Quench not the Spirit

 

"Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise, in light inaccesible, hid from our eyes."

 

One Sunday morning soon after sunrise I stepped outside. What I saw brought a tremendous feeling of awe! The scene reminded me of what it is like to live in God’s presence and have nothing hid from Him. Through His Spirit and His word, God wants to show us the right way. May God bless you today with the joyfulness and peace that come as we quench not the Spirit.

Kayaking in the Mangroves

The kayak Robert and I rode in.

Dad and Donald's kayak.Jonathan and Daniel's kayak.

Early Monday morning our family headed over to Commodore  Creek for a kayaking escapade. This was the first time in my life that I had ever experienced the thrill of kayaking.

This was better than any hiking trail.

Where could it be?

Oh! There!

We enjoyed being so close  to God’s fascinating creation. At one point, Robert and I were just a few yards under an Anhinga!

Getting a closer look.So close!

The race is on!

The winding trails through the mangrove trees, the fast-paced races, strategies of nautical combat, and a surprise attack all made for an exciting morning together.

A yellow-crowned night heron.We actually got to see it eating a fish whole!

An anhinga.

A tricolored heron.

Takeoff!

An immature night heron.

An osprey.

A double-crested cormorant.

This Week’s Family Night is …

darts 004darts 007 One Friday night we were all  wondering what Jonathan would choose to do for his turn on Family  Night.  He surprised us by saying “Let’s play darts!” We all  thought   was a super idea so we ran out to the garage game room where the dart board was that dad had recently mounted on the wall.... shoot!Take careful aim ...... and ...

Bull's eye!DavidAs we began the first game we became very grateful for the protective padding around and below the dart board. Despite our lack Danielof practice  however, Daniel actually got a “bull’s eye” on the very first round and Michael got all three so close it caused a shout of exclamation to sound forth from the onlookers. Thank you Jonathan for your thoughtfulness in making it such a surprise!

darts 005Marksman MichaelAnd finally, Jonathan tallies the totals.

David’s Manhood Ceremony!

Dad sharing the vision. This month we gathered together for a special celebration  of a new stage of responsibility in my life. Prior to my manhood ceremony, Dad and I talked through the responsibility of being a young man. We also talked about some commitments which I made to guide me Friends and family! through my adult years. Some of these included the commitment to give a good report of people, to  court instead of date, to respect my body as a  temple of the Holy Spirit, and to respect authority.

Kenan and IOn the morning of my manhood ceremony, Dad and I had just finished   reviewing my salvation testimony when suddenly I heard a great shout of exclamation coming from downstairs. Dad smiled and said "I think my friends are here. Why don’t you go meet them." I was quite puzzled by this and looked out the window and was completely taken by surprise to see Kenan and Joshua Wilkes! I was so honored that they had traveled all the way from VA for this special event. Other friends, family, and church family made me feel so supported for which I am very grateful! Thank you everyone!

Risen to walk in newness of life! The Lord blessed us with good weather that afternoon at Sportsman’s Lake. I was baptized by Dad and Pastor Epling. What a privilege and honor to be identified with Christ as I enter manhood.

 

Dad was the main speakerDaniel praising characterWisdom from an older brotherExhortation from a brother in Christ

Scene of the baptismal service

Verse of the Month: August

Proverbs 6:5

A Few Good Links:

"In Balance Music" Radio Network
The music on this online radio station is the kind that we listen to in our home. We’ll guarantee that it will uplift your spirit and encourage your soul!
The Wilkes Team
You’ll enjoy getting to know this talented, God-fearing, fun-loving family from Northern Virginia.

Site Credits:

Header image by Lenspiration, the photography portfolio of James Staddon.

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