Tyler Thursday: An Evening of Encouragement

Jessie and I have been thinking long and hard about where we are going to settle on the issue of church. This has been a focus of our relationship ever since marriage was in the picture (which has practically been forever). Even before we had decided on what schools to apply to, we were thinking about possible churches to attend.

I know from experience that moving across the country will have a large impact on your church life. So we started looking around online and researching places that line up with what we believe and what we want in a church; we found that Dallas does church big. We tried attending a church on a survey trip to Dallas, and we ended up being shuttled to an overflow room of a satellite campus. Crazy!

One thing that a mentor of mine told me is that a good church is worth moving your family for. I knew it had to be priority, and it had to be about the people. Even if the website said all the right things, we knew the community needed to line up, too. Otherwise, we would be better off staying home and reading the website every Sunday.

It's amazing to think that while I was praying, God already knew where he was going to put us. We showed up to King’s Parish our first Sunday in Dallas, and there were about four cars in the parking lot. We thought, “Are we in the right place?” It was small. Probably about five-or-six-families small. But there was simple music, (check), there was good sound teaching (check), and there was COMMUNITY (check)! We were welcomed from the moment we arrived, and a lady even offered to let us do our laundry at her house! We had only met minutes before, and she was already offering to do our laundry? That is good community. The whole church went out to lunch with us and bought us lunch. That is good community.

We continue to attend church at King's Parish, and we can't help but think that we have found a new church home. So as not to be stragglers, we are also considering membership. We mentioned to the pastor that we had questions about what it looks like to be a member at King’s Parish, and he offered to come to our home and talk that same week.

Well that brings us to tonight when Pastor Winburne came over and shared about the church's journey over the last three years during the planting process. The thing that has stuck with me the most so far is a good analogy that he used. He said something like, “Being a member of a church plant is like going to the kitchen and making a great meal for everyone, instead of going to a larger church and running through the buffet.”

We are excited to be part of what God is doing in Dallas and part of the kitchen serving committee. I’m working out a contract now since we are a fairly valuble couple as a piano pianist and drum/bassist/guitarist, but we will see what they offer J. Pray for us, that we can listen to what God would have us do and make good choices.

Currently listening to: Secret and Whisper, Woven War

Currently Working on: About four trucks, because parts department never has the parts I need. I diagnose about four or five and then all the parts get here at the same time. AHH!

Currently thinking about: What it means to be a godly leader.  

Monthly Musings: September

1. I am part of a team

Back when Tyler and I were considering making Dallas our home, we discussed the fact that we would stepping out on our own as a young family. For the first time together, we would be far from families and all things familiar. We failed to realize that we would not in fact be a totally independent family unit in our new home. Instead, we have joined new communities: at work, at school, in our neighborhood, and at church. Most surprising for me is the support I have found at school. Prior to enrolling, I observed classes and interviewed students; they all said the same thing: Meadows is a community, the professors desire student success, classmates support one another. True to my cynicism, I'd decided it was too good to be true and went into the start of the semester expecting some of those expectations to be deconstructed.

My experience over the last month of school, however, has proven me wrong. I am daily blown away by the patience, encouragement, advocacy, and approachability of my professors. While I do indeed have much to learn, they treat me as a contributor, partner, and teacher, not just an ignorant student in need of their educational salvation. My classmates are part of this team, too. They don't hide their weaknesses, questions, or feelings of uncertainly in hopes to portray themselves as model students; instead they speak openly of the challenges they face and encourage me in my weaknesses. I can't imagine a better school environment for me, especially as I am intentionally trying to remove myself from a strict performance-based, comparison mode of operation. Here I am taught not only to learn the right answers but also to own and learn from my mistakes - to thrive as a musician and teacher. Every day is a challenge in many regards, but these I face not on my own.

Master class in Caruth

Weekly group class

2. Homesickness flares up at odd times

Last week I was teaching a lesson and poof! The sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Tijuana Flats burst into the room. Instantly I was filled with a longing, not only for tacos, but physical location of that little restaurant in our hometown. Silly, isn't it, that I would have a craving for tacos from home while living in Texas?

Over the weekend, these feelings intensified. My family had just returned from Anna Maria Island (my favorite beach!), and Ty's was partying it up at The Happiest Place on Earth. In some regard, I mourned the loss of not being with them. I missed what was, even though I know what is remains good and right. My sweet MIL pointed out that knowing we are exactly where we are supposed to be doesn't make moments like these any easier.

I mean, look how awesome they are!

One of my childhood friends lives overseas, and she recently blogged about coping with homesickness. My mom just happened to mention she'd seen this post. It reminded me that I have the freedom to feel homesick and mope around a bit. On Saturday, I did just that. I cleaned my house, did the dishes, bought a pumpkin at Walmart, baked pumpkin muffins, and set out the two pieces of fall/Halloween decor that I had brought from home. I felt incredibly better. And when my husband walked in the door and gave me a huge hug, I felt ever better.

Over lunch the following day, my friend, Hannah, reminded me that it's a good thing to feel the loss of daily interaction with our families. After all, they are people worth missing, and it doesn't mean we're discontent if we admit to that loss. Following Mary Elisabeth's advice, we also set out to find something new we enjoy about our city. Namely: dessert. A trip to a favorite local custard shop will cure just about anything.

Livin' Local(ly)

Local.

It's such a buzz word these days. Eat local. Shop local. Buy local. Live local. (May I just say that I know it should be locally, since it's describing a verb? Okay, thanks.)

Well, friends, we've joined the bandwagon. We've sold out. Actually, we just live near many wonderful places. A weeknight out for tacos or an evening pouring over lessons at a cafe seems justifiable because it's just down the street.

To borrow the terminology we use to describe Brooklyn's cabin fever, I've been feeling a bit cooped up. It might have something to do with the fact that I spend a lot of time in the basement at school. (That's where the practice rooms and several other important offices are.) As much as I do love Meadows, it's nice to join the world of "normal" people ocassionally (read: non-music-majors who enjoy life outside of the classroom and workplace).

Practice room selfie for Mom. :)

A walk to tacos? Yes, please!

Novelty tacos: carnitas, hamburger, "picnic," and rotisserie chicken tacos

Company Café for football, lesson planning, and good eats!

Running locally has kept me sane so far! Most days we stick to the neighborhood to save time, but we usually hit up the trail once during the week. I save my long run for the weekends - always at the lake. It's my reward after a busy week. I've even found a running buddy at school - she's a fellow pianist and is training for her first half marathon. Added blessing: we run the same pace!

Neighborhood run with my favorite pup!

White Rock Lake at sunrise

I miss Florida lakes, so this is a taste of home

Post long run

Last weekend was absolutely gorgeous - we have been experiencing the beginnings of fall here in Dallas. A motorcycle ride to church? Why not? Just another way to enjoy the weather and tour the city. And wear jeans. I'm tired of dressing up every day...

Thankful to be caught up with homework and lesson planning. Looking forward to a weekend of rest, running, practice, and fellowship. Off to game night!

Currently thinking about: how to get to school tomorrow and avoid the SMU/TCU rivalry game