I’m nervous.
I’m sitting on my couch, pillow between my lap and my blazing laptop, nervous.
I’ve got some big news that in reality isn’t really all that big. It’s bloggy-big. But not like earth-shattering, save-a-small-country big.
But I’m nervous because I don’t know how to tell you about it!
Is it ok if I hem-and-haw for a minute? (Side note: hem and haw? fabulous phrase.)
This year I’ve spent a lot of time dreaming and thinking about Impress Your Kids. I’ve also spent a lot of time agonizing and brooding over it.
It’s taken me closing down my personal blog, talking with some fabulous people and really evaluating my bloggy heart and life to figure out what it is I think God (yes, God) wants me to do in this space.
And do you know where I feel like God is leading me?
To a party.
Seriously. A party.
I want my blog to be a party! Not a frat-house party or even a tupperware-party. But a real life play-with-your-kids, have-grown-up-conversation, laugh-till-your-sides-hurt, eat-good-food and feel-honored-and-taken-care-of kind of party.
There’s a verse in 1 Thessalonians that kind of sums up my new bloggy mission, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” (2:8, NIV)
Or how great is The Message paraphrase of that same verse?!–> “We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did.”
When you come to my blog, when you grace me with a click, I want to share God’s Word with you concerning raising your family, His message of life and love for your kids–but I also want to share my life with you. And better yet, my heart.
And to really share my life and heart with you, I’ve decided to relaunch Impress Your Kids under a new design, new title, new feel and new focus. Not new passion. Not new thoughts or new words. But new focus. And I want to invite you to the party!
On October 1st, I’m hosting a BIG BACKYARD {bloggy} PARTY for you! I’ll be launching the new design, the new-ish name (we’re letting “impress your kids” be the motivating desire, but changing the name to ohAmanda.com), a NEW E-BOOK, some giveaways and just all kinds of new and improved awesomeness.
Between now and then I’ve got some fun stuff, too (like my trip to dotMom in Birmingham this week!!) so stick around and then get ready for the big party on October 1st! I’m crazy excited about what God has for me, for us and for this space!
Can’t wait to see all the new exciting stuff!
Thank you! I’m excited, too!
a
I’m excited to see all the new things ahead!
Thanks, Amanda! I appreciate it!
a
Oooh! Sounds fun. Can’t wait!
Yay! Thanks, Sarah!
a
I’m ALWAYS up for a party! You naughty girl keeping us waiting!!
Super excited for you and for what you have for families who love Jesus!
Thank you, Heather!
a
Awesome! I can’t wait to see what you have planned!
Thanks, friend!
a
EXCITED!
YAY!!!
a
WOOT WOOT! Love all of this and love you girl! Bring on the party!
Thanks, Erin!
a
Will you be having more content similar to the ones at ohamanada.com? I kinda miss seeing the ‘real you’ shine through your posts :). Excited to see the new look!
Yes, Miranda! That’s one of the reasons for this relaunch, etc. I think both the blogs together showed a full picture of who I am…while doing only 1 just showed part of me.
I’m excited about having some of that ohAmanda-ness around again! Like I said, it’s more of a re-FOCUS on what I’m really good at (at least I hope I’m good at!)
a
Well you are great at both but I personally really identified well with the personal you on oh Amanda. This has got me all excited :). I also love IYK so this is just a win-win for a reader like me :D.
Sounds like a fabulous party! I can’t wait. What can I bring?
Very cool. I love the blog and it’s the #1 one I recommend to all my kidmin parents. Can’t wait to see what you’re up to. I know it’s a little late for suggestions, but I love the title Impress Your Kids. I think it captures so beautifully what this blog is about.. based on Deut 6 and it is so EASY for parents to remember. It is an instant connection whenever we’re talking to them about being spiritual leaders. Anyway, looking forward to it– I do love a good party!!
Lindsey! Spoken like a true Children’s Pastor!
I so love the name Impress Your Kids, too. I just don’t ever want to come across as this big ministry blog that is pumping out instructions on how to parent. I want to be a co-laborer who is as my mom said, “in a mom laboratory” to help other parents raise their kids for the Lord. (Does that make sense?)
Anyway, thanks for always being supportive of me and my blog! I appreciate you.
a
I enjoy reading your blog. I can’t wait to see what’s in store
Thanks, Sarah!
a
Oh I just love it when God is on the move. Looking forward to seeing the changes he has in store for you!
Woo-hoo! So exciting to see all of this unfold.
I’m so stinking excited about this!!! Yay for a party!!!
You know me – always up for a party! And an Amanda party? That’s one of the best kinds!! I am super excited for this change and can’t wait to see it unfold!
Can’t wait to see the new site!
How exciting! I LOVE Impress Your Kids (the name and the site!) but I’m sure any improvements are for the mucho-better! Can’t wait for Oct 1!
Thanks, Lauren! (I love the name, too!)
a
This sounds really exciting! I’m sure your new focus and new(ish) site will look great! Best of luck to you!
Thanks, Amanda!
a
Amanda,
It is such a JOY to see how God has been working in your heart and life this past year. Watching the journey that He has taken you on has been so encouraging. I’m excited to have more or the “ohAmanda” back, because I have missed that part. And you are right- it is ALL of you that God wants to use. After all, that is how He gets the most glory!
So, praising God with you and excited for this next leg of your journey.
Love,
Becky
Becky! THANK YOU! You encourage and affirm what I’ve been thinking!
a
If you’re throwing a party, then I’m coming to it–that’s for sure!
I miss having our weekly chats at dance….hopefully, I”ll see you soon. 
Excited to see the new design and new ebook! Hooray! Have fun in b-ham if I dont’ see you before then.
v
(Actually, I might have a REAL party at home and invite you!)
We need to talk soon. For real.
But Asa’s party is this week, so. I just hope I can get the house clean before then!
a
I just hope we will still have access to all the great stuff that is on IYK currently. Will the new site have all the old IYK lessons and such archived on it? sorry I don’t know much about blogging but LOVE the great stuff on IYK.
Oh yes! Everything will be on the site & (hopefully) none of the links will be messed up!
a
I thought you were up to something – your pin boards kinda gave it away. Can’t wait to see what it looks like. Be sure to include new buttons (I have the impress your kids one on my blog). Love your work. BTW, we went to school together back in Hickory Flat. I was Lydia Leslie then, now Mearse (married to a Children’s Pastor)and mom to 2 boys!
LYDIA! You are kidding me!! I have looked for you online!
I’m going to email you this afternoon!
a
Can’t wait to see what you’re up to! So excited for you, friend!
Thanks, Jenae!
a
Love the idea and all that you do! Looking forward to coming to the party weekly!
Oh, you’re the best, Mitzi! So glad I got to see you this weekend!
a
Gotta tell ya i’ve never subscribed to your blogs simply because my time at the computer is so short I never took the time to do so. I read and laugh with joy, or read and cry with a warm heart, or read and get enlightened, and then go back to my crazy world… Last year it was filled with the Scripture Alphabet which I loved and appreciated!! And I was one of the many who did not subscribe but certainly purchased and did Truth in the Tinsel with my daughter. And as I read your last ohamanda post and now this one, I am moved (with tears) to follow more faithfully what God is doing through you, amazing sister!! So excited for what’s to come!
Sincerely,
Jen
(RSVP = YES to the party!)
Thank you, Jen! What an encouragement you are! I’m honored you did the ABCs and Truth in the Tinsel!
a
So excited to see where it goes! I love your blog! I’ve been thinking about some updates and changes for mine too… you might just inspire me! : ) Good luck with it all!
Oh- And I LOVE the verse.
Thank you, Brandy!
a