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