Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Happy (Belated) Anniversary!

It seems hard to believe, but it was just about a year ago (November 23 to be exact) that The View from the Hill made its debut. As I mentioned in my first post, the main reason I set up this blog was that some of the blogs I wanted to comment on required a Blogger account, and I figured if I established an account I might as well go all out and set up a blog.

I could not have begun to imagine everything that has happened as a result of this blog. I have personally debated theological issues with seminary professors and other SBC leaders. I have learned more about SBC missions work over the past year than I had in my previous 20 or so years in Southern Baptist churches. My thinking on a number of issues has changed as I have been challenged to try to set aside the lenses of culture and tradition when studying the Bible. People from all over the United States and even around the world are praying for me as I seek the place where God would have me serve. I have been removed from consideration for the pastorate of at least one church because of what I have written on this blog. I have discovered that there are serious problems that threaten the future of the SBC. And I have met a number of pastors, missionaries, and laypersons who give me confidence that the SBC's greatest days may very well lie ahead. I also got a free Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XL championship t-shirt because of this blog (thanks, Kiki & Doug)!

As much as I enjoy blogging, I must confess that at times I have been tempted to stop operating my own blog. These thoughts usually come when I am feeling sorry for myself because I have worked 3 or 4 hours on a post and only 5 people comment or when I have several days when I sit down and can't think of anything to write about and thus hardly anyone visits my blog. Sometimes I feel like I really don't have anything to contribute to the conversation and that I'm just restating what others have already written. But then I remind myself that I really didn't have any grand expectations when I started this blog, and yet it has resulted in so many good things. I have also been greatly encouraged by the affirming statements that many of my readers, most of whom are far more accomplished than I, have made. I've even been encouraged by the fact that some people go to the trouble of writing to express their disagreement with me!

So despite my occasional bouts of self-pity, this blog will go on. Maybe I'll actually post more regularly. Maybe I'll finally come up with a post that gets 100 comments. Maybe I'll even write a post where the reader won't have to scroll halfway down the page to read the whole thing. OK, probably not, but it never hurts to imagine! Anyway, to everyone who reads this blog, I want to express my gratitude for taking the time to read what I have to say.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear your blog will continue. I have always benefitted and enjoyed your perspective on things. You are a clear writer and have a way of taking complicated issues and saying something substantial about them. I too know the feeling of despondency when few people visit and even fewer comments (if I get ten comments that is so thrilling I place it in my "best of" sidebar, even though 3 of those 10 were my own comments!) Anyway, FELIZ ANIVERSARIO from your M friend and brother here in Ecuador! I will continue to read you as long as you continue to post! :)

Nomad said...

Happy Anniversary! Keep up the good work!

Wes Kenney said...

I'm glad you're there, and that you will continue to be.

David Rogers said...

Tim,

Try saying something really controversial, and slandering about 5 or 6 other bloggers. I bet you'll get your 100 comments in no time. ;^)

Seriously, I really do appreciate what you have to say. Keep up the good work. You are a blessing to me.

Paul Burleson said...

Tim,

There is no way I can improve on the way Guy Muse has expressed it. He has articulated well my own thoughts so I won't try to say it again.

I'm glad you're going to keep it up.

Paul B.

Dave Samples said...

Just wanted to let you know that I check your blog just about every day to see what you have to say. By the way...if you are still looking for a church...get to Colorado as quickly as possible. We have great churches, great views of the Rockies, and absolutely no politics in our state convention.

Alycelee said...

I seldom comment, but I'm here lurking :)
In fact, you know that because I emailed you as a result of your blog.
I think many people don't comment because so many post are from clergy and perhaps they feel they have nothing to contribute. I for one would like to here more for everyone.
But just like the seed we sow of God's word in the hearts of unbelievers, the seed we sow here is also producing. I can't tell you how many of you bloggers have helped me and you are one-so thanks and press on!
Agape
Alyce

Steve said...

You demonstrate a kindness and humility that is going to be the key to the SBC's survival. So many clergy seem to look for low-priority differences to knock folks over the head with. You show there is a big difference between being a caring and committed Christian follower, and power-seeking fundamentalist wackos.

Except, of course, whenever I want to be a powerful Fundamentalist wacko!

Debbie Kaufman said...

Tim: I'm a little late posting this but I am a regular reader of your blog and should comment once in a while to let you know I do read you.

I am one that is glad you are continuing and post more often as I have missed reading you.

Anonymous said...

Remain faithful to your calling in Christ. Remember that the message of the prophets were often rejected. I am praying for you and your ministry. God bless you.