So I haven't been blogging a whole lot this summer. I'm blaming it on a case of "Summertime Blues." I'm sure you can relate...

You're sitting at your computer, window in site, and the sunshine is just calling your name. It seems like the days go by too fast and all those days you planned to go relax at the pool (or beach if you have one) and enjoy some of that sunshine you now see slipping through your fingers faster than you can catch them. All those evenings you'd hoped to have friends or family over for BBQ's seem filled by to-do's and have-to's instead, and you find yourself so rarely ever getting to the really-want-to's.

The days I actually HAVE made it to the pool or spent doing something fun with friends this summer I can pretty much count on one hand...and thus I grieve. How is it that life can possibly have gotten that busy that I don't have/make more time to get out and enjoy summer a bit more. Something must be done about that!

Then, I think I figured if I started writing a blog entry (knowing me) I'd sit at the computer for at least a few hours writing/re-writing and doing that perfectionistic thing I do. And so I just haven't written much at all...in hopes of getting to the pool more often...but alas, that hasn't really been the case. How can it be?

Well, there have been a few things going on and I guess in reality, life has been pretty hectic. I thought at the least today I'd give you a snapshot of what I've been up to, and what I'll be up to next.

I continue to lead worship quite a bit here locally - at my home church and at other churches in the area - Vineyard, UMC, Prebyterian - you name it! It has actually been really interesting to see what the Lord is doing with that, and I can see Him teaching me a lot about serving the Church, regardless of the name on the sign out front or the number of people in the "pews" (fyi, you can always find my event dates here: http://www.shericarr.com/sc/content/event-dates).

For a while things had slowed down a bit, so I'd applied for a few days jobs in the area, but nothing came from it. Things have picked up again, and so it seems the Lord is still keeping me busy as a "music missionary" and that He still has work for me to do.

A few weeks ago I felt compelled to dedicate seven days to recording seven demos. Some were songs written some time ago, but I had never properly documented them. Some were brand new songs that I'd started writing in previous months and finally finished in that 7-day window, by the grace of God!

I would like to make a commitment to do that more often - write and document songs - but I find that when I enter into my "creative cave" that it's hard to do much else. I'm kind of an all or nothing kind of gal, I guess. I can honestly say I don't believe any of them are "hit songs" by any means, but it was more about me being obedient to do what I felt God was calling me to do.

You can listen to the demos at http://reverbnation.com/shericarr if you sign up as a "fan" and for my email list. They are posted there as "fan exclusive" songs.

At any rate, it was a good (but tiring) experience, and I hope that the coming year will be full of more weeks like that. Even to carve out one or two days once in a while to work on ONE song would be a noble goal! I too often let the daily tasks squeeze out every ounce of creativity energy, time, & space. Something else to work on!

So this week I'm preparing for a few upcoming events and travels. This weekend I'll be back in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to lead worship at the Vineyard there. I've been out there several times, and love the relationships that are building and to see what God is doing in that church - quite a cool place! (http://tuscaloosavineyard.com)

Sunday night I'll also be leading worship with my friend Ryan Van Kirk at Perimeter Church in Duluth, GA for their College/Career group. Perimeter is another church where I've been connecting regularly, and I have so enjoyed it! (http://perimeter.org)

I'll be home three days and then head off to Columbus, Ohio where I'll be one of several worship leaders at the outdoor Breathe Festival hosted by Columbus Vineyard's young adult ministry, July 17-19 (http://breathefestival.org). I'm really looking forward to this event, and would love your prayers for all in attendance that God would really meet us in a powerful way!

From Ohio I'll then head on to Seattle (ahhhh, the land I love!). I'm blessed with a few days to visit with the many friends I left behind, and to meet my best friend's new baby girl (she'll be about 2 months old!). I am already dreaming of fresh Rainier Cherries from Pikes Market, Ivar's Fish on the waterfront, really good Terriyaki (that I've yet to find any comparison to in Georgia), and my favorite place ever to get Chicken Fajitas.

Oh, and I can't forget good old "Snow Goose Produce" - a monster-sized road-side produce stand just outside of Mount Vernon, WA where they make their own homemade ice cream and a single serving on a homemade waffle cone is like as big as your head. Amazing. Might have to go back twice so I can have Lemon Custard one time and Cookie Dough the next. My two favorites. :)

After a few days of R&R I'm delighted to connect with Christ the King Church in Anacortes, WA (which is the town where I got married nearly five years ago!) where I'll be leading worship there for their two services (9am & 11am) on July 26th. If you're in the area, please join us! (http://ctkonline.com/anacortes)

I then hope to visit my Aunt, Uncle, & Cousins and other friends in the days remaining until I fly home. I'll be back in good old Atlanta late-night July 28th. I would love your prayers while I'm on the road (July 16-28) for health, safety, rest, etc. Also for my husband Joshua who has to stay home and hold down the fort. He will be teaching and helping run our church's Vacation Bible School!

I'll try to blog and post pictures or video along the journey these next few weeks as I can! Be sure to sign up for my Twitter Updates at http://twitter.com/shericarr to get all my travel updates from the road!

Here's a little encouragement and prayer for us all from Hebrews as I close:

"May God, who puts all things together,
makes all things whole,
Who made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus,
the sacrifice of blood that sealed the eternal covenant,
Who led Jesus, our Great Shepherd,
up and alive from the dead,
Now put you together, provide you
with everything you need to please him,
Make us into what gives him most pleasure,
by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah.
All glory to Jesus forever and always!"
(Hebrews 13:20-21, The Message)

Blessings to you all!
Sheri