Amy Scott's Thoughts

Sharing the thoughts that bounce around in my brain!

Office Good-Byes June 11, 2013

Filed under: Recollections,Women in Ministry — Amy Scott @ 7:50 pm
The Bethel Team saying good-bye to Christa

The Bethel Team saying good-bye to Christa

I am blessed to work in an environment where my co-workers are my friends. Especially over the years of ministry together we have built deep relationships and become very close. This is the situation with my dear friend, Christa, who is now leaving our team to move back to her home base in California. When she first was hired at Bethel Church back in 2006, I had been filling in for a month as the receptionist. Once Christa was hired, we shared the role and I was able to go to part-time. This met my needs well because I was a college student finishing my degree as well as actively involved in ministry. This gave me enough hours to contribute to our monthly budget but still have time for school and ministry. It was pretty obvious who was better at the job – it wasn’t me by the way. Christa became the rock star receptionist and really blew me out of the water. Eventually the opportunity came for me to move away from the front desk and start working with Children’s Ministries. This was perfect because CM was my heart’s passion and Christa would have full reign of the front desk – where she continued to thrive and add to the value of the position (because she’s amazing and so much cooler than me).

Because we had always shared the job, we never saw each other. We were just like ships passing. Once I was in a different role, I was actually in the office at the same time as her. This deepened our friendship and relationship to point where we’re at today. Christa has become a forever friend. She is someone that I plan on being close with 30 years from now and beyond. I’ve told her she can’t shake me and so far she doesn’t seem too freaked out by that! Little doesn’t she know what she’s gotten herself into. As I was giving her a good-bye hug today, I reminded her that we now have a lifelong commitment of friendship! It’s a forever thing! I have a close circle of forever friends that no matter where on the planet they land, I will keep in contact with them. Christa is in that circle.

Forever Friends!

Forever Friends!

Christa has kept me sane while I’ve worked at Bethel. Let’s be honest, church ministry can get hairy sometimes and she has been a friend that I trust. She has let me vent and rant at her. She has listened to my logic and told me I’m not crazy even when I’ve felt like I’m losing my mind. As I described her today at her going away party, she has been my padded room. She has been a safe place and a safe person to be real with. I will deeply miss that connection. Not only has she listened to me and loved me, she has made me laugh and provided many a brain breaks for me on busy days. It’s nice to have a buddy down the hall to chat with for a few minutes. Her family was a part of our life group a few years ago and I will greatly miss them as well. I was telling her that when I see her boys next I’m sure there going to be tall and all grown up. It will be hard to not be around for those years to watch them grow and here the funny stories. I’m sure I’ll still hear a funny story from time to time though because remember, she can’t shake me! I’ll need updates!

So this blog is an ode to friendship and to Christa. She has been a life saver for me on more than one occasion. Our similarities have made us close. We really do understand where the other is coming from because we  think the same way. It can eery at times how in sync we are. We share a love of organization and office supplies – two major bonding topics in my book. Overall, we’ve just lived life together for many years. It won’t be the same without her presence daily in my life. I’ve been honest with those around me and said that today is a dramatic day for me. All the emotions of having her leave are on the surface and I’m not even trying to filter them. Thus, I’ve been a bit of a downer as I’ve acted like it is the end of world. While the world will still keep turning, I do wish it would turn with Christa down the hall and not in California.

Christa, thank you for your friendship! Thank for you listening! Thank for you laughing! Thank you for loving! You are a treasure! California is blessed to be getting you back and Washington is mourning. Life won’t be the same. You have been a joy to work with and I am glad that you are more than a co-worker! I’m praying God’s blessing on your family as you move home and start a new season.  Good things are in store for you! You are amazing and replaceable!

I love you!

 

Unplugging June 9, 2013

Filed under: Simply Me — Amy Scott @ 4:43 pm

I made a decision a while ago that this upcoming vacation was going to be different than vacations of the past.  I will admit that I’m addicted to my cell phone. I check it way too often. Thanks to easy access on my phone, I’m on Facebook way too much. It’s amazing the strong need and desire to see what the world is up to. I’ve tried to cut back my own posts on Facebook. I don’t think people need to hear what I’m up to everyday (I used to post daily). Now I try to keep it to one or two posts  a week. On most vacations, I will post what I am up to so that way family and friends can stay informed (be jealous, same thing?).  I like highlighting my adventures, especially in new and exciting places. But… not this trip! Hawaii is going to be reserved for me and my traveling companions only (at least while I am there). No Facebook for me. Not posting and not checking. I apologize if I miss something big while I’m gone, but I’ve decided to unplug for this vacation.

I should note that this doesn’t mean I won’t use my phone at all while I am gone. I will probably use it to listen to music on the airplane. I will probably use it to keep track of my calories (I know, I’m crazy, but I have an addiction to My Fitness Pal that is stronger than Facebook). I have decided to keep track of my calories, but not to let them limit me while I am away. I think we all make healthier choices when we monitor what we’ve eaten. Anyway, that is another topic for another time. The big difference in what I will use my phone for and what I won’t lies in contacting the outside world. I’m going to let emails pile up, I’m going to let posts go unposted and I’m going to ignore the outside world. It almost seems offensive, but honestly, I am so ready to disconnect! I will be an ocean away from home and I want it feel that way. So often thanks to the constant connectivity of technology, you can be gone, but still in the office.  I want this to be a true vacation!

I will update the world when I get back. I will share pictures and stories, you can be sure. As a writer, I’m sure a trip like this will give me plenty of blog post material. That’s another thing… The blog also falls into the unplugging category. So will share when I return! This trip will be like a best kept secret until I return to the mainland!

However, you haven’t gotten rid of me quite yet! I still have one more post up my sleeve before I go, so stay tuned!

 

Now and Then June 8, 2013

Filed under: Children's Ministry,Recollections — Amy Scott @ 9:43 pm

Tonight was graduation at my alma mater, W.F. West High School. 9 years ago I walked that same pathway to graduation. Today I got to cheer on girls that I fell in love with as 4th graders! The class of 2013 is really responsible for me diving into children’s ministry and totally loving it! It’s been an honor and a privilege to remain friends with these students. They are an amazing group of ladies! I know that God has big things in store for their future. Up until this point, I’ve been talking about how they are graduating – now they have! These girls are no longer in high school! How crazy is that! It feels like it all flashed by in the blink of an eye! I know I already posted some pictures from the good ol’ days a few blogs ago (click here to check it out), but I couldn’t help myself, I had to add more. Here is a look at us a few years ago and a look at this week! We’ve come so far! I can’t wait to see how far we’ll all continue to go! My prayers is that maybe 8 plus years from now I’ll have another set of photos with these ladies. I’m hoping that no matter where their journey takes them, they continue to keep me around! I’m kind of fond of them!

Miss Jessica

Miss Jessica

Miss Carissa

Miss Carissa

Miss Brittany

Miss Brittany

Miss Aimee

Miss Aimee

 

 

 

 

Books, Appointments, Lunch Dates and More! June 7, 2013

Filed under: Amy's Bookshelf,Children's Ministry,Parenthood — Amy Scott @ 11:41 am

I haven’t had much to blog about lately. Life has been full as usual, but it seemed like none of my activities individually were enough to devote an entire blog post to. Sooo… now that the week is winding down, I thought I would update you on what has been going on in my world. There is lots to share now that I’ve stored up my stories!

On Sunday, I finished an awesome book by Jodi Detrick called The Jesus-Hearted Woman. Jodi, who used to be our senior pastor’s wife years ago before they moved on to different ministry positions, shares what she’s learned about endearing and enduring leadership throughout the years. Everything I read was spot on and it really encouraged me to hear these words from someone who has paved the way before me. It also was fun to see the names of many ladies I know sprinkled throughout Jodi’s stories! It’s like knowing famous people! After finishing this great book, I decided to give my brain a break. It’s been months since I had read a novel and I needed some fluffy reading. I’ve now been devouring novels like cake this week! It’s been great! I got three new books in the mail this week which I was supposed to save for the plane and our Hawaii trip, but I’m already done with one and a half them! My current read is Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker. Still to read is Prototype by Jonathan Martin, who is my favorite podcast pastor. I can’t wait!

Baby Scott @ 21 weeks, 3 days!

Baby Scott @ 21 weeks, 3 days!

Monday was one of those days that turned out differently than I expected. I had lunch with a dear friend from the office and then Jeremy and I unexpectedly headed up to Seattle Children’s Hospital to visit a student. His aunt (and caretaker) is a good friend of ours so we waited with her while her nephew was in surgery. I hadn’t planned to spend the day in Seattle at a hospital, but it was worth it! I love supporting the families in our church. We gave Josh a Lego set that he was excited to get home and play with.  I’m glad we were able to pray with them and provide a little joy during a rough time.

Tuesday was our anatomy ultrasound. We got an in-depth look at our little guy! It was great to know that everything looked good and checked out just fine. We were also reassured that we are indeed having a boy! Now if I buy something (which I still haven’t done yet), I can take the tags off! Hurray! It was great to see that our little boy is healthy and still very active! Tuesday evening, Jeremy grilled us some tasty burgers and with the sunshine and warm weather it really started to feel like summer is here! I should note that the official start of summer for me isn’t Memorial Day Weekend, but June 1st. I’m not sure why, but once it’s June –  it’s summer! That’s just how I see things!

Wednesday, I made molasses cookies for my girls class and spent a lot of time reading. I also took a nap! Usually Wednesday is my big clean the house day, but I put that off so I could deep clean later. Our big trip to Hawaii is coming up soon, so I’m saving all my cleaning efforts for a little closer to the trip. I love coming home to a clean house after vacation.

S'more Season Begins!

S’more Season Begins!

Yesterday, I had a lunch with another co-worker. She will soon be moving out of state so I was happy when she asked to get together before she left. I can not tell you how sad I am that she is leaving. She has been a good friend to me and I know that we’ll remain friends even though there will be distance between us. I can’t say that I am happy to see her go, but I am excited for her future and what God has in store for her. Once I got home from work, I did a few things around the house. I took a nap and finished a book! Jeremy and I went for a walk later that evening and then we had the first fire of the season in our backyard! Which of course was accompanied by yummy s’mores! Tuesday felt like summer was here and Thursday confirmed it!

Now that is Friday, I’m looking forward to a bit of a down day. I’ve been working on laundry and formulating thoughts on what I would like to pack for Hawaii. Tomorrow is W.F. West’s graduation and I have many students that I will go to support and cheer on as they receive their diplomas! I haven’t been to a WFW graduation since my own in 2004 so it will be interesting to head back to my high school and sit in those same bleachers that I spent so much time in almost a decade ago. Crazy! It seems like just yesterday that was me!

And that’s all for now, folks!

 

Baby Boom June 3, 2013

Filed under: Parenthood — Amy Scott @ 2:05 pm
Baby blankets made by a sweet church lady!

Baby blankets made by a sweet church lady!

I knew going into this whole pregnancy thing that I wouldn’t be alone. I don’t mean in the support and encouragement kind of way (although I do have that). I knew that I wouldn’t be the only pregnant lady I know. However, I had no idea how not alone I would be! I have come to discover that pregnancy is a lot like they how they describe buying a new car. You think you’re the only one who is going to own this certain kind vehicle. Once you buy said vehicle, you realize that everyone else on the road as the same make or color. Pregnancy has been a lot like that for me!

When we got pregnant, one of my best friends was already expecting her 2nd little boy. We had talked months earlier about how Jeremy and I were “trying’ so it was a lot of fun to share the news with her and “join the club”. Shortly after we made our big announcement on Easter, my cousin posted that she is expecting her 2nd little one as well. Her due date is November 5th so our babies are only a few weeks a part! Jeremy told me that one of our nursery workers at church did the math and we’ll have 7 new infants this fall at Bethel.

Things got even more exciting on Mother’s Day weekend when my sister-in-law announced that she’s expecting and due November 9th! The big kicker is when my other sister-in-law followed by announcing that she is due December 18th! I couldn’t believe it! Honestly, I was in shock. All three Scott brothers have pregnant wives due in October, November and December! My in-laws will go from 2 grandkids to 5 by the end of the year! It’s too crazy! I am beyond thrilled that I will have the opportunity to double my auntie role this year! I’m excited to learn if I’ll have more nieces or more nephews or a combo of both! I just can’t wait!

It’s been an interesting season for me as I learn a lot about pregnancy and prepare for motherhood. The good news is I am not alone and I have quite a few wonderful women that I can share this experience with. It’s nice to have a conversation with someone who has been there or is right there with me and totally understands where I am coming from. Looks like I am a part of a baby boom – not only at church, but in the Scott family as well! I couldn’t be more exited! What fun!

 

Sleepover and Graduation June 2, 2013

Filed under: Children's Ministry,Women in Ministry — Amy Scott @ 9:48 am
Game Time

Game Time

This weekend was a BIG weekend for me! Lots of activity! My class sleepover was Friday night through Saturday morning. It went well! I was amazed at how competitive this group is. Every game we played with very intense and loud as a result! The girls had a good time and the whole event went well. I’m always so blessed by the opportunity to invite my class over to my house. I want them to know that I’m not just their teacher on Wednesday night, but that I’m a friend and someone that cares about them all the time. I want them to know that they have access to my life beyond our classroom time. At this point in the year, I’m super attached to my student and as the end of school approaches, it means that many will be moving up and out of my classroom soon. I’m making the most of the moments I have with these girls, because as I’m watching the 1st class I taught graduation from high school, I am all too aware that my time with them is brief. Soon they’ll be middle schoolers then high schoolers and then adults off at college or chasing whatever dream God lays on their heart. It goes faster than I thought!

Celebrating Jessica's Graduation!

Celebrating Jessica’s Graduation!

Speaking of growing up fast, yesterday afternoon was my first graduation of the season. Jessica has been a mentor girl of mine for years. I met Jessica on Easter weekend when she was in 4th grade. It’s hard to believe that she now a graduated senior and so tall! A lot of my students will out grow me in height but I think Jessica is the winner so far! She’s a beautiful dancer with a heart for the Lord. It’s been a privilege to walk beside her through life’s ups and downs these last few years. At her graduation they asked that we hold all applause until the end of reading the names. It was so hard for me not break out in a loud cheer as she walked across that stage and received her diploma. I’m so proud of her!

The one downside of the weekend was the fact that I got about 4 hours of sleep during the sleepover – or lack of sleepover! When I got home from dropping the students off, I started to clean my house which is a must after having my house taken over by pre-teens. The cleaning took a little longer than I hoped and I didn’t have enough time to take a nap before having to get ready for Jessica’s graduation. So up SeaTac I went on 4 hours of sleep. I hurt I was so tired! Sadly, I had planned to go to dinner with Jessica’s family and group of friends, but I had to cancel on those plans. Instead, I was in bed before 8:00pm last night! I don’t think I’ve gone to sleep that early in a long time! I can tell I needed it! I’m grateful for a quiet morning now. My family wasn’t going to be at church today so I’m skipping the 1st service I usually attend. I’ll come in for Children’s Church at the 2nd service hour. A quiet house and relaxed start to the morning is helping me feel like I’m recovering ground after this crazy weekend. However, I wouldn’t change a thing! I love these girls and I’m am so glad my weekend got to be spent with so many lovely ladies!

 

Prepping for a Sleepover! May 31, 2013

Filed under: Children's Ministry — Amy Scott @ 11:36 am

It’s that time of year! It’s time for my class sleepover! Every year I do a sleepover at my house for my Wednesday night class of girls. This year I have 10 girls coming as well as some amazing leaders to help me keep things from getting too crazy! This sleepover is one of my favorites because it’s so low-key compared to the big sleepover I do in February at the church. So what does a sleepover at my house look like? We’ll start off with a pizza dinner together – yum! Once we’re done eating, we’ll head outside to play a few yard games. We usually have a croquet tournament if the weather permits. It’s cloudy right now, but it’s supposed to burn off for this evening. I’m really hoping for some croquet tonight!

After the yard games, we’ll head inside for a combo of video games and board games. The Wii is always popular as we play Mario Kart or Wii Party. This year we’ll have the addition of Kinect Sports on the Xbox. These activities are good because they allow the girls to work in teams and continue to build relationships. I have a huge stack of board games that we can play as well. Some favorites from years past would be Disney Scene-It, Apples to Apples Jr. and Last Word. My class this year is really hoping we would play the animal kingdom game. This game is a modified version of Mafia. Jeremy didn’t like the idea of people killing each other but it’s okay for animals, I guess. We make sure the deaths are non-violent and have little or no description. Most of the girls have played Mafia, but to keep things as friendly and G-rated as possible we’ve turned it into an animal game.

As we move inside from the outdoor games, we’ll pause to have dessert. This year we have cake and ice cream to celebrate the many June birthday we have coming up in the next week! Three to be exact! I purchased a cake that has all kinds of fun colors on the inside. We’ll see how it turns out. It looked intriguing. I also have toppings for the ice cream so they can make mini-sundaes to go with their cake! Oh yeah! Nothing like sugaring them up before the next round of games!

Around 10:00pm, we switch modes. I have the girls set-up their sleeping bags and get in their pajamas (if their not already). We’ll start a movie and usually it’s lights out and quiet after 12:30am or so. Most girls make it a challenge to see how late they can stay up, but the majority of them fall asleep during the movie. That is intentional planning on my part! I tell the ones that do make it through the movie to not disturb their sleeping neighbors or me. If they can be quiet enough that the rest of us can sleep then by all means stay up as late you like! Tomorrow I have another big day once the sleepover is over, so I’ll keep on top of the sleeping situation this year. I’ll need some rest before Saturday!

Saturday morning, we have a big waffle breakfast together! I provide strawberries and whip cream to make the waffles extra special! We’ll clean up and pack up after breakfast and head back to the church to meet up with their parents. Once all the girls are off, I usually head home and try to reclaim my house. This year I might just take a quick nap before I have to get ready to head up north for a graduation of one of my mentor girls. We’ll see how that all pans out! If the house has to wait until Sunday, it should be fine since I won’t be home most of Saturday afternoon/evening!

That’s my plan for tonight! I’m super excited and can’t wait to have a blast with my girls! Of course like most things these days, I’m wondering how this sleepover will look next year when I have a kid… It might be harder to turn my house upside for a pack of pre-teen girls. Jeremy and I have talked a little about it. We might do a game night or late night hang out, but minus the sleepover part next year. I don’t know. Just some thoughts and ideas. Since this could be the last sleepover at my house for a few years, I’m planning on making the most of every moment!

 

Retiring a Journal: 6,000 Gifts May 29, 2013

Filed under: One Thousand Gifts Challenge — Amy Scott @ 10:10 pm
Journal started August 2011 and finished May 2013

Journal started August 2011 and finished May 2013

Somehow reaching that next 1000 sneaks up on me. I realize it’s coming and then all the sudden it’s here. That’s what happened today. I honestly thought I would finish later this week, but as usual, gifts surprise me and there are always more than I expect and the counting goes quickly. I have counted One Thousand Gifts six times. I thought it would get old – it doesn’t! I thought it would take a decade to fill a journal – it doesn’t. In fact, it hasn’t even taken two years to fill this journal. I’ve learned not to stop counting. It’s a good habit, so why break it? I always think I’ll want a break after counting 1,000, but I miss it. I crave it. Counting gifts has opened my eyes to the small things. It makes everyday life special and unique no matter what. It takes my dark days and reminds me that there is a silver lining. It’s been a process of retraining my brain. I don’t often look for the good in things. I know that sounds un-Christian, but I’m not weird to think Pollyanna thoughts. I’ve never been good at that sort thing. I’m frank, to the point. I’m glass half empty and what’s wrong… I wish it weren’t so. How I would love to see the good in things. This is precisely why gift counting is something I feel compelled to do. It makes me more like the person I so desperately want to be. It helps me to see past my hang ups and hurts and to see how much I am loved. Each day I have the opportunity to open my eyes and see God’s hand at work. Each day I have the opportunity to acknowledge the gifts and say thank you. Will I take that time? Will I really look for them? I want to say yes, so I will keep on counting. One journal might be filled, but don’t worry, I have blank journals just waiting for their pages to be filled. How many will the next journal hold? 7,000 gifts? 8,000? I’m excited to find out. It’s amazing to me how simple it is to find joy and contentment when you’re looking in the right direction. It’s all a matter of focus. I can focus on the negative and it will grow bitterness in my heart. Or I can focus on God’s good gifts and stay thank you. This brings the spark of joy back into my heart. I can be content because I know in the smallest ways I am seen and I am loved.

 

Adventures in Shopping May 28, 2013

Filed under: Family Time,Parenthood — Amy Scott @ 7:48 am
Looks like we emptied the stores! (The little dog was not purchased today)

Looks like we emptied the stores! Note: The little dog was not purchased today!

The dreaded shopping day has come and gone! Praise the Lord! I knew I needed clothes that fit and summery clothes before we went to Hawaii next month, but knowing and doing are two very different things. I had no real desire to try on clothes in my growing state and I had no desire to spend the extra bucks that come with the label “maternity”. The day turned out to be successful despite my reservations. Surprising Motherhood Maternity was a good store for me. Old Navy had some good selection for shorts. Now I am ready for summer and ready to grow!

This trip wasn’t just about me. My hubby goes shopping once or twice a year, so this was a big expedition for him as well. He found some great deals and walked away with a ton of clothes. Between the two of us and the Memorial Day weekend sales, we were able to save over $250 on our shopping trip. I thought that was a pretty good deal! My sister came with us on this adventure since she’ll be joining us in Hawaii and was also in need of a wardrobe boost before our travels. She scored really well too. Overall, I say everyone walked away a winner today. I got over my fear of maternity shopping and while it’s not my favorite thing in the world, it wasn’t too bad. We enjoy a lot of tasty meals together and had a good time. It was a fun Memorial Day, but I’m finding these long outings out really drain me. Pajamas and snuggling with my pup were high on my list of things to do when I got home.

Now if only the Western Washington rain would go away so I could wear some of these new clothes!

 

A Birthday in the Park! May 27, 2013

Filed under: Family Time — Amy Scott @ 7:45 am
Excited for cake!

Excited for cake!

Tomorrow is my nephew’s 3rd birthday! We celebrated this weekend with family in the park. It was a lot of fun to gather and celebrate this little guy we love so much! Carson has been an exciting addition to our family. He is my first and at this time, only nephew! He is the leader of the pack when it comes to the grandchildren because he is the oldest. It’s been a blast to watch his personality develop with time. This guy loves his animals. He received some new animal toys this weekend and stopped opening his presents as a result. He didn’t need to know what was in the rest of the bags. He had new animals to play with! The park was a fun venue because the boys threw frisbees around and took turns playing on the playground with Carson. We enjoyed a yummy BBQ lunch and cake that Carson himself picked out. After we cleared out of the park, we headed back to Carson’s house to hang out for a little while longer. It was great to have some snuggle time with my nephew as we played with his new animals. This pretty much entailed the animals climbing up the mountain (my shoulder) and falling down. After that the animals played hide and seek in my hair. Fun times! I love spending time with this little guy and his sister. I am blessed by these little members of our family. I am excited to see how they grow and the people they are becoming. Happy birthday, Carson! Uncle Jeremy & Aunt Amy love you lots!