Carly is updating her blog! For all 7 of you who have decided to read my blog, I'm sorry for the lack of updates. Between a busy schedule, a personal computer that decided to acquire a lovely virus, and an overall feeling that my life and/or personal thoughts have not held much that others could find interesting, I have unfortunately neglected my blog. Sorry, dear one. I have thought of you, thought of posts, but few have felt very noteworthy. Nevertheless, here goes....
First of all, can I just say that I cannot believe it is September! Before you know it, we will be traveling through 2010. Incredible. Amazing how time flies. I have been a Dallas resident for 2 years now (I think I actually moved here September 12, 2007), and what a home I have created. Though I continue to miss the aesthetic qualities found in Austin, the Lord has certainly provided a life, a community, a church, friends, and relationships that have made my time here nothing less than delightful. The most recent blessing he has provided is the addition of a Dallas campus to The Village Church! Go check it out: http://northway.thevillagechurch.net/
Yesterday was "hard launch" day for the Dallas campus, and what a joy it was! I know there was a little anxiety among the team that had been there all summer, acclimating the former Northway members to the Village. I have been able to witness what God has done among this small group of people, creating such a community and deep love among them. But yesterday was nothing less than an answer to prayer, a witness to His provision and faithfulness, and a deep thankfulness of the gift He has given us in the church. As I got out of my car (coffee in hand, of course), I heard a group of girls walking in front of me exclaim "we're finally here!" It was so neat.
As I sat in the sanctuary, dimmed by the rainy fall evening, I was overwhelmed. We sang a song last night that I have listened to for weeks, by the truth in the words struck a new chord in me last night, as if I was hearing them for the first time. As is customary for me, I have written them below.
The Desert Song
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames
I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on his promise I'll stand
I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
All of my life, in every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow
I highlighted my favorite section of the song, mostly because it was what hit me, convicted me, served as a much needed reminder. As I listened to the song on repeat this morning, I thought through the immense truths in it, truths that I have most recently forsaken. The seasoned believer knows (but may rarely live out, one might argue), the concept that God's character is not dependent upon my circumstances. He is unchanging. But what's more...the consistency in who He is, what He has done, creates a situation where there is never a time where we do not have a reason to sing, to be thankful, to worship Him and God, Creator, and Sustainer. In every season: singleness and marriage, school and work, loneliness and community, depth of affection for Him or dry spells, I have a reason to worship Him. He provides, He refines, He promises and delivers, He fills. In my own time recently of "figuring out life", I have struggled to find joy in the midst of struggle, sometimes despair, and oftentimes a feeling as though my time lacks purpose. But the season has been ordained, and through it all, He is still God. Weighty. Often assumed and overlooked. But weighty. Hope and pray to rest in that today.
So there's the blog. If nothing else, it's length should make up for at least 2 months of silence. Hope the 7 of you are doing well.
