Early Retirement! Make Me an Offer!

Birthday Girl!!

Well, I made it. Today I officially reached the age where I can actually retire if I chose to! What a feeling of freedom. However, since my expenses far outweigh my income, it's not really a choice so I'll keep on doing what I've done for almost 26 years now! Get up and go to work.

Today is my birthday and I can't believe I am this old! Truthfully, I feel great and am so blessed with so many good friends and loving family members. I received so many Happy Birthday wishes today- I really feel loved. Of course, so many of those who called are the ones I always seem to miss when its their birthdays- but they love me anyway! God is Good!

I received a phone message from Chris (who did not have to be reminded-WOW). It was so good to hear from him-made me feel loved and special-hopefully the next time he calls I'll be home!

I also web cammed with Min and the boys and it was neat to hear my little Lukester say Happy Birthday to his MeMe! and also got a sweet sweet smile from Will.

Tonight we had dinner at Old West steakhouse with Randy and Jamie. I love the "Chicken Chesapeake" (grilled chicken with crab imperial on top!)

God has richly blessed me all my life and I am so undeserving. I give Him all my praise for all the good gifts He has given me. I just pray I will find new ways to share His goodness with others.

Thank you to all for making this day so special! I love each of you and you are continually in my prayers. A special birthday greeting also to my cousins, Nancy Jean who was born on my 16th b'day and April. I miss those years we celebrated together!

This guy always makes me feel special!

Randy pretending to offer to buy dinner!

My precious grandsons!

The following people are the ones who bring me such happiness- our kids and grandkids!

Deployment II- April, 2008

This is Chris and Min in September 2003 the morning of his first deployment.

Most of you know that our son, Chris was deployed last week for 15 months to Iraq. We actually said good bye to Chris in person at the Frankfurt Germany airport a couple months ago. Last Wednesday morning they called via Yahoo telling us he was leaving in less then 18 hours. We knew it was coming but its always hard to let your loved one actually go and know that he may not be able to come home for another year.Just imagining how difficult it was for him to leave Min and the boys just breaks our hearts. We are so proud of him and our love and prayers are with him. We appreciate all our family and friends who are lifting them up in prayer. No matter what people may feel about the war, our soldiers and their families need our support.

It was so difficult when Chris was deployed for a year in 2003-2004 and when he came home it was like a burden was lifted- I didn't have to live and breathe the Iraq war. Although, I still prayed for our troops and leaders, it was very different. Now that he's back there, our hearts and minds are obsessed again with any news. Thankfully, we have a God who takes care of His own and we know that Chris, Min and the boys are in His hands. Whenever, I wake up in the middle of the night, I just quote my bible verse for insomnia- "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.(PHIL 4:6-7)There's no more comforting words than those and I find myself going back to sleep and trusting God to take care of all the things that would cause me worry.

My Dad used to quote Psalm 121 as the passage that gave him courage and strength during WWII and 5 years ago, Chris called and referred to the same chapter:

I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip-He who watches over you will not slumber;

Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you-the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

As I write this blog, I am realizing how real God's spirit is at work in our lives and His word and His Presence is where we need to look for our help and strength in the days and months ahead.

Our small group met last night and it was quite a discussion. It was really exciting because the book- Velvet Elvis- has really stimulated a lot of participation. I'm looking forward to the weeks ahead as we wrestle with some challenging and radical material. We have a wide range of ages in our group-every decade is represented from 20's to 60's. As you can imagine, there are a lot of opinions being expressed and I think that's a good thing.

This is my third week with Weight Watchers Online. I've only lost 3 lbs and I've really tried to stick to the "point system" these last couple weeks. I'm not giving up- I realize I need to supplement the food tracking with some "activity"- so I've been trying to work my way up to some regular exercise. Steve even spent some time on the treadmill tonight!

I've gone on enough tonight. Here's some pictures for your perusal!

A picture of a tote bag Steve designed with Uncle Joe's help for those in the Deaf Ministry at church- They are always excited when they have mail in the church mailboxes so Steve thought they needed a tote bag to carry their papers in.

Beautiful Min and Handsome Will

Chris and Luke in the PT garb- So who did the most sit ups

Chris on the night he left for deployment

Judy showing how she really sweats when she exercises!

Steve- Look mom, no hands!

Blogging is TOUGH!

If you haven't noticed, its tough to blog every week when there isn't much to blog about! Life as usual is happening around the Scott household. Steve is off to Church Board meeting so I thought I would catch up.

Every few days we have been "web cammng" with Chris, Min and the boys. They are growing and finally I think they are all healthy at the same time! Since there is a 6 hour time difference, we try to contact them first thing in the morning so we can see Luke and Will before they take their naps. The only problem with that time is Judy is just getting out of bed and is not quite "with it!" But it's always great to see and talk with them.

Chris is getting ready to deploy at any time so we would appreciate your prayers regarding Min and the boys. Chris' blog on Sunday, April 6 was heartwrenching for us when we realize how difficult it will be to leave his family. Our soldiers and families are paying a high cost and we need to be reminded of that when we go about our own lives with "business as usual."

Last Friday night, we (Steve and Judy) joined Jamie and her friend, Kendra and 7 month old, Elias and went to see a Delmarva Shorebirds game. It was a beautiful night and we enjoyed ourselves-MeMe especially enjoyed holding and playing with Elias. It's that "grandma factor"coming out.

We invited Kendra and Elias for Sunday dinner after church and we had a nice time. Randy and Kendra's husband, Evan came after the ball game was postponed due to rain. It was great to have young people in the house again!

About 3 weeks ago, I (Judy) signed up with "Weight Watchers online." I'm using the Point system and it's taking some adjustment to figure out what I'm doing. I can only have 19 points a day and I'm finding by lunch time I'm all out of points!! What am I doing wrong? Maybe I'm not changing my eating habits! Duh! So anyway this last week I did much better and I think I lost 3 lbs.! I should post a "before" picture so you can see if there is any change but then I'm afraid the "after" picture will show me bigger!

Our small group will begin this next Sunday. We had a great group of people join us last week and we agreed to study the book-"Velvet Elvis." Steve tells me I'm on the verge of "obsession" with this "emerging church" stuff. I'll try to rein it in but truthfully, I think it's important to be aware of trends in the church and the only way we can discuss it and test it will be to learn more about it, right?

Rob Bell writes in the first chapter about those Christians who feel that "the churches, the books, the language, the methods, the beliefs-that there is nothing wrong with it.It works for them and meets their needs, and they gladly invite others to join them in it." But he writes on, "But this book is for those who need a fresh take on Jesus and what it means to live the kind of life he teaches us to live. I'm part of a community , a movement of people who have been living, exploring, discussing sharing and experiencing new understandings of Christian faith."

Well, you know-being part of a traditional church community- we have always been seeking a fresh anointing and greater understanding of who Jesus is and how He wants us to live." I just get nervous when people start telling us that the beliefs we have built our lives upon based on the Bible may not be relevant to today's world. That's when I start asking lots of questions and seriously seeking God to reveal His truth. If anything, it definitely makes me stronger and gets me back into His word and seeking the Lord's guidance.

So, if you have any ideas or comments, feel free to share. I'll try to keep you updated on how the group is doing.

Here's my "before" picture. I figure any future picture has to look better than this one!

Chris and Luke enjoying Spring in Germany!

Will surrounded with Friends!

My new little friend, Elias!

Luke at the Nature Park before the Snow Blizzard!

Will misses MeMe, can't you tell?

Suede Scotts vs Velvet Elvis!

This week has flown by. I can't believe last Sunday was Easter. It was just too early this year. But according to the calendar, Easter won't be this early for over 200 years from now! Personally, I'm glad I will be in the New Jerusalem celebrating the Resurrection!!

Steve is in the Boston area at the ENC trustee meeting. He'll be home tonight. The puppies and I are missing him! I just need to find someone to meet him at the airport. I'm sure I can find a good friend somewhere out there who'll help me out! We do have lots of great friends and we always enjoy getting together.

Tomorrow night we begin a new small group. I'm not sure who is coming but Steve and I have decided to study the book, Velvet Elvis, by Rob Bell. I have read the book twice now and really am struggling with a lot of his thoughts. I am a 3rd generation Nazarene and Steve is 4th generation if that means anything to anyone. We are very traditional and conservative in a lot of ways probably due to our parents and grandparents influence. However, we consider ourselves "pretty cool" and not really dogmatic when it comes to theology and the Christian lifestyle. Of course, that is comparing us with our parents and grandparents. We've come a long way, baby!


We raised our boys in the CoTN and they are pretty solid when it comes to their relationship with the Lord and Church. We're all still growing and that's a good thing!

But we do hear their generation telling us that we need to grow with the culture and find new ways or methods of reaching the unsaved. That has always been a challenge and we are continually searching for better ways to live out our faith and be a witness to the world. But one thing I am concerned about is watering down the message and not being distinctive enough to tell the difference between those who are walking with the Lord and those who are not.

I realize it's not about external do's and don'ts, it's about where our hearts and treasure are placed. The external will reflect the internal. I'm excited how the Holy Spirit is leading in this endeavor and I pray He will be very clear and give us wisdom and discernment to follow His way, not just the latest theologian's philosophy.

So, what we are attempting to do is- have a "conversation" about these new ideas and wrestle with how they are aligned with the Word of God and what they mean for the Church. (sorry for adapting that new buzz word). For any of you who may be interested, I'll try to post some of our thoughts and summarize our discussion on future blogs. Feel free to comment.

Enough of that, last Easter Sunday, we had my brother David and wife Debbie and Randy and Jamie for dinner. Each holiday we celebrate reminds us of those family members missing. It seems our table is shrinking. We talked with Chris, Min, Luke and Will. They are getting ready for Chris' departure which should be within 2 weeks. Please pray for them as it will be very difficult for Chris to leave his family. Hopefully, things will work out for Min and the kids to come back here. We'll just have to see how God works the details out with the Army!

Here's a couple pictures for your enjoyment:


Who is that young looking couple!

Our puppies Riley and Kailee

Little Big Will

Luke and Will in their Easter outfits

Jesus is Our Risen Lord!

Easter is my favorite time. Although usually busy in our household, it is always a time to remember Christ's sacrifice and rejoice that He conquered the grave and is our risen Savior and Lord. In years past, we were involved in the annual Easter musical but this year our church concentrated on the Easter Journey and it was amazing. Walking through scenes of Jerusalem after Jesus had lived, died and rose again, was a very powerful event and since this is a unique ministry that our church has offered the last few years ,we really wanted more people to experience this special program. A lot of hard work and commitment was involved and many hearts were moved and awakened to the true meaning of Easter. Steve and I are very grateful to participate in this event. Last night was our final night. We stayed until midnight to clean up all the props. What fun!

Since we last blogged, there has been a little excitement in our family. Last week, my brother David's barn caught on fire and thankfully he was home or his house could have been destroyed. We praise God for limiting this potential disaster.

Last Friday, Steve and I went to Baltimore to see our niece, Chelsey in her high school musical, "Oklahoma." Brian, Steve and I enjoyed ourselves and Chelsey did a wonderful job. We were so proud. She was Ado Annie- we really enjoyed her solo-"I'm Just a Girl Who Cain't Say No! That's what every father wants to hear his daughter say! Just kidding, Chelsey, you were great!

Again, I hope all of you have a Blessed Easter and we pray you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Risen Savior!

Following are some Easter Journey 2008 scenes:
Marketplace






The Apostle John in the Upper Room (Steve) and Mary, (Judy) the mother of Jesus



Judy and her friend Lori, In a "Martha" moment

David and Debbie's barn with house in background still standing- PTL!

Brian and daughter, Chelsey / Ado Annie

Steve with his first beard ever! Now history!

The 2 most precious grandchildren ever!

Check out our new water closet!

The bathroom is finished! Yah! It's been a long process but its finally completed and it looks great! Thanks to Steve for all his hard work. He's really been working during any spare time(which is tough to find). The house we live in is quite old and any home improvement is not always simple but he perservered and did a great job.

Life at Shad Point has been busy. Steve spent 12 hours at the church on Saturday working on the Easter Journey scenery. I can't believe this Saturday the Easter Journey will begin and go through all of Holy week. Our last one is scheduled on Good Friday. We're hoping to reach a lot more unchurched people this year. This event is truly a meaningful experience and brings the Easter story alive to both adults and children. I am in awe of those who work so hard to bring it all together. Last year was my first year as an actor and I will be doing the same character this year, Mary the mother of Jesus at the empty tomb. I think Steve has been a different character every year for the last 3 years. This year he will be John in the Upper Room explaining the Passover meal.

This morning Steve and I "web cammed" with Luke, Will, and Min. Being able to see and talk to them every few days has been fun and helps a lot. I miss them so much and hate that they are so far away. We're not sure what the future holds, but we are praying the Lord will work out all the details.

Our precious angel, Luke


Our other precious angel, Will

Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mary Magdala

Our finished bathroom/water closet
It reminds me of "Flip that House!"






Well, everyone take care. Keep in touch!

Is it Spring yet!

Today was a beautiful day on Delmarva! It came very close to reaching 70! I'm sure it is just a tease since winter has not finished yet but it was enough today to give us "Spring Fever." We are looking forward to warm weather and it will be here before we know it. I can't believe its March already.

A year ago today, Steve's mom passed away. Some days it seems like a year but usually it feels like she was just here. Grandma Scott was a special person and we miss her terribly but we know she and Grandpa are together in the presence of Jesus and we will see all of them someday.

Steve's brother, Pete and his wife came to visit this past weekend and we really enjoyed being together. It was really strange for Pete and Amy to come to Salisbury and not go visit Mom and Dad Scott -but their spirits live on in the children and grandchildren. It's really cool to recognize so much of their parents in their kids, especially the Scott sense of humor. That will never die!!

Today is also my brother Brian's birthday and I called to wish him a happy one. It is very difficult for him since the loss of his youngest daughter last August- each of these special life events now can be extra painful with the realization of such a loss. We all miss Karlee so much and long to see her again.

As we are nearing the celebration of Easter, the empty grave has brought new meaning when we have lost loved ones. Every Easter has been special to me with the promise of the resurrection and eternal life with those dear ones who have gone before us. One day we will have a family reunion like no other and we'll never have to say good bye again. Praise the Lord!

So, yes, we are hoping for an early Spring that will refresh our hearts and minds and remind us that there is new life ahead. The birth of William Stephen and Hannah May in the last two months has brought us a new sense of hope, joy and promise.

Whatever we face, we have a loving Saviour who brings us joy and peace and provides all that we need. I pray you are enjoying fellowship with Him today and are experiencing the fresh newness of life Jesus brings each day.

Steve, Randy and Jamie at the Old West restaurant

Judy, Amy, and Pete

Chris and Luke working on converting his crib to toddler bed

Steve, Judy, Mom and Dad Scott at Ryan and Katelynn's wedding (August, 2003)

Our dog, Kailee resting on Randy's foot

Chris, Will and Luke all dressed up and no place to go!