There is a River with video

My Heart is Overwhelmed

Speechless! That is what happened when before my eyes I saw God fulfilling prayers that began 21 years ago. When God gave David and I five children to steward, we did not take it lightly. But how do you do this thing called parenting?? We didn't know how, but HE sure did. What we had was the passion to love and raise children and the following scripture that He gave revelation to in my heart when I was pregnant with our firstborn son that is in heaven.

Psalm 127:3-5

"Don't you see that children are God's best gift? The fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep."

That burned in my heart! I wanted my children to be used, to make a difference for their generation, to glorify God the one who gave them life. And when the enemy tried to draw near our door, he'd get scared and run because he knew not to mess with the Carrigan family.

So we committed this journey to prayer and asked God to download each step. This has come through the Word, fasting, hearing His voice and a few others speaking into our lives and on our part, obedience. The road He has asked us to take has sometimes been difficult and less traveled, but the one that has brought us and our children the greatest victories.

So this isn't meant to be a parenting post, but this leads up to the moment that brought me to speechlessness. One of His still small voices said teach your children to own their relationship with Me. So guess what- they eat on the Word and hear from Him. How did that happen? Because we took apart the Word and they followed. They were taught to listen, given forums to practice what they were hearing, knew we believed they would hear and they expected God to speak! They have been given a place to hear, be obedient, and follow those dreams that He has birthed in them.

So a couple of weeks ago on a Saturday night at 9pm I am left speechless as my children and a few others lead their first all day youth conference. God birthed this dream in my daughters and a friends heart! They knew that God had looked to and fro and found them, given an assignment and they were called to obey! So many things had to be worked out in 5 weeks time. Hannah said continuously to me, "If we obey, then He will work out the details." Don't you just love that kind of faith. He did just that! From donations, to free food from Chick fil a, and fundraisers, every need was accounted for and then some for a 10-10 Saturday youth conference. Passion: For Youth by Youth had become a reality not just a dream. You can follow them at this link. He has now called them to take it to Georgia and Tennessee in September and October this year.

The evening came to a close with spontaneous worship and a thickness of His Holy presence. The most beautiful part is He lead this event and they followed ushering in His amazing love. My heart is overwhelmed. May all the glory forever be His!

Going to the hard places brings freedom!

As I was laying in bed last night and thanking God for the freedoms we have in America, He began reminding me of all the areas in my life where He had brought freedom-places of unforgiveness, bitterness, trauma and pain, control, addictions, rejection, etc. As I went through each area, my heart was overwhelmed with gratefulness to my God who loved me so much that He stayed in that place until it was healed or I was free. Some of those places were much harder than others to walk through, but here is the deal-- I had to be willing to go there! It is not fun, but the anticipation of the freedom will give you the courage to say, "yes Lord lets do it!" I had to uncover that place and allow Him to do that work. Can I say it is worth it!!! John 8:36 says "If the Son makes you free, ye shall be free indeed." That is TRUE freedom!

You walk into freedom by choice! Have the courage to go to those hard places. You won't regret it. Jesus loves a humble heart-He can work with that!

"Be strong and courageous, be not afraid, nor be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!" Joshua 1:9