Carolyn’s - Bio

Hometown: My dad was in the US Army so I don’t really have a hometown. Most of my adult life has been spent in the Roanoke Valley, so that's what I claim as a hometown.

Family: I am married to Scoot, who is the senior pastor at Orchard Hills. We have seven children and four grandchildren.  We love spending time with our family!  They keep us young!

Education: I have a bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education from James Madison University and a Master of Arts in counseling from Virginia Tech. I have worked in the public schools for 26 years as a teacher and school counselor.  I also help lead the Women's Ministry at Orchard Hills. I love watching people learn and grow!

My Passion at Orchard Hills: I am passionate about getting women into the Word!  As a teacher and counselor I love how God’s truth translates into all areas of our lives. The Bible is full of wisdom and life hacks that help us not only in our spiritual life but also in our relationships, our finances, our personal health-the Bible covers everything!

Something not many people would know about me: One thing people may not be aware of is that I am a dog person. We have two dogs and my dad and his dog have recently moved in with us. I love to walk my dogs on the trails near our house. I also like to sit outside on my patio and read with a dog snuggled up next to me.

Favorite illustration of Biblical Truth: Romans 8:15in the NIV  says, “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba,  Father.”

When we really understand what it means to be adopted into God’s family through the blood of Christ, everything changes. We don’t have to live in fear anymore—fear of being rejected or believing the lie that we have to somehow earn our salvation by being “good enough.” Instead, we can rest in knowing we are true sons and daughters of the King. God isn’t distant or harsh—He’s our kind and loving Father.

When we start seeing Him that way, and seeing ourselves as His children, it becomes easier to trust that His plans for our lives are good and come from a place of deep love. That truth takes away so much of the fear and anxiety about the future. Just like a good father loves his kids and wants the best for them, God loves us even more and desires what’s best for us.