PastorandPoppy

I have been called a lot of names in my life.  Some can be repeated on this blog, others are better left unsaid. In the past several years I have acquired two new names which have grown to treasure perhaps more than any other name I have ever been called. On October 26,2003 I became Poppy when our oldest grandaughter, Olivia Peters came into the world.  On February 19, 2005 she was joined by her sister Charlotte, who loves her Poppy, and their brother Creighton came onto the scene on July 30, 2008.  They are the joys of my life, and I am their Poppy!  And one day, they will hopefully be joined by others who will call me by the same name!

I acquired another name/title on July 1, 2007.  It was on that date that I became known as Pastor at Whitley Memorial United Methodist Church in Smithfield, North Carolina.  The ones who call me by that name are precious as well, because I have been given the tremendous privilege of becoming shepherd to this wonderful flock of people who love God and want to serve Him.

Names and titles sometimes define who we are.  Poppy, or some other variation is expected ultimately when you have grown children, and Barbara and I have three; Katie, Cydne, and Ben, in that order.  On the other hand there are certain titles that are sometimes unexpected.  Such is the case with my being called Pastor.  Those who known me for along time, and who might accidentally stumble across this blog may find that title amusing if not unbelievable, and will probably be convinced that I have made some kind of typo.  But, God is full of surprises!

In January, 2006 I entered Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Charlotte feeling like the worlds oldest freshman!  I began walking away from a tumultuos28 year career in the Insurance industry with no pension, no guaranteed income and a lot less hair than I started with.  Today I can see light at the end of this tunnel called seminary.  Lord willing, I will be done in May, 2010 if Hebrew doesn’t kill me first!

Where this blog will lead, I have no idea.  I may be the only one that ever reads it.  That’s ok.  I t may end up being a conversation between God and me.  But who knows, others might join in on the conversation.

Dave