Manda Carpenter
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Manda Carpenter is a writer and influencer who has a dynamic voice and powerful testimony. She speaks on how life’s catastrophes can help you find your calling, why space in your life is so important and how to fight for it like Jesus did, as well as a variety of other topics, including:

 

  • Unmet Expectations
  • Foster Care
  • Rest
  • Combating Comparison
  • Impressing is Exhausting (an invitation to live raw and real)
  • Dating, Marriage, Sex, Purity
  • Leadership Development
  • Beauty, Body Image, and Insecurity

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I provide space and resources for inner healing and soul care.

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Last October, E and I took the boys with us to vol Last October, E and I took the boys with us to volunteer at a soup kitchen. Before getting to work, we were mingling in a back room with other volunteers when a sweet, older woman approached one of my boys. Like many people we encounter throughout our days, she commented on how adorable he is & asked him general questions like how old he is and what his favorite subject is in school. After a little while, she reached her arm out and tried to pull him in for a hug. She was not doing anything malicious, nor were her intentions bad. But instantly our boy started having a meltdown. I intervened immediately, and as kindly as I could. As I pulled our child away from her and brought him into my embrace where he calmed down, I explained to her that we don’t force our kids to hug anyone. Sadly, this woman accused me of being “soft” and made it clear that she disproved of my parenting. But I didn’t care. Before becoming a foster parent, I used to view these moments as an opportunity to teach a child to be kind and respectful. However, since becoming a foster parent I now see it as a moment where my child, who may have a history involving physical or sexual abuse, could feel extremely unsafe and triggered. I’ve realized that forcing ANY child to hug a relative or stranger is dangerous. When children are forced to show affection, they are taught that they are not in control of their own body. Now, I do my best to teach all of our kids about consent. I don’t always do this perfectly, but I aim to ask permission before I grab one of my boys to kiss their cheek or snuggle them in my lap. When we’re saying goodbye to family members, I remind them (verbally, in front of others) that they get to choose if they want to wave, high-five, fist-bump, or hug. This is just one way I’m trying to be a conscious parent and I think it’s especially relevant to remind others of as holiday gatherings are quickly approaching❤️
Things that prepare me for whatever will go wrong Things that prepare me for whatever will go wrong today: - an unhurried morning alone - a chocolate croissant - Matthew 5 (specifically, the beatitudes) - deep breaths - listening for God in the quiet - counting 8 strong kicks from baby Carp - a few sentences of gratitude & request Did the first hour of your day serve you and your family well? What boundaries & disciplines need to be put into place to do so?
✔️🇺🇸We voted today! In no particular or ✔️🇺🇸We voted today! In no particular order, I voted for politicians and policies that align with the following beliefs: •BIPOC should be treated justly. •End white supremacy. •More support for women who are considering an abortion, no matter the reason. •Affordable healthcare for all. •Embrace refugees. •Families remain together at the border. •End gun violence. •Get rid of the death penalty. •Care for our planet. •LGBTQ+ rights matter. •No billionaires until no one is living in poverty. No one on the ballot is perfect, and I’m sure we can find fault in every candidate, but I am just so darn grateful for the opportunity to have a say in our country’s future. Drop an emoji if you’ve voted or have a plan to vote!❤️
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Love & Oreos, Manda
 
 

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