Tag Archives: Southwest Virginia

When Your Family Tree Becomes All Hung Up

Posted on July 22, 2019 by

There are several places up my family tree where I’m completely stuck when it comes to figuring out the preceding generation. Some of these places will continue to be dead ends since documents just don’t exist. Others are possible to … Continue reading →

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“The Storms are on the Ocean” as a Metaphor for Homesickness

Posted on June 15, 2019 by

The iconic Carter Family of Country Music origins (A. P., Sarah, and “Mother” Maybelle) were known for their classic songs. “The Storms are on the Ocean” is one of them. I have been dabbling in autoharp playing for a while … Continue reading →

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The Woman Who Stabbed Her Brother and Packed It Off On Her Husband

Posted on January 13, 2018 by

Papaw Scott tried to warn me. He said, “if you keep poking around up the family tree, you might find something you don’t want to know.” Which, can I be honest? It just made me poke around all the more. … Continue reading →

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Places I’ve Lived: Paint Lick, VA

Posted on May 12, 2017 by

Back in 1989 I was appointed to the  Belfast-Midway Charge in the Tazewell District of the Holston Conference.  My first appointment out of seminary, it was my first charge as a pastor, and I was given the reigns of two … Continue reading →

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Ode to Dr Ralph Stanley

Posted on June 24, 2016 by

A legend has gone to glory. God was preparing me for this.  I’m probably the biggest Ralph Stanley fan there is.  Ever.  There was just something about the sound of his voice, the ring of his banjo, the humility of … Continue reading →

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How Loving and Leading Can Be a Faithful Response in Today’s Church

Posted on October 17, 2015 by

I have developed a deep love for southwest Virginia. I am so blessed to have met many exemplary people who have lived faithful lives and died faithful deaths here. There are some wonderful, loving ways people are living their lives here as disciples of Jesus Christ. It isn’t a vast wasteland at all. Continue reading →

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When Frost Falls on the Kudzu

Posted on September 18, 2015 by

It’s difficult to guard the landscape of our hearts from the invasive vines of time. Continue reading →

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