Carolina On My Mind

A Brief Update - More To Come

2008-01-18T07:55:00.000-08:00

Yes! We are still alive and well. We've been so focused on settling in our new home that I, obviously, haven't taken time to update the blog. The short story is that our furniture arrived later on December 27th. Because it was supposed to arrive early in the morning the unloading became a 2 day process. Our realtor showed up a few days after the furniture had a arrived and was quite surprised. She said we get the prize for accomplishing the most in the shortest amount of time. If you were to come into our home today you would not necessarily suspect that we had only been here for 2 weeks. All the boxes are unpacked that are going to get unpacked. There are a few left in the garage that contain items from my office. They will get unpacked with time. The walls have been painted, the shelves have been lined with paper and everything put away. Pictures have been hung and Cammie has put the finishing, warming touches throughout the house as only Cammie can do. It feels like home - and - it's beautiful.

Cammie has started a part-time job, Zach is going for a follow-up interview at Harris Teeter (local grocery store) today. We feel that he will most likely get the job. I (Stan) have been focused on getting settled in the house. Now that it done I will hit the pavement. In fact, the focus of the blog will change from praying for our home to sell to me finding the employment/ministry that God has for me. I have a peace inside. He has been faithful all along. He promised to see our journey to its end. I know that includes placing me where I can influence people for spiritual transformation. (Cammie too) Please begin to pray for that end.

We had snow on Thursday - about 4 inches. As quickly as it came it melted. It was fun. We are expecting another winter storm on Saturday with snow throughout the day. We are looking forward to it.

Adam is doing well. He picked up a stray dog in the snow. He thought he wanted to keep it but then realized that it requires the responsibility of caring for it on the long-term. He is now dogless - after thinking it through.

This is brief but more is to come with pictures and details of how to pray for us.

More later!

The Secret to Life - Enjoy the Journey!

2007-12-25T12:11:00.000-08:00

The Road Home...

2007-12-25T12:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas In Carolina - We Made It!

2007-12-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

We rolled in on Christmas Eve at about 9:30. Home For Christmas - Proof that God's cares about the desires of our heart. Now it's Christmas Day and we are enjoying a wonderful family reunion. It feels good to be home.

I'll post pictures soon but meanwhile I give you a brief summary of our trip.

Day 1 - After an emotional time of saying goodbye to our friends, our home and Southern California we were on the road at about 11:00 am. It was quite for the first while as we gave the tear flow time to stop. Soon we had recovered. We made it to Flagstaff the first night. It was 11 degrees with snow on the ground. We were ready for a good night's rest.

Day 2 - We were up early. After breakfast we packed the car. We cranked the car to warm it up. Don't ask me how it happened but while we were having a few Kodak moments we managed to lock the keys in the car. The car was still running and all three dogs were inside. Not to fear. A quick call to AAA only to find that it would be up to an hour before they could come.

We want to thank the Flagstaff Fire Department. They really do rescue animals. After a phone call they were there in just a few moments. They chuckled, unlocked the doors, loved on the dogs, accepted our thanks and were off to their next emergency. We were on our way with no other incident throughout the day other than the fact that in my tiredness in the later evening I pulled over into the slow lane and almost collided with another car. The angels were with us protecting us. We made it to about an hour outside of Oklahoma City and stopped for the night. It's a good thing we stopped when we did. We were all getting a little stir crazy in the car.

Day 3 - We were on the road by about 9:30. It was an enjoyable and fairly uneventful day. The dogs continued to travel well and enjoy the journey. We made it to Memphis and stopped for the night in hopes that we might have an Elvis sighting. No Elvis but we did have a good night's rest at a decent hotel.

Day 4 - We awakened with anticipation. It was Christmas Eve and we knew that this was our final day of travel. We had a lot of road to cover but we were determined. Zach did a great deal of the driving this day. I was thankful for his skillfulness on the road over the journey. It gave Dad a great opportunity to rest along the way. Cammie drove some throughout the trip. Let me just say that Zach and I were occasionally reminded a bit of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride when she was behind the wheel. We did our best to let her rest and not feel the burden to share the driving load. Zach particularly enjoyed the mountain driving between Knoxville and Asheville. Not long after we left Asheville Dad took the wheel and drove us to our new home. It was truly a Christmas Eve to remember as we pulled up in front of Bonnie's home. (Cammie's sister) We were home and we were thankful.

Tomorrow we are off and running as we get ready to possess our home here in North Carolina. We close on the 27th. The painters come in on Wednesday and moving truck arrives on January 2nd. We'll keep everyone posted.

My Traveling Song

2007-12-19T15:38:00.000-08:00

Cammie and I have always been a fan of the Sounds of James Taylor. His music always puts me in a good place of comfort and rest . His "Carolina On My Mind" has been our theme song for the past few months. Last week Cammie purchased a new James Taylor CD. There were two great songs in the mix. One of them was just plain old good advice. The premise of the song is that the secret of life is to enjoy the passage of time. That's what Cammie and I are doing these days. We are enjoying the journey that is all a part of this passage of our life. I'd just like to say that we're having a blast.

Another great song in the collection was entitled, "My Traveling Song." Every time I listen I'm brought to tears. It's not so much the story the song tells that brings the emotion. Instead, each time I listen, I am able to identify my traveling song. You see, on Friday morning, Cammie and Zach and I and our three dogs (Abby, Pearl & Lucy) will load up the car and start our four days of travel as we start our journey of going home. (We'll be home for Christmas. Another song.) I know that my traveling song will be filled with expressions of Thanksgiving to our faithful God. He cares about every detail of our life. The big and the small. It's all important to Him. That's my traveling song.

This will be a Christmas to remember. Better than anything Hallmark could write.

It's Moving Day!

2007-12-19T15:06:00.000-08:00

What an incredible day this has been. We were up early this morning in anticipation of the big day. The movers were scheduled to arrive at around 9:00 am and we still had some odd and ends that needed to be packed. After getting ready for the movers to come I am totally convinced that we are all too materialistic and have far too much stuff. It seemed as if all of our belongings had turned into rabbits and just kept multiplying.

Promptly at 9:00 am we heard the sound of diesel outside and instantly knew that the Allied truck was here. After taking them on a brief tour of the home and getting them established I moved out to the car to help Zach. He was putting on the new Thule system of crossbars on the car for our new luggage carrier.

In the midst of helping him I heard laughter from the front yard and realized that Teri, our realtor, was here. I came over to greet her and realized that the laughter was laced with tears. It was obvious on both of their faces. We've truly thought of Teri as much more than a realtor. Through this process she has truly become a friend. We all exchanged moving day sentiments as we waited on Amy to arrive. Amy is with the Ventura County Star. She was coming to conduct an interview with us. To make a really long story short, she had been made aware of our blog and its emphasis on prayer and asked if they could do a story on our praying our home through to the sell. Cammie and I, along with Teri spent a good amount of time sharing our story. Look for it in this Sunday's Star Homes Section of the Star. If you don't live in Ventura County it will be posted on line about a week after it runs. All of this to say that it has been an exciting day. Right now, as I type, I'm stretched out on the floor. The house is almost empty and very soon it will be completely empty.

I confess that this has been an emotional day for me. While I've been going to Carolina in My Mind I've been reminiscing over the past 21 years here in Southern California. I can truly say that we wouldn't trade the experiences and opportunities for anything. And as great as they have been I have to confess that they were only part of what made our time here outstanding. The real reason we have loved it here for the past 21 years is because of the friendships we have shared and the love we have been able to give and receive.

It was here in Southern California that we grew up. Thank you!

Our New Home

2007-12-18T11:57:00.000-08:00

We're So Excited!

This Is Our New Home

In North Carolina.

God was Faithful!

Prayer Answered! Home For Christmas!

2007-11-28T06:47:00.000-08:00

If you heard a sound that resembled a sonic boom earlier this week it probably wasn't the space shuttle breaking through the sound barrier - in fact I know it wasn't. It was Cammie and I, shouting out in praise, excitment and relief because our home sold. God was faithful, as He always is, and we found favor in an unfavorable housing market. The average home is on the market for 120 days. We sold at 90 days. Escrow has opened and will close in time to get us home for Christmas.

We are so thankful and give all thanks to our wonderful God. Below you will find a survey of prayer events that led to the sale of our home. Now we ask that you begin to redirect the focus of your pray for our family. On Sunday we will leave for NC for a week. During that time we hope to find our new home, make an offer and open an escrow there. Acts 17:26 says that God has determined the times set for us and the exact places where we should live. What a great comfort to know that He already knows and will reveal it to us.

Thank you for your continued prayer.

Anatomy Of Answered Prayer

2007-11-28T05:46:00.000-08:00

The sell of our home is living proof that prayer is necessary and powerful. Our home was on the market for 90 days. (The average time on the market is 120 days) Throughout this time Cammie and I (and a host of others) contended in prayer, perhaps in a way we never had before. God taught us much about what prayer is and what prayer is not. We never imagined God would use the sell of our home to teach us so much. Here's a survey of prayer events that led to the answered prayer for which we are so thankful.

August 28th - Home Officially On The Market. Cammie and I made a commitment to continually and consistently call out to God for His perfect plan and timing in relation to the sell of our home. Our desire was to be in NC by the end of the year and more specifically - by Christmas.

Month of September - We came face to face with the reality that the housing market was truly changing and at an alarming speed. The statics were that the market was changing, unfavorably to sellers, every 72 hours. We pressed in all the more through prayer.

Month of October - Created this blog for the purpose of a concerted effort of prayer by friends and family. The reponse was wonderful as many of our friends and family committed to the power of agreement. It was also during this month that Cammie and I committed 4 Mondays to, not only a time of concentrated prayer, but to this we added (at the prompting of the Lord) fasting. Our prayer focus was that God would grant favor in unfavorable times.

Month of November - We sensed that we were released from the weekly fasting. At the same time we felt we were to press in even more diligently, contending in prayer, continuing to submit to God's will and timing - yet - expressing to Him the desire of hearts. Our desire was to be Home for Christmas. (Home being NC) The Wednesday in the week prior to Thanksgiving I felt an urgency to call for a group of intercessors to commit to prayer at a specific time and on a specific day. The Friday prior to Thanksgiving a group of approximately 35 people, across the U.S. and in the UK committed to pray for at least a five minute segment sometime between 9:30 and 10:30 am - Pacific time. The focus was to specifically ask God to expedite the sale of our home based on our desire to be home for Christmas. In order for this to happen something would need to happen no later than the day before Thanksgiving.

On that Wednesday I also felt the desire and need to get away - in a different environment - to be alone with the Lord. I drove up to Santa Barbara. It was there, as I was walking down the shoreline that I heard the Lord speak in a clear voice. He spoke two distinct words to me after a period of praying and singing in the spirit. The first word was...

"I am the Lord Almighty. I have sent you out. I will not delay."

The second word followed almost immediately.

"This transition has been like a pregnancy. The gestation period is over. It is time to give birth."

Needless to say - I was filled with great excitment upon hearing these two words. Throughout the entire process the Lord had given us a series of scriptural promises and we had been praying according to the promises, daily. These two words seemed to be the capstone. I knew that they were from the Lord and that He would fulfill His promises. On Friday morning the strategic prayer forces was lauched and successully executed. Prayer was being offered and God was listening. It was amazing to see God bring the birth He had promised.

On Wedneday, the day before Thanksgiving a couple came to view our home. They expressed an interest. On Friday evening, the day after Thanksgiving, they made a verbal offer. That offer was finalized in writing this past Monday evening and escrow opened yesterday. Our escrow is scheduled to close on December 21st. This date, by the way, is Zach's last day of school.

All this to say - We'll be rolling in to NC on Christmas day. God has honored the desire of our heart to - Be Home For Christmas. Thank you to all who have prayed for us along the way. It was necessary that we go through this three month period. It was during this time, as we sought the Lord that he taught us about His character, He gave us an even greater understanding of what prayer is and isn't. (We confess that there were times along the way we were challenged in trying to understand prayer) It was also during this 3 month period that God gave us a greater understanding of our future as well as insight into what our next season of life and ministry will look like. We have great anticipation of the future.

The Best Is Yet To Come!

A Strategic Call To Prayer - Reminder!

2007-11-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

Many who will read these recent updates on our blog will already be aware of a strategic time of prayer for the sell of our home. This focused prayer will take place on Friday, November 16th, between 9:30 & 10:30 Pacific Time. We have had great response with everyone committing to pray for at least one five minute segment and some committing to more. If you have already received an invitation please allow this to serve as a reminder.

For those who are just hearing about this prayer time for the first time I would like to invite you to join us in praying some time during that hour for the expedited sell of our home. (If you do not live on the West Coast please calculate the time difference that we are all praying at the same time.) We are submitted to God's will and timing but feel a strong urging to break through in a concerted effort of prayer. We literally have commitments from around the world for prayer to be raised up in this matter. Your voice, calling out to God on our behalf, is greatly welcomed.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Empty The Trash...

2007-11-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had those times when you are in the midst of change or transition and with everything within you wish, hope and pray that God would speak to you in the clearest and most unmistakeable way? In a way that, without a doubt, you know it was Him speaking to your situation, giving clarification and direction. I'm the first to confess that this is true of me and over the past few weeks I specifically asked for clear words from Him. I want to report that He is always faithful.

One such example is a wonderful event that happened to me on Wednesday as I was on my way to empty some trash into the recycle bin. I placed the trash in the bin and after I had taken a a couple of steps I noticed a little yellow piece of paper (see picture) laying on a blue water barrel. (The water barrel was left over from Y2. Wow - remember that?) The little piece of paper caught my attention for a couple of reasons. The first being that it was windy and should not be laying on the barrel in the manner in which it was. It should have blown away. The second reason it caught my attention is for the mere reason that it had my name on it.

I picked it up and much to my surprise and excitement it said, "Stan Wilson - A Word From The Lord Just From You." That was followed by two scriptures. Needless to say, the paper and especially the words contained on the paper caught my attention. I recognized the little piece of paper. It is 25 years old and was given to me by Dick Mills when I was in Bible College. I had been decluttering in preparation for our move and had placed some boxes on the water barrels several days ago. From there they were fed into the trash bins. The piece of paper should have made it's way into the trash bin but didn't. In fact, it had to have been laying there for more than a day. And, it has been windy for more than a day. I have no doubt whatsoever that this little piece of yellow paper being in the exact place at the exact time was no coincidence. God had placed it there. It's not as if I were rummaging through a box of old papers and came across it. I had asked God to speak clearly and unmistakeable and once again, He did. The scriptures found on the paper were...

Exodus 33:14

"The Lord replied, my presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

Judges 6:14

"The Lord turned to him and said, Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?"

Well, obviously, since we are in the process of being called and sent out these words/scriptures were clearly and unmistakably God's voice of confirmation to us - confirming what He had already spoken. It's nice to have confirmation along the way - especially when you find yourself in the midst of taking such an incredibly large step of faith. I have attached a picture of the little yellow piece of paper. You have to see it to believe it. I hope that this somehow encourages you today.

I Was Wrong...

2007-11-11T17:55:00.000-08:00

In an earlier posting I wrote about our Open House and the fact that our Realtor was much more optimistic than I found myself to be. I was actually prepared to accept the fact that no one may come. Well, her optimism paid off. We had 13 families come through our home this afternoon. Out of those 13 there were a couple of series potential buyers. As you read this posting please take time to pray. Perhaps one of these families is the family God has chosen to buy our home.

That's the update.

My Early Morning Prayer...

2007-11-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

It was probably somewhere around 6:00 am. I was just beginning to wake up. I remember that in those first waking moments I began to pray. My first words reached only as far as the salutation. I remember beginning my prayer with the words - "Lord - God - Father." Even in the twilight hours I had enough mental capacity about me for those words to catch my attention and become a point of recognition and surrender. After these three words of address I found myself pondering the significance of each and the necessity of them all.

Lord - If I choose to address Him as Lord then I have realize that this is not merely a word but rather a declaration and I have to bear the weight/responsibility that comes with that declaration. Basically - the weight - the responsibility - I give Him full control (Lordship) of my life. All my life. Every aspect. When I call Him Lord I'm declaring that He is in charge and I am not. (Funny how this becomes a lifelong and reoccuring lesson) If I can accept the fact that He is in control the process of putting my full weight on Him becomes much easier.

I Surrender!

God - When I declare Him as God - I'm reminding myself that He is the Master. He is Sovereign. As Sovereign God - I understand that He owns his creation (of which I am a part) and He can do whatever He wishes with that creation. I can also trust that He will act out of His goodness and His justice. He's not going to jerk me around. I understand that, as God - He has a plan for me and my family and I can rest assured that He is working out that plan.

I Surrender!

Father - When I call Him Father I find great comfort as I call out to a Loving Papa. He will hold me. He will embrace me. He will correct me. He will guide me. He will care for me. He accepts me. He's cheering for me. He wants me to succeed. He understands my frustrations. He is patient with me in my anxieties. He'll never leave me. He'll never lie to me. He won't abandon me and He won't dissappoint me.

I Surrender!

That was quite an early morning lesson. The great thing is that it has lasted throughout the day and all througout the day I've continued to surrender.

Wasting The Time Away...

2007-11-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

It's Sunday afternoon. Cammie and I just stuffed ourselves at Don Cucos' Sunday brunch. (As if that is what we really needed - more food.) Our realtor is having an open house at our home this afternoon and we are truly "Wasting The Time Away." We need to be out of the house a minimum of three hours - maybe more. We dropped the dogs off at Petco for their scheduled grooming. This was followed by the stuffing of our mouths and ultimately our stomachs. After making our way out of the restaurant we've settled in at "It's A Grind." Cammie is nestled in her newest Jan Karon book and probably so involved that she's not aware that I'm around. (That's OK. The important thing is that I know she loves me more than the book.)

The realtor has high hopes of a great turn out for the open house. I confess that, for some reason, I haven't found myself as optimistic. I pray that she is right and I am wrong. I think my lack of optimism has to do more with not wanting to be dissappointed. The default is - expect nothing - then anything above that is an encouragment.

I realize that the bulk of what I write about in this blogsite concerns the sell of our home. That seems to be the thing that occupies the bulk of our thinking. It seems to be the fuel with which God has chosen to teach us some, obviously, valuable life lessons that have to do with trusting Him. I've decided not to fight it and instead just rest in Him and learn. Of course my timeline in the whole ordeal would be different but it comes out of a pure heart. I just - we just - want to start the next season of our lives. Our excitement seems to be overwhelmed by the state of limbo.

This week has been filled with acts of resolve. Resolve that God is in charge and it's best that way. He has a plan and He is working the plan. Our resolve is - The Best Is Yet to Come!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMMIE!

2007-11-07T07:36:00.000-08:00

Today - the most wonderful, intelligent, beautiful, spunky woman in the whole world celebrates a birthday. My wife! This posting is for her. I want her to know just how blessed I am to have her in my life as my wife and the mother of our children. God most certainly gifted me. I wouldn't change the past 24 years of our life together (almost 24) for anything.

Cammie - I love you so much!

Stan

Finding Favor In Unfavorable Times

2007-11-07T06:50:00.001-08:00

Among the lessons we are learning, one of the greatest is the ability to find favor in unfavorable times. One only has to listen to the evening news or browse the newspaper to recognize that we are living in unfavorable times. The economy is unfavorable. The cost of gasoline is unfavorable. The stockmarket is unfavorable. And - the housing market is unfavorable. To name a few.

Our prayer during these unfavorable times and as we try to sell our home in an unfavorable housing market is - "God grant us favor in unfavorable circumstances." As we've prayed I've decided to look to the scriptures for examples of men and women who found favor in unfavorable circumstances. While there are many there are two that have stood out. I found myself pondering the story of Abraham and Sarah as well as the Women who had been bleeding for 12 years. Here are two lessons we are in the process of learning.

Abraham & Sarah...

You can find favor even when your personal circumstances are beyond your control. God promised this aging couple a son of natural birth. In the midst of the promise it's realization was beyond their boundaries. In otherwords, they were personally limited and the promise was beyond their control. Try, though they may, Abraham and Sarah just couldn't make it happen. Since Sarah was beyond childbearing years and barren it was beyond their physical control. Nothing they would do could physically change this. It was beyond their mental control, thus, smart thinking couldn't change their circumstances. They couldn't concoct a scientific remedy that would produce a child. And it was most certainly beyond their emotional control. No matter how great their desire they couldn't muster up enough emotion to make it happen. Tears or Anger - Happy or Positive Thoughts -couldn't make it happen.

Despite their natural limitations - they were not Supernaturally limited. Recognizing that they were not spiritually limited was their only hope. Scripture tells us that Abraham hoped against all hope. Abraham hoped in God. Abraham had faith. Faith in God and faith in His promise. The result? The fullfillment of God's promise. A baby boy! The lesson learned is - it is possible to find favor in unfavorable times - even when it is beyond our control. It requires a faith that extends far beyond our contol.

The Woman Who Had Been Bleeding For 12 Years...

You can find favor in unfavorable circumstances when all the reports are bad. This woman had been trying to find a solution to her issue of blood for 12 years. By reading and studying the passage we realize that she had exhausted the lineup of available doctors. She had exhausted her supply of supposed remedies. (I encourage you to take time to study this passage and find out just how ridiculous some of these remedies were) The report was bad. After 12 years she was exhausted and still bleeding.

But then one day - she heard that Jesus was coming. She knew that if she could just get to him and touch his clothing (she was unclean and therefore could not actually touch Him according to the law) the report would be good and she would be healed. With great persistence she made her way through the crowd. She touched the hem of His robe and instantly the report changed. It changed from bad news to good news. She was healed! The bleeding stopped! She found favor despite her unfavorable circumstances and despite the unfavorble reports and bad news.

We've recognize that the sell of our home is beyond our control. And, we've learned that the reports around us concerning the housing market are bad. Most importantly we've learned that we can find favor in unfavorable circumstances. Abraham and Sarah did and the woman who had bled for 12 years did. We can and you can too.

Thus - this is our prayer. We hope against what seems to be all hope and contend for favor in unfavorable circumstances. Would you pray this prayer along with us and for us? Your agreement in this important life matter is greatly appreciated.

Waiting On The Tarmac!

2007-11-07T06:33:00.001-08:00

Many have asked - "Are you in North Carolina yet?" The update is - not yet. We're still waiting. Waiting on the sell of our home. We know it will happen - but it hasn't yet.

Have you ever boarded a plane for a business trip or a vacation, found your seat, settled in, fastened your seatbelt and prepared for takeoff only to have the captain announce that you would be sitting on the tarmac for a while? If you have, then you know exactly how we're feeling right now. I don't know of anyone who likes waiting on the tarmac. Especially when it seems to be for an extended amount of time.

While we're waiting on the tarmac we're learning some valuable lessons. At the foundation of each lesson is faith. We continue to stand firm in what we know God has spoken concerning our future but we confess that in our time on the tarmac our faith is occasionally challenged. God has been faithful and continually gives us encouragement from His word. Cammie and I have involved ourselves in personal and in-depth study of particular passages of scripture as we seek to understand prayer, faith and God's master plan. During our time on the tarmac we recognize that God is giving us valuable ministry material that we will use in our future.

Please continue to pray for the sell of our home. We'll keep you updated.

Father & Son - A Weekend To Remember!

2007-10-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-10-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-10-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-10-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-10T15:31:00.000-07:00

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.