Greetings

Well the North Carolina Carnes are soon to be no more. Don't fret though; we are just moving across the border to Drakes Branch, Virginia. I have accepted a call to Drakes Branch Baptist Church to serve as their pastor. I am both thrilled and terrified at the weight of such an assignment. I do trust that it is the Lord leading me to move my family to a foreign place and a foreign people once again (Pr 3:5-6). I also trust that I will not wait long for the Lord to give me a deep abiding love for the people he is calling me to pastor. In fact, I believe that he has been working towards this end over the past four months as I have enjoyed seemingly countless interviews. I long for God to use me for his honor as I am assured he will.

Nevertheless as we leave scores of friends behind (perhaps "scores" is a bit optimistic), it occurred to me that the perhaps the most effective way to keep people posted on our life and adventures is to get with the times and keep a blog. I am not sure what shape this will take: part journal, part devotional, part pulpit, part pictures. Please keep in touch (which for some of you means correct my doctrine) and may God be honored.

Joyfully Submissive

steven