I can’t believe that it has been a few years (yes, years) since I shared thoughts on this blog. A blog that is the third iteration of my attempt at blogging. The first, “TnRambler’s Ramblings” was probably the most successful, starting at blogspot and then moving to WordPress a few years later. For some reason, I chose to delete it and the second attempt before reconsidering to start this blog with its fits and starts. I guess that I came to the conclusion that I either had nothing to say, or that no one wanted to hear what I had to say. I’ll let you make your own determination.

I provide this brief history to tell you that I have decided to resume blogging. Some things are changing in my life as I head into a fresh start, of sorts. After serving ten years at Sand Mountain United Methodist Church (along with various stints of serving a second church on the charge – the current one being Wildwood UMC), I am projected to be appointed  to McFarland United Methodist Church in Rossville, Georgia when Bishop Taylor fixes the appointments next week at the Holston Annual Conference.  It is a time of fresh settings, fresh ideas, and fresh opportunities… and perhaps, a time for a fresh look at sharing my thoughts via this blog.

I cannot say anything about fresh starts without sharing my thanks to the people of Sand Mountain/Wildwood who have nurtured me and formed me as a pastor during my time with them. We have shared laughter and tears as we have shared in the task of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” They have tolerated me and, more importantly, loved me into being the pastor that God has called me to be in this time and place. While I will no longer be their pastor after June 19, I will continue to be their friend. They will always be in my prayers.

I am excited and a bit nervous about what lies ahead. Change is hard, yet I know that God is going with me to this new appointment. I look forward to ministry in Rossville with the people of McFarland UMC. I look forward to meeting and getting to know them and their stories. I look forward to exploring new and fresh ways of sharing “the old, old story” with them and the Rossville community.  And, I look forward to the fresh start and the opportunities that it will bring.

Stay tuned.