here i am

I've been both inspired and convicted by my friend's blogs lately. Inspired, because so many people have touching and funny and thoughtful and honest things to say. Convicted, because many have come forth from the slogs of non-posting blog-death boldly and shamelessly, and I haven't.

Well, until now.

So here I am again, and I won't even apologize for it. Except that I sort of just did. Ah, well.

I'm in a new town, living a new life, and figuring out how to be myself and serve God in an environment that is foreign in many, many ways. In the coming days and weeks look for posts about being a Yankee living in the deep south, (finally) being a librarian, and still seeking the One who's sustaining me as I figure it out. Or try to.

Speaking of which: I've been to about 7 churches since I moved here in August, and the whole church-shopping process has been pretty grueling. Most churches around here are very different than the churches to which I've been accustomed. More later, but it's been a while since I've been able to sink into congregational worship and bare my heart before God in that setting. This morning in chapel I finally got to sing a song that I know, one that stirs my heart and launches me into God's presence. The chorus is age-old and simple:

Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!

It's a shout of praise and adoration, and the wrenching cry from people who desperately need a savior. In the midst of all this seemingly endless transition, it's the cry of my heart.

Save me, save us, be the Savior again and still, Lord Jesus! And glory be to you, the Most High, the Worthy One. May your praise go on forever.

Hosanna!