Crazy Clan

Wow, I am truly the luckiest girl in the world. If you haven't gotten to meet the crazy Carroll clan, you are missing out. We are an overwhelming bunch to meet but you will never experience a greater display of love within a family. We are loud and we don't always agree but it's our imperfections that make us my favorite.

Coming back to Liberty for the semester has made this one of the hardest weeks of my life. I miss my family. I never thought a goodbye would get this difficult. Thank you, Lord, for giving me something that's so hard to leave. I realize my family is a blessing even with all our dysfunctions. It may seem silly or corny but stick with me.

For many years I used to say "If God brings you to it He'll bring you through it." While I know God indeed did bring me through every challenge many days it was in the form of intentionality from my beloved family. I took them for granted so much of these past 19 years. Oh, how I wish I could go back and relive each moment. We had good days and bad days but even on the days where everyone seemed to be butting heads hugs and "I love you's" were still passed around.

As I chose to focus on being intentional this year it is because of my family. They have shown me what it looks like to love intentionally. Their intentionally comes in many different forms. Whether they just sit with me as I cry because I’m heartbroken and an emotional girl or they let me choose the movie for the evening. Being intentional in relationships is putting the needs of others above your own and acting upon your inklings to reachout or encourage. Sometimes a simple note, text, or call has made my day. I aspire to learn how to perfectly sacrifice my time to those I love. While my family has urged me to focus on being intentional they have also done so much more in my life. I am who I am today because of them.

Each of us have those people that have pushed us to who we are. These can come in the for form of both family and friends. Those individuals who constantly support us and push us to become better. A beautiful thing about life is that we get to write on the pages of others stories as they write on ours. I think it is important to recognize who those individuals. We are designed to naturally need and build communities or our own little families. Beyond my family I’ve been blessed with friends that push me towards being a better version of myself. They challenge me to pursue Christ more and to be all consumed with Him.

(My dear co-blogger Savannah is one of those people to me. I love you little sis!)

Who in your life has your back no matter what? Who has made you who you are today? Who challenges you?

Think about how that person thinks of you. Start thinking of yourself from their perspective a bit more. You are amazing and the lovely humans in your life don’t want you to think otherwise. Often we focus far to much on the "damage" that has happened to us. Let me tell you the imperfections of your life don't hold you back. Imperfect is what made my crazy family perfect to me. Absorb the love from your crazy clan whomever that may consist of, then share the love, sacrifice time, and be intentional.

You are loved! Live fearlessly!