Amy Scott's Thoughts

Sharing the thoughts that bounce around in my brain!

Another week, another Wednesday October 10, 2012

Filed under: Children's Ministry,Cooking Experiments — Amy Scott @ 3:29 pm

My class with their favorite stuffed animals!

If there was one day that really defined my week, it would be Wednesday. It seems like my life revolves around Wednesday. Coming in a short second would be Friday – because it’s my day off with my hubby. But back to Wednesday… It’s a big deal for me. I usually spend Wednesday during the day at home – quietly cleaning my house, reading books, skimming Facebook, blogging, and generally resting my introverted spirit. I do this so I can pour myself entirely into Wednesday night.

I get the privilege of teaching at class of 5th/6th grade girls at my church. Normally I have about a dozen girls in the class and I absolutely love this time of ministry. I try not to be a stuffy, boring teacher. I always want my class environment to be one of fun and learning. I want the girls to feel safe to be themselves and find that they can ask questions about God and life. It’s a honor to get to be a part of these lives. I have been blessed to remain friends with my students through the years and now the first class of girls that I taught are seniors in high school. One of them has regularly been helping in my class for the last two years. It’s a joy to have this kind of a relationship with such lovely ladies.

This time of year is by far my favorite. My love for the autumn months flows right into my classroom. I try to do things that highlight the season. We have a fall color-scheme for our bulletin board. I had the girls decorate picture frames that are in the shape of leaves and each girl has a photo around the outside of our board. It’s just so cheerful to see their smiling faces in the fall colored leaves.

Tonight’s snack!

Snack time also draws a lot of creativity from the seasons. Jeremy jokes that I spoil my girls, but I just can’t help it! I love to bake and there is something so friendly about homemade goodies. I hope each treat shows the girls that I was thinking about them through the week and I took time before class to prepare something. It shows that I want to share with them. I think that each homemade snack conveys a message about their importance and value. Kind of like those people who have childhood memories of their grandma always having fresh made goodies when they come over. I want my girls to get that feeling from me.  Today’s snack is chocolate cupcakes in cute purple baking cups with autumn themed sprinkles topped with a pumpkin spice marshmallow. I can’t wait to share these with the girls tonight!

Right now we’re in the midst of a Whoonu tournament! This a great game for getting to know everyone since it focuses on what each girl likes the most. Now it would take forever to play the whole game at one time, so each week I pick three or four girls to be “it” and we learn a lot about her likes and dislikes. I keep track of the point totals each week and once everyone has had a chance to be “it”, I’ll do the math and see who has reigned supreme over the weeks of playing.

We’re in the midst of one my favorite units – it’s all about the Bible! How was it was assembled, who wrote what, what it’s overall purpose and meaning is, what is the difference between the Old and New Testament. These are some of my favorite things to discuss and the girls really are learning this stuff for the first time. It’s the Bible beyond the stories. I want them to see that the Bible really isn’t a bunch of unrelated stories. The Bible is God’s plan for redemption from the very beginning to the very end.

Wednesday is a great day for ministry. In just a few hours I’ll be at a mentoring dinner with a student then I’ll head to church and make photocopies! We’ll start class off with a few rounds of Whoonu and move into our lesson time. We’ll makes cards for Pastor Appreciation Month and do a fun pumpkin place mat craft that involves weaving. It’s going to be a good night! I’m ready and excited!

 

A Bit of Baking! September 22, 2012

Filed under: Children's Ministry — Amy Scott @ 10:02 am
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Pumpkin Spice Muffins

I don’t know why, but the urge to bake really hit my system. Maybe it’s because I didn’t get a chance to bake for my class on Wednesday and I felt like I needed to make up for lost time. Maybe it’s because the weather is changing and autumn starts today and baking seems to fit the season. I’m not sure. But I love it. I might have a gone a bit overboard though! Oh well. Two of the three things I made my hubby loves, so I’m counting on him and company this weekend to help me get rid of the evidence.

Thursday I made some chocolate-peanut butter chip cookies. I used a bag of Toll House chocolate chips with peanut better chips mixed in. Then I added 1/3 bag of mini Reese’s pieces. Very tasty! I ran some cookies to a friend and saved the rest for Jeremy. He likes it when I save some of my baking experiments for him. Even when I’m making something for a specific event or cause, I better keep a few back so Jeremy doesn’t feel left out.

Soft Molasses Cookies

Friday came and I started to think about how we don’t really have much food around the house. I decided I would make pumpkin muffins as a breakfast food to have on hand for company this weekend. I also decided to make molasses cookies since Jeremy has been craving them recently and I thought they would make good snack food to have around the house. Not to mention that Jeremy just made a TON of salsa and we have some chips, so we should be good now on the snack food front.

The Pumpkin Spice Muffins and Soft Molasses Cookies both came from the Betty Crocker website.  The only change I made was I used craisins instead of raisins. One of the other pumpkin recipes used cranberry so I thought I would do a mixture between the two. The pumpkin is the stronger flavor, but I prefer craisins or raisins any day. A good swap if you ask me.

The house smelled first like Mexican food while Jeremy made his salsa. Next it smelled like pumpkin pie as the muffins baked. After that it smelled like ginger and cloves. A unique blend of smells, but certainly tasty! What a perfect way to begin the autumn season!

Happy first day of autumn!

 

Not Your Average Sunday! September 2, 2012

Filed under: Children's Ministry,Getting Creative,Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 10:15 pm

Today was certainly not an average Sunday. That is for sure! Our church put on a block party for our community that featured two wild animals shows, a car show, free food, a dunk tank, inflatables, etc. Lots to do and see. The day was filled with fun. I think the highlight for me was seeing my hubby in the dunk tank. I honestly thought I was going be the first in line, but nope, I had to get in line behind many of our students. It was really cool to see how many kids wanted to dunk him. It means something if you are cool enough to get dunked. I paid the extra money just to go up and push the button. I throw like a girl… and I’m not ashamed of that fact. However, I didn’t want the whole world to see just how poorly I can throw. Plus, if I missed all three times, then I would have missed my shot at actually dunking him! The animal show was also a great part of the day. I loved the wolves, cougar and arctic foxes. I could have done without each and every snake they pulled out! Ick! Overall, it was a fun way to spend my day, but sooooo not like normal church. It has me a little thrown off now. Doesn’t quite feel like a Sunday.

I was on doggie duty, so I left the block party before Jeremy so I could free Toby from his crate.  I has started to brainstorm a craft project before bed last night so I decided in my few hours of downtime I would create. I used leftover canvas from crafting with April. I also used left over paper from my Missionettes bulletin board two years ago. It’s fun to do a project when I have all the supplies on hand and I can use up stuff that is just sitting my closet. Most of the paper pieces have staple holes in them, but when cut strategically you would never know they were a bulletin board in a past life! I think I like how it turned out. I keep moving the location on which I’ll display it. I had originally thought on the wall by the door, but now I’m thinking on the wood stove with my pumpkin display. We’ll see if it stays there or moves again… or goes away all together. It’s not professional artwork, but it does feel good to get creative every now and again.  Any day I can use a glue gun and Mod Podge is a good day. Does anyone else agree?

Hope you’re enjoying your Labor Day weekend!

Hubby in the dunk tank!

Decorating for Fall!

 

A sign that Fall is coming! August 28, 2012

Filed under: Children's Ministry,Getting Creative — Amy Scott @ 8:36 pm

Today I got to do one of my favorite things! I got to redecorate my class bulletin board for another year! Every year I take down the bulletin board and give away all the pictures on it to my 5th/6th grade girls on Wednesday night. We take down all our posters and the room looks very bare for a few weeks. Next Wednesday will be the first class with my new girls. I had to get the room ready for them. Each class deserves a fresh slate! Plus, I really enjoy getting in touch with my crafty side. The current theme is centered on “Back to School” so I’ll probably change it again in a couple months. When I saw the paper in the store, I just couldn’t pass it up! It’s crazy to believe that the kids will be back in school next week and September is right around the corner. Autumn is my most favoritest of seasons, so I can’t say I mind one bit! I’m looking forward to another great year of loving on girls and teaching them about God’s Word.

A new board for a new year!

 

Ice Cream Cones, Play Toys and Big Kids! August 16, 2012

Filed under: Children's Ministry — Amy Scott @ 7:44 pm

7 reasons why Wednesday nights are so important!

Last night, I took my class of 5th/6th grade girls over to McDonald’s. It was their request for our end of the summer party. The next two weeks we will go into our youth ministry to give them a sneak peek of what they can expect if they move up. Our church offers a chance for the 5th graders going into 6th grade to stay in Children’s Ministry for another year if they don’t feel ready to move up. Most of my girls will be staying in the class next year, but I believe in them making educated decisions. I don’t want them to stay in my classroom because of a fear of the unknown. Going into Fusion (our youth ministry) gives them a taste of what to expect in the future as well as I chance to make a decision based on experience. It’s fun for me to spend two weeks enjoying the worship and not having to prep a lesson, make a snack, and prepare a craft and game. It’s a little bit of a rest bit before another class moves up. Beginning in September, the 4th graders will become my 5th graders.

Our trip to McDonald’s was a hit! I got so many “thank yous” from the class. It was crazy! I had no idea that going to McDonald’s would unlock their hearts and speak so much love to them! After ordering 8 ice cream cones, we took our seats to chat, munch and generally enjoy each others company. Once all the ice cream cones had been consumed, we headed outside so they could play on the play toy. It wasn’t until we were leaving that I noticed the sign saying they were too tall to be in there. Oops! There were shrieks of delight as they climbed, slid, and spun. It was so much fun to listen to them being big kids. They just let go and were 5 years old all over again! These almost teenagers are still little girls at heart. It was sweet. At one point I needed to quiet their screams for fear of being kicked of the establishment. Can you imagine a church group getting kicked out for being too rowdy? I had to remind them who we were representing and how our actions needed to be respectful. They toned it down after that and we weren’t escorted off the property. Sounds like a “win” to me!

Each class is so special and I bond with each every year. It’s hard teaching the oldest age range because they will all soon be too old to stay in children’s ministry. They will all soon be youth students and moving on. It’s a hard cycle that I live in. I’m blessed by the long term relationships I share with many students even after they leave my classroom. I want to be a teacher of God’s Word first of all and a friend and confidant next. I want these girls to know that they can come to me whenever with whatever. I’m here for them. That is one of the main reasons I have a sleepover at my house every spring. I want them to see that I like hanging out with them beyond church. I want them to feel invited and welcomed in my life outside of the classroom. I don’t do this because I have. I do this because I want to. I do this because they are worth it. I do this because Jesus loved the children and I think there is nothing better I can with my life then love them, just like he did. I pray that I can be a leader worth following so as I follow Christ with my actions they see him in me and want to come along for the journey as well.

 

Logged On and Tuned Out August 15, 2012

Filed under: Amy's Bookshelf,Children's Ministry — Amy Scott @ 3:00 pm

I just finished reading Logged On and Tuned Out by Vicki Courtney. This last year I’ve been reading more books in regards to parenting. Not because of my own need to parent (however, doing research for the future never hurts), but so that I can be a resource to the many parents that I come in contact with. I find it hard to recommend a book I haven’t read, so I’ve been trying to read more about parenting so I can be accurate in my recommendations. Children’s ministry really is like parenting on a minor scale. I get the privilege to love on and encourage the kids of  Bethel Church in their faith. I find that I get a lot out of these books as it relates to my ministry and how to lead children well.

I really felt compelled to read Logged On and Tuned Out because I know just how deeply technology is effecting the next generation. Even Monday night at the Mariner’s game, I overheard that one of the boys was text messaging his girlfriend who lives on the other side of the country. I’m not sure how her parents felt about her getting text messages at midnight (her time). Things like cell phones and social network sites are a hot topic among kids and parents. It seems that the kids are begging for them and parents are either cautious or caving.

The one downside to this book is that it was written in 2007. These were the days of MySpace and Facebook was only starting to come on strong. I didn’t even have a Facebook in 2007. I had a MySpace page at that time and I transferred to Facebook in 2008. Not everything from the book is still the same today with how quickly technology adapts and changes. However, the book does have some good ground rules for cell phone use, instant messaging and social networks.

Even today, Facebook finally made me update to the new timeline. I’ve been successfully holding out until the end. Change is inevitable. I knew it was coming and still I resisted until the end. Parents have to careful not be like me and hold out until the last possible second to embrace these changes. The truth of the matter is that kids are going to have access to these things regardless and it’s better that responsible adults are riding the wave of change with them.

Only recently (within the last year) have I started thinking about social networking and what I’ll do when my students want to add me as their friends. I made a decision which I should have made from the start – I will not “friend” anyone who isn’t old enough to be the site. Personally, I don’t think that parents should let their students lie to join a social network. If lying about their age is a part of the process, I cannot condone the behavior. Parents shouldn’t assume that their kid won’t get on Facebook without permission. It’s important to keep an eye on their online activity. Vicki Courtney mentions in the book some great online monitoring software that she uses to stay up to date on what her kids are doing. It’s not about stalking the kids, it’s about making sure that they are safe and using good judgment. Trust is built over time and can be easily lost. When students know they will be checked in on, it’s helps keep them from making poor choices.

Cell phones are next big thing we talk a lot about in children’s ministry. It seems like every kid has one and wants to have it with them at all times. This hard on a field trip (like to the zoo or a Mariner’s game) where the point to be spending time with the other students and leaders while be actively engaged in an activity. Students tune out with that screen in front of them. Suddenly they are doing something that can be done at the couch at home and they are no longer in the moment with the rest of the group. While cell phones and texting allows them to connect with friends, it causes them to disengaged where they are at that time. We have a no cell phone policy on our trips and at our events. It’s becoming harder for both kids and parents to understand this as we become a cell phone dependent culture.  It’s hard to believe that I got a cell phone at age 16 and I had to share it with my sister. I got my own phone at 18 and I didn’t have a text messaging plan until I was 20. Now I’m an unlimited text messager and I can’t imagine my life without my smart phone.

I’m not sure where the line is for students. I’m not fit to make that call for families. The biggest thing I want to see is that families are having conversations about this. I want to see parents monitoring their kids technology usage and setting firm boundaries. It’s so easy to give into the “everyone has one” plea of a child. I understand that tension. In a day and age where common sense doesn’t seem to be common anymore, I’m praying that parents will help guide and shape this kids to be responsible with what they’ve got. Kids will not automatically know how much is too much or how far is too far. We must be a gentle but firm voice guiding them to make the right choices.

 

5th Grade Graduation! August 14, 2012

Filed under: Children's Ministry — Amy Scott @ 7:30 pm

5th Grade Graduation!

Every year we take our current class of 5th graders to the Mariner’s Safeco Field for a baseball game. I wasn’t able to make it last year due to the flu, so I was super excited to be a part of this year’s trip. I hadn’t been to a Mariner’s game in 2 years, so I was majorly overdue! The great thing about this year’s trek up north was we only had 5 kids with us. The more the merrier is always true in ministry, but as a leader, this was a very manageable group. I wasn’t as worried about losing a kid which meant I could relax a bit and enjoy the game myself.

We started the adventure by stopping at Wendy’s for dinner. The kids all got Frostys…. so did I! Yum! We enjoyed our early dinner so we could make it to the field in time for batting practice. It seemed like hanging out for batting practice was going to be for nothing, but at the very end the two girls of the group were tossed baseballs. I think the boys weren’t thrilled, but they handled it well. The girls on the other hand were beaming! It was the highlight of their night!

The lucky ladies!

After batting practice, we made our way over the team store so we could spend an absurd amount of time shopping. The kids went crazy looking and touching everything. It seemed like a lifetime in that crowded store. However, all the kids left happy, so I guess it’s worth it. Even Jeremy and I got something! This was my first time ever buying something at the game besides food! Ichiro was one of the Mariner’s star players until they traded him to the Yankees, so everything with his name on it was at least 50%. Jeremy and I were talking earlier that day about how we both don’t own any Mariner’s garb. After our stop at the team store, we can no longer say that.

My favorite part!

We still had some time until the game started, so we went on the search for game food. For me, there is nothing like a skewer of Shishkaberries! They are chocolate cover strawberries and they are heavenly! Seriously, I would pay the ticket price to get the berries and just head home! I don’t the kids would have agreed with me.  With my berries happily in hand, we headed to our seats.

Due to the large amounts of soda and the need to buy more food, the kids were up and out their seats from time to time. Part of being a leader is taking many bathroom trips and waiting in line while they buy more candy. The only time the Mariner’s scored a run was while I was out shopping with some of the kids. Oh well. I’m not the kind of person who really cares that much, so I’m glad I was on that run instead of Jeremy.

Toward the end of the game, Jeremy decided to work off some of the sugar the kids has consumed. Everyone, but me and one other student, headed up to the top of the ballpark to dance and scream. They got on the big screen twice! Oh, the fame and glory! I think it was a memory for all of them. Even though the Mariner’s lost, it was still a great day at the ballpark. Batting practice, shopping, and eating are all a part of the experience and these kids experienced it all! Apart from the loss, it was the perfect night! I couldn’t ask for a better trip! I love these kids and it was great to spend some time with them before they officially become middle schoolers! It’s hard to believe I remember when some of them were 3! So crazy!

 

Right When I Need It! August 10, 2012

Filed under: Children's Ministry,Women in Ministry — Amy Scott @ 7:00 am

Yesterday, I was driving home from a leadership conference in Tacoma and I was verbally wrestling with some things. Jeremy was very patient as I talked this out for the millionth time! He also put up with my snuffed-nose sounding conversation… He’s very kind! Anyway, I was talking things out and knowing what God has called me to do and who he has called me to be. I struggle with acceptance and so my biggest fear is that people will be upset by my choices. I know that I can’t make everyone happy and make God happy at the same time, but it would sure be nice!

On our way home we stopped by the office to check our boxes so we could order tickets for our upcoming 5th grade graduation activity. In my box out front, my dear friend, who happens to be the church receptionist, had slipped some fun post-it notes in my box. Christa and I share a love for fun office supplies, so it was such a sweet gesture. On them was a note that said “Just because!” In my next box in the back offices, I had to notes written on name tags from some of my past students who are now high schoolers. They each wrote about how they loved me, missed me and thought we should all hang out soon. If that wasn’t enough I had forgotten to grab my craft from last night. I had the girls make memory books, like yearbooks, to pass around – signing everyone’s as a way to remember the class and offer encouragement to each other. As I read the notes from my girls, I saw things like “I love all the snacks you make”, “You are a great pastor”, “Thanks for teaching this class”, “I’ll miss you next year”. The best one was from my high school helper who told me I’ve stayed with her through thick and thin and she’s glad we’ve reconnected. Other girls mentioned I was a good friend and they knew I was always there for them. I had done this exercise so I could speak into their life and the let other girls encourage them. I was equally as blessed by this activity. When I got home, I found a bathmat sitting on my entry way bench. After reading my past blog on stains, my mom called to say that she had a neutral colored bathmat just sitting in a closet and she wondered if I wanted it to replace the stained one. She brought over the new mat today when she came to let our dog out so we could be gone the whole day. Plus, I got to see my good friend who moved back into the area after being in Nashville for 6 years and I got meet her baby boy for the first time!

Can you feel the love? I’m basking in it’s glow! Even though I wrestle and struggle for acceptance, I could feel God speaking to me through these experiences. He was encouraging me to keep going and to keep doing what I do. As I read these notes, I know I’m making a difference and I have influence. I never want to take that for granted. I want to keep using my influence to passionately point people towards Jesus! I have people that care about me and show it me in tangible ways. It melted my heart! God sees right where I am at and sends in reinforcements when I need them most! I sit here – thankful! I am blessed by the relationships I have in my life and how they keep me going. So thank you to everyone who shows me love in the little ways. It’s because of you that I take heart and continue on this journey laid out before me.

 

Summery Cupcakes! August 9, 2012

Filed under: Children's Ministry,Cooking Experiments — Amy Scott @ 7:00 am

I only have a couple weeks left to make a snack for my class of Wednesday night girls. I know that a new class will move up in September and I’ll still have weekly reasons to bake, but once August hits I start to get a little sad. I’m not a huge fan of change, so even the change of a new class makes me a little blue. I love these girls dearly! I’ve been building a relationship with them for the last year and for some of them, it’s been two years. Being a teacher means being invested and learning to let go. I’m still friends with a lot of past students, but it will never be exactly the same. They won’t return those seats and sit ready to learn, looking up at me. It’s been a great year. This current class has been a delight to teach. So for the next few weeks, I’ll do my best to keep spoiling them with goodies. For some of the girls, growing up means moving into Fusion and that means no snack! I hope they enjoy it while they can! I know I’m making the most of the moments I have with them!

Lemon Cupcakes!

Summer Colors!

Matching baking cups and sprinkles!

 

Anything August 7, 2012

Filed under: Amy's Bookshelf,Children's Ministry,Women in Ministry — Amy Scott @ 6:11 pm

It’s been a cloudy day here in western Washington. It’s a nice change from the 95 degree days we’ve been having. It only happens a few days a year and now it has come and gone. I spent most of the day on the couch trying to recover my current head cold. It seems like I usually get sick in August. Last year, it was the flu. I think that by the time VBA and kid’s camp are over, I’m spent and my immune system reflects it. There was a lot of illness at camp this year and I’m guessing my body finally gave in.

Laying on the couch allowed for me finish a good book called Anything by Jennie Allen. It was a stirring book that really got me thinking about life and the lessons I’ve been currently learning. This book is about the last two years of her life and the process that she’s been going through as she opened herself up to anything God had for her. It’s convicting and inspiring.

So I was sitting and thinking about my own “anything” prayers. It took me back to high school when I know God called me into ministry and I didn’t know where. I told him I would serve anywhere. Through Jeremy, God led me to children’s ministries. I remember that feeling of I’ve never done this before cluelessness. I remember just loving on the kids and being a big kid with them. I remember the hope I had when I realized that I had a message I could share with them. I knew this was “it” when I passionately would ramble about all that I wanted for them. I was sold. Children’s ministry was it! I would have never chosen that path on my own, but it was God who opened the door, I followed. That was my anything moment!

However, it is possible to have multiple “anything” moments? I know the answer is yes, but I’m processing what the next phase of anything looks like. I feel a stirring and I’ve felt it for a long time. I think this summer it took on an even deeper sense. This summer I’ve been learning about the backwards process of dying to live. I’ve been learning that I have to die to myself into order to really live this God life. I’ve been painfully learning it’s not about me. I’ve been realizing that I’m not the heroine in my own story. God is the main character. It’s all so backwards. So as I sit in obedience… I learn to die. I learn to wait. I learn to trust. I learn to let go. I learn that I’m not perfect. I learn that I never will be. I learn that God’s plans are not my plans.

Letting God derail me has been the best part of my summer. It has also been the hardest part of my summer and the most painful. Before, I thought I had it all together. I thought I knew where I was going. Now, I realize that I need to trust God for the next chapter. It’s not for me to script. This summer I’ve given the pen back to God. It’s really hard to say “Take this pen. Write what you want. Anything.” This stirring to a new anything is really opening me up. Even though there are no major changes in this very moment, I wait in obedience. I know that first you have to say yes for the anything to happen. So I am saying “yes” yet again. It is not a one-time thing, but a daily yes. Not my will, but Yours be done!