Apr 29, 2009

a day of firsts...

day 1

on Tuesday, 4/28/09 at 4:51 a.m. Silas Randy Parson entered the world. We named him Silas after a man who was an assistant missionary to St. Paul in the Bible (Acts 15-17). In Acts 16 Silas & Paul were beaten and thrown into prison for telling others about salvation in Jesus Christ. Acts 16:25 says, "about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them." Not only is Silas a pretty stinkin' sweet name but we want our son to be the type of guy who, amidst severe opposition, finds his hope in God through faith in Jesus. we hope he'll be the type of little dude that starts the midnight party in the prison because of God's goodness, like Silas did in Acts 16. Read the rest of the story in Acts 16, God did some crazy sweet stuff.


Randy was in memory of Mel's dad Randy Thies. Mel gave her life to Jesus when she was 17 and God used her to do an amazing work in her entire family. Her dad gave his life to Jesus about a year later. God did a truly astounding transformation in his life in which his faith led him to repentance where he turned from his sin and embrace Jesus. He never stopped talking about God and what he'd done in his life through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Our hope is that Silas Randy will find freedom from sin in Jesus and never stop talking about him, like Mel's dad. That hundreds will say, "something was really different about him after he became a Christian" like they did for Silas' grandpa who he'll never know.


Parson is obviously my family name. I was privileged be raised in a Christian home. My parents were church-junkies, but more than that they showed me every day what it meant to live a life of surrender to Jesus. My dad was awake early every morning since I can remember reading his Bible. He taught me that truth and life (for all of life) dwelled in God's words. My mom and he were constantly inviting people into our home and into their lives (at great personal cost to themselves, and to me) in order to care for those in need and tell them that in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their sins against them. They are an example to me of telling people how to leave a dead life of sin but also an example of doing all they can to carry these burdens for them in love and faithfulness to show in their actions the goodness, forgiveness, and love of God found in Jesus Christ.


My prayer for Silas every day while in the womb was Ephesians 3:14-21. Yesterday Mel and I prayed this prayer together with and over Silas, "that according to the riches of His glory he may grant you power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your heart (Silas) through faith--that you, being rooted and established in love may have power together with all the saints may know how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."


Now, what you all really came here for...


Silas's first faux-hawk.

First Family Picture: Daddy, Mom, & Silas
















Silas's First Picture - apparently this was a confusing and tragic experience.















First family prayer - Ephesians 3:14-21 (yes, we're all holding hands)



Grandma Thies, Grandma & Grandpa Parson, Auntie Kara (w/ Silas)


Drs. Cindy & David Wolff - Cindy delivered Silas, Mel works with Dr. David.

Silas Randy Parson- 7lbs. 7 oz. 22 inches long, dark hair, born at 4:51 a.m. on April 28, 2009.

9 comments:

  1. what a blessing!! You 2 (now 3) are our heroes!!
    Love, Grandma & Grandpa Parson

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  2. Congratulations!! Welcome Silas Randy Parson. What a great name. We love you and can't wait to meet Silas. Love, Bev & PK

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  3. Okay, let's try this again. I know...we're old, we don't get how to do this stuff. But yes, Silas Randy Parson is a stinkin' sweet good name. Love the hair!

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  4. From Ruth Landegent
    Whooo-Hooo! God is so good. I am confident that Grandpa Randy would be honored and embarassed at such a tribute. God's work continues through the testimony and surrendered life of Grandpa Randy, mama Mel, and now through Silas Randy and beyond! I am so happy for you 3! Just bursting.

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  5. Wow! Congrats, Mel and Ty! Silas looks amazing! I'm surprised he didn't have the beard coming out, too. :) I'm glad you guys are home, and I can't wait to see you and meet your new son! Have a great day!! Love ya both!

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  6. Sheila Nelson-Storm LakeApril 30, 2009 at 7:30 PM

    Wow! I am so overjoyed to see these beautiful photos and share in the great news of your new addition to your family. It has been a great privilege to be friends with the Parson Family, and I know how much Terry and Mary (those wonderful parents you spoke so highly of) are just so blessed with their first grandchild, and its a BOY Mary!!! The Parson name goes on!!! Amen! And Miss Kara with her new nephew, what joy I feel for you all!! God Bless you Tyler and your new lil' addition to the family. I am sure Mel's dad is up there smiling down from heaven and is truly honored. And that Grandma Rochelle is just beaming with joy!!!My prayers and blessings go out to you, Mel and Silas and your families(Silas-Definitely a Happenin' name!!) Love it!!! You are going to be wonderful parents to that lil' guy! Love the hair Silas!!
    Love from your friend, and sister in Christ,
    Sheila Nelson

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  7. What a blessing Silas will be to your family and how blessed Silas is to become part of your loving home!! Congrats, to the new parents!! Wonderful pictures of your precious son!!
    Love, Rolene & Tom

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  8. Now that I see the pictures I know it's the truth. Silas is really here and so cute! I love the name Silas--I even got to witness to a co-worker when explaining his name. I know God will do some "crazy sweet stuff" through Silas and his parents. Love, Auntie Roxie

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  9. I am thrilled to be an auntie especially to the cutest baby I have ever seen. I am a little prejudice though! ;) Praise God for his work in our family and I can't wait to continue to pursue his work together. I hope to be an encouraging aunt and sister to you and Mel. Love you all!

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