Hello friends,
It’s been a little while since my last update, and I’m so glad to share some news and reflections with you!
As some of you may have seen, my family took a lovely holiday up into the Scottish Highlands at the end of October. We stayed at a beautiful farm just outside of Dingwall near Inverness, surrounded by rolling green fields full of sheep and cows, with views of the Cromarty Firth and the lightly snow-dusted mountains beyond. The weather was a wonderful mix of sunshine, rain, and the occasional bluster of wind—especially at Achnahaird Beach on the western coast.
I’ve said it before, but I can’t help proclaiming my love for Scotland. I feel as though Scotland and I are kindred spirits, and I can’t shake the feeling that one day I may call it home.
We visited Loch Ness—though I never did spot Nessie! The loch was beautiful, though the busier tourist spots took away some of its quiet charm. The opposite shore was stunning, and that’s where we met a very large, very furry highland coo with a fine nose ring. The cold weather created a peaceful hush as the coos softly chewed their grass and the pheasants fed quietly nearby.
Back at the house, we managed to finish four puzzles and enjoy lots of quality family time. That’s something I truly treasure about holidays with my family—the chance to slow down and simply be together. I’ve loved getting to know my gran better, listening to her stories about growing up in the North and hearing fond memories of when our family lived in Scotland. What a blessing it has been!
When our incredible week came to an end, we headed back home to Settle. On the way, we stopped at the National Wallace Monument in Stirling. It was absolutely freezing—especially climbing the 246 spiral steps to the top! But the 360-degree view of the countryside was breathtaking, and seeing the sword that William Wallace once held was unforgettable.
Ministry Update
Our first outreach group took place the Tuesday after we returned home, and it was such a success! We had six parents and eight children—the oldest just two years old. It wasn’t quite what we expected, but it was beautiful to watch the parents chatting and connecting while their little ones played and slept nearby. I know the Lord is going to use this group to reach and refresh young parents. Please pray for continued wisdom and discernment as we shape this into a safe and welcoming space for families.
I’ve also had lots of time to reflect on ministry and what that looks like for me in this season. To be honest, I’ve struggled at times with questions like, “Why am I here?” or “What exactly am I supposed to be doing?”
I don’t doubt for a moment that the Lord brought me here—that’s something I know beyond a shadow of a doubt. The harder part is walking out the “how.” There aren’t many clear answers, except one: faith.
Every time I start to worry about provision, God gently reminds me to trust Him. I’m in a season where the Lord is reshaping me—leaving behind the old and stepping into the new. He has spoken clearly that the “old wineskin” can’t hold the “new wine.” This is a new season, and I can’t operate in fear or second-guess His Word. This isn’t a time to step timidly forward—it’s a time to leap in faith, knowing He holds me firmly.
It’s not an easy road. Thoughts like “maybe I should get a part-time job just to make ends meet” creep in often. But each time I start to move in that direction, I feel a deep conviction that I would be creating an “Ishmael”—trying to fulfill God’s promise my own way. So here I am, walking by faith, trusting my Father, Friend, and Counselor to provide as He’s promised.
There’s a mix of both lightness and heaviness in all this, but that’s the beauty of the journey. I truly love my new home here, even as I face a spiritual battle over purpose and future. If you’re praying for me, that’s one of the biggest areas of need right now. I sense that the enemy doesn’t want me—or my family—here. But I’ve also felt glimpses of revival stirring in this region. Even this past Sunday at church, the presence of the Lord was so tangible; it felt as though we were standing on the brink of a fresh outpouring of His Spirit.
This coming Sunday we’ll be leading our first worship set at Settle Methodist Church, and I’m so looking forward to it. Things are beginning to move, even if not as quickly as I’d like. I’m excited to see what God does next as I continue listening for His direction and strategy for ministry here.
Prayer Points
- Strength in the spiritual battle over my mind and purpose
- Covering over Hellitots, Mom, Mike, and me as we lead the group
- God’s guidance and anointing over our worship set on Sunday—choosing the right songs
- Financial provision and faith to trust God’s timing
- Continued strategy and clear direction for ministry
Thank you all for your love, prayers, and encouragement. I’m so grateful to have you walking alongside me. I can’t wait to share more of what God is doing in the coming weeks.
With love and blessings,
Carlie
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