Faith & Encouragement

Who knew that at the age of 42, I would be living with my parents in California? “Not I!”  said the little Black girl. But as of December 2022, my parents moved from Texas to California to live with me, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Let me start from the beginning. Starting in 2019, prayers about wanting a…

When going on vacation, I’ve learned that some of the most interesting people you will meet will be on the airplane. In my case, there was an eleven-hour plane ride and a young man sat in between my friend and me (she loves the aisle and I prefer the window). While we hoped the seat in between us would remain…

I’m an avid dreamer. Some of my dreams are the result of eating or drinking something too close to bedtime while others are my soul trying to work out an inner dilemma or issue I’m wrestling with. I also believe that some of my dreams are from the Lord. To some, this may seem like creepy Christian talk. Before you…

If you grew up in church, you probably heard about the prophet, Jonah, who was swallowed by a big fish in his attempt to escape the assignment God had given him. The story came across as trivial during my younger years. The whole idea of running from God seemed silly and pointless. I mean, He’s God. He’s everywhere and He knows everything. How do you run from the Creator?  I admit I…

It’s Christmas season, my favorite time of the year. Needless to say, it’s easy to forget the reason for the season especially since Christmas has been so commercialized. Now, don’t get me wrong- I participate in this commercialism, but we can’t lose sight of this beautiful moment in history. The story of Jesus’ birth leaves me in wonder and amazement.…

I sat at my table with my coffee mug warming my hands and the sweet smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafting up my nose. The sun poured into the room casting long shadows along the floor as the heater stirred to life. I was feeling cozy and rested on Thanksgiving morning. The “Happy Thanksgiving” texts were already starting to come…

There is one specific thing about homeowning that I didn’t take seriously when I bought my house: yard work. Yes, I knew it would be required, but I didn’t consider the investment and commitment to maintaining a beautiful yard. My Daddy has always kept an impeccable yard. I still remember the loud roar of the riding mower on Saturday mornings…

Have you ever had a moment when you wanted to tell the Lord, “I just don’t have it in me any longer!” No more faith. You’re tired of praying and not seeing results. The more you worship, the worse things tend to get. Your tank is empty, and you just don’t have anything left. It could be problems at work…

My name is Carrie and I’m guilty of overthinking. (Whew. It feels better to just admit it.) Yes, if not put in check, I will overthink a situation to death, drafting fifty-‘leven combinations on what could happen and when. And don’t let it be a matter of the heart. (Sheesh.) If left to my own understanding, I will think of…

There’s no place like home. However, I’ve been fortunate enough to call a few places home- one of which is my parents’ new home in Austin, Texas. Just shy of two years ago, my parents moved from Indianapolis, Indiana to Austin. Since California to Austin is a much quicker flight (and I still have unused airlines credits due to COVID),…