James River State Park 2011

Well, we had a great time on our first outing with our new (used) pop-up camper. We loved it. Met some great friends of ours for the weekend at James River State Park in Virginia and had a wonderful time. I was so excited about this camping trip that I might have brought more than I needed, but what the heck, I wanted to try everything out. Everything went well except our refrigerator wouldn't work. But that was okay, we had our cooler and we were only there for the weekend. I have found out what is wrong and will be getting it fixed before our next adventure.

While camping, we went canoeing, fishing and hiking and roasted marsh mellows as well. The trail we walked took us to the Tye River overlook. We got there about 5 minutes before the train came, so Trent was excited at seeing the train. Also, it was Sundown and we got to see the sun set behind the mountains. Breathtaking. We met one of the head Rangers there at the overlook who invited us to come and get a preview of the new visitors center. It wasn't open to the public yet, so we felt very special to have this first view.

The only real down side to the weekend was that the previous weeks weather had the James River soooo high and running sooo fast that no one could canoe or tube on the James while we were there....but there is next time.

I really loved James River State Park (Virginia) and highly recommend it. It has three ponds and the one near the visitor center has a floating pier that the kids can fish off of. You will see two pictures of the fish Trent caught off that pier. Not bad. This park is fantastic and I hope to get the chance to go back again before the end of the year. (We have other places we are traveling too this year also.) Check them out online under Virginia State Parks.

Can't wait until our next adventure to Fairy Stone State Park. Hope you like the pictures below:

We just purchased a 2002 Flagstaff Pop-up Camper and we are so excited about planning our camping adventures this spring and summer. I am ready for the weather to warm up, the sun to shine brightly (but not toooo hot) and vacation time. Will be using this blog to capture our camping trips. Here are a few pictures of our camper...

Catch-up Time

It has been a while since I wrote last. A lot has taken place. I moved to Danville, Virginia the first of July. I am now the pastor of two churches, Moseley Memorial and Stokesland United Methodist Churches. This has been a great experience and the people of both churches have been wonderful to me and my family. I am blessed to be serving two fine churches.

Serving two churches does present unique situations....I have two offices, one at each church; two secretaries who keep me straight; preach at Moseley Memorial at 9:30 am and again at Stokesland at 11:00 am on Sunday mornings; have duplicate forms for everything for the Conference and District; Bible study at both; and yet, with all of this, I still love it and am enjoying the new challenges.

My wife Becky finally landed a position as a Senior Associate at Goodman & Company, CPA. Trent is enjoying his new school, loves to learn and enjoying his new friends. I love the "Checkered Pig". The best BBQ restaurant around. And they have the best hush-puppy's you could place in your mouth. Can you tell I like to eat there???? lol

Here is some random picture taken since arriving in Danville.





































It has been a great beginning and looking forward to a great year to come.

Tim

Do Not Worry

In just a couple of weeks my family will be moving to Danville as I take the position as pastor of Moseley Memorial & Stokesland UMC Cooperative Parish. Jesus tells us not to worry about anything. I wish I could say that I have such a strong faith that I don't worry about anything....yet, that is not true. My wife has yet to find a job and in a couple of weeks that will be a financial strain on our family. We will move to a new place, new churches with only one salary. And as a minister, you do not make a lot, especially when you haven't jumped through all the right hoops. Yet, we are not in the ministry to make money, but we also have to live as well.

I am starting to get worried and I don't like it. I ask God to help me be patient, knowing that in His time things will work out. But I know that my wife is worried also and I worry about her. I try to stay positive, knowing that there are many people out there that are losing their jobs and can't find work either. And I pray for them all, including my wife.

I had hoped that she could stay at her present job until she found a new job, but that didn't happen. She is not getting fired or let go, she just told them that we were moving and understandingly, they set her last day as the day we move.

Somehow with God's help we will make it. But a little prayer never hurt. So if you are so incline, would you pray for my family as we move and pray that my wife and many others will find work.

Blessings and Peace.

Tim

Transistion Time

Well it's moving time again for United Methodist Ministers and I am just one of many who are moving to a new appointment at the end of this month. I am leaving Bethlehem UMC in Concord, Virginia where I have served for the last 5 years and moving to the Moseley Memorial/Stokesland UMC Cooperative Parish in Danville, Virginia. I am looking forward to this move and a fresh start again with a new congregation. These two churches have welcomed me and my family with open arms and we are grateful for all they are doing to make our arrival a welcoming experience. The people I have met so far have all be great and I can't wait to met the rest of the congregation. We have been busy packing and making all the preparations for the moving company to move us. It is a stressful time, but God is with us and He will give us the strength to endure. I will miss all my friends at Bethlehem, but know that they will not be forgotten and I look forward to making new friends in Danville. In the mean time, packing, packing and more packing. Can't wait to get this moving over with.