To the Early Childhood Educators

Is it just me or has the time gone by faster than it normally does? I can’t believe it’s almost summer! I’m not sure where you’re reading this from today, but around here the school year is getting ready to wind down. End of year testing is fast approaching, end of year parties being planned, and summer plans being made.

It’s hard to believe that in just a few months my oldest will start kindergarten. How can this be? With that in mind, I wanted to say a special thank you to some of the people that perhaps aren’t normally recognized during this busy time of year.  A post for the ones that often lay the ground work for our children and their future. 

Today I want to take a few moments to love on and extend my gratitude to all of the early childhood educators out there.  You have a special place in my heart.  Here’s why: 

The first day I dropped my oldest daughter off in her classroom was scary for me.  She had only been cared for by family up until that point.  I had so many questions.  Would she be loved on?  Would she cry when I left her?  Would she nap well?  How would she be around other kids her age?

You not only answered every one of my questions, but you so gently loved on me, still a fairly new mama, and assured me that she (and I) would be alright.  Looking back, I don’t remember if she cried but I do remember feeling peace when I closed the door behind me.  Peace you gave me.

As a working mama, one of the challenges is often finding care for your children during the day.  A place where you know they are being loved on and cared for. That is why what you do is so special and unique. 

You have a unique calling placed on your hearts.  A calling to care for little ones, to help raise them up.  Perhaps to some it seems that what you do is not as important, but for me and so many other parents, it’s immeasurable. 

Let me tell you, I could not do what you do.  I was not designed for it. In all honesty, a full day with my girls prompts several opportunities for me to question my sanity.  And here you are, classrooms full of little's.

Many of you start early in the morning and do not leave until late in the day.  Like school teachers, you spend your own money on classroom supplies and use your artistic talents to make your classroom warm and inviting to the children you are working with.  You get children excited about letters and numbers and reading.  At an early age, you help spark their love of learning.  What a truly amazing talent. 

I want you to know that I view you not just as my children’s teacher, but as a co-laborer in this Kingdom work of raising them.  You have an influence on so many things, probably some you don’t even realize.

When my oldest daughter came home one day and knew that her name started with the letter B, that was because of you. 

When we played hide and seek one evening and she counted higher than she ever had before, that was because of you.

When I announce that it’s time to say the blessing at dinner time and my youngest daughter folds her hands together and prays a little blessing over her meal, that is because of what you do.

 

And when my then three year old was able to recall the story of Jesus’ death to me, it wasn’t simply from my teachings, it was from yours as well.  You are helping lay the foundation.

You are very much part of this Kingdom work.  I’m sure that like any job, you feel that your role can sometimes become mundane.  I’m sure there are days when you feel like you aren’t making a difference.  I’m sure there are days when the day seems like it can’t end soon enough.  I know you wear many hats that I’m pretty sure are not in your job description.

Boo-boo kisser.

Conflict manager

Creative artist

Parent re-assurer (yes, I made that up)

Playground referee

Encourager

Nurse

Disciplinarian

Teacher

That last one encompasses so many things doesn’t it?  You are so many things, but teacher is one of those words that carries with it more weight than we realize.  That’s why what you do is not just a job.   It is a calling. 

The patience you have is a gift.

The compassion you offer is countless.

The special love you give is priceless.

The calling you have answered is a worthy one.

What you do is hard work.  It is often selfless and unappreciated.  But that is the thing about a calling isn’t it?  It is so often hard and unrelenting, and we don’t always see the fruits of our labor. 

I want you to know that for all you do and for so much more, I am so very thankful for you.  

You are important.  Your gift of working with children is unlike any other.  You are loved by so many. 

If you are an early childhood educator, may I leave you with this prayer?

Almighty Father,

What a gift you have given us in early childhood teachers.  I am often at a loss for their patience and compassion for young children.  What a treasure they are.  As a new year begins, my prayer for them is that they continue to find fulfillment and joy in their callings.  I pray especially for their strength and endurance on the difficult days.  For the days when the children test their patience and they feel they are not making a difference.  I pray you will continue to whisper perseverance to their hearts.  Thank you for the blessing of teachers who do this hard work.  Confirm their callings to this Kingdom work and lead them to you so that they can lead children to Your Son.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Direct your children onto the right path,
    and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)

*This post originally ran in August 2016 and has been updated.*

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Dear Mama at Christmas Time

Dear sweet mama,

I know that we may not know each other.  If we passed by one another in a store we may not even make eye contact.  It’s not because we don’t want to look at each other, it’s just that we’ve got so much we are trying to remember to grab and do.  We are probably juggling at least one child and trying our best to keep them from grabbing unwanted things and throwing them in the cart.

I want you to know that even though it doesn’t seem like it, someone sees you.  I see you.

I see how you’re trying to juggle it all.  

Shopping.  Baking. Wrapping.  Cleaning. 

And I see how you’re giving it your best effort to teach your children the real meaning behind this beautiful season.  Jesus.

But it’s hard, isn’t it?

Precious mama, I want you to know that it’s okay that everything doesn’t get done.  It never does, does it?  Even despite our best efforts, something always gets left undone. 

And it’s all okay.

Because for this Christmas season my prayer for you isn’t that you get everything done.

It’s that you take moments to breathe.  That you take this all in.

My dear mama at Christmas time, I know it’s hard to stop and just be during this busy season.  I know that even when you are trying to push everything aside and be present with your family, in the back of your mind you’re still going through that to-do list. 

I get it.  I am right there with you.

But mama’s, let’s not miss this time because of our shopping and Christmas to-do lists.  Oh God, I pray I remember to breathe in these precious moments.  Help me to savor this time.

So mama, as you prepare for the busy week ahead these are the things I am praying most of for you.

I pray you snuggle up under cozy warm blankets with your kids, and hold their little hands, probably sticky from eating too many candy canes, and you breathe in these moments.

I hope you get to sit back and not worry about the mess that’s being made, and you watch your children light up with joy as they open their presents.  A joy that cannot be taken away.

I want you to soak up the smells of your mother’s home cooking and your aunt’s famous dishes.  Those smells that fill the house with a warmth and love that can’t be recreated.  For those smells won’t be there forever. 

I pray that beyond all the chaos of toys on the floor and wrapping paper everywhere, you remember The One whose birth we celebrate, never intended for you to be overwhelmed with anything other than joy and thankfulness during this sweet season.

Because our kids won’t remember that everything didn’t get done. Or that the house was a mess or that your cake never did get baked for the Christmas party. 

But they will remember the moments you create with them.  They will remember snuggles on the couch and staying up late watching Christmas movies. They will remember singing Jingle Bells and Silent Night at the top of their lungs on the way to look at Christmas lights.

They will remember that this season isn’t about us at all.  It’s about Him.  Our sweet Jesus.

So to my dear, precious mama at Christmas time….

I know you may be overwhelmed with your running lists.  I know you’re worn out from school parties and wrapping presents and helping put on the church Christmas play.

But, don’t miss this. 

Every year I look back after Christmas has passed and I think to myself, what was I doing the whole time?  I feel like I missed it.

But not this year.  This year I will be intentional about  Christmas.

I will sit down in the wrapping paper mess and play with my girls.

I will bake a birthday cake for Jesus.

I will hold my husband’s hand as we watch our girls play with their gifts.

I will sit back and breathe.  And enjoy.  And I will be thankful for the blessings we don’t deserve in so many ways.

And mostly, I will be reminded that this time, although it is fun, has meaning because of Him {Jesus} and not because of anything I could ever do.

Baking our birthday cake for Jesus

Credit: Amanda Martinsen

Dearest mama, let us not miss it this year.  

I am praying this for you and so much more.  I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

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To the Women Who Hold My Babies at Church

Where should I begin?

Thank you.

Those two words are loaded with more gratitude than anything I could ever write or say.  I often think of you.  I think of what made you so compassionate.  So willing to serve.  So willing to give of your time.

Is it that you enjoy the tight hugs and sloppy kisses from little ones?

Is it that you are drawn to little ones that need to learn the love of Jesus just as much as the adults that walk through the church doors?

Is it a calling you feel the Lord has placed on your life?

Or is it that you simply see me, a mama who often needs an extra set of hands, trying her best to raise her babies in the church?

Maybe in some way it is all of these.  Whatever the reason, you have no idea the gratitude and love I have for you in my heart. 

It must seem most Sunday’s that we are rushed.  We rush into the nursery.  We rush into the sanctuary, putting children where they need to go, leaving them in your hands so that we can worship. You probably think what you do is small, not even worth recognition.  You may think that all you do is babysit the children.  Let me tell you why what you do is not small at all.  Let me express my heart to you and for what you do…it’s immeasurable to me. 

If it weren’t for you, I couldn’t participate in worship. 

I couldn’t hold a microphone every Sunday, pouring out my heart through song and praise. 

I couldn’t sit in the sanctuary, Sunday after Sunday soaking up the word of God.

Your gift allows me to learn more about my gifts and calling.  It allows my husband and me to sit side by side with one another and take a few moments to breathe in the grace we both so desperately need.  I want you to know that your compassion for giving up your own time to worship doesn’t go unnoticed. 

I know it may seem like all you do is wipe noses, pick up toys, and try to keep the children from running around like chickens with their heads cut off.  Or maybe that’s just my child.    

But oh, you do so much more.

Did you know you’re helping us lay a foundation for our children?   There will come a time when the things you have done and the time you have given become part of a much larger plan and purpose for our children. 

You are a woman of influence.

Thank you for your dedication.  Thank you for serving in this most unique way.  Whether you spend time changing babies’ diapers, or coloring a picture of wee Zacchaeus in his tree for the thousandth time, you matter.  You are helping lay the foundation of Christ in our little ones.  You are showing them what service looks like, no matter the duty.  You are showing them dedication in the most beautiful way.

They won’t understand it…yet. 

But one day, one day, they will hold hands with their little ones and leave them in someone else’s hands so that they can go worship.  They will have the privilege of taking a few moments to themselves to breathe and reboot just as we do.  They will have the privilege because of you.  Because you helped their parents learn how to raise godly children.  And it will trickle down the generations.  The little ones who noses you wiped, and who you taught all those Bible songs to, now they are warriors for Jesus. 

And so for that and so much more, this mama can’t thank you enough. 

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God is Always on Time

Today's guest writer is Phyllis Watson.  Phyllis and I used to work together and I can tell you, this woman's heart is pure and Christ-filled.  Have you ever met someone and you just knew they loved everyone they came in contact with?  Well, that's Phyllis.  Today she shares the touching story of her daughter and son-in-law's adoption process and of course, how God's timing for it was well...perfect.

It was July 16, 2010 and I was being pushed into the operating room.  While getting ready for my surgery, the nurse began making small talk and asked me how many grandchildren I had.  Looking up at her I said, “None, but my daughter and son-in-law are going to adopt.  They just finished their paper work July 1st."  She asked when they would get a baby and I looked up at her and said, “Today would be a good day."

My surgery went well and as I returned to my room, my daughter was trying to show me a picture on her phone.  “Isn't he cute? This is him!”

Am I dreaming or still asleep?

"Mama they sent us a picture and he is so cute, look!”  He was beautiful but I still did not completely understand.

My daughter and son-in-law immediately texted back and said yes they were interested in him.

They were told they were one of five families who asked for him.

Four days later they were chosen.

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

Psalms 127:3 (NLT)

The Lord’s timing was perfect when it came to Rebecca and Chris’ adoption process.

 

The social worker in charge of placing the baby had been in the same building at the very time Rebecca and Chris were completing their adoption interview.  She never saw them but she heard Chris' great laugh from another room.  “This baby should be with someone so happy.”  “He is such a happy baby, he needs a father like him,” she said.

God’s perfect timing.

It was three weeks into July and they got to pick the baby up.  He was three months old.  Samuel Ransom, named for my grandfather who I never got to meet and the story of Hannah in the Bible.  He was a precious gift given to us at the exact right time.

God answered a couple’s long-standing prayer, chose a time when we were distracted, allowed a social worker to hear a man's strong laugh, and gave a little boy a forever family.  A wonderful time began and has continued from that day.  

On April 24^th, Sam celebrated his third birthday.

Phyllis' son in law Chris, grandson Sam, and daughter Rebecca

Credit: Rebecca Autry

Phyllis, Sam, and Phyllis' husband John

Credit: Phyllis Watson



To God be the glory great things he hath done!

Phyllis' story speaks to how God can use anything to fulfill His plan!  He used Chris' laugh to get the attention of the social worker.  What a mighty God we serve!

Will you join me in praying for Chris, Rebecca, and sweet Sam?  Chris and Rebecca are church planters currently serving in Pennsylvania.  Help me lift them up and pray that God will provide them with all the resources and help they need to bring the Lord to the people in Pennsylvania.   

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God is Always on Time

Today's guest writer is Phyllis Watson.  Phyllis and I used to work together and I can tell you, this woman's heart is pure and Christ-filled.  Have you ever met someone and you just knew they loved everyone they came in contact with?  Well, that's Phyllis.  Today she shares the touching story of her daughter and son-in-law's adoption process and of course, how God's timing for it was well...perfect.

It was July 16, 2010 and I was being pushed into the operating room.  While getting ready for my surgery, the nurse began making small talk and asked me how many grandchildren I had.  Looking up at her I said, “None, but my daughter and son-in-law are going to adopt.  They just finished their paper work July 1st."  She asked when they would get a baby and I looked up at her and said, “Today would be a good day."

My surgery went well and as I returned to my room, my daughter was trying to show me a picture on her phone.  “Isn't he cute? This is him!”

Am I dreaming or still asleep?

"Mama they sent us a picture and he is so cute, look!”  He was beautiful but I still did not completely understand.

My daughter and son-in-law immediately texted back and said yes they were interested in him.

They were told they were one of five families who asked for him.

Four days later they were chosen.

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

Psalms 127:3 (NLT)

The Lord’s timing was perfect when it came to Rebecca and Chris’ adoption process.

 

The social worker in charge of placing the baby had been in the same building at the very time Rebecca and Chris were completing their adoption interview.  She never saw them but she heard Chris' great laugh from another room.  “This baby should be with someone so happy.”  “He is such a happy baby, he needs a father like him,” she said.

God’s perfect timing.

It was three weeks into July and they got to pick the baby up.  He was three months old.  Samuel Ransom, named for my grandfather who I never got to meet and the story of Hannah in the Bible.  He was a precious gift given to us at the exact right time.

God answered a couple’s long-standing prayer, chose a time when we were distracted, allowed a social worker to hear a man's strong laugh, and gave a little boy a forever family.  A wonderful time began and has continued from that day.  

On April 24^th, Sam celebrated his third birthday.

Phyllis' son in law Chris, grandson Sam, and daughter Rebecca

Credit: Rebecca Autry

Phyllis, Sam, and Phyllis' husband John

Credit: Phyllis Watson



To God be the glory great things he hath done!

Phyllis' story speaks to how God can use anything to fulfill His plan!  He used Chris' laugh to get the attention of the social worker.  What a mighty God we serve!

Will you join me in praying for Chris, Rebecca, and sweet Sam?  Chris and Rebecca are church planters currently serving in Pennsylvania.  Help me lift them up and pray that God will provide them with all the resources and help they need to bring the Lord to the people in Pennsylvania.   

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A Mother's Day Tribute

With Mother’s Day approaching, it seems fitting to take time and reflect on those that have played a motherly role in our lives.  For some of us that will be our biological mothers; for others it might be our step or adoptive mothers, grandmothers, mentors, an older sibling, church member, the list could go on.  I’ve been fortunate that I’ve had many women play an immense role in my life and have influenced my journey with Christ.  But for the sake of this post, I’d like to focus on the woman who has had the greatest influence on my life, my mother.

My mama is a special lady.  She has many qualities that I only hope to inherit throughout my life.  She effortlessly gives to others and put their needs before her own.  She is always willing to lend a helping hand to someone and never wants any recognition for any of it.  She has always treated everyone with respect and care.  She is a supportive wife of 30+ years to my father.  I really could go on and list all the amazing characteristics this woman has!

Among all these characteristics I have observed over my life, I want to reflect on the important lessons she has taught me. 

The importance of marrying a Godly man.

A man that will pray for you, lead your household in a godly way and support you through the trials of life.   Marry a man that will love you as Christ loved the church.

I am blessed to have found that in my husband.  I’m also blessed that he and my mother have a very strong relationship and know the great influence they both have on me in their different roles.

               

The importance of raising Godly children.

Raise your children up to be soldiers for Christ and the Kingdom of God.  Teach them to love all people, no matter their circumstance.

As a new mother I am readily awaiting this task.  I know that my mother’s influence will play a vital role in my daughter’s life as well and I know that Brooke will observe the very same traits I have over the years in my mother.

The importance of the golden rule.

“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 (AMSB)

You never know what someone else is dealing with in their lives at that very moment.  I have seen my mother exhibit this very rule countless times.  People can see Christ in you by the way you act towards others.

The importance of seeking God’s will for your life.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.  Plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

God has placed each of us on this earth for a specific purpose.  No one else will have the exact same talents, skills, and traits that you will have.  Seek out God’s will and plan for your life and rest in the fact that He has everything in control.  Pray for Him to reveal his purpose for your life and trust that he has already equipped you with everything you will need to fulfill that purpose.

This weekend, as we celebrate mothers of all kinds, if there is a woman who has influenced you the way my mother has me, be sure to thank her in a special way.

So mom, I thank you for the countless things you have done for me.  Only God can love me more than you can.  Your heart for family and others is one that I can only hope to achieve in my lifetime.  Thank you for always supporting my decisions, regardless of whether you agreed with them or not, and for being there to encourage me when those decisions didn’t pan out as maybe I had planned.  But mostly, thank you for being the first example of Christ that I ever knew.  It is by your heart and love that I came to know Jesus and will spend eternity with Him.  What a wonderful mother and nana you have been.  I love you!

Credit: Amanda Martinsen

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mother’s out there.  We are forever bonded together by our love for our children. 

Happy Mother’s Day! 

Blessings,

Amanda

  

  

 

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