This morning my Android phone woke me up at the proper time (I use it instead of a conventional alarm clock), I jumped into a warm shower, put on my Sunday best, climbed into my truck and drove to our worship center on nice asphalt roads. I entered the sanctuary to make sure everything was in its right place. I noticed that all the chairs were uniformed, the temperture felt comfortable, the communion elements had been set in its proper place and all the instruments glistened under the stage lights that were increasing in strength (as they warmed up).

In comparison many people today are waking much earlier than I did in order that they can walk to worship. They didn't have the warm shower or fine clothes and the roads they walk are dusty and dry. Some meet in fear of being found out, others meet under trees, and others meet in abandoned warehouses that don't have the finer tools of worship.

It is my prayer today that we will all come with the right attitude for authentic worship. We have been given so much and we have so much to give thanks for today. Certainly all of our places of worship look much different. However, the technology, fancy instruments, good transportation, or temperture regulated facilities will never satisfy......let us come with grateful hearts realizing that it was the sacrifice of God's Son that makes all the difference in our lives.

Abiding in Him!
Stephen

Cam, Dad,gratefulness & victory

Warning: I'm back!!!! Just thought I would warn you. It's been nearly two years since my last blog. Over the last two years I have remained focused on finishing my masters degree so I decided to neglect "blog nation" for a season. Now that I have completed my coursework I felt led to pick up where I left off.

"But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ...." (2 Cor. 2:14)

This past week was extremely special for me. I had an opportunity to spend a couple of days alone with my middle son Camden. On Wednesday afternoon we climbed into the F150 and drove to Raleigh for the NC State v. Miami basketball game. After the game we drove to my in-laws in Burlington to spend the night. The next day we played some golf together, ate a rack of ribs and returned home "all the better for the time we had together."

During the trip with my son I was reminded of an important characteristic......gratefulness. I lost count of how many times that Camden sincerely thanked me for the adventure. He thanked me for the Five-Guys burger, the milkshake at the game, the souvenir, the mountain dew, the candy, the rack of ribs, the round of golf and the overall experience. It does something to a father's heart when a child expresses their gratitude.

I came away more determined to be more grateful for all that my "Heavenly Father" has done for me. Hope you join me!

We were excited that NC State won the game. However, I couldn't help but think that the game was only a small part of the victory we experienced this week.

Abiding in Him!
Stephen Willis