Embrace the season of unseen

Embrace the moments
~ carlyriordan ~ Leave a comment

The word ‘unseen’ was the one I chose to frame 2020. A year to write, to develop confidence in the shadows, a year to dig deeper into a life of faith.

In March, this word ‘unseen’ took on an entirely different meaning for us all. I’d never have guessed that this is what ‘unseen’ could look like. 

Despite feeling a little stuck in our unit at times, over the last weeks, I’ve done my best to continue to attune my eyes to the things that matter. As we switch off the external, highly visible things (eg social media, news) our attention is naturally drawn toward that which is hidden under the surface, more of the spiritual realm, the eternal.

Faith: the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.  

To the best of my ability, I am choosing to shape this time by a focus on intimacy, honesty and growth. Continue reading →

The difference between isolation and solitude

Palm Beach
~ carlyriordan ~ Leave a comment

There is a big difference between isolation and solitude.

Without the time to stop and doing a stocktake of our thoughts, sneaky lies have the habit of taking up residence in our thought lounge. These same lies dissipate when we come face to face with our Creator.

Time alone with Him will have you slowing down, being more aware of priorities, and instead of reaching for familiar and easy vices you’ll reach more for Him.

Deep down we crave the stillness. Continue reading →

Grief, International Pregnancy and Infant Loss: the Genesis Breath

Wave of Light
~ carlyriordan ~ Leave a comment

Over the last few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to live close to the water. We see it daily. The beach, my sacred place. To look out at the horizon, watch the setting and rising sun, see the waves as they roll in, it’s mesmerising.

When I was a little girl, my dad told me that waves always come in sets of seven. He said you could count them and after the first big wave crashed, six more would follow, each losing a little power until there was a pause, stillness… Continue reading →

Your Best Life Now

Carly Riordan Worship Leading
~ carlyriordan ~ Leave a comment

‘Your best life now.’  This is the phrase that has been finding its ways into my consciousness of late. 

My best life now, right now.

Am I living my best life now? If not why. What am I waiting for? Why am I holding back, holding out? What have I stopped believing God for?… 

I have felt challenged when it comes to my faith. Specifically the substance of my faith. Is faith evident in my life? If so, where is it? What actions is it taking?

Have I diminished God down to what is possible, reasonable and doable in my own strength? Or am I believing for the God opportunities and the whispers that lead to wild adventures and memorable testimonies?  Continue reading →

Abortion. Choosing to allow a life to be ripped from your body in such a humiliating way is not something your soul moves on from quickly. [Personal experience]

~ carlyriordan ~ Leave a comment

The first time I walked through the door of the abortion clinic was for an appointment to confirm I was pregnant. In my mind, there was no need for confirmation. Since I’d taken the test, the subtle changes in my body were haunting reminders of the secret I was hiding. A sudden thirst for soft drink, cravings for ice cream and a distaste for coffee, which had generally sustained me each day during university and long hours at work.

Continue reading →