Mommy's Corner

Too F-U-N-N-Y!!!

2009-02-03T22:49:00.002-06:00

Just in case all yall who know me as the sweet, gentle adult Amanda................read the following conversation between a man who is a couple years younger than me and who grew up in the same neighborhood as me:

Michael David:

I told a story the other day about y'all being the "enforcers" on the school bus. It made me laugh.

Me:

y'all who?? I want to hear the story about the school bus.

Michael David:

I was telling a story about you and the other Amanda being the "heavy's" on the bus. Nothing happened on that bus without yall knowing about it. I remember ya'll threatening to beat up boys ALL the time. That, and the time ya'll saved my butt from that Cole kid. All the bad kids were scared of ya'll, and the little kids would threaten to tell "the amanda's" if a big kid started picking on them. hehehehe, good stuff.

Me:

Uh, UH!!!??? I had NO idea! That's funny, because really, I was afraid of everyone else.........you had to ACT tough so no one would mess with you!!

Go Check It Out!

2009-01-14T09:30:00.002-06:00

Hey, family and friends! I have recently started a new faith based blog called Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus. Ryan has encouraged this and is trying to get others to do the same. Check out his ideas about faith based blogs at Church Blog Theory.

Hobby or Obsession?

2008-10-31T14:47:00.002-05:00

Okay.....so periodically I get distracted from my daily duties thinking about bags..........I think about fabric, patterns, pockets......sigh.

Thankfully I live in a time where I can get on the internet and find free patterns, tutorials, fabric...........life is good!

So, here is a small bag I made last night from two free online tutorials (one for the bag and one for the zippered pocket) and fabric given to me from Carolyn's (Ryan's mom) stash. I think this fabric is over 20 years old and I love it! Vintage.

This morning I spent some time with the graph paper drafting a pattern for this bag I found on the internet..........I did not sew the bag in the picture. I am going to try to make one similar to it. Stay tuned to see how it turns out!

Fall Fun!

2008-10-30T09:55:00.009-05:00

What a fun October! A few weeks ago, Ryan, Jacob, and I went camping at Heber Springs Lake. We fished, roasted marshmallows, and Jacob threw almost every rock there into the lake! It was cold, but Ryan and I snuggled under the electric blanket and Jacob was cozy under his sleeping bag on his cot!

We also visited a pumpkin patch with some other moms and children from our church, Cloverdale Church of Christ. There were lots of cute sets to take photos, a corn maze, a hay maze, a sunflower field, animals, a hayride, and each child got to take home a pumpkin. It was a blast! Jacob wore his overalls............although he was embarassed at first and insisted wearing having his jacket zipped all the way up!

Last weekend was Harding's Homecoming and Bison Days where high school students can come check out the college. A group came from Pearland, and we were so happy that YaYa and Mrs. Donna stayed at our house! For Jacob, it was like Christmas because they came bearing gifts: animal crackers and a set of Geo Tracks trains from Yaya and gum and Tick Tacks from Mrs. Donna. They also brought gifts for Ryan and I (they shouldn't have because they already do SO much for our family); lots of Starbuck's coffee from Yaya and a Mexican Train domino game from Mrs. Donna. It's just too bad I had to beat Yaya and Donna on my first game ever to play with them...........sigh. We stayed up late every night and enjoyed lots of visiting and laughing. We love both those ladies sooooo much!

As a part of the Homecoming festivities, we went to a children's theater show, rode ponies, fed animals at the petting zoo, jumped on moonwalks, and saw the Homecoming Musical, Oklahoma!

Lastly, today Jacob got to dress up for school. He dressed up like a scary dragaon, and as you can see from the pic above, was scaring all the pretty princesses at school as soon as I dropped him off..........I hope he doesn't get into too much trouble! They are also going on a hayride around the school and will get to bring home a pumpkin............Good Times!

Oh, yea, on Saturday, our church is having a Fall Festival........so pics from that later!

Love you all!

Oh where, oh where, has Amanda been?

2008-10-07T13:42:00.003-05:00

Greetings, and all that good stuff!

I know it has been a MONTH since my last post, but at least I will have lots to tell ya, right??!!!

I can honestly say that we are settled into a good routine here in Searcy, and things are just rockin' along. Jacob is loving going to Carpenter's Kids on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and I am enjoying the time to get things done around the house, sew, go to MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), and spend time with new friends. Ryan is enjoying school and is really excited about the things he is learning.

So, the rest of this update will be in the form of a list:

1. Sewing

I taught my friend AnnMarie how to sew a purse (Donna and Julie - can you imagine ME the sewing teacher????!!!)

I made a purse from a pattern and fabric kit Donna gave to me as a going-away-gift.........isn't it cute!!!??

2. MOPS & BUNCO

I have attended my first two Mothers of Preschoolers meetings........the topics have been so encouraging and relevant and I love the time in my small group where we share and pray and get GREAT advice from our mentor mom.

I also have attended my first 2 Bunco nights hosted by two women of my congregation who want to minister to young mothers and give us a night of no cooking and FUN! They also have time where they present some information to help us in our mothering and being good wives....this week it was about being hospitable on a budget. It is a GREAT time where I have met several wonderful Christian women.

3. Family

I will let Ryan update you about him no his blogS.......

Jacob is growing so much! He is learning his letters and their sounds. He loves to be read to, ride his bike, and play in the back yard. He has made new friends at church and school and with children of other CAMT students. He still LOVES the Wiggles and was surprised today when Grammy (my sweet mommy) sent him a NEW red Wiggles T-shirt. Thank you, Grammy! His yellow Wiggles shirt has gotten so little on him, and he wanted to wear it several times a week........I had told him that we were going to have to stop wearing it, but that I would turn it into a pillow for him. So, today when he opened and saw his NEW red Wiggle shirt, he went to his drawer and brought me his old yellow shirt, and told me I could make it into a pillow now. And, that is exactly what I did! He is SUPPOSED to be sleeping on it right now!

And here are some more family pictures.......Enjoy!

September 9th, 2008

2008-09-10T14:04:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a BIG day around here.........not only was it my 32nd birthday (really, NOT a reason to celebrate), but it was Jacob's first day of preschool. For starters, Jacob and Ryan sang Happy Birthday to me and presented me with a sewing book as I got ready for the day.

I dropped Jacob off at 8:30 with his Show-n-tell item......his Animal Atlas book because he had to bring something that started with the letter A. We kissed goodbye and I left without any fussing (from him). I cried in the car on the way home, but after getting myself together, I went home and ..................cleaned. Yes, you can get A LOT more done when your 3 year old isn't yelling, "Anthony (that's my Wiggle name), lets go get into the Big Red Car (the couch)!" So, the shower doors got a good scubbin' yesterday! Then, after doing some other chores and maybe after a little FACEBOOKING (I got so many nice birthday wishes on Facebook), I headed off to Sonic for my fix (cherry-vanilla-diet-coke, large) and then to Hancock's (ALL BY MYSELF) to buy fabric for some purses I am making.

When I went to pick up Jacob, he was playing sweetly in his classroom. His teacher's told me he was the ONLY one in his class to know the number zero. I am still puffed up with pride! He talked my ear off the whole way home......he told me about the girl who tried to take his Animal Atlas away, but reassured me that he "jerked it away from her!" He watched a puppet show, sang songs, learned the letter A, played outside with sidewalk chalk, and the girl sitting next to him at lunch was eating..............a LUNCHABLE!!! Oh, and his teachers told him NOT to jump in a water puddle outside. He is so excited to go back tomorrow and I am happy that he had such a great day!

I had 2 deliveries; a care package from my mom with a skirt and blouse for me and other goodies for the boys, and Laura sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

So, in the afternoon, I tutored a 15 y.o. girl in Algebra, and after Ryan made it back from, ahem, LOOKING AT MOTORCYCLES, we went to Chili's (Searcy has a Chili's now!!!) for dinner. We shared a chocolate cake for dessert and Jacob chanted, "Happy Birthday to my Momma" the whole time.

It was a wonderful day.....each part of it! Thanks to all who made it special.

Broken Fashion Rule & Playing Church

2008-09-06T08:17:00.002-05:00

I have two things I'd like to share this Saturday morning while my husband is at a............MOTORCYCLE SAFETY SCHOOL!!! And no, this is NOT a part of the ministry training program. I am NOT happy about this.

Moving on............

I am breaking a fashion rule this morning (I probably break these rules on a regular basis without realizing it). I am proudly wearing WHITE shorts this morning. I feel like such a rebel.

Second, and way more interesting than the shorts is Jacob playing church this morning. He stands on the laundry basket with his Bible in hand, and says, "Hallelujah message! In Jesus name, Amen." All the while following me around the house while I do some chores....in the kitchen, "There's a message true and glad for the sinful and the sad, RING IT OUT.......(all the way through the first verse). Papa (my daddy) would be SO proud!

The New Bag design

2008-09-05T21:56:00.004-05:00

Okay, here is my reproduction of a bag I saw online.........what do you think? Of course, there are endless possibilities for fabric, size, and accents, but I love the one shoulder strap and the curved top! Tell me what you think............by the way, the fabric was cheap, cheap, and I almost love it and I almost hate it??? I just can't decide, but it will be a nice fall bag.

Men readers: Don't feel obligated to care or comment on girlie posts on this site; all one of you.

My Carpenter's Kid

2008-09-04T11:32:00.002-05:00

This morning marked a milestone for the Parsons..........today Jacob went to his preschool orientation! Yes, I know, Jacob attended babysitters and daycare for all of his first 3 years (except when I was on vacation from teaching), but somehow this is different for me. I think it is because it marks the time of his life where he will be formally schooled.......yes, I know it is ONLY preschool (and only 2 mornings a week). My baby isn't a baby anymore, and as I am sure all moms know, it is hard to see them grow up because that means they are becoming more independent from you.

This morning went well. Jacob spoke about going to school first thing......and he acted a little nervous. I was nervous (and a LITTLE emotional), too! We started with all the parents and children in the fellowship hall where we were addressed by the director and were introduced to the teachers. Then we were dismissed to go to Jacob's classroom where his 3 teachers were waiting to meet him. Jacob walked right in and told his teacher his name, very quietly of course, and she had a Carpenter's Kids tote bag for him with his name on it! In the bag was his very own CKs T-shirt (pictured above), which he had to put on before we left. Then we went to have his picture made for his name tag and together we filled out an "All About Me" questionaire.........I asked Jacob questions and wrote down his answers which will be put in a little book.

Overall, I think it is going to be a great experience for Jacob. My big boy.

The. Dress. sigh

2008-09-01T20:46:00.005-05:00

It was with mixed emotion that I completed the dress today. Let's just say, that even if I only made minimum wage, with the hours I put into the dress, I could go on a very nice shopping spree. I am so happy with how it turned out. I did it ALL by myself and spent lots of time online researching tutorials to figure out things I did not know how to do. I am not happy because it took FOREVER and then some, and it is a tad snug in the hip region. *sigh*

So, without further delay; I give you THE DRESS: (it would be a picture of me IN it, but because of already mentioned issues, it is just hanging beautifully from the window)

The Weekend Update

2008-08-24T14:26:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted in a week, but at least now I will have lots to tell you!

We have had a good week for many reasons. Number 1 is that we have spent lots of time together as a family. We originally thought Ryan would be in orientation all this past week, but he only had to go on Friday. It was a week of much needed time to just be us.......with no obligations or distractions.

Also, this week, I ordered and received Jacob's preschool curriculum for this next year. Because I will not be working outside of the home, Ryan and I have decided that I will teach Jacob preschool. He will also be attending a preschool 2 mornings a week. We are considering homeschooling Jacob when he becomes school age, and so the next couple of years will be a sort of test to see how it goes. This first year will be mainly reading aloud to him and teaching him his letters and numbers..............he has already shown since he was able to talk an excitement for learning new things, so really, most of his awake time he is learning. I love teaching him things informally which is what we all do as parents whether we know it or not. It just seams so natural and at times more effective because things can be taught in context. An example: I let Jacob watch very little TV, but he is allowed to watch Barney on PBS while I prepare lunch. One day this week, Barney was teaching shapes. Now, Jacob already knows his basic shapes from daycare, but it was cool because while we were riding in the car that afternoon, he started pointing out shapes. So, I made a sort of I Spy game out of it and asked him if he could spot different shapes, which he did. I also taught him that the stop sign was an octagon. Well, today after lunch as we were out for a walk in the wagon, Jacob spotted a decorative vent on a house and said, "Mom, there's an octagon!", and he was RIGHT! So, this week we will begin some more structured time in small segments throughout the day where we will do "lesson time." We started on Friday, and we both enjoyed the time together.

On Thursday, Gary Adams and John brought the rest of our stuff...........most importantly, MY RECLINER!! Jacob discovered some outside toys today packed in his wagon that Gary brought, and commented, "I am so impressed!" LOL! Thanks Gary, Jean, and John. Tonight, Sarah is going to attend Cloverdale with us, and then have dinner with us!

On Friday evening, we attended a dinner for the CAMT families. After we ate, childcare was provided, so Jacob got to know several of the other CAMT children. The grown ups spent time listening to each 1st year CAMT student, including Ryan, tell of how they got to the program and what their passion/goal of ministry is. The stories were all so special and unique, and I am looking forward to getting to know and creating bonds with these other families who are preparing for ministry.

Worship this morning was so good. The college students are back and the singing was so beautiful and encouraging. Jacob is learning and loves his Bible class, and our Bible class was so good, too........kind of weird being in class with Ryan!

We are studying Joseph, and today we talked about when he revealed himself to his brothers in Egypt. The application made today is how God uses hardship and trials in our lives to achieve his purpose. For Joseph, the purpose was as follows:

Genesis 45:4-8
" 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

8 "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God."

The teacher asked us if we could look back and see times in our life where God used a hard time to achieve his purpose. The first thing that popped into my mind was the years we spent trying to start a family. Nothing turned out how we planned, and we suffered lots of grief and trials. I still have regrets about how I handled that trial in my life and wish I would have been stronger in my faith during that time. But God, had a different plan for the Parsons family. I did not know then that God had Ryan and I in mind to be Mommy and Daddy to a child that we would name Jacob. Praise God that he has a BETTER plan for us! I thought today, I want to be ready for other trials that God allows me to face. I want to trust him more. I also pray that he will allow me to use my past to help others face similar trials.

So, that is all for this edition of "Mommy's Corner." Now, I must clip some coupons!

Our first Sunday.

2008-08-17T13:58:00.003-05:00

Well, this morning we rose at 7 a.m. like we normally do on Sundays to get ready for worship and Bible class. As you already know, we are attending Cloverdale Church of Christ which is just one of many congregations in Searcy, and it is a lot bigger than what we are used to. Another difference is that worship is at 9 a.m and Bible class is after worship at 10:30 a.m. (Also, evening worship tonight will be at 5 p.m.) So, knowing how crowded the morning worship can be, we got there a little early to secure a seat that was Jacob friendly (you know what I mean!) As we waited for worship to start this morning, a huge rush of homesickness came over me and I choked back tears through the first song and most of the first prayer. For some reason, I pictured my Pearland Church family and even my dad as you all were in Pearland and Angleton worshipping God, too. An awesome thought, but one that made my heart ache just a little. God was good, though. After worship and Bible class, we were approached by several members, some of whom remembered us from 8 years ago. They were also eager to meet Jacob. He went to his Bible class without a fuss, but was a little shy with all the introductions after church. Bible class was filled with adults of all ages, and we studied about Joseph as he was reunited with his brothers. The teacher did a good job helping us to make application to our own lives.

One of the ladies my age who introduced herself to me is a lady who has caught my interest on Facebook. She is also friends with a family we know in Searcy. I would ask you to pray for this woman and her husband and daughter as they say goodbye this week to a little boy who has been their foster son since his birth. This Wednesday, this child will be going to live with his new adoptive family and saying goodbye to the family who has loved him as their own. I know that all involved, although they are sad to close this chapter in their lives, are praising God for finding him his forever family. As a mother, I know that God allows us to love and care for children who might not have come to us biologically. I can only imagine the hurt that will be in their hearts this Wednesday as they say goodbye, and I am humbled and amazed at their sacrifice to care for this child so lovingly knowing that they would have to let him go. Please, please pray for all involved.

Right now, I am getting ready to start a new sewing project. I have cut out the pattern and am prewashing the fabric for another dress. I am also going to be sewing a purse that Donna gave me the fabric and pattern for!

You can check out my dress pattern here. I am making the middle view on the left. I will try to post pictures when I complete it..........if it isn't a disaster!

Here is the purse I am going to make.

See Ya!

Cheering on the USA

2008-08-15T21:02:00.002-05:00

Tonight, while we watched the Olympics, Jacob had to put on his swimsuit so the he could "swim" in his "pool" (a blanket spread out on the floor). We cheered "Go! USA!", and Jacob learned that people from the United States are Americans. So, he asked me about everyone he knows, "Is _____ an American?" Me: "Yes" "Is _____ an American?" Me: "Yes".........and on and on. He also asked me, "Is Mr. Gary (Adams) a teenager?" Me: "Uh..........NO."

Day 3.....MOPS, Unpacking, & Neighbors

2008-08-14T20:36:00.003-05:00

It is Day 3, and the house is almost completely put together......only 3 more boxes!! Uh, if you don't count the trailer of stuff Gary A. is bringing next week because all of our stuff wouldn't fit into the huge moving truck. Ryan is relentless when it comes to getting things DONE. He tortured me this evening by insisting that we hang ALL the pictures and put out all the decorations. It's funny how he likes things to be in their place. It helps him relax, I guess. Anyway, it looks like home now, and I enjoy the neatness, too!

This morning, Jacob and I headed to Downtown Church of Christ for the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) kickoff. There were several stations for me to get information and sign up for committees, and write prayer requests....and there were several things for Jacob to do while I walked around: moonwalk, face painting, bean bag toss, snacks, and a clown! The women there were SO welcoming and excited about the program....I can't wait to start in Sept. The group meets 2 Thurs. mornings a month and involves lessons for moms, food, fellowship, crafts, and a small group discussion. I met other ladies whose husbands are or were in CAMT (Center for Advanced Ministry Training) and one mom was the adoptive mother of a biracial 4 y.o. daughter. We both agreed that we needed to get together! God is so good! At MOPS, Childcare is provided, but Jacob will be attending College Church of Christ on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for a few hours for their Carpenter's Kids preschool program, so he will not go to Moppets. His orientation and meet the teacher is on the same morning as the first MOPS meeting, so I will be missing out on that one :( But, we will have fun seeing Jacob's new classroom and meeting his teachers and classmates. In addition to MOPS, I will be attending a CAMT Wives Class on Monday nights. I am excited about this because I will meet other women with husbands in the program.......we can offer each other support. And, maybe I will learn how to be a minister's wife!

Okay, now for the neighbors..................they are so nice! Wendy and Dirk have 3 teenage children and Dirk works for Harding. The kids go to Harding Academy. Both have come over when they have seen us outside, and Wendy took me over to see their storm shelter and invited us to come over if there is a storm (uh.....A TORNADO!!!). Today, she brought over her 16 year old daughter who said she would like to babysit Jacob sometime! Wendy's father will be confirmed as an elder at our church Cloverdale Church of Christ (there are LOTS of churches here) on Sunday, and several times Wendy has told Ryan that he can ride with Dirk to Harding since we only have 1 car. Isn't that cool!??!

Today was a great day, which is good because there were some tears last night at bedtime. I told Ryan to dry it up...........no, really, it was me! It is so hard to start over and be the new kid on the block. Especially, when I was content with all my loved ones in Brazoria County! The good news is and always has been that God's people are everywhere. (Laura - the picture of us on your 30th birthday sits by my CPU!)

One last thing:
At bedtime:

Daddy: Jacob what do you want to pray about?

Jacob: Me and Clara in her Ariel Costume.

(I am still giggling..............his usual request is him and Clara, but the Ariel bit is too funny!)

Here.

2008-08-12T14:44:00.002-05:00

Well, after all the packing and saying "goodbye", we are finally here. In Arkansas. It is crazy how you can be so excited about doing new things and meeting new people, and at the same time, miss the old places and ESPECIALLY the (I won't say OLD, Laura!) loved ones you've left in Texas. It was so comforting yesterday as I drove for 10 hours to get phone calls from family and friends. Crying made the driving difficult. Tears make this post difficult.

Again, God has shown his love and power by having his hand in every step of our move. We are overwhelmed by all the love and generosity shown by so many back at home and here in Searcy. The cards, gifts, helpers packing and loading, friends preparing food, hugs and encouraging words.........all of those things made us feel so loved. Thank you for loving us in so many ways!

Ryan, well, he is off to Harding right now to purchase his books and get his student ID. He is so excited about school!

Jacob (who is napping) has been so great during all the craziness of moving. He was SO good on the long drive, especially after so little sleep. He made us so proud. Of course, he has spoken of his loved ones and friends often...........he doesn't yet understand what it means to move far away. His first words this morning were of his Clara, and he has mentioned Mallory, Lila, Slade and of course Dagan! Please pray for him.

Me.........I was so tired yesterday from the drive and unloading. I had to MAKE Ryan stop unpacking boxes (he's a little OCD) so that we could go to bed at 10pm. Today, we woke up early and headed to Sonic (which is down the street!!!!!) because we have no groceries. I will be shopping later. I have been unpacking the kitchen, which is just as stinky as packing the kitchen! And thank goodness my computer is now up and running.........I was starting to get the shakes! I miss you all so much! I am ready to get the house in order so that I can start preparing for teaching Jacob this fall. And, I have some sewing I can't wait to start........Mom, they have a HANCOCK'S!!!

Well, Ryan is back. More later.
Manda

It's so hard to say goodbye.......

2008-08-07T21:19:00.005-05:00

Doesn't that remind you of Boys 2 Men from the 90's????

Yes, the time is getting very close. Ryan, Jacob and I will be heading out in 4 days for Searcy, Arkansas. I know, I know; I haven't written on this blog in months, but I see yall all the time! I am planning on updating more often so you can keep up with The Parsons.......you know, because we lead such exciting lives!

Today, I said goodbye to my dear Jamison Middle School friends. Chani, Rachael, Julie.........I am so sad that I did not get to hug my Classie one more time.! :( Last Friday, Summer, Chani, Rachael and I took our annual Schlitterbahn trip, only this time in Galveston! Go! Jamison Taco!!! It was a blast as always. I thank God for the blessings he gave me at Jamison. What a rare thing to work so closely with such REAL ladies who love to have FUN without all the high school DRAMA! I will NEVER forget the Dolphin Team, Footloose, the L.I.S.T., Bon Jovi, the MOLE, It's Hip to Be Square, math dept. meetings where i am, like, "What am I supposed to tell them???? (Julie, stop laughing at me!)...........the list (no pun intended ladies!) goes on! Oh, yeah, and Rachael and Kristen singing MY song (I am humming it as I type!)...........Chani and Rachael: I had planned on spending time chatting it up with you two as our sweeties played soccer tonight.......and I am so sad that we were cut short by ALL that loud thunder and dangerous bolts of lightening. Saying goodbye is surreal..........I love yall so much!

The next four days will be filled with packing (wow, we have a LOT of JUNK!....espcially Jacob!), spending time with friends and family, tears, eating, tears, packing, tears, eating to take away the pain, FACEBOOKing (did I invent that term???). Please pray that Ryan in all his sweetness doesn't drive me packing CRAZY...........Yes, honey, I do see now why it was so important to pack the kitchen on Tuesday (almost a full week before moving); that way we can eat OUT a LOT! No one ever accused my soul mate of waiting 'til the last minute.

If you are reading this (all 3 of you), and you have not signed up over at Facebook, go NOW! It will make you feel, like, all young and computer saavy (savvy??)! Kinda like saying "like" every 5th word..........Do you think they have a support group for Facebook Addicts??? Some of my friends need H.E.L.P.! And, don't forget to send me some sappy Flair..........What's Flair you're asking......go sign up on Facebook and find out!

It is now time for bed. Good night......................but let me check my WALL first.........go to Facebook and you'll know what a WALL is! Night. Send me some Flair.

Milk, Meat, & Honey

2008-05-21T11:29:00.003-05:00

About 2 1/2 weeks ago, Ryan and I began a Bible reading program called Milk, Meat, and Honey. You can read Ryan's comments about it here.

Daily Bible reading has been a struggle for me personally since I was baptized at 15 years old. It is something I have always "known" was necessary and beneficial, but actually sitting down and doing it on a regular basis has been another story. In the past, I have read the Chronological Bible in one year, reading about 3 chapters a day. Ryan and I faithfully read a family Bible one year. Another time, we got up early and listened to the Bible on CD.............although we found we weren't very good listeners that early in the morn. And, periodically, we have engaged in some workbook type studies together, although I don't think we ever finished one completely. Over the past several months, I have found myself wanting to read scripture before I go to sleep at night, and have just randomly picked a passage to read.

Our preacher, D.C., tells how he remembers his mother faithfully studying her Bible every day when he was growing up. I want to be remembered that way.

Milk, Meat, and Honey has been so..........filling. Pardon my analogy, but the way the study is set up has really satisfied my soul with God's word. Every day, you read one verse from Psalm 119, 2 chapters of OT History or Prophets, 1 chapter of Job, Ecclesiastes, or Songs of Solomon, 1 chapter of Psalms, 1 chapter of Proverbs, 1 chapter from the Gospels, 1 chapter from Acts, 1 chapter from the Letters, and 1 chapter from I, II Timothy, or Titus.

It's A LOT...............but it only takes about 30 minutes. When I first looked at the program, I thought that it was strange that it skipped around so much every day. But after a few days, I could tell that it was going to be something EXTREMELY beneficial for me. Imagine, every day of the year, reading in so many wonderful parts of God's word. I especially like the fact that I will be reading Proverbs and Acts 12 times a year! And the Gospels 3 or 4 times a year!

I know God is faithful and that he has made me to feed on his word. It is so encouraging to know that only good will come from this study. I hope you will consider trying it for yourself. It can be found here.

Manda

Looking further...........Mommy style

2008-05-10T22:10:00.004-05:00

No matter how committed you think you are to the Lord, nothing changes your outlook and philosophy of life like becoming a mother. I used to think (pre-Jacob era) that being a parent was about giving a child everything the world has to offer so that they could live the good life. You know that mentality, "My child is going to have all the things I could never have; do all the things I never got to do..........." And now, my sweet baby is almost 3 years old, and all I can think about is how I want Jacob to spend eternity with the Father and how I want him to be a light who shines the love of Jesus to others.

To me, Looking Further is seeing Jacob's future in terms of eternity and knowing that the way Ryan and I raise him will be a huge part of who he becomes...........and I know only God can provide the wisdom needed to accomplish what I hope for Jacob's future.

I don't know exactly what this blog will be.......but I hope it will allow me to reflect on my goals for myself and my family. I hope it will allow people to "keep up" with the Parsons. I hope it will offer encouragement to other moms (I hope other moms will encourage me!!).

Manda

Welcome

2008-05-10T00:17:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Mommy's Corner!

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Stay tuned for a post on "Looking Further as a Mommy"