a fierce calling

It's beginning to look more like Spring, y'all!  The mornings are still crisp and chilly, but in the afternoon the sun becomes boisterous and replaces the cold with warmth.  I'm not sure I had any time to hibernate this winter, but nonetheless, Spring brings with it newness all around.  My parents, grandmother and dear friend Pierce came this past week to celebrate my installation as Pastor at Cameron Presbyterian Church and explore a bit of this wee village I've already grown to love.

 We toured antique stores (there are nine in Cameron!), and here's the old jail.

 We enjoyed an unseasonably warm day perusing the goodies of Southern Pines.

We visited a nursery with plants nearly ready to be sold and given an earthy home for Spring.

 And we toured one of my favorite things in this area: those vibrant, brilliant barns.

 I had to show them around Cameron Pres.

 We ate tons of good food (which was consumed too quickly to be photographed).  My folks did help me get my fun chandelier hung up and we gathered beneath it at the dining table to devour homemade enchiladas, Spanish rice and beans.  Tex-Mex perfection.

And then, of course, was the main event.  After going before Presbytery Saturday to be approved (and yes I did greet them all with, "Howdy, y'all!"), I stood in front of those fabulous folks promising to serve them with energy, intelligence, imagination and love and meant every word.  My seminary buddy Kevin preached and was both eloquent and hilarious (and far too nice to me).  My dear friend Pierce charged me with wisdom and poise.  And as I gave the benediction, I explained to the church (choking back tears), that I had searched for them for a while.  I told them how I would, every night, take my little fluffy dog outside, gaze at the Texas stars and pray that God would just place me where I was really called to be.  I said that now, I take my little dog outside and gaze up at the Carolina stars through pine trees and just say, "Thank you, God."  I'm so grateful to be here, and have no doubt that I am exactly where God wants me to be.  Having friends and family here just confirmed that for me.  What a fantastic week it was!