Well, some of you will remember that I took a new job in West Monroe, La. a few months ago, and we moved over here from the Temple/Belton area. The job was an incredible blessing, and came at a very good time for us. We were happy where we were, but felt like some doors were opening for us to make the move, so we did.
Those of you who remember my thread on the move, will also remember that one of my biggest hesitations was leaving TX, and leaving an area I absolutely loved, and had a lot of great connections/comforts in. I had 2 great hunting spots within 30 minutes of my front door, plus opportunities to hunt at a few other GREAT locations within a few hours drive. Aside from the hunting opportunities, I was also living in an area I knew backwards and forwards. I'd been there for about 10 years total, so I was very comfortable, and had lots of great friends. After considering all of those factors, we ultimately decided that West Monroe was where we were supposed to be.
After these first few months, I have to say that there have been some incredible highs, and some incredible lows. I couldn't be happier with the job. I'm the Contemporary Worship Pastor at a very large church, which just happens to be one of the most loving and welcoming groups of people I've ever worked and walked through life with. I've made some significant musical changes within our Sunday services, and have yet to hear a solid complaint. The job is a dream come true. We miss our Texas friends, but have made some deep friendships here, that I truly will be a part of the rest of our lives. Our kids love it, and have endured every step with total joy and adventure. My wife is a trooper, and I truly believe she would follow me off the edge of a cliff if that's where I told her God was calling. She's also a VERY strong and faithful believer in Jesus, so she's been an overwhelming support and encouragement as I've transitioned into a MUCH larger job, with a MUCH larger platform and expectation.
My low points have all come from things outside of those normal daily routine/job related kind of things. I MISS TEXAS!! I miss the fact that I knew how to hunt there. I miss the open spaces. I miss sitting in a stand, and being able to see more than a pipeline in front of me. I miss having hunting spots that were MINE, spots that I'd worked, fed, hung stands, and knew the animals that I would see regularly, but had the hope of a big buck passing through. I miss dry weather. I miss the town that I knew, and never got lost in. I miss the restaurants I'd gotten used to eating at on a monthly, and sometimes weekly basis. I miss seeing people I'd known for years at stores. I miss roads that I used to drive when I needed a break from the chaos of life. I miss something (or perhaps anything) feeling familiar.
I know this is not a normal Green Screen post. I've discovered though, that most of you guys feel like family. TBH has been my constant "familiar" thing for the past 3 months. I think I've been logged in more, and read more threads in these months than I ever did when I was really a Texas Bowhunter. I've learned a LOT about hunting, and a TON about bowhunting from this site, but I never realized how much I found comfort in TBH, and it's people.
I guess this was half to get a few things off my chest, and half to say thanks. You guys have helped me keep going. I know the hunting will get more familiar and better, and I know life will begin to feel settled here, but for now, I'll keep enjoying the "home" I have here with you guys, even though I'm now a Louisiana Bowhunter.
Thanks for reading.
Those of you who remember my thread on the move, will also remember that one of my biggest hesitations was leaving TX, and leaving an area I absolutely loved, and had a lot of great connections/comforts in. I had 2 great hunting spots within 30 minutes of my front door, plus opportunities to hunt at a few other GREAT locations within a few hours drive. Aside from the hunting opportunities, I was also living in an area I knew backwards and forwards. I'd been there for about 10 years total, so I was very comfortable, and had lots of great friends. After considering all of those factors, we ultimately decided that West Monroe was where we were supposed to be.
After these first few months, I have to say that there have been some incredible highs, and some incredible lows. I couldn't be happier with the job. I'm the Contemporary Worship Pastor at a very large church, which just happens to be one of the most loving and welcoming groups of people I've ever worked and walked through life with. I've made some significant musical changes within our Sunday services, and have yet to hear a solid complaint. The job is a dream come true. We miss our Texas friends, but have made some deep friendships here, that I truly will be a part of the rest of our lives. Our kids love it, and have endured every step with total joy and adventure. My wife is a trooper, and I truly believe she would follow me off the edge of a cliff if that's where I told her God was calling. She's also a VERY strong and faithful believer in Jesus, so she's been an overwhelming support and encouragement as I've transitioned into a MUCH larger job, with a MUCH larger platform and expectation.
My low points have all come from things outside of those normal daily routine/job related kind of things. I MISS TEXAS!! I miss the fact that I knew how to hunt there. I miss the open spaces. I miss sitting in a stand, and being able to see more than a pipeline in front of me. I miss having hunting spots that were MINE, spots that I'd worked, fed, hung stands, and knew the animals that I would see regularly, but had the hope of a big buck passing through. I miss dry weather. I miss the town that I knew, and never got lost in. I miss the restaurants I'd gotten used to eating at on a monthly, and sometimes weekly basis. I miss seeing people I'd known for years at stores. I miss roads that I used to drive when I needed a break from the chaos of life. I miss something (or perhaps anything) feeling familiar.
I know this is not a normal Green Screen post. I've discovered though, that most of you guys feel like family. TBH has been my constant "familiar" thing for the past 3 months. I think I've been logged in more, and read more threads in these months than I ever did when I was really a Texas Bowhunter. I've learned a LOT about hunting, and a TON about bowhunting from this site, but I never realized how much I found comfort in TBH, and it's people.
I guess this was half to get a few things off my chest, and half to say thanks. You guys have helped me keep going. I know the hunting will get more familiar and better, and I know life will begin to feel settled here, but for now, I'll keep enjoying the "home" I have here with you guys, even though I'm now a Louisiana Bowhunter.
Thanks for reading.
on a more serious note, I will be in Monroe this week and will bring you a Cajun care package guaranteed to put on a few pounds 
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