WOW'S WOMAN OF THE WEEK!
When I was a young girl growing up in church, the wives of the various pastors all seemed to look about the same to me. They were very old (probably in their 40's!) overweight, and sported shellacked gray hair. And oh, yes, don't forget the piano. They all played the piano. (An apparent prerequisite for being the minister's wife.)
Fast forward to 2010 at Wapato Valley Church and meet Amy Rusaw, wife of Pastor Pete.
She puts the pizazz in ministry with her ankle tattoo and the vibrant jewelry she wears. And get this--she doesn't know how to play the piano! My question is, is she a real pastor's wife?? Decide for yourself after reading my interview with her.
Sherrie: How did you know that Pete was "the one"?
AMY:Because he was cute! Just kidding ... it wasn't something that happened really quick. But the point came when I just knew. I'm not one of those who "hears from God" that often, but I felt a sense of peace about Pete. I appreciated so much about him. He was a man of integrity. He kept his word. If he said he'd be someplace a a certain time, he was. He was fun, caring, and he had a genuine relationship with God.
Our first date was Valentine's Day of 1991. We went to the opening night of Wayne's World. After that show, we snuck into another theater and watched a suspense movie. That gave us a good excuse to hold hands!
Sherrie: Where's one of the most interesting places you've traveled?
AMY: We've been to Europe, but I think my trips to Norway are very special. I've been there four times. That's where my family originated. My grandma came over on a boat from there.
Sherrie: Do you have a Bible verse that means something really special to you?
AMY: Yes, Psalm 37:4. It says " Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." That verse helps me stay focused on what's important. In fact, I'm going to get it tattooed on my left wrist like a bracelet.
Sherrie: What's one of your biggest challenges as a parent of four?
AMY: Staying calm can be a challenge. I just got off the phone from talking to my mother-in-law, and she was telling me she's realized that when getting in to conflict with a kid you don't have the luxury of getting emotional. That sounded like great advice to me, so I'll see how it works!
Sherrie: I know you're a busy woman. What are some of your hobbies?
AMY: I love doing my stamping, reading, spending time with the kids, and running.
Sherrie: Speaking of running, why do you do that? I know you put in miles every week.
AMY: It's a great stress reliever. When I'm out running I get to spend time with God praying and listening to my music. I feel better about my self when I've exercised. It's important to me not just physically, but spiritually and mentally.
When I was a young girl growing up in church, the wives of the various pastors all seemed to look about the same to me. They were very old (probably in their 40's!) overweight, and sported shellacked gray hair. And oh, yes, don't forget the piano. They all played the piano. (An apparent prerequisite for being the minister's wife.)
Fast forward to 2010 at Wapato Valley Church and meet Amy Rusaw, wife of Pastor Pete.
She puts the pizazz in ministry with her ankle tattoo and the vibrant jewelry she wears. And get this--she doesn't know how to play the piano! My question is, is she a real pastor's wife?? Decide for yourself after reading my interview with her.
Sherrie: How did you know that Pete was "the one"?
AMY:Because he was cute! Just kidding ... it wasn't something that happened really quick. But the point came when I just knew. I'm not one of those who "hears from God" that often, but I felt a sense of peace about Pete. I appreciated so much about him. He was a man of integrity. He kept his word. If he said he'd be someplace a a certain time, he was. He was fun, caring, and he had a genuine relationship with God.
Our first date was Valentine's Day of 1991. We went to the opening night of Wayne's World. After that show, we snuck into another theater and watched a suspense movie. That gave us a good excuse to hold hands!
Sherrie: Where's one of the most interesting places you've traveled?
AMY: We've been to Europe, but I think my trips to Norway are very special. I've been there four times. That's where my family originated. My grandma came over on a boat from there.
Sherrie: Do you have a Bible verse that means something really special to you?
AMY: Yes, Psalm 37:4. It says " Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." That verse helps me stay focused on what's important. In fact, I'm going to get it tattooed on my left wrist like a bracelet.
Sherrie: What's one of your biggest challenges as a parent of four?
AMY: Staying calm can be a challenge. I just got off the phone from talking to my mother-in-law, and she was telling me she's realized that when getting in to conflict with a kid you don't have the luxury of getting emotional. That sounded like great advice to me, so I'll see how it works!
Sherrie: I know you're a busy woman. What are some of your hobbies?
AMY: I love doing my stamping, reading, spending time with the kids, and running.
Sherrie: Speaking of running, why do you do that? I know you put in miles every week.
AMY: It's a great stress reliever. When I'm out running I get to spend time with God praying and listening to my music. I feel better about my self when I've exercised. It's important to me not just physically, but spiritually and mentally.
Sherrie: What can people pray for in your life?
AMY: That I would be genuine in all areas of my life. That I wouldn't just say what I'm supposed to say, but live a genuine faith.
Sherrie: Is there anything else you'd like to share with people?
AMY: I want to share my life with others, be a trustworthy friend, and to be transparent. I hope people know that I love them and they feel like they can confide in me.
Sherrie: It's been great spending this time with you, Amy. Through the years I've grown to appreciate you more and more. Thanks for breaking the "pastor's wife" mold!
Now, if you readers would like to enter a contest, here's your chance. The first person to leave a comment on the blog telling me what Amy's favorite candy is, will win some of that candy for themselves.
Now, if you readers would like to enter a contest, here's your chance. The first person to leave a comment on the blog telling me what Amy's favorite candy is, will win some of that candy for themselves.
THIS WEDNESDAY'S EVENT (June 16th):
Who: Women and children/grandchildren
What: Picnic in the park
Where: City Park in McMinnville (behind the library/swimming pool)
Corner of Adams and Third St. See directions on last week's blog.
When: 11 A.M. until the cows come home!
Why: Why not? Bring your own lunch, chairs, blanket, etc.
NEXT WEDNESDAY'S EVENT (JUNE 23rd):
Coming soon to a theater near you--Movie Night at Ashberry Lane
7 P.M. Father of the Bride
Creatively wear something to do with weddings!
Don't know where to leave the answer to this weeks contest but I'm gonna guess Amys favorite candy is mini reese's p-nut better cups.
ReplyDeleteDenise
This is the perfect place to post your guess, Denise. And you are so close! In fact, that's what she said when I interviewed her Friday. But today she said to go with another one. You're welcome to try again!
ReplyDeleteWell, Denise, this is your lucky day! I just talked with (emailed back and forth) Amy and since she first told me the peanut butter cups were her favorite, that's what I'm going to go with. So you are this week's official winner! Be looking for some candy soon!
ReplyDeleteYea, Denise! You know your neighbor! I'll never forget that birthday gift left on my door step the first year we moved in... :o)
ReplyDeleteI was going to guess M&M's. :)
ReplyDeleteMmmm... mini reeses sound really good right now!
-Jamie
Sounds good to me, Jamie! She said the other thing she really likes is Gharadali Dark Chocolate. I prefer M&Ms myself!
ReplyDelete