The Adventure in Change

I have always loved change. Mostly because, until I turned 18, my life stayed exactly the same. Since then, it has been a constant journey of transformation. Many of these changes happened because of choices I made, and over time, I learned that embracing change is essential for growth.

However, in recent years, I’ve discovered that change can be harder and more painful. As we age, and as those around us age, change often takes on forms we don’t enjoy—like the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or even unexpected challenges like natural disasters.

But when we look into God’s Word, we see that change has always been part of His plan. God never creates something and leaves it unchanged. From Genesis to Revelation, we see a continuous story of transformation. This reminds us that God is the God of change because change brings growth: growth in our faith, our spiritual gifts, and our dependence on Jesus.

When I say I love change, I realize it’s often the change I can control that I enjoy—the kind that feels exciting and purposeful. Whether it’s deciding to sell a home and build another, or planning a new vacation destination, those changes feel fun and fabulous. But what about the changes we don’t ask for? Changes at work, changes in health, or even changes in the weather? How do I respond then?

One thing I’ve learned is that every season of change brings a season of growth. Growth in my faith. Growth in my trust in God. Growth in learning to take life one step at a time, one day at a time.

What I love about God is that the changes we often resist—those we kick and scream over—can lead to the greatest adventures. Trusting and depending on Jesus is the ultimate adventure because His plans and ways are always bigger and better than anything we could dream of.

As we step into a new year, you might be facing changes or perhaps feeling the desire to make changes. Remember this: throughout Scripture, God used people who were broken, messy, afraid of change, and unsure of their worth to do extraordinary things. He used them to change the world, change lives, and change eternities.

My prayer for 2025 is that through all the changes ahead, I will trust Him more deeply, embrace the adventure He has for me, and allow Him to transform me into someone bolder and brighter than ever before.

Light in the Darkness

🌟 Life is messy, but there's beauty in the chaos. 🌟

A few years ago, I launched a blog—a fun but challenging journey. After some time away, I’m excited to relaunch it with fresh perspectives, a lot of laughter, and encouragement to brighten your day.

From navigating marriage and ministry to starting a new non-profit after Hurricane Helene, my life is a mix of joy, challenges, and plenty of "messy" moments.

I’m no expert, just someone who loves Jesus and wants to share hope, faith, and maybe a little laughter along the way.

💌 If you’re looking for encouragement, real-life stories, and insights into finding joy in the ups and downs, follow along. Let's journey together!

✨ Because even in life’s storms, there’s light to be found. ✨

The Carters Take on The Wild West Part 6

Animals! Animals! Animals!

Today was the day we had been eagerly anticipating—our visit to Yellowstone! My goal was to see as many animals as possible.

We left Cody using the East entrance, surrounded by canyons, water, and snow-capped mountains. We were up early and excited for this great adventure we had been planning for months!

Before officially entering the park, we saw Long Horn Sheep and a few black bears in the trees. Once inside the park, buffalo were everywhere! I was so intrigued by these animals and wanted Andy to stop every time we saw one or at least get as close as possible. They were just so cool to see, and, goodness, how big!

We made a quick restroom stop, and as we approached, we noticed a buffalo just sitting behind some weeds, blending right in. So glad we were close to the restroom!

Old Faithful!

We continued soaking in the view with more and more buffalo as we made our way to Old Faithful. Lots of crowds gathered, and people were seated in anticipation of the eruption. As we found our seat, we had no idea when it would erupt, but we knew it would eventually happen because it was Old Faithful, right?!

Suddenly, we heard a noise, and the crowd gasped as the water began getting higher and higher. It was super cool to watch! Andy captured some great photos, and Dad took a fantastic video. This will be one post where it's impossible to include all the amazing photos we took. I’m working on a separate gallery of our favorites and frame-worthy photos.

We checked out the Old Faithful Inn and the gift shop, where we met a local photographer who had captured an incredible photo of the barn at Mormon Row. We were excited to purchase this for some family members who love local art and even had it signed. While checking out, we even met the sweetest college student who was from Franklin, NC! Crazy to think that here in this really big park across the country was a young girl from Franklin.

It was lunchtime, and one of my favorites from the trip was our picnic lunches with my parents. They are the best at packing snacks and picnics. We enjoyed our picnic, just listening to the birds and soaking in the beauty. It was like a little choir of music until one sound got extremely loud—it was just a big raven. We weren’t sure if it wanted our lunch or us. I was holding on tight to every crumb!

Hot Springs Everywhere!

Our next stop was Biscuit Basin, which was incredible. I have never seen anything like it. The colors and the heat coming out of the ground! While we were taking photos and just mesmerized by it all, one of the park rangers had a handheld temperature gauge and was checking the temperature of the water—168°F! WOW! I jokingly asked him if he was married and told him he should try that temperature gauge out on the ladies. He laughed, but the best part was the little Japanese lady who chuckled so hard, saying, "Yo so fun..nie!” That was a moment to remember. Andy just shook his head at me and kept on going.

We continued to what I knew would be incredible—the Grand Prismatic Spring. Andy’s photos are ones that need to be published in a magazine! Incredible! I’m just going to post a few but will share more later because they are just too cool. The walkway was one-way, which made it much easier to navigate the crowds.

A Hike To Remember

Next, we went from the springs to the Brink of the Lower Falls. Mom assured us that this was the overlook she had been to before, just a few steps down, and there it would be. So we jumped out of the car with no water and followed her without questions. However, we could see the trail that went way down and around, and the sign stated .38 miles to the falls, generally moderately challenging. But once again, Mom assured us this was the way. We finally reached our destination after a steep incline down (remind you, my parents are 75 & 76 and we had no water) to the most gorgeous falls. Once we gasped at the beauty and snapped a few pictures, Mom realized this was not the same overlook she had traveled before.

For a few moments, I wasn’t sure any of us but Dad were going to make it back to the car! But somehow, we did it! My lungs felt as if they were going to explode, Mom thought she was going to die, and Dad was ready to do another hike! Andy just kept quiet. Once we regained our breath and cooled off, we laughed so hard!

Mom literally thought she was going to die, but I reminded her to be proud and brag that she did it! She survived the hike to the Lower Falls! We laughed so much for the rest of the day, and Mom was a bit delirious after that! Oh, the fun and the memories!

Lessons learned: don’t listen to Mom and always carry water! We will remember this hike forever!

We continued out of Yellowstone with more and more buffalo and ended our night back in Cody with dinner at Cassie’s. We were all almost too tired to eat, so a shower and early to bed ended our incredible, memorable day at Yellowstone!