The Serious Post

By now, some of you know that Tyler and I are considering the possibility of relocating, at least for a time. This has been a topic of conversation around our home for about a year now. I've applied to three schools for graduate studies in piano. One audition is down. Two more are just around the corner.

"Auditions? Sounds exhausting..."

We aren't any closer to making a decision - that's not really the point here -  but we are excited to be walking one step at a time by faith and with the support of our families and close friends. A huge part of my silence on this issue (including our wonderful survey trip last year) was due to the fact that I didn't want to post my plans when I was unsure of the outcome. But you know what? I'm not afraid of "failing." By Grace, my perspective is changing from that unhealthy pass/fail goal mentality. We want to be where God wants us in every season, wherever that may be and whatever that may mean.

That said, my mom and I had a super fun, 48-hour trip to Texas last weekend.

Highlights included fresh tacos, gluten-free goodies, a run in 20-degree weather (this Florida girl has tougher skin than we thought!), and seeing Frozen for the first time. 

(Side note: I've jumped on the bandwagon: Frozen exceeded all my expectations. I can't stop listening to the soundtrack; it's been my non-stop packing/getting ready music. I purchased the Deluxe Edition just in time for our upcoming road trip! Sorry, Ty!)

Mom experienced Taco Joint for the first time!

I could survive on tacos.

Tu-Lu's = Gluten Free Heaven

Mallow Bar? Yes, please.

I should probably purchase a pair of running leggings. I really couldn't feel my legs at the end of this run.

Beautiful winter!

Freezing at Frozen! This was the perfect pre-audition activity!

Post-audition DQ.

Of course there was practicing and the actual audition, but that was truly a small part of our quick trip. It's ironic how so many hours go into such a short event. It meant so much to me that my mom came along. Without her, I may have just moped around nervously. Instead, we had a blast exploring together!

Brooklyn says, "Piano is overrated."

Don't worry, Brooklyn. After the long drive, there will be plenty of outside time in beautiful Texas for you.

"That's a promise, right?"

We leave tonight! Your prayers are appreciated.

With that, I leave you with some non-Frozen words that have been looping in my mind.

~

"For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield."

-Psalm 5:12

"But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he will become a sanctuary..."

-Isaiah 8:13-14a

"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted."

-Job 42:2

"The LORD of hosts has sworn: 'As I have planned, so it shall be, and as I have purposed so it shall stand.'"

-Isaiah 14:24

"For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind."

-Job. 23:14

"God is unchanging in His person, purposes, and promises; and yet He feels emotions and interacts responsively with His creation." - Randy Pope

"Most people, if they really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise...if I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." -C.S. Lewis

Favorites

Quiet, early mornings are my favorite, especially when they involve my favorite things:

Strong coffee, the world's best Weimaraner, good practice,

and words for my heart.

Married Life

My best friend and her husband are in town.

They recently passed the six-month mark of marriage.

2013 was a year of change and growth, especially relationally. I am so grateful for people who loved me through this process.

Tali Rose loved me well in 2013, and it was my delight to stand as her matron of honor last summer. These past six months have been a new season in our friendship, and they have been refreshing and lovely.

Tyler and I spent a quiet and chilly New Year's Eve on our favorite beach with Tali and Garrett. We enjoyed the solitude of the Island and the fellowship of friends and welcomed in the New Year wrapped in blankets and the warmth of conversation. It'll be hard to top that New Year's Eve. We all voted it the best yet. 

I have been hesitant to publish these words, because they are special and were spoken with great depth and difficulty in the presence of close friends and family. If they were true then, they are even more sincere today.

To my bestie,

Good choice - Garret is a keeper! I love being married BFFs with you! It's the best. Hands down.

June 16, 2013

Tali Rose and Garrett,

It is my joy and honor to stand beside you both as you begin your new life together. From my nearly 12 months of experience, I can say I find marriage to be a most incredible adventure. I highly recommend it. You will grow and learn and love more than you ever thought possible.
Garrett, although we haven’t had the opportunity to get to know one another, I have come to know you - albeit in part - through Tali. It is evident that you lead her to Jesus and bring her tremendous joy. And you have the guts tell her when her adventurous ideas are borderline dangerous, so I know she'll be in good hands with you. You have found great favor in the eyes of my best friend, and this alone is reason for me to say that you have found favor with me. With joy, I stand aside and commend you, "Enjoy the late nights, the sleepovers, the laughing-until-you-can't-breathe feeling, the tears, the dinner parties, the cranberry mimosas, the spontaneous adventures, the Speed Scrabble games, the literary dramatizations, the neighborhood walks...the everyday." And of course, make new favorite pastimes and inside jokes and memories as Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Treece.
Tali Rose, I am thankful that we have been able to share the last fifteen years together - whether by pillow whispers or phone or email. You remind me that beauty is to be enjoyed, that the Gospel is changing lives, and that laughter is good for the soul. So much of you has shaped who I am. The LORD penned you as a main character in my story, and I treasure each chapter in our history. Now you have the amazing privilege of building a life-long history with Garrett and watching your story unfold. While I feel a twinge of sadness when I think of how we've grown and the changes that have ensued - the good and necessary changes - I am overcome with gratitude, for I know that all of this is Grace. From playing orphans in the treehouse to loving the needy at the Brickyard, from biking to the “halfway point” to completing our triathlon, from losing pet sitting keys to finding the men of our dreams -  all is Grace, and we are blessed. I am blessed to call you my bestie and know that wherever life takes us that we will always share memories - memories from our childhood, memories from this day, and memories we've yet to uncover.
I want to leave you both with words from Cummings - words which Tali left with me when she moved to Idaho.
"I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)I am never without it (anywhere I go, you go my dear)"
You will always hold a treasured place in my heart. I love you and pray God's best over you. To Tali and Garrett.

January 2014