Monthly Archive: May 2017

May 6, 2017

As I said last night, each day approaching Kayleigh’s birthday is a little more difficult. The beautiful thing about difficult days is that it makes God so much easier to see. For starters, hard days make me appreciate the good days more. Also, when good things happen in hard days, I find myself stopping to thank the Lord for His beautiful blessings.

We took the children to a movie last night. It was one I know Kayleigh would have loved. As we rode home, listening to Grace and Cole repeat every funny part, I could hear Kayleigh’s voice. I knew she would have been laughing along with them – quoting lines, dancing, being loud. I found myself so incredibly thankful for my children. Thankful for the two I can still hold and touch, and thankful for the one that changed me. God used my Baby Duck to break me, so He could reshape me as He intended me to be, and so He could receive the glory.

Today God blessed us with small things through the day. Reminders that He is here, that He loves us. A precious woman stopped us in a store to let us know Kayleigh’s story has encouraged her to read her bible more. Another precious friend answered a need for race day. And I came home this afternoon to the most beautiful keepsake. One I can keep close to my heart.

Yes, the days are getting harder, but my God is bigger than hardship. He is good, kind, and full of grace and mercy. How thankful I am to be His child.

Zephaniah 3:17
17 For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow​💜

What a treasure this was to come home to.

May 5, 2017

People are amazing. So many of you prayer warriors we have never met, yet you continue to stand with us each day. Praying for strength and healing, standing in the gap, interceding at the throne of God the father on our behalf… you cannot know how much your prayers mean to us. And then from time to time God uses you to bless us above and beyond. Today was one of those days.

It has been a long week and my energy tank is running on fumes. I can tell my spiritual cup is in need of some quality time with Jesus to be refilled, and my body and mind are in need of rest. If you’re anything like me, that combination turns you into an emotional time bomb.

I had been home from work for about 15 minutes this evening when there was a knock at our front door. Imagine my surprise when our friend and incredibly talented florist is standing there with the most beautiful arrangement. Evidently, a sweet soul from Panama City called every florist in Hartselle until they found one that knew us. They sent this blessing with no name, no way for me to say thank you, just because they wanted to encourage us. Well, they succeeded.

Each day that we draw closer to Kayleigh’s Birthday gets harder, but thanks to this precious person tonight was not so hard. I’m sure the sender did not realize just what a blessing their gift would be. That these flowers would lift my spirits and give me words to share tonight. It is truly amazing how a genuine gesture of kindness can change the trajectory of your day. I would challenge you to be a little more aware of you surroundings, take the opportunities when they arise to bless others. Be the hands and feet of Jesus, you may be exactly what someone needs.

Philippians 4:19
19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow​ 💜

May 4, 2017

Goodness gracious this week has flown by at warp speed! I am absolutely exhausted, but so thankful for all the amazing things God continues to do in our lives. Looking at the date, this time last year I had no idea what was coming our way. We were busy with life, not worried about the future.

So much has changed in the past 12 months. But you know what? I served a loving, kind, compassionate God a year ago, and today – I serve the very same God. Even though I do not always understand His ways I have no doubt that his plan is good.

Psalm 18:30
30 God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

How thankful I am for my relationship with this mighty God!

Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow💜

Hello everyone!

I’m getting to write earlier tonight than usual because we are traveling, it’s dark, and thankfully Tim is driving. We had the pleasure of driving to speak at First Baptist Church in Geraldine, AL tonight. What a wonderful congregation! This was actually the first time Tim and I have ever spoken together. We really had no idea how it would work. In case you haven’t been following us very long I have absolutely NO problem speaking (more like I can talk too much), and Tim is my perfect, balance and opposite… as in quiet, and generally doesn’t choose to speak in public. So when he agreed to speak along with me I was excited, but had absolutely no plan of action.

Frankly, we still only had the bare bones of a plan in place when we took the stage, but our God is amazing and the Holy Spirit is a gifted speaker. Not to mention, talking about Kayleigh brings us a great deal of joy as well as healing. It was also a lot of fun to speak with Tim – he’s even pretty funny!

The first verse he shared tonight was

Proverbs 22:6
6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

So often that is one we quote for our children as we look to the future – but tonight that was only half of the story. Yes, we pray for our kids, but more than that – as Tim and I stood on that stage tonight we are proof of the truthfulness of that verse. We are the product of parents who loved us and taught us to love and fear the Lord. We have many shortcomings, and the Lord still has much to teach us. We are works in progress – but we’re in the hands of a nightly God – He will handle the details. But thanks to our parents taking time to direct us, we were prepared when the storm hit.

I pray that we are teaching our children the same things. Building a foundation on the truths of God’s word so when they come under fire, they will be able to stand firm. And. It just on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights – but 365 days a year – 24/7. Its a full time job!

Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow💜

These three are worthy more than words can say

The most wonderful day! 💜💜💜

My monkeys, my circus 🙂

I had the pleasure of sharing Kayleigh’s story today with someone that doesn’t know us and who had not heard of Kayleigh. Reliving our journey always makes my heart a little raw, yet there is so much joy in remembering. Joy sprinkled with a bit of unavoidable sadness.

As I was answering questions today the thought come to me there is ALWAYS something beautiful to look towards. No matter how bleak the situation seems, God is in control. Of course, it is up to us to choose to look for the beauty, and some days it is harder to see than others.

Isaiah 61:4
3 To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

I pray you always choose to see the beauty!

Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow💜

My sweet sister in law sent me this picture. Kayleigh loved her cousins beyond measure!