Tones drop, even when they’re not at the station. Radio chatter, hearing the dispatcher relay the situation at hand. Notifications pinging throughout the day. Gear bag and boots ready in bag by the door. Charging radio batteries. The majority of his wardrobe in the laundry being fire department shirts. Hearing an engine or ladder company go by sirens blaring wondering if its his crew. Waving at every fire truck that rides by because it might just be part of your fire family and if not it’s someone’s family. Trying to watch a tv show or movie and firefighter and trucks are on scene and he scoffs and laughs saying “That’s not how you do it! That’s Hollywood, it’s not accurate.” I just smile and laugh. Buying every firetruck or Maltese cross emblem or ornament or trinket as small reminders of how proud I am of him. For as long as we have been dating, he has been a volunteer firefighter and I have been a preschool teacher. We were both young and had been out of college two years, we were indeed brand new rookies. We had known each other 5 years as college friends, we didn’t date until 2 years after we graduated. In college we both graduated with the same Bachelor’s degree of Science in Youth Ministry and Family Culture. Little did we know that our “ministry” would look different than we ever expected. Wes loves what he does, but yet most people think volunteer firefighters aren’t “actual” firefighters or that they don’t get paid because they are “volunteer”, or that they don’t do the same stuff career firefighters (just like some people think that childcare and preschool teachers don’t do the same amount of work that regular school teachers do). Let me set the record straight on all regards here, IT IS the same. Volunteer Firefighters have to go through the same recruitment classes, rigorous training, and testing that a career firefighter does. Danger or fire doesn’t care if you or career or volunteer, you must be ready and trained either way. Training, drills, station meetings, classes and continuing education that they do, community outreach and service-everything they do career staff and volunteers do it together as a team-there is no difference. As for pay, they do get a check for what they earn and do every so often a month or quarter. Back to what I said about how our “ministry” looks different than what we expected it would from our college days, firefighting is a ministry in it’s own way- you are somebody’s safety and hope in a time of crisis and need what better way to show the love of Jesus than saving lives and serving others. I am so proud of the man my husband is.
So here’s a little Q&A (H-Heather, W-Wes)
H: What was the hardest thing to do in training when you were a rookie vs. the hardest thing as of now?
W: The hardest thing about being a rookie is was not knowing what you were doing and the hardest thing now is staying teachable and not seeming like you know everything.
H: What has changed in your years of experience since you’re first day as rookie?
W: The crew now relies on me to be a key member of the team, I have more responsibilities than I did as a rookie, the newness wore off. You learn as you go.
H: What is your favorite thing that your station does for the community besides protecting them?
W: One my favorite things that we do is the Santa claus run to get out there and see the joy of the kids as well as the families in our community is a pretty amazing feeling.
Tides change in and out sweeping with the current but you know when the tide will change if you pay attention. Seasons change just like they are supposed to. God placed the sun and moon exactly where they need to be for both tasks. We anticipate the seasons as they change, we look forward to the change in scenery and weather. Winter thaws out and melts into beautiful spring colors and warmth, spring bursts forth into summer, and summer sunshine fades into the beautiful autumn golds, the hues change deeper and the leaves fall making way for new growth when the time comes, and then nature braces itself for cold winter and its frosty beauty. A cycle. But you know in your mind and spirit when there is a shift in the atmosphere. Some changes come abruptly and unexpectedly, that’s usually the change that no one likes. The changes that catch you off guard that you’re not prepared for: unexpected death and tragic accidents, loss of any kind, job loss, terminal illness or diagnosis, a global pandemic. None of these things are like seasons you expect, but yet we have all walked through them at least once. But then there are the changes you know are coming: the kind you dream about, wish for, pray for and plan tediously. The ones you want, the dreams you’ve kept tucked away. You mentally prepare and pray over it all the time. The signal beacon in your spirit turns on, you know the ship is on the horizon sailing closer but you don’t know how far away it is or what it looks like but you know it holds something in store for you. Listen to His voice, and when you feel the nudge you will know…
I have said this before and I tell people all the time, especially those younger than me (teens and college grads especially) you don’t have to pick and choose to be one thing or have it all figured out. It’s okay to change majors, change your minds, who cares if you graduate in 4 years or not, you stick to it…whatever it is God leads you to. You can do more than just one thing, you don’t have to be pegged down to one career one make it or break it decision, you are multifaceted and made in His image. Make friendships, make memories, take adventures. Worrying and stressing will not change anything, finals and exams are not be all end all life or death. You will make it. A saying I remember from one of my professors “Whatever it is Lord, don’t let me miss it today.” In fact, I’m going to go out on a limb here: you dont even have to go to college to have a career you can in fact go to trade school or find an apprenticeship that doesn’t require a four year education but extensive hands on training and skill development. Life skills and good ole fashioned common sense are just as essential as a piece of paper with your name on it with student loan debt attached to it. I say this as a college graduate and an adult in the real world, common sense ain’t always common I see it everywhere. Whatever your path is, it’s yours not anyone else’s except those who choose to walk alongside and the good Lord’s guidance.
As a young girl, I wanted to be many things: a rodeo cowgirl, a horse trainer and equestrian, an Olympic figure skater and an Olympic gymnist, an elementary music teacher, a singer songwriter, a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, a WNBA player, a fashion clothing designer, a vet, many things. We all dream of things we want to be when we grow up. I did alot with art and music growing up, that will always be part of who God made me to be (after all I am an enneagram 4, creative is kinda our thing). Drawing, designing, painting, sketching, playing piano and piano lessons, learning guitar and writing songs, lyrics and poetry, reading and writing, and photography. Competing in art, poetry, and vocal categories in Teen Talent programs through church. I enjoyed volunteering with March of Dimes and various youth group activities, praise team and outreach. At school, I enjoyed extracurriculars such as Art Club, Scholarship Finders Club, FISH Club (a Christian discipleship group), Honors Chorus, Guitar, Miss Falcon Pageant, and the Falcon Press newspaper (go figure right? I mean I love to write!). At a young age people often try to figure out what they want to be when they grow up. In school even as young as middle school they want to try to make you figure out what major you want in college or what career and vocational path you want to take after you’re out of school I mean who really knows at 12-13 years old what you wanted to do let alone at 18 when you’re out of high school. I didn’t know what I wanted to do at that age! I tell high school and college kids upon their graduation many times: “Don’t worry honey you’ll change your mind multiple times and you will figure it out” or “you don’t have to have a plan right away after graduation, doors will open and shut and it will be okay”. You don’t have to have it all figured out what your next steps are. I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d be a preschool teacher and assistant director and children’s ministry director.
My first job, was in fact at Chick-fil-a at 17 years old. October 2007 until January 2016 when I entered childcare. I started as a Team Member, moved to a shift supervisor Team Leader and also became highly involved in marketing and promotion of products. I worked at two different store locations a mall unit in a food court and a free standing store. I coordinated and planned several events. I helped train other employees as well as excelling at what we called 2nd Mile Service. You can learn alot about people, business, how or treat others and food when it comes to America’s number quick service family restaurant chain for 8 years. My bosses taught me so much more than chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, they taught me life. Everyone should at least work a restaurant job at least once in their life, it builds character and people skills (and there is food so that’s a plus! We made all kinds of recipes and tried new ideas all the time!)
I went to a technical school called Midlands Technical College and planned on transferring to a university and majoring in Music, then realized what kind of jobs are in the music industry? I said to myself I’ll be a music teacher! So Music Education it was! I then changed my mind (again); I dropped the music part and stayed with education. When I left Midlands, I went to a Fall Preview Day at Columbia International University (CIU) I was torn between two passions and programs: Teacher Education and Youth Ministry. At age 19, I was a camp counselor at the camp I grew up at, Camp Robinson. Little did I know that my life would change again, I received the call of ministry into my life while I was at the altar praying over the kids, one of pastors spoke and prophesied over me. That day I heard the Lord say to my heart in the still small voice in my spirit clear as day “You want to be a teacher, but I want you to be a different kind if teacher. Teach them about Me.” That was 2009. I prayed and started pursuing Youth Ministry which lead me to CIU- Columbia International University where I met my future husband. Going to a Christian Bible college is different from going to a regular public secular university, obviously. In many ways college everywhere is the same, kids trying to find their way and figure out life all while building relationships and obviously learning. I was a commuter and did not live on campus, which made fitting in to the social campus life a little hard but thankfully I had really wonderful friends and professors.
After graduating college, I applied to so many places just like many young people my age do. Sometimes it feels like you just search and fill out applications shooting resumes like a machine gun fire and just hoping something lands or sticks. I landed one of my most favorite “jobs” that really didn’t feel work some days, it was fellowship and ministering to others through retail at Family Christian Stores. My bible degree from CIU was beneficial in helping people find the right translation to use a study bible or for their quiet time. Helping someone find the perfect wedding gift or baby gift for someone special in their life. A pastor or youth pastor looking for new resources or material. Someone looking for some special gift of a Bible or journal to help their newly converted friend grow to be a true disciple. Praying with people in aisles and walking with people in their grief and joy. Having people speak life and prophesy over your life while you ring them up at the cash register. Listening to all the latest music, Christian podcasts and preaching while working was always so encouraging. Family Christian was partnered with a company called World Vision that helped with sponsoring and adopting children in foreign countries as well as missions to help communities. You learn alot in retail about business and sales, Black Friday working was always fun. I was there from October 2014 until January 2016, when I entered childcare.
Fast forward to five years ago, January 2016. I had been applying to many more places for careers now that I was finished with college I was still looking. I knew in my heart it was time to move on from the world of restaurant and retail into something different. I knew I wanted to work with children whether it was in an afterschool setting, community programs, church or non church organizations where I could make a difference teaching and ministering to children in some way, somehow. After all, I was and had always been involved in our church children’s ministries as a student volunteer for about 10 years or so. I needed an open door, a new opportunity. I entered into the whimsical world of crayons and fingerprints, ABCs and 123s: early childhood education, childcare. I have learned so many things over the years. I had no education experience officially but years of babysitting and children’s ministry experience and a degree in Youth Ministry- a related field. I started as what we call a “non stand-alone”, a rookie to say the least-someone who is brand new, inexperienced and has to train with another more experienced teacher for at least six months until they can be by themselves. After that I was the toddler teacher, then a year later I became Assistant Director. I have worked at two different childcare centers both as Assistant Director: one secular psychology based and one Christian based non denominational. Vastly different environments, like I mentioned before you know when you are called to move on. I have learned and juggled so many things in this career field than ever before but my previous years experience of retail, restaurant and ministry applied to early childhood education. You have to know how to work with the general public (in this case parents are your “customers”), meet needs and care for others, lots of administrative paperwork, multitask, and generally learn hands on. I have changed diapers, wiped noses and tears, cleaned up boo boos and applied band aids, given time outs and calm down bottles, watched children crawl or walk for the first time, soothe a sick or crying baby, give a high five and hug when they do something great, walk them learn their colors and numbers, writing their name for the first time, reading, and growing. It really is something special to behold when you take a step back and look at these tiny humans. It takes a big heart to shape little minds they say, it is very true. You can’t be a teacher and have a selfish bone in your being. It’s not logical. It takes brains and heart. I have learned so many things for when I become a mother that I know that this path is God’s working way to prepare me for the greatest gift one day: motherhood. Until then I’m “Mrs. Heada”, the teacher, the assistant director, the chapel director, and the “bonus mama”. Childcare isn’t for everyone but don’t ever take it for granted or think that our job is easy.
Years of volunteer experience as a teenager and college kid, (and realistically an actual degree) led me to where I am today: Children’s Ministry Director. My dream and goal when I was in college for Youth Ministry is to be doing what I am doing right now. Does it look different than I dreamed or imagined it would? Of course! I served under many others for many years, until spring of 2017, when it started as an “interim” children’s director position and here still 4 years later I am over all the children’s programs for all kids under 12. This past year with COVID-19 closures and shutdowns had been really hard, we truly miss and love our kids. It came down to Facebook videos on bible studies, book read alouds and sharing little devotions and snippets on Facebook and Instagram-but it doesn’t replace hugs and high fives and hands on face to face interaction of just being together. We have our Youth Ministry (Beyond Student Ministries, middle and high school) program with our wonderful Youth Pastor/Associate Pastor Caleb and his gifted wife Carlie leading worship together and restarting a Girls Ministry my husband Wes as our Boys Ministry Coordinator (formerly Royal Rangers) and I as the Children’s Ministry Director of Reach Children’s Ministry. The focus is discipleship and getting into the Word and truly growing, then getting out there reaching beyond the four walls of the church building and sharing Jesus! That is what it is about, the foundation of it all is built on relationships: with Jesus and with others.
Now, there are a few other things that I can add to the list: as of 2019 I became a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant and a few months ago around Thanksgiving I started a little baking and desserts business (“side hustle”) called Spoonful of Sugar Baked Goods.
My husband, Wes is quite exceptional. He is so humble and doesn’t like attention but he is so easy to dote and brag on, I’m obviously a little bit biased. In high school, he was a track star and football player. He has traveled across the United States many times and been to many more places than I have. Him and his dad have driven cross country multiple times. He did a summer internship in Montana at West Glacier National Park in the Parks Ministry program, he talks and dreams of it all the time. He has done lots of odds and ends jobs growing up from yard work and landscaping, interning in children’s ministry and youth Ministry, maintenance and grounds groundskeeping at college, and his job now at McEntire Produces as a Lead Parts Supervisor and also he has been a volunteer firefighter for Columbia Fire Department for five years. He serves as a board member at our church as well as media help and leader of our Boys Ministries program The Outpost formerly known as Royal Rangers.
I say all these things to tell you that your life doesn’t have to be a cookie cutter, fit the box type of life. You don’t have to stick to one thing your entire life and be stuck, you are multifaceted and God changes things according to His purpose for your life. So don’t be afraid of change, the next great adventure awaits you! Growing means we are NOT meant to stay the same!!!
A Day in the Life of Preschool and Early Childhood Development
I began this journey almost five years ago this January… to think my babies that I started with are now “big kids”…
Laughter. Tears. Hugs and boos boos, high five and time outs. Wiping little noses and little hineys, changing diapers and changing lives. There is a well known saying that goes like this “It takes a big heart to shape little minds.” This is the absolute truth. Childcare and early childhood education is not for everyone, teaching is not for everyone. That has shown more true this year, when teachers everywhere showed up and showed out when it came to virtual teaching in a global pandemic. Teachers are SUPERHEROES. Whether you teach K-12, or preschool…you are still a teacher through and through. They may have went virtual and shut down, but our doors stayed open and never closed- who do you think helps care for the babies of essential workers like doctors, nurses, police and fire and emts, pharmacists, lawyers, restaurant workers, grocery store clerks, truck drivers, etc. (thank you first responders) for all your hard work- we got your most precious ones taken care of!
I began this journey FIVE years ago today. I worked in the restaurant world with a dash of marketing (Chick-fil-a) while I was in high school and college, retail and ministry (Family Christian) after graduating college and then in January 2016 I entered into the whimsical wonderland of crayons and fingerprints, ABCs and 123s: early childhood education, childcare. I have learned so many things over the years. I had no education experience officially but years of babysitting and children’s ministry experience and a degree in Youth Ministry- a related field. I started as what we call a “non stand-alone”, a rookie to say the least-someone who is brand new, inexperienced and has to train with another more experienced teacher for at least six months until they can be by themselves. After that I was the toddler teacher, then a year later I became Assistant Director. I have worked at two different childcare centers: one secular psychology based and one Christian based non denominational.
In early childcare (now I don’t say these things to toot my own horn or pin a rose on my nose) but for everyday people to understand the hard work and dedication that go into the career field: Contrary to popular belief we are not “glorified babysitters”, we are educators, teachers and administrators. Yes, we are not your typical K-12, teaching reading, writing, math, science, history, art, etc. But we are nurturing, caring for basic needs of food, bottles, changing diapers, wiping noses, washing hands. We are still teaching even though it may look different: reading books, memory verses, bible stories to act out, letter recognition, sights and sounds, phonics, self help skill, fine motor and gross motor development, sensory science and art activities, memorizing things through music and song, learning to share, talk and use your words rather than hitting, biting or tantrums. Learning to crawl, walk, talk and be kind to others. Writing accident reports for every bump, fall, bruise, cut, scrape or bite. Ice packs, band-aids, tears, stitches, and hugs and everything in between-been there done that. Potty training and all the messes that come with it. Learning ABC’s, 123s, and Jesus loves me. Basic building blocks of life and fundamental things that adults even have to be reminded of. Children are children, don’t expect them to react and act as adults. The most fundamentally developmental early years are spent with us and their parents, grandparents, etc. We are not to replace or tell you how to parent your child or the choices you make in raising your children, but we are here to come along side you to help you and guide you- to celebrate the milestones and be there on the hard days of parenting.
The amount of training and education courses we undergo is quite extensive. Some have a four year degree (Bachelor’s), some have a two year degree (Associate’s), some are working on credentials, some are brand new 18 year old rookies with a big heart and while some are working WHILE in college, some have been doing this 20+ years, 10 or 5 years (longer than some of you have been parents!), alot of our teachers are parents too! First aid, CPR and AED training, Bloodborne Pathogens, Health and Nutrition, Gross Motor and Fine Motor Development, Curriculum, Social and Emotional Development…just to name a FEW of the extensive trainings we undergo. Each year continuing to pursue more to make sure every child is happy, healthy, safe, loved and cared for all while they are learning. Most of us wear many hats: my director and I run both ends of the day open to close quite often. Administrative paperwork, balancing schedules, supervising teachers, lunch breaks, balancing numbers for ratio purposes, policies, DSS and DHEC standards, making sure parents and teachers follow proper protocol, administering medication, cooking, cleaning, lesson plans, time cards, training, stepping up and staying calm in emergencies, projects, tours, answering phones and emails, communication, knowing the needs of every family and getting to know and love every parent, child and teacher. I am also our chapel director, responsible for our Bible story curriculum and fun activities for summer and holidays. It’s all in a days and weeks worth of work. To every parent that has trusted us with your sweet babies throughout the years, thank you. You are family. To those that make the choice to not put your children in childcare and stay home with them-that is perfectly okay too. Just know you got a village with you either way. Just because I’m not yet a mother, doesn’t mean I don’t understand. Little ones have big emotions like grown ups but don’t know how to articulate and process them. They need guidance. Little hearts and little minds needs lots of patience and grace (yes somedays just like most mamas can agree they drive me nuts too). Grown ups need grace too. Spilt milk and potty accidents are not the end of the world, most crayon marks come off walls with a magic eraser (and don’t be afraid to make them clean up their messes if they are big enough how else will they learn), tantrums won’t last forever, glitter is impossible to get rid of, and broken crayons still color. The laughter, tears, silly jokes, holding hands and snuggly big hugs are all worth it.
In grace, Heather H. Carnley (teacher, minister, educator, administrator, and chaos coordinator of littles and bigs)
A year of change and chaos. Faith or fear-you choose. 2020 has been quite a year. A pandemic, civil and political unrest, an election. COVID-19. Racial issues and differences. Crazy weather, of tornadoes and hurricanes. Unprecedented changes, working from home, virtual learning, business and government shut downs, no big events or crowds, wearing masks wherever you go, sanitizing everything and being deemed an “essential “. This year has been anything but normal for many people. Lives have been lost from this virus. And yet many have also recovered. Some of you may have had great year, and some of you may have had an awful year. Yet at the end of the day, we all will move forward. I’ve said several times if 2020 had a slogan or catchphrase it would be “I’m over it”. I’m going to “retweet” myself from my blog I wrote on New Year’s 2016: You may have had an amazing year full of cheerful and blessed moments, accomplishments, and milestones. You may have had a really tough and tumultuous year full of heartache, pain, setbacks, and maybe even tragedy. Most people have a year full of both triumph and tragedy, joy and pain…just like life. You sometimes have to taste the bitter with the sweet. Whether we like it or not, time marches on. For some time may have flown by too fast. For others it may seem as if time is crawling by so slowly. Time goes on, it doesn’t stop for anyone or anything; and as much as we would like to pause it, slow it down, rewind, or fast forward all we can do is let it play until it stops.” This is true everyday, every year. We can’t “turn back time” or can we skip ahead to the new chapter or year that awaits. You push through, you keep going just like we have done all year in 2020. Everyone keeps saying “goodbye and good riddance 2020” but I challenge you to find the good things that you had this year, it can’t all be bad. The little moments and memories made, the small victories over challenges. Cling to what is good and cling to what is God’s and that’s the Word- His truth. Look for opportunities to grow, chances to change, circumstances to show grace and extend love in a world that really needs it. Let go of the negative nastiness-that bitter pill. I’m gonna recap and review something I posted months ago in the spring of 2020 during quarantine because it’s a great reminder:
“The Bible warns of such plagues and pestilence, its not a new thing (they had infectious diseases in Biblical times too). Signs and wonders are being shown to us. Prophecy still speaks now as it did thousands of years ago. Here’s how to brave it all. 1) PRAY 2) Do NOT fear or panic, you lose all logical reasoning when you panic. 3) Wash your hands, stay healthy and safe follow “social distancing” and “self isolation” the best you can, but don’t let isolation make you feel alone in the midst. Reach out to friends, family, neighbors. If you struggle with loneliness or depression, find a buddy you can talk with regularly. We are in this together. 4) Use this time to find a new hobby, work on projects, catch up things, read your Bible, start a book that’s been on your must read list, create some crafts, have a family game night with your kids, try a new recipe, work out you’ll feel great, self-care, random acts of kindness towards others, take a nap and rest, it will restore your soul. (Remember 4:8, whatever things are good, think on them) 5) Recite Psalm 91 over you and your family/household. A prayer of protection: “My Refuge and My Fortress” “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord , “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalms 91:1-16 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.91.1-16.ESV)
We all hear “Happy New Year” the next word that comes to mind, is “resolutions”. Quite honestly, I’m sick and tired of New Year’s resolutions. (If you’ve been keeping up with my blogs the past 5-6 years, my first blog of 2016 was about resolutions and goals: “GO!”: A New Look at a New Year posted January 2016). I prefer to set goals and find new adventures, especially trying new things. Trying new things can be intimidating and scary but that’s what makes it fun and makes life beautiful too. So, I’ve heard many people now choosing a “word for the year” each year instead of “resolutions”. My friends and I have been doing this for a quite a few years now. Last year in 2020, the word for me (alot of others as well) was VISION, let’s hash that out for a minute. 20/20 vision is said to be perfect vision, seeing clearer than ever before is what we all said we wanted for the new year well 2020 had a way of removing all the luxuries and things we take for granted, the everyday routines and tasks, places we go, people we gather with, all these things were shaken and stirred in 2020. We ask God for vision, He took off the blinders showed a bigger plan, removed all distractions, created a space and time of “containment” and “social distancing” to cultivate and change how we see the world around us and how we interact and treat others. Never take for granted your job, your school and education, your grocery store clerks and stockers, your waiter or waitress and cashier at restaurants, your delivery drivers, your teachers, your first responders, your healthcare workers, your time with family and friends. Never take these for granted ever again, that’s what 2020 has taught us. You may have lost alot this year, you will regain strength and overcome. My word for the year is overcome, not that I really personally had a tough year but loved ones around me did as an empath it’s tough. But the thing is overcoming any obstacle that the year has. No matter what may come, I will overcome because I know I have in the past. And another word I’ve chosen is simply “better”: meaning I will do better, I want to be better at all areas on my life, and better together when connection is so important.
I leave you with this, find something ONE thing, or five or ten that you want to grow in. Set a goal and give grace, to yourself and others. Seek God in every little thing and every big thing, in ALL things. Move forward, better together. “And even if it not good, God is still good”.
A life lived outdoors, weathering the elements whether heat or cold, rainy or snowy. The beasts and predators must be kept at bay as well. No one or no thing gets to their sheep. The flock must be protected. The phrase “I didn’t choose this life, this life chose me” may simply apply to these shepherds. Their job was never taken lightly. A shepherd’s sole responsibility is the safety, care, well-being of their flock. According to wikipedia’s google search results about shepherds: “Some flocks may include as many as 1,000 sheep. The shepherd will graze the animals, herding them to areas of good forage, and keeping a watchful eye out for poisonous plants. Shepherds often live in trailers or other mobile quarters.” As a shepherd you had to know where the good hiding places were and the good grazing places were and what plants were harmful. Shepherds were and are very much hunter-gatherers as well as protectors. Although their jobs were similar to farmers and farm-hands, shepherds were often paid to watch the sheep of others. Shepherds also lived outside of the society, or the outskirts near their pastures presumably. Shepherds were and are largely nomadic. Most shepherds were males without children, and families. New shepherds were often recruited externally. Shepherd could quite possibly seem rather lonely, just you and your flock and maybe a few other shepherd comrades nearby. They were indeed rugged and hardworking, and what we would call “blue collar boys” today. In biblical times they were often thought of as lowly positions in society.
As more research shows, typically the youngest son in the family in chosen to shepherd the sheep. As the each older son grows up, he transfers his responsibilities from sheep raising and shepherding-to helping his father with farming duties like sowing, plowing, and harvesting the crops, and passes on the shepherd’s task to the next little brother. The job is passed from oldest to youngest until all have been the family shepherd. Leaving the very youngest to remain the shepherd. We see this in the book of 1 Samuel, when Jesse raised his family of eight sons and David was his youngest son “And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and behold, he keepeth the sheep” (1Sam. 16:11). David, was the family shepherd. We see in scripture that it was prophesied in Isaiah 11:1 “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.” Isaiah 11:1 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.11.1.ESV
Read and reflect on Luke 2:8-20
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Luke 2:8-20 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/luk.2.8-20.ESV
The angel, went to the lowly and lonely, far out in an isolated pasture on a cold winter’s night…the shepherds in the country. The same way Samuel found young David, the king of Israel the angels told them that the NEW King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace had been born in the city of David! The shepherds knew all about preparing the spotless and perfect lamb for Passover, yet little did they know they were about to meet the Lamb of God. What a moment!
Jesus, Son of God and Son of man. King of kings, Lord of lord’s. Prince of Peace. Jeshua. Messiah. The Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God. He is called and named many things, to Mary and Joseph that’s their baby boy and pride and joy. Jesus was called the Christ, or the Messiah when he entered into his ministry at age 30 after his baptism by John his cousin. The name “Christ” means anointed one or the Messiah. He had been prophesied and chosen by God the Father long before He was born, He knew everything and existed in heaven with the Father. The angels were sent to shepherds, the chosen caretakers. Shepherds often anointed or poured oil over their sheeps heads to keep burrs, briars, and bugs off as a protection from the sun and harsh elements as well. Jesus, the chosen anointed one is the Lamb of God, yet HE is also our shepherd who guides and guards us, cares for and protects as well as anoints us with his blessing of protection. God revealed his perfect plan to all who listened when the time had come…yet His story is still unfolding and we get to be a part of the story…
Follow along next week as we follow the wise men as they followed the star…
In the true spirit and anticipation of Christmas season, Heather H. Carnley
Hardworking, rugged, God fearing man with a plan-that was Joseph. He was engaged to the woman of his dreams who loved the Lord and family. Together they would one day create a family of their own. Years of carpentry and woodworking as a family trade, he couldn’t wait to build a home and life with Mary and teach his future sons his craftsmanship skills. Fishing together, all the memories a father wants to make with his children. He was quite a bit older than his young wife, so they definitely wanted children. Little did they know how soon that dream would be a reality.
That beautiful, glowing, unexpected heavenly visitor named Gabriel was almost finished fulfilling his earthly assignments-Joseph was the last one he needed to see to complete his mission. Joseph wasn’t last simply because he was the least important…in fact he was a vital part of the plan. Joseph’s faith in the Lord would be needed to manifest his faithfulness and trustworthiness of his wife to be, Mary. He knew she loved him and here she was pregnant to surprise. He had not only an important holy duty as a husband but now as a father. A godly father to raise the earthly SON OF GOD, talk about quite a task! The boy who he carried on his shoulders and played with, would soon carry the weight of the world at the Cross. Mary, the chosen pure maidservant of the Lord…young and innocent could not raise this child on her own. That is why God chose and created them to be a family. Family is not anything to be taken lightly. Marriage and family was instituted and created by God. Joseph could not abandon and divorce her at a time like this just because what other people may have thought of their “illegitimate and out of wedlock” child. This was no mistake. This was God’s plan. After all, Joseph himself was indeed the descendant of the tribe of Judah…a descendant of King David just as the prophecy had been told. Gabriel even told Joseph just like he did Mary, what exactly to name their child…Jesus.
Read Matthew 1:18-25
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.1.18-25.ESV
Joseph took care of Mary and made sure they had everything they needed before their son’s arrival. I’m sure he dreamed about all the beautiful woodwork and even maybe a crib for their boy. But the census was taking place and they had to go to the place of his ancestors, Bethlehem the city of David to register. It would be a quick triple-a few days journey on their camel and they could come back home to Nazareth before the baby came…or so they thought. The Lord had aligned all the parts of this beautiful plan for them to be in Bethlehem that starry night…. follow along next week as we meet the first “baby shower” guests and those who welcomed the holy baby into his earthly world…
The Shepherds and Wise Men….
In the true spirit and anticipation of Christmas season, Heather H. Carnley
Hey there sister friends! So, its been awhile since we’ve caught up! This again, is a little newsletter for you! (Just picture me and you, girl talk over a cup of coffee!)
So let’s start from the beginning…2 years ago I started the position as “interim” children’s coordinator and today I am still the Children’s Ministry Director at my home church in Elgin, SC. I have been the Assistant Director at Creative Beginnings Christian Child Development Center over a year now and have grown with training and experience. Juggling two jobs, and this blog ministry as well our partner ministry, Dig Deep Co. (formerly known as She Matters), my best friend Bridgett (owner of Dig Deep) had her sweet baby girl, being a bridesmaid in a wedding, hosting bridal and baby showers for our ever growing family and planning a WEDDING myself the past year its been a busy year with not as much time for writing and blogging. Yes, that’s right ladies! Ya girl got married!
As of January 5, 2019-the first Saturday of the new year, the love of my life/best friend were wed at our home church surrounded with the Holy Spirit, and 250+ of our closest family and friends. It was simple, elegant, worshipful and a beautiful dream come true! We honeymooned in the beautiful warm Bahamas. Neither one of had been on a cruise and we are all about some adventure in life! From tropical lagoon kayaking on the ocean, deep sea fishing, a little bit of snorkeling, food and fun, we had a blast! Fast forward to coming home the busyness of making a house full of boxes into a home full of love, laughter and memories. I love being married and living life with Wes.
We are now in the process of revamping of Children’s Ministry Program. I am rebranding the name, a fresh new change. We have an afterschool evening program on Wednesdays, a new youth pastor/wife team who have become great friends of ours, a new girls ministry program as well as a boy ministry called Royal Rangers launched by my husband Wes.
Life has been so full and extremely busy but blessed. The truth I get so hard on myself and try to do so much, I feel like I can’t keep up but God has taught me humility and the fact that I am NOT by any means “Wonder Woman” and my real strength and true joy comes only from the Lord. I am still writing and trying my best to revamp Hope For Her Heart! Thank you for all your hope, prayers and loving support!
Hope For Her Heart 