Father & Son - A Weekend To Remember!

If you've spent anytime with Cammie and I then you know that we believe in the family. We talk about the importance of the family. We've taught on the importance of the family and most importantly, we have endeavored to model healthy family life. If you've been around us and observed then what you've seen is the real thing.

Often times ministry and pastoring can hinder healthy family life. (Yes - it is true.) Sometimes the demands of the church and the people you have been entrusted with can become some needful and even demanding of your time and attention that, as a Pastor, it is easy to forget whom you were first entrusted with to pastor - your family. I'll always be thankful to Don McGregor for instilling the concept within me that the church begins in your home. (Thank you Don.)

All this to say that this past Labor Day weekend I had a rare and incredibly wonderful opportunity to spend 4 days with Zach (our youngest) in the High Sierras. It was a four-day, father/son backpacking trip that, when all was said and done, would take us on a wilderness journey that covered 20 mountainous miles. When Zach first heard about the trip he an expressed an interest to go that was immediately followed with the words, "But I know that you can't because it is over a Sunday and you can't miss a Sunday at church." He was greatly surprised at my response which was, "Of course I can. I'd love to go. There are plenty of people who can take my place." With that, we signed up.

The trip was strategically planned by our leader Ken Bascom. His heart was to see fathers and sons have a greater bond in their relationship. As we conquered switch-backs, shared themed journal entries with one another, prayed together and fished together it was obvious that the Holy Spirit was doing a divinely ordained work. Zach and I left for the outing with a healthy relationship and we came back with a strengthened relationship. I wouldn't trade that weekend for the world. I must admit that I was proud of this 47 year old. I kept up - for the most part - with the young guys. The time I've been logging at the gym paid off.

Remember - the family is where the church begins. Take time to love and cherish each member. Take time to make an investment in your children. Others can wait. They need you now.

Because You Have Asked...

On Wednesday we sent out a prayer alert concerning our home and a potential buyer. Many have asked how it went. We only heard the follow-up news last night but we wanted to give you an update. Bottom line - after much consideration they decided not to make an offer. I confess that, at first I was a bit discouraged but within a very brief period decided there was no reason to be discouraged nor to waiver in our faith. God is still in charge. His word to us is that He has it all worked out. We choose to trust and look forward with great anticipation.

The Best Is Yet To Come!

Second Time Around

Recently, I loaded up my phone with a variety of ringtones in order to easily identify the person calling. For instance, when Cammie calls my phone plays, "My Girl." When Zach calls my phone plays, "Eye of the Tiger." When our realtor calls my phone plays, "Hit Me With Your Best Shot." I love it when Cammie calls and I love it when Zach calls but these days, I love it when our realtor calls. When I hear "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" I can pretty much count on the fact that she is calling to tell us of a scheduled viewing of our home.

Today, I was at the grocery store and I was standing at the checkout I heard those words, "Hit Me With Your Best Shot." Knowing it was our realtor I said, "Hello Teri." She laughed. I had previously told her about her assigned ringtone. She knew that when I said, "Hello Teri" I had just heard the words "Hit Me With Your Best Shot." Sure enough she told me that we had a viewing scheduled for this evening, October 16th, between 5:30 and 7:00. The great thing about this viewing is it the second time around for this potential buyer. (Thus, the title of this entry) In otherwords, they looked at the house last week and liked what they saw and want to come back and view it for a second time.

I am writing to sound a prayer alert! Perhaps this is the one God has ordained to buy our home. We sure hope so. Would you pray for the viewing this evening. Pray that we have favor and most importantly, pray that God's will be done and His timing be that which we submit to. Thanks for taking the time to read. And more importantly, thanks for taking the time to pray. Be sure and leave a comment if you have time about this or any other entry. We'd love to hear from you.

Praying God's Word

For longer than I can remember we've always believed that there is power and release in praying God's Word. We know there is power in doing so because Hebrews tells us the Word is "Alive and Active." As Paul wrote to Timothy he said that "All Scripture is God Breathed." In Ephesians 6 Paul tells us that "God's Word is a sword" that is to be used in Spiritual Warfare. Psalms tells us that God's Word is a "Light and Lamp." As John began his Gospel account, he told us that "Jesus is the Word." If the Word is of such value then why wouldn't I use it when I pray?

In the midst of our transition we've begun to exercise this discipline in an increased measure. It's amazing how we all step it up when we step out in faith. God's Word becomes the handrails of our faithwalk. In being obedient to God's voice we felt much like Peter must have felt when he got out of the boat and placed his feet on the water. We recognized that in this act of obedience we needed something to hold on to. Knowing what we know about God, through His Word, we could think of nothing more effective than praying His Word. We actually asked God to give us specific passages of scripture to pray. He was faithful.

The primary passage that we have been praying is found in Jeremiah 29:10-14 (The Message) Now I realize that this promise was written in relation to Israel and their deliverance from Babylon but I also realize that the concepts in this passage reveal God's character and nature - of which He is always true to. Check out the passage below and then as you pray for us make it a part of your pray regiment in relation to our transition.

Praying God's Word For Our Future

Jeremiah 29:10-14

This is God's Word on the subject: "As soon as Babyon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I Know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not to abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed. God's Decree. I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you - God's Decree - bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile.

YOU CAN COUNT ON IT!

When I read the words in this passage and when I recall all that God has spoken concerning the next season of our lives I feel like we have some good, strong handrails to lean on, support us and direct us. We find great confidence in praying God's Word. We find great strength. You can too.

What About Adam?

Once again, while most know, some may not. Mid-August Adam loaded up his car picked up his traveling buddy - Miles - and headed for North Carolina, ahead of the rest of the family. While God was doing something in Cammie and me about going home, God was doing a similiar but totally unrelated work in Adam's heart.

Adam's purpose in going back home (sidenote - NC truly is home for him. He was born in Charlotte) is to help Ben & Casey Eige launch a new church in Uptown Charlotte - Easter 08. He was able to transfer from Trader Joe's in Simi Valley to one of the new stores in Charlotte. He seems to be settling in well. Of course will all transitions there are adjustments to be made but Adam seems to be wholeheartedly arising to the challenge and of his own confession is learning valuable lessons along the way.

In addition to being part of the Church Plant Team he is also leading worship at a Monday night worship venue that is geared towards the Nascar community. (Nascar is big stuff in that neck of the woods!) The venue is a part of the master plan of Grace Covenant Community Church which is Pastored by Farrell Lemmings. To date the service seems to be going well.

Many have asked, "What does Adam think about Mom & Dad moving so close?" He is welcoming us with open arms. It hasn't proven to be an issue thus far. We don't anticipate any problems in the future. In fact, it will be nice to have the entire family so close together.

I'm sure Adam would appreciate your prayers when you think of him. Pray that...

1) He would continue to settle well into his new life and schedule.
2) He will experience continued, abundant financial provision.
3) He will be able to order his time and money well.
4) He will trust God will all of his heart in every situation.

And - That's the story on Adam. If you want to keep up with him more consistently, you can check his blog out at...

http://aconventionalconfabulation.wordpress.com/

What's Up With The Wilson Family?

Most know by now but just in case you haven't heard - Stan, Cammie & Zach are moving. That's right! We're moving. Where? You may ask. Well, just look at the name of our blog site. We've got Carolina on our minds. I know we said we'd never but you know what they say about that. (Never, Never say Never!)

Here's the scoop. It's a God thing and it's a good thing! Simply put - God spoke - we listened and now we're being obedient. Nothing more and nothing less. We have an irresitable urge and calling by the Holy Spirit to go back home.

It all began two years ago. A summary of the process would be to say that two years ago, while in NC, God and I began to talk about our future. He clued me in that there would be conclusion to our season of ministry at Sonrise and it would be a good thing. I didn't sense that it would be anytime soon. In fact, I felt that God said it would at least a couple of years away.

With that in mind I, much like Mary (the mother of Jesus) pondered these things in my heart and held on to them privately for two years. Early this summer I knew it was time to share with Cammie what I was sensing. One evening after dinner, with a bit of fear and trembling, I began to share with Cammie. It's so nice how God works. He had already begun to share it with her about six months earlier.

From that point on it all began to move rather fast. We committed to conversation with God and with one another. God spoke plainly. The word He spoke was a word of release. We understood that He had called us to Sonrise for a specific purpose and that purpose had been fulfilled. The greatest part was when He spoke and said, "Well done!"

So - we had a understanding that we had been called out. That was easy. Now - how about this. We didn't know exactly what He was calling us to. Well - we did have a sense, I suppose. We knew He was calling us back home and we found ourselves so excited about this call.

I'll skip a few parts and say that September 30th was our last Sunday at Sonrise. September was a great month with a lot of goodbyes. On our final weekend the church gave us a sendoff that was truly honoring to our family.

On October 1st Cammie and I boarded a plane and headed for NC. We took about 6 days to scout out the land. We went desiring greater confirmation, clarification and direction. God was truly faithful. We will keep you posted as we continue to move forward.

Our Prayer Requests

While You're Still Reading...

One of the main reasons for creating this blog is to establish a prayer force. We will consistently post current prayer points with a great hope that you will pray for us during this time of transition.

The Biggie...

• Please pray for the sell of our home.
• Pray that God will send the right buyer at the right time. (We confess that we hope this is very soon.)
• Pray that our faith will be bigger than the current status of the housing market and that we will not be discouraged by the reports of doom and gloom.

Another Biggie...

• Pray for continued financial provision. (This is truly a step of faith for us.)

And Finally (Or at least for today)...

• Pray that we will enjoy every minute along the way.
• Pray that we will learn every lesson God has for us.
• Pray that we will laugh a lot.
• Pray that we will have the ability to dream and dream big.
• Pray that we will activate our faith and move forward on those God given dreams.