Skip to content

carlyriordan.com.au

Finding God in Everyday Ordinary Life

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Daughter Wait!
  • Reviews

Month: May 2017

When dreams dissolve: God, make my world small

May 16, 2017July 5, 2017 ~ carlyriordan ~ 1 Comment

make my world small

Last week I prayed a prayer I’d never prayed before. As I explored the words that effortlessly flowed from my mouth, I pondered their validity and origin—was it ‘right’ to pray this way? Was this evidence of defeat or an indication of spiritual growth? Continue reading →

Carly Riordan

Carly Riordan

Carly lives on the Gold Coast, Australia with her husband Joe and their two girls: Beni and Selah. She is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ, a lover of His Church, His people, His Word and life in general.

Inspired by all aspects of creativity, creative people and the topic of worship, Carly is passionate about helping people to live a spirit led life of worship and see them step confidently into all that God has created them for.

Link to full profile...

Subscribe

Join an online community who are passionate about living authentic lives of worship. Receive new posts, passwords to exclusive content as well as free downloads and discounts on books and other resources from Carly.

Recent Posts

  • Let your light shine — Lent Reflection One (of Eight)
  • Unless He has all of me He has none of me… close and closer still.
  • The seed of a dream
  • A Christmas list of sorts…
  • Start with the end in mind

Categories

  • A Pilgrimage to Worship
  • Bible Devotional
  • Creativity & Inspiration
  • Daughter Wait!
  • Faceless Worship
  • marriage
  • Parenting
  • Real Talk
  • Self Worth
  • Spirit Led Life
  • What is true Worship?
  • When Less is More

Instagram

First official job as a ref for junior touch in Palmy.  Job is complete with roster, uniform, and money in the bank 💰. Our little girl is definitely not so little anymore! So proud of her.
•
Follow
First official job as a ref for junior touch in Palmy. Job is complete with roster, uniform, and money in the bank 💰. Our little girl is definitely not so little anymore! So proud of her.
14 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
Little Leo is already the most loved baby ever. He is the sweetest 🥰.Can’t wait to watch him grow up.My sister and James are the most incredible parents. So much love for them all!
Little Leo is already the most loved baby ever. He is the sweetest 🥰.Can’t wait to watch him grow up.My sister and James are the most incredible parents. So much love for them all!
Little Leo is already the most loved baby ever. He is the sweetest 🥰.Can’t wait to watch him grow up.My sister and James are the most incredible parents. So much love for them all!
Little Leo is already the most loved baby ever. He is the sweetest 🥰.Can’t wait to watch him grow up.My sister and James are the most incredible parents. So much love for them all!
Little Leo is already the most loved baby ever. He is the sweetest 🥰.Can’t wait to watch him grow up.My sister and James are the most incredible parents. So much love for them all!
Little Leo is already the most loved baby ever. He is the sweetest 🥰.Can’t wait to watch him grow up.My sister and James are the most incredible parents. So much love for them all!
Little Leo is already the most loved baby ever. He is the sweetest 🥰.Can’t wait to watch him grow up.My sister and James are the most incredible parents. So much love for them all!
Little Leo is already the most loved baby ever. He is the sweetest 🥰.Can’t wait to watch him grow up.My sister and James are the most incredible parents. So much love for them all!
Little Leo is already the most loved baby ever. He is the sweetest 🥰.Can’t wait to watch him grow up.My sister and James are the most incredible parents. So much love for them all!
•
Follow
Little Leo is already the most loved baby ever. He is the sweetest 🥰.Can’t wait to watch him grow up.My sister and James are the most incredible parents. So much love for them all!
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
I’m writing again.Over the past little while, I completed a new manuscript titled Honest Worship. It explores a question that has been forming in my heart for a long time:What if the very struggles that seem to keep us from the presence of God are the very places He is inviting us closer?In ministry, I’ve seen how easily we measure devotion by what we do — how well we lead, how passionately we sing, how consistently we serve — while ignoring what God may actually be asking of our hearts. I’ve also seen how often the uncomfortable places in our lives are the very spaces He uses to refine us.So I’m writing again.Not to promote anything.
Not to build something.
But to reflect more intentionally on what it means to worship from the inside out.This morning I felt stirred to do something for Lent (which starts on Wednesday). I love the idea of engaging in a meaningful spiritual practice leading up to Easter.If you’re interested in joining me, I’ll pop something in your inbox each week leading up to Easter— something thoughtful, grounded in Scripture, and honest based around  the themes of humility, surrender, and examining the heart.If that’s your thing there’s a link in my bio to subscribe. 💌
•
Follow
I’m writing again.Over the past little while, I completed a new manuscript titled Honest Worship. It explores a question that has been forming in my heart for a long time:What if the very struggles that seem to keep us from the presence of God are the very places He is inviting us closer?In ministry, I’ve seen how easily we measure devotion by what we do — how well we lead, how passionately we sing, how consistently we serve — while ignoring what God may actually be asking of our hearts. I’ve also seen how often the uncomfortable places in our lives are the very spaces He uses to refine us.So I’m writing again.Not to promote anything. Not to build something. But to reflect more intentionally on what it means to worship from the inside out.This morning I felt stirred to do something for Lent (which starts on Wednesday). I love the idea of engaging in a meaningful spiritual practice leading up to Easter.If you’re interested in joining me, I’ll pop something in your inbox each week leading up to Easter— something thoughtful, grounded in Scripture, and honest based around the themes of humility, surrender, and examining the heart.If that’s your thing there’s a link in my bio to subscribe. 💌
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Give the gift of a good story this Christmas. 📕
Humble brag 🙋🏼‍♀️ Since its release a few years ago it’s travelled the globe being passed from friend to friend often read within one sitting. I won’t waste words trying to sell you on why… you’ll have to find out. 😊Just know, if something about this post has grabbed your attention, order a copy. Available online at Koorong and all the book places OR Direct through me is cheapest carlyriordan.com.au/SHOP
•
Follow
Give the gift of a good story this Christmas. 📕 Humble brag 🙋🏼‍♀️ Since its release a few years ago it’s travelled the globe being passed from friend to friend often read within one sitting. I won’t waste words trying to sell you on why… you’ll have to find out. 😊Just know, if something about this post has grabbed your attention, order a copy. Available online at Koorong and all the book places OR Direct through me is cheapest carlyriordan.com.au/SHOP
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Making memories… book week costume 2025.Have loved collecting bits and pieces, building a box, wrapping the box (while watching footy- Joe and the kids not me ha!) redesigning and sewing op shop finds (thanks Nanna) and putting ChatGPT to work over the last week to come up with this. 💖She looked amazing. So fun!Selah said she wanted to win this year (I said she’s already won because she looks amazing). But she actually won! (Mostly just the glory but also a free book lol). Gotta love Aussie schools. Happy days.It’s not just a costume is a creative adventure. Heart is full. 💕
Making memories… book week costume 2025.Have loved collecting bits and pieces, building a box, wrapping the box (while watching footy- Joe and the kids not me ha!) redesigning and sewing op shop finds (thanks Nanna) and putting ChatGPT to work over the last week to come up with this. 💖She looked amazing. So fun!Selah said she wanted to win this year (I said she’s already won because she looks amazing). But she actually won! (Mostly just the glory but also a free book lol). Gotta love Aussie schools. Happy days.It’s not just a costume is a creative adventure. Heart is full. 💕
Making memories… book week costume 2025.Have loved collecting bits and pieces, building a box, wrapping the box (while watching footy- Joe and the kids not me ha!) redesigning and sewing op shop finds (thanks Nanna) and putting ChatGPT to work over the last week to come up with this. 💖She looked amazing. So fun!Selah said she wanted to win this year (I said she’s already won because she looks amazing). But she actually won! (Mostly just the glory but also a free book lol). Gotta love Aussie schools. Happy days.It’s not just a costume is a creative adventure. Heart is full. 💕
Making memories… book week costume 2025.Have loved collecting bits and pieces, building a box, wrapping the box (while watching footy- Joe and the kids not me ha!) redesigning and sewing op shop finds (thanks Nanna) and putting ChatGPT to work over the last week to come up with this. 💖She looked amazing. So fun!Selah said she wanted to win this year (I said she’s already won because she looks amazing). But she actually won! (Mostly just the glory but also a free book lol). Gotta love Aussie schools. Happy days.It’s not just a costume is a creative adventure. Heart is full. 💕
Making memories… book week costume 2025.Have loved collecting bits and pieces, building a box, wrapping the box (while watching footy- Joe and the kids not me ha!) redesigning and sewing op shop finds (thanks Nanna) and putting ChatGPT to work over the last week to come up with this. 💖She looked amazing. So fun!Selah said she wanted to win this year (I said she’s already won because she looks amazing). But she actually won! (Mostly just the glory but also a free book lol). Gotta love Aussie schools. Happy days.It’s not just a costume is a creative adventure. Heart is full. 💕
Making memories… book week costume 2025.Have loved collecting bits and pieces, building a box, wrapping the box (while watching footy- Joe and the kids not me ha!) redesigning and sewing op shop finds (thanks Nanna) and putting ChatGPT to work over the last week to come up with this. 💖She looked amazing. So fun!Selah said she wanted to win this year (I said she’s already won because she looks amazing). But she actually won! (Mostly just the glory but also a free book lol). Gotta love Aussie schools. Happy days.It’s not just a costume is a creative adventure. Heart is full. 💕
Making memories… book week costume 2025.Have loved collecting bits and pieces, building a box, wrapping the box (while watching footy- Joe and the kids not me ha!) redesigning and sewing op shop finds (thanks Nanna) and putting ChatGPT to work over the last week to come up with this. 💖She looked amazing. So fun!Selah said she wanted to win this year (I said she’s already won because she looks amazing). But she actually won! (Mostly just the glory but also a free book lol). Gotta love Aussie schools. Happy days.It’s not just a costume is a creative adventure. Heart is full. 💕
Making memories… book week costume 2025.Have loved collecting bits and pieces, building a box, wrapping the box (while watching footy- Joe and the kids not me ha!) redesigning and sewing op shop finds (thanks Nanna) and putting ChatGPT to work over the last week to come up with this. 💖She looked amazing. So fun!Selah said she wanted to win this year (I said she’s already won because she looks amazing). But she actually won! (Mostly just the glory but also a free book lol). Gotta love Aussie schools. Happy days.It’s not just a costume is a creative adventure. Heart is full. 💕
Making memories… book week costume 2025.Have loved collecting bits and pieces, building a box, wrapping the box (while watching footy- Joe and the kids not me ha!) redesigning and sewing op shop finds (thanks Nanna) and putting ChatGPT to work over the last week to come up with this. 💖She looked amazing. So fun!Selah said she wanted to win this year (I said she’s already won because she looks amazing). But she actually won! (Mostly just the glory but also a free book lol). Gotta love Aussie schools. Happy days.It’s not just a costume is a creative adventure. Heart is full. 💕
Making memories… book week costume 2025.Have loved collecting bits and pieces, building a box, wrapping the box (while watching footy- Joe and the kids not me ha!) redesigning and sewing op shop finds (thanks Nanna) and putting ChatGPT to work over the last week to come up with this. 💖She looked amazing. So fun!Selah said she wanted to win this year (I said she’s already won because she looks amazing). But she actually won! (Mostly just the glory but also a free book lol). Gotta love Aussie schools. Happy days.It’s not just a costume is a creative adventure. Heart is full. 💕
Making memories… book week costume 2025.Have loved collecting bits and pieces, building a box, wrapping the box (while watching footy- Joe and the kids not me ha!) redesigning and sewing op shop finds (thanks Nanna) and putting ChatGPT to work over the last week to come up with this. 💖She looked amazing. So fun!Selah said she wanted to win this year (I said she’s already won because she looks amazing). But she actually won! (Mostly just the glory but also a free book lol). Gotta love Aussie schools. Happy days.It’s not just a costume is a creative adventure. Heart is full. 💕
Making memories… book week costume 2025.Have loved collecting bits and pieces, building a box, wrapping the box (while watching footy- Joe and the kids not me ha!) redesigning and sewing op shop finds (thanks Nanna) and putting ChatGPT to work over the last week to come up with this. 💖She looked amazing. So fun!Selah said she wanted to win this year (I said she’s already won because she looks amazing). But she actually won! (Mostly just the glory but also a free book lol). Gotta love Aussie schools. Happy days.It’s not just a costume is a creative adventure. Heart is full. 💕
•
Follow
Making memories… book week costume 2025.Have loved collecting bits and pieces, building a box, wrapping the box (while watching footy- Joe and the kids not me ha!) redesigning and sewing op shop finds (thanks Nanna) and putting ChatGPT to work over the last week to come up with this. 💖She looked amazing. So fun!Selah said she wanted to win this year (I said she’s already won because she looks amazing). But she actually won! (Mostly just the glory but also a free book lol). Gotta love Aussie schools. Happy days.It’s not just a costume is a creative adventure. Heart is full. 💕
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
It’s been a while (and gee Insta has changed so excuse the landscape layout- makes it so hard to screenshot reviews 🙄)Across the month of June I’m hosting mega sale on my books and devotionals. 🎉 🎉 🎉 It’s been a few years since the release of Daughter Wait! but more than ever I believe in the power of testimony as I’ve witnessed its pages travelling continents and been shared from friend to friend to friend.This is the book I wish I’d read when I was younger. It’s an easy read and numerous times I’ve been told “It’s the first book I’ve ever finished.” I’ll aim to post some reviews in stories across the month as readers lovely words speak for themselves as to what people have revised from it. But if you’ve been wanting something to read let this be an encouragement to you. Get a copy for yourself, a friend, one to gift, buy local, all the things 😊 💕And if you’re a creative or someone who wrestles with bringing your gifts confidently to the world without ego getting in the way Faceless Worship is an in depth study guide to humility and confidence within. 🙌🏼Order via link in my bio (near 50% less than online bookshops and koorong if you go via my author site). 💕Last photo… shameless dog mum post. 🐕 🥰
It’s been a while (and gee Insta has changed so excuse the landscape layout- makes it so hard to screenshot reviews 🙄)Across the month of June I’m hosting mega sale on my books and devotionals. 🎉 🎉 🎉 It’s been a few years since the release of Daughter Wait! but more than ever I believe in the power of testimony as I’ve witnessed its pages travelling continents and been shared from friend to friend to friend.This is the book I wish I’d read when I was younger. It’s an easy read and numerous times I’ve been told “It’s the first book I’ve ever finished.” I’ll aim to post some reviews in stories across the month as readers lovely words speak for themselves as to what people have revised from it. But if you’ve been wanting something to read let this be an encouragement to you. Get a copy for yourself, a friend, one to gift, buy local, all the things 😊 💕And if you’re a creative or someone who wrestles with bringing your gifts confidently to the world without ego getting in the way Faceless Worship is an in depth study guide to humility and confidence within. 🙌🏼Order via link in my bio (near 50% less than online bookshops and koorong if you go via my author site). 💕Last photo… shameless dog mum post. 🐕 🥰
It’s been a while (and gee Insta has changed so excuse the landscape layout- makes it so hard to screenshot reviews 🙄)Across the month of June I’m hosting mega sale on my books and devotionals. 🎉 🎉 🎉 It’s been a few years since the release of Daughter Wait! but more than ever I believe in the power of testimony as I’ve witnessed its pages travelling continents and been shared from friend to friend to friend.This is the book I wish I’d read when I was younger. It’s an easy read and numerous times I’ve been told “It’s the first book I’ve ever finished.” I’ll aim to post some reviews in stories across the month as readers lovely words speak for themselves as to what people have revised from it. But if you’ve been wanting something to read let this be an encouragement to you. Get a copy for yourself, a friend, one to gift, buy local, all the things 😊 💕And if you’re a creative or someone who wrestles with bringing your gifts confidently to the world without ego getting in the way Faceless Worship is an in depth study guide to humility and confidence within. 🙌🏼Order via link in my bio (near 50% less than online bookshops and koorong if you go via my author site). 💕Last photo… shameless dog mum post. 🐕 🥰
It’s been a while (and gee Insta has changed so excuse the landscape layout- makes it so hard to screenshot reviews 🙄)Across the month of June I’m hosting mega sale on my books and devotionals. 🎉 🎉 🎉 It’s been a few years since the release of Daughter Wait! but more than ever I believe in the power of testimony as I’ve witnessed its pages travelling continents and been shared from friend to friend to friend.This is the book I wish I’d read when I was younger. It’s an easy read and numerous times I’ve been told “It’s the first book I’ve ever finished.” I’ll aim to post some reviews in stories across the month as readers lovely words speak for themselves as to what people have revised from it. But if you’ve been wanting something to read let this be an encouragement to you. Get a copy for yourself, a friend, one to gift, buy local, all the things 😊 💕And if you’re a creative or someone who wrestles with bringing your gifts confidently to the world without ego getting in the way Faceless Worship is an in depth study guide to humility and confidence within. 🙌🏼Order via link in my bio (near 50% less than online bookshops and koorong if you go via my author site). 💕Last photo… shameless dog mum post. 🐕 🥰
It’s been a while (and gee Insta has changed so excuse the landscape layout- makes it so hard to screenshot reviews 🙄)Across the month of June I’m hosting mega sale on my books and devotionals. 🎉 🎉 🎉 It’s been a few years since the release of Daughter Wait! but more than ever I believe in the power of testimony as I’ve witnessed its pages travelling continents and been shared from friend to friend to friend.This is the book I wish I’d read when I was younger. It’s an easy read and numerous times I’ve been told “It’s the first book I’ve ever finished.” I’ll aim to post some reviews in stories across the month as readers lovely words speak for themselves as to what people have revised from it. But if you’ve been wanting something to read let this be an encouragement to you. Get a copy for yourself, a friend, one to gift, buy local, all the things 😊 💕And if you’re a creative or someone who wrestles with bringing your gifts confidently to the world without ego getting in the way Faceless Worship is an in depth study guide to humility and confidence within. 🙌🏼Order via link in my bio (near 50% less than online bookshops and koorong if you go via my author site). 💕Last photo… shameless dog mum post. 🐕 🥰
It’s been a while (and gee Insta has changed so excuse the landscape layout- makes it so hard to screenshot reviews 🙄)Across the month of June I’m hosting mega sale on my books and devotionals. 🎉 🎉 🎉 It’s been a few years since the release of Daughter Wait! but more than ever I believe in the power of testimony as I’ve witnessed its pages travelling continents and been shared from friend to friend to friend.This is the book I wish I’d read when I was younger. It’s an easy read and numerous times I’ve been told “It’s the first book I’ve ever finished.” I’ll aim to post some reviews in stories across the month as readers lovely words speak for themselves as to what people have revised from it. But if you’ve been wanting something to read let this be an encouragement to you. Get a copy for yourself, a friend, one to gift, buy local, all the things 😊 💕And if you’re a creative or someone who wrestles with bringing your gifts confidently to the world without ego getting in the way Faceless Worship is an in depth study guide to humility and confidence within. 🙌🏼Order via link in my bio (near 50% less than online bookshops and koorong if you go via my author site). 💕Last photo… shameless dog mum post. 🐕 🥰
It’s been a while (and gee Insta has changed so excuse the landscape layout- makes it so hard to screenshot reviews 🙄)Across the month of June I’m hosting mega sale on my books and devotionals. 🎉 🎉 🎉 It’s been a few years since the release of Daughter Wait! but more than ever I believe in the power of testimony as I’ve witnessed its pages travelling continents and been shared from friend to friend to friend.This is the book I wish I’d read when I was younger. It’s an easy read and numerous times I’ve been told “It’s the first book I’ve ever finished.” I’ll aim to post some reviews in stories across the month as readers lovely words speak for themselves as to what people have revised from it. But if you’ve been wanting something to read let this be an encouragement to you. Get a copy for yourself, a friend, one to gift, buy local, all the things 😊 💕And if you’re a creative or someone who wrestles with bringing your gifts confidently to the world without ego getting in the way Faceless Worship is an in depth study guide to humility and confidence within. 🙌🏼Order via link in my bio (near 50% less than online bookshops and koorong if you go via my author site). 💕Last photo… shameless dog mum post. 🐕 🥰
•
Follow
It’s been a while (and gee Insta has changed so excuse the landscape layout- makes it so hard to screenshot reviews 🙄)Across the month of June I’m hosting mega sale on my books and devotionals. 🎉 🎉 🎉 It’s been a few years since the release of Daughter Wait! but more than ever I believe in the power of testimony as I’ve witnessed its pages travelling continents and been shared from friend to friend to friend.This is the book I wish I’d read when I was younger. It’s an easy read and numerous times I’ve been told “It’s the first book I’ve ever finished.” I’ll aim to post some reviews in stories across the month as readers lovely words speak for themselves as to what people have revised from it. But if you’ve been wanting something to read let this be an encouragement to you. Get a copy for yourself, a friend, one to gift, buy local, all the things 😊 💕And if you’re a creative or someone who wrestles with bringing your gifts confidently to the world without ego getting in the way Faceless Worship is an in depth study guide to humility and confidence within. 🙌🏼Order via link in my bio (near 50% less than online bookshops and koorong if you go via my author site). 💕Last photo… shameless dog mum post. 🐕 🥰
9 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
View on Instagram

Archive

  • February 2026
  • January 2023
  • September 2021
  • December 2020
  • October 2020
  • August 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • February 2019
  • November 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • December 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • May 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
Proudly powered by WordPress ~ Theme: Penscratch by WordPress.com.