Hams and Boxes

Over the last two days nearly 300 families (we dropped a few off at homes) came onto our property to receive a free ham and food box for Christmas. It was great to be apart of LFCN today as I recognized that our family of faith is doing the work of Christ. As we finished up today Ethan Steele and I had the opportunity to carry one of the boxes to a man who has no transportation. As we approached his door he invited us in and asked us to sit down. As I sat down and looked around his small but neat apartment I inwardly gave God the praise for the opportunity. After some small talk I simply told him that this gesture was done in love that came directly from God Himself. He was extremely grateful for the gesture and then I asked if we could pray..... his response, "Why sure you can!" We prayed..... and it was good. :D

Stephen

"Least of These"

Tonight I showed up at our place of worship to watch (I helped a little) the "Church" fill food boxes for our Christmas Outreach event. This coming Sunday through God's provision we will give a ham and food box to three hundred families .......we are grateful to have the opportunity. On Sunday I will share with these families (we are having a special service at 4 pm for them) that they have helped us "make our joy complete" as we get to share with them what has been provided to us by our Heavenly Father.

I know that when we do "for the least of these....we have done unto Him."

Check out a presentation from our great night. http://vimeo.com/8218154
Blessed!
Stephen

first wrapped gift

Tonight I took time to read the familiar Luke 2 passage in which Mary "wrapped" the babe in cloth and placed him in a manger. Isn't it great to know that the first "wrapped" Christmas present on the very first Christmas was the Son of God who came to take away the sin of the world. No doubt that gift far supercedes the dress socks I'll get this Christmas. :D However, when I open those dress socks (I really do need them) I will be reminded of the Christ child and just how desperately I am in need of Him.

Abiding in the first Christmas gift.

Stephen

Time

This wednesday night I slipped into the back of the worship center to watch our children practice for our church play. When I walked into the back of the worship center, I was shocked as I focused in on my oldest boy Nick. It seemed like yesterday I was watching him perform in his first Christmas play as a four year old. Back then he didn't know most of the songs but he was placed on the very front so he would be seen by all. Today as a nine-year old he towers over most of the kids, he has a speaking part and he knows all the words to all the songs. Where did all the time go?

Tonight as I sit at my computer I am determined to enjoy every day.....if we aren't careful they will get away without us making the most of them!!

Pastor Stephen

New Birth

I stand amazed at the faithfulness and goodness of God. Two weeks ago we started a three week series based upon Acts 2. As a result LFCN is having it's own Acts 2 experience as the presence of God has moved in such a fresh and real way. Over the last two week we have had the opportunity to baptize 39 people. Young and old a like have idenitifed with Christ through public baptism. To GOD be the glory for the great things he has done.

Stephen

Stephen

Kin Folk

On Thursday I had the opportunity to meet up with my brother Bill on an I-40 park and ride and drive the short distance North to Harrisonburg to see our older brother Kerry. When we arrived in Harrisonburg we went to dinner at a local restaurant, then promptly to the legendary ice cream shop called Kleins. After ice cream we returned to Kerry's home as we talked into the early morning hours about past memories, about family, and about the goodness of God. On Saturday we loaded the golf clubs into the back of Bill's CRV and headed to Shen Valee Golf Course in New Market, VA. The weather was great, the company was better and the swings were numerous :). One of the highlights of the trip was learning things about my family that I had never known. The stories that my older brothers shared gave me new insight, better helping me understand my roots and the family that I was born into. I left Harrisonburg with a couple of thoughts.

#1: We don't get to pick our biological family: I often have thought about the "why's" of the family in which I was born. Why was I born in a quaint fishing village off the coast of NC? Why was I born to godly parents who taught me through their example what it meant to be a Christ follower? Why was I born the youngest of three boys? Why was I so blessed to have such a great childhood and wonderful family? I realize that I have had it better than most and I realize that to "whom much is given much is required."

#2: I am extremely grateful for my family: As I looked at my two older brothers it shocked me just how old they gotten (sorry Kerry and Bill....I know you will read this). As I look at my brother Kerry I see Granddaddy Gray. As I look at my brother bill I see my Father Billy. I say that to say this--- I am more grateful than I ever have been to have older brothers who have spent their lives loving me, supporting me, and encouraging me to be all that I can be for God's glory. Yea I'm getting old as well but I'm ignoring it. :)

#3: We can't pick our biological family but we can pick our eternal family: One of the reasons it is such a blessing to have older brothers is the fact that we are brothers in two respects. We are "biological brothers" and we are "spiritual brothers." Our earthly father is Captain Billy Willis and our Heavenly Father is Almighty God. Today as I give God the praise for my biological family I am even more grateful for my "kingdom family." Today on this 8th day of August I give God the praise for my salvation and my acceptance in His family. No doubt God's family has transformed my life. As I enter into the last week of my sabbatical I truly do miss my church family in Lynchburg. I am more grateful than ever to have the opportunity to lead such a great family that chooses to meet every Sunday in a building on Wards Ferry Road.

Abiding in Him!

Stephen

Mountain Walk

Today was pretty much a rain event in Maggie Valley. However, this evening the rain and clouds gave way to a glorious evening as the mountain sky was overrun with streaks of purple and a half moon that promised a clear night. As I put my shoes on to walk the dog, Micah asked, "Can I go daddy?" Obviously I gave a resounding, "Yes." Little did I know that God would use it as a fresh visual aid to what he has been teaching me lately. Back to the walk in a minute. God has been teaching me lately that many times our prayers are dominated by the mind as we look to articulate the right words to express to our Lord. God has been teaching me this week that our prayers have little to do with refined sentences and fancy words. God isn't impressed with our rhetoric or our language....he created them all just as he created us. God cares about prayers that come directly from the heart. Regardless of our words or lack there of, God simply wants us to come with a heart that is turned toward him, expressing our true feelings, our true weaknesses, and a desire to simply be intimate with him. Each morning over the last week, I have paid special attention to sit in God's presence in silence. I have spent much time allowing God to examine my heart as I look to remove all rhetoric that would hinder my prayers. Back to the story, as Micah and I climbed the mountain during our walk, Micah slipped his hand in mine to help him with the severe incline as Val was preoccupied with new found smells. As we climbed up the mountain trail, Micah looked up at me and said, "Dad it's good to be with you all by myself." As my heart melted I responded, "You are so right Micah. You are so right." As the trail leveled out, Micah ran ahead checking out the acorns and falling leaves that had fallen victim to the rain. However, as we turned around and headed back, Micah's hand once again slipped into mine as he proclaimed, "Dad I love you with all my heart." Before I could respond he clarified, "That means that I love you very much!"

Tonight as I sit at my computer I am grateful to my Heavenly Father that he chose to use this walk to inspire my heart and encourage my soul. I'm grateful that he cares enough to provide visual aids that help this father see the true longing of my Heavenly Father.

Are you taking the time for mountain walks with the Father? Eliminate all the run on sentences, fancy words, and hollow words. Simply sit in His presence letting Him examine your heart, letting Him feel your heart, and letting Him encourage your heart.

Abiding in Him!

Stephen

Quiet Lessons

God has been teaching me a lot over the last few weeks about slowing down, letting go, and getting quiet before my Creator. Over the last few weeks my a.m. routine has gone like this: Wake up, grab a cup of coffee, take a morning jog with "Val" (running with her gives me a legitimate excuse to stop and rest), grab another cup of coffee and retreat to my porch to read and pray. I position myself about ten feet away from the hummingbird feeder that has become the center of my families attention. No doubt this has become a wonderful place to seek the face of my Lord.

I have never really taken the time to focus on the hummingbird. However, over the last week the bird has become my favorite. Have you ever stopped to think how the hummingbird got its name? Sure we could all take a guess and say, "because it hums." This week I learned first hand the reason for its name. When you get close enough to the hummingbird you realize that the hum doesn't come from a sound it makes with its mouth but rather the sound it makes from it's wings. This truth may have been obvious to you but God taught me something through the hummingbird this week. As I have sit in silence on my porch in close proximity to the bird I have come to have a first person understanding of the bird, I have developed an appreciation for the bird and I plan to purchase my own hummingbird feeder when I get back to Lynchburg. In such a simple way God used His creation to challenge me in my relationship with the Creator. He longs for me to get quiet, to sit close, and to focus on Him. He longs for me to seek a greater intimacy with Him through solitude, silence and a desire to pray continually. Yea! I know that all these things fly into the face of conventional wisdom as it relates to our society......even more reason to seek after these things.

As amazing as that hummingbird is it fails to compare to the awesome splendor of it's Creator. I'm praying for the people of LFCN daily, I am seeking God's face to become a better disciple and I am looking to the future with tremendous optimism.

Abiding!

Stephen

Wild Ride

Today I had the opportunity to take my family whitewater rafting down the Pigeon River in Tennessee. It was truly a glorious day filled with God's glorious presence in God's glorious creation. Today as I traveled down the river I could hear the Word of the Lord being proclaimed in Isaiah 45:12:

"It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it."

Let's take the time to rejoice and give God the praise that he so deserves.

Abiding in Him!

Stephen

Water Fall

The boys where excited to find this waterfall that runs directly behind our rental. We tried our luck at climbing and I am certain that this will become a daily routine.

Mountain Top

The Willis family has spent the last two days settling into our rental in the Smokey Mountains. Today has truly been the most relaxing of them all. I look forward to sitting on the deck, listening to the stream, reading the Word and praying for my community of faith back in Lynchburg.

generosity lesson

Tonight the Willis family arrived in Maggie Valley N.C. It's a quaint little town in the far western mountains. When you bypass Asheville and keep driving you know that North Carolina doesn't have a lot of miles left before you run into Tennessee. After finding our "home away from home" and getting our things into our rental we headed out to find some dinner. We found a nice little mom and pop restaurant just a few miles away and we sat down and enjoyed a wonderful meal. As the meal concluded the waiter came over and said, "Sir there is a couple in our restaurant who was admiring how well your kids behaved during dinner. They have already picked up your bill." I couldn't believe what I heard. I inquired of the waiter to point out the generous couple. He pointed to a couple who was heading to the door. I quickly ran over and with astonishment thanked them for their unbelievable generosity. I introduced my family to them yet they never told me their names. Despite there warm smiles it was obvious that they would have rather gone unnoticed for this act of kindness. I returned to the table and gave my waiter a more generous tip than normal. However, Lisa gently challenged my own generosity. She stated, "Let's pass on the blessing to the degree that it was given to us (paraphrased)." I agreed and doubled the amount that was initially left for our waiter. I walked out of the restaurant with mixed emotions tonight. First, I was grateful for the kindness that was offered to my family. Second, I was a little disappointed in myself that it was Lisa's idea to give with extravagance. As we got in the car to head to the grocery store I quietly did three things. First, I thanked God for his tremendous provision for me and my family. Second, I asked him to forgive me for not initially being extravagent in my generosity. Thirdly, I determined in my heart that I would look with "eyes wide open" for the next opportunity to "pass on a blessing" to whoever crosses my path. No doubt God has been so good to us and he has called us to be generous in a way that reflects Him.



"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8



Gratefully Abiding!



Stephen

Sacred Solitude

It's been a few days since my last post. One of the great parts of sabbatical is only doing things whenever you get around to it. :) We arrived back in Lynchburg earlier in the week and we leave for the mountains of North Carolina early Saturday morning.

I wanted to take the time to share with you what God has been teaching me. I just recently began reading a "christian classic" entitled "The Way of the Heart." The first chapter significantly talks about the power of solitude and it's importance in our christian walk. I couldn't help but recognize the fact that this spiritual discipline is probably one of the hardest and most often neglected. Truthfully many of us are afraid of solitude and we work hard at filling our lives with stuff that enables us to avoid it. As I look at this truth I am personally challenged to make solitude apart of my life. Many of you are probably thinking it will be easier for you during your sabbatical.....not necessarily..... I have three boys. :) I made a commitment to the Lord this week to awake earlier than I normally do to place a greater emphasis on my time with the Father. Please pray for me that this time will be rich and meaningful. I'll pray the same for you. :)

Stephen

Beach View

The Willis family on vacation at Sunset Beach!

Father and Son

As I mentioned earlier Nick and I participated in a father son golf tournament today in Myrtle Beach. We met up with my old college roommate and his son at the International Course on Hwy 17. This was only the second time that Nick has played an entire 18 holes. I spent much of my time focusing on teaching him the game, proper etiquette, and encouraging him through the sand traps, water holes, and long fairways. I didn't mind it a bit .... it was a great day for Nick's father. I couldn't help but be reminded throughout the day that my Heavenly Father is doing the same for me spiritually. I often fall short, I don't always understand my surroundings but I know that my Father in heaven is "abounding in love" and "encouraging me to the next level spirtually."

Abiding and resting in Him!

Stephen

Campus Crusade

This morning Nick and I left early for a father and son golf tournament in Myrtle Beach. We stopped by the area Dunkin Donuts for some donuts and coffee. As I stood in line a young man in front of me dropped a book on the floor. I quickly noticed that the book looked familiar. The book was a book I read during my course of study entitled "The Master Plan of Evangelism." After I saw the book I struck up a conversation with the boy. I learned that his name was Corey and that he was from Minnesota. He was staying in the Myrtle Beach area this summer working for Campus Crusade with Christ on an evangelism trip. Honestly the young boy looked a little homesick. I told him that I was a pastor from Lynchburg and I wanted to encourage him in his efforts to reach people this summer with the message of God's love. I also informed him that I would be praying specifically for him this summer. Will you join in prayer for Corey? Will you allow his example to impact you today? Who are you trying to reach for Christ? "Let's lift as we climb in 09."

Big Family

Tonight I sit in my hotel room tired from a tremendous week of activity at our General Assembly in Orlando, Fl. Everyday has been filled with legislative sessions as I served as one of the Virginia delegates for the assembly. Having the opportunity to serve has been very rewarding for me personally. However the greatest joy is to be with my brothers and sisters from around the world. Today I had the opportunity to catch up with three of my Jordanian brothers that I met while in the Middle East back in February of 2008. What a tremendous opportunity it was to share this time with true heroes of the faith. These men have dedicated their lives to preaching the good news of Jesus to their Arab communities. I recognize that we have a significant role in helping them as we continue to give toward World Mission. This week I have learned that we still have a long way to go as a church but we are on the right track. We truly have become a global community that is doing it's part to proclaim the message of God's great love.

The Willis family will be leaving Orlando in the morning heading North to North Carolina. Looking forward to a beach chair, a cold mountain dew, and a good book.

Stephen

Isaiah 30:21

global impact

It's been a while since my last blog. After two weeks of rest and relaxation I have been busy serving as a delegate to the Nazarene General Assembly. My days have been filled with meetings, legislative decision-making and enjoying the fellowship with thousands of other believers.

Today I became a part of history in our denomination. Today the General Assembly elected the first minority international general superintendent. Today Eugenio Duarte was elected to serve in the highest elected office in the Church of a Nazarene. It was a tremendous opportunity to recognize that LFCN is a part of a community of faith that is both global and missional.

We celebrate!

Stephen Willis

Visual Effects

Here are a few "visual effects" from Orlando.



Lisa, Nick and Micah spinning in the tea cup.



Camden was also in the teacup.




Micah hanging with Anna in his "rented ride."





Lee giving Tonja a kiss in the teacup!


Abiding in Him!

Stephen

One Body

The last few days have been tremendous for the Willis family. I have watched lifetime memories being created for my family. These memories will always be remembered. Over the last few days we have explored the Magic kingdom and the Animal kingdom in Orlando. We closed the Magic kingdom down one night and started the Animal kingdom up the next. It has been busy, crazy and wonderful all at once. We have shared the last few days with the Hall family and that to has been great. When all eleven of us enter a park or restaurant we are a spectacle to see. The stair step of kids goes like this: Adam (14), Andrew (12), Nick (9), Aaron (8), Camden (7), Anna (6) and Micah (4). I tell you that to also inform you that Micah has been a trooper keeping up with the rest of the gang. We have aided him in every possible way. We rented a stroller each day, Lisa has carried him on her hip, I have carried him on my shoulders, and everyone else in the group has held his hand one time or another. For me it has been a personal example of the community of faith that I lead at LFCN. We are on a journey together. We are so important to each other. We will experience times of great euphoria (you should have seen Micah today in the African Safari....he was amazed), and we will experience difficult times as well (the Florida sun has taken it's toll on Micah and everyone else). However, we are in it together!!! Let's look over our shoulder, let us lift as we climb!!!

"Old Friend"

This morning the Willis family awoke just miles away from Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Just minutes after waking up my youngest boy Micah proclaimed, "I can't wait to go see my old friend Mickey." I couldn't help but chuckle once I heard Micah's proclamation. We spent the day in Disney World and had a tremendous time despite the high temps. However, one thing was noted when we returned home this afternoon..... we didn't get to see Mickey. We still have a few days left to get the opportunity. This afternoon as I hear the rumbles of a late afternoon thunderstorm I am grateful that I have an "old friend" who is much more impressive than Mickey. He is the God of the universe, the giver of life, and the sustainer of all things.

Pastor Stephen

Father's Day

Yesterday at this time Lisa and I were still in north central Maine. Twenty-four hours later we have reunited with our boys and now are in southern South Carolina on our way to Orlando. After arriving at the hotel I had a chance to take the boys to the pool for a little fun. As Micah and I hung out near the edge of the pool he looked at me and said, "Dad I love you because you love me." Wow! Pretty good statement to end Father's Day on. God used my four year old to bring things in clear perspective concerning the relationship that I have with Him. "I love Him because He first loved me." Just wanted to remind you of that on this Father's Day. No matter the performance of our earthly fathers we all have a Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally.

Stephen

This entry is dedicated to my earthly father..... Captain Billy Willis. Thanks for loving me unconditionally. :)

Committed Love

Yesterday we left Boston and drove North to Waterville ME. Today I have the priviledge of officiating the wedding of Langston Ware and Danielle McCarthy. It's extra special in that today is the eleven year anniversary of my own marriage to the wonderful Lisa Cox Willis.

After the wedding and reception today Lisa and I will drive the two hundred miles back to Boston. After spending tonight at Eastern Nazarene College we will fly out of Boston early in the morning back to Raleigh. Once we arrive in Raleigh we will drive back to Lisa's parents home, pick up the kids and start the second leg of our sabbatical..... Disney here we come!!!

Lowered Wings

How can I hear the voice of the Lord? I think we find the first step in Ezekial 1:25. The Word states, "Then there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood with lowered wings." This morning as I read God's Word and reflected on my devotional "Streams in the Desert" I learned that these living creatures lowered their wings in order to eliminate the activity of their lives and to bring reverence to God. It is my prayer that you take time to lower your wings to God in order that you can produce his will. L.B. Cowman states, "Oh, how much energy we waste! How much time we lose by refusing to lower the wings of our spirit and become totally quiet before Him! Imagine the calm, the rest, and the peace that will come as we wait in His presence until we hear from Him!"

Hoping you take the time to hear from Him today.

Today Lisa and I are in Newport, Rhode Island. We walked the cliffs of Newport yesterday. Today we plan on touring the mansions that line the coast.

Abiding!

Stephen

Flight North

This morning Lisa and I left out of the Raleigh-Durham Airport for Boston. Our flight left at 6 am so we found ourselves up at 2:45 am to ensure that we arrived in Raleigh early enough to catch our flight. Our initial flight left late because they couldn't get the plane to start.....no kidding! However, after some repair and a lot of reassurance we arrived in New York just in time to catch our connecting flight. As we settled in to the second leg of our flight I opened my Bible and found these words in Psalm 62 "My soul finds rest in God alone (v. 1)." The psalmist goes on to to say in verse 5, "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone." As I sat and reflected on God's Word I quietly bowed my head and thanked my Heavenly Father for the rest that I have in Him. In the coming weeks I plan to simply rest in Him. Today it is my prayer that you to can find rest in the one who brings rest to our souls. Abiding!

Stephen

Journey begins

It's Sunday night and my eight week summer sabbatical begins in the morning. Today was filled with our community of faith heaping blessings upon us as we begin this time of rest and renewal. What a tremendous honor it is to be apart of a community of people who geniunely love each other. I look forward to the next eight weeks away and I look forward to our return in August. I will be updating this blog throughout the next eight weeks. I look forward to the opportunity to spend significant quality time with my family, get quiet before my creator, and rest in His sweet presence.

Stephen