dear soldier boy, I must take leave of you. Remember that you have a large share in my love, my sympathies, and my prayers. By day and by night, you are in my thoughts: and often the unbidden tear flows down my cheek when I think of your sufferings and dangers. Let me have joy of you, my son, and I can have no greater joy than to hear that you are doing your duty—your whole duty—to your country and to God. . . .

3 Comments » | posted in Historical Glimpses, Tidbits

posted by Esther on 02/18/12

While our parents began planning for the Family Encouragement Weekends, the rest of the Wilkes came to our house to help us with some projects and visit. This was a very encouraging time for us and we treasure the memories!

The Lord really blessed our parents time as they planned with Mr. and Mrs. Neely. God has great things in store and we are all really looking forward to the 2012 FEW Conferences!

The locations and dates for the FEW this year are going to be:

Andrews, North Carolina – March 9-10
Salem, West Virginia – July 6-7
Culpeper, Virginia – August 10-11
Lyndeborough, New Hampshire – September 7-8

5 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Esther on 02/15/12

The theme for Uncle Tim’s birthday was Florida! Grandpa and Grandma’s dining room was transformed with the beach backdrop, seashore table decorations, and shells from Sanibel. Grandpa’s apple black walnut cake and Aunt Melba’s fresh key lime pie were real treats! We have so much to thank the Lord for including terrific extended family and fun times together!

5 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Michael on 02/6/12

Its has already been four years since I first wrote about growing rosemary outdoors up here in the mountains! I still do not know if anyone else grows rosemary outdoors year-round in north-central  West Virginia. But the Creator has given us a treasure in the Rosemary plant with many hygienic, culinary and medicinal uses. Can a plant that loves a hot dry climate and sandy soil survive in a cool damp climate with clay soil?

There is one hurtle to jump in growing Rosemary here. Other than that, I have found our ‘Madeline Hill’ hardy Rosemary an easy-to-care-for herb. No pruning needed, or fertilizing, or watering even in drought, and no disease or insect problems. Harvest is easy, and as a seasoning, a little goes a long way. It even dries quickly for preservation and has a lot more flavor than the who-knows-how-old stuff from the store.

Winter protection is the mysterious hurtle. Protection from constant dampness may be more important than insulation from the cold and wind, at least to a degree. The tag that came with our Madeline Hill plant said it would survive –15 F, and I have seen it survive –3 F without protection. Plant it on the south side of a wall or foundation – and if the eves protect it from too much moisture, that is all the better.

If you feel you will need to insulate it, just watch the forecast for dangerous temperatures… and when they have arrived, put a support over the plant and drape something over it like several layers of burlap or blankets. I would recommend a final waterproof layer. It is nice to uncover it in warmer sunnier weather, and it is not too much work to cover it up again once or twice during the winter if needed. I would insulate any rosemary plant in its first winter if the temperature goes below +15 degrees F.

I hope you give it a try!

Yes, our original ‘Madeline Hill’ plant is still thriving, and we have a 2nd one now. If you are interested, here are some details on winter protection  and survival experiences since the last update…

(more…)

Leave a Comment » | posted in Possessing the Land

posted by James on 02/2/12

The Essence of Christmas

A freezing, snowy night + an old, rickety piano + an ancient, homely building = a cozy, fantastic picture! This is what went running through my head as I passed through the deserted Staff Center meeting room at the IBLP Headquarters in Hinsdale, Illinois, that late, wintery night in mid-December 2009. Luckily, I already had my camera equipment with me, tripod and all, after spending time in the dining room shooting Christmas trees, Christmas lights and various other decorations of the season. Though it was nearing midnight, I couldn’t help but arrange a few compositions of the conglomeration of picturesque elements setting in the corner of the room. It wasn’t every day that I had my camera handy, let alone that there was falling snow outside combined with evening solitude inside.

To make it a decent, uncluttered picture, I had to remove a lot of books and miscellaneous stuff laying around the piano. However, I didn’t disturb the songbook that already lay upon the music rack. It was just fine the way it was. I debated whether or not to take the scraggly little tree draped in Christmas lights out from behind the piano, but I decided that because it harmonized with the overall old-fashioned theme, I would keep it there too.

Though not a landscape image, I feel this picture perfectly captured the nostalgic and anticipative emotions of December enough to include it as 1 of only 12 pictures used for Lenspiration’s 2012 Calendar.

Take advantage of the New Year Calendar Sell Out: for quantities of 10 or more, buy calendars at 75% OFF for $2.99 each, plus get FREE SHIPPING! Clearance available only while supplies last.

2 Comments » | posted in Photography