Wellington
BROOKLYN
What are a couple of things the Lord taught you during the drastic change in schedule during COVID-19 ?
God drove home to me the importance of getting still before him . My life was so fast-paced before . Yes , I read my Bible and prayed , but there was always a deadline that needed to be met . But all of that was suddenly and completely gone , and God had my full attention . I never want to go back to a “ deadline ” mindset again . Also , I learned to say “ yes ” more to my kids . Nothing was holding me back !
You are always working on construction projects when you are off the road . What projects were you able to complete during the COVID-19 shutdown ?
I have been doing remodeling work for most of my life and could not have known the blessing it would be to have this as a backup when COVID shut down our touring . It suddenly plunged me into a “ normal ” nine-to-five job and was a nice change of pace . We had been working on a renovation for Phil and , due to traveling , had only been able to work on it while we had the time . Thankfully COVID gave us lots of time ! This was our biggest flip to date as we took a 50-year-old house and basically rebuilt the entire inside . It was a fun project to work on and see turned into a beautiful home .
We know you love to hunt . What do you hunt , and what is it about hunting that you enjoy ?
I grew up hunting deer , squirrel , and rabbit . What I enjoy most about hunting is being out in God ’ s creation and getting away from the stresses that come with everyday life . It is a good escape that gives me time to reflect and pray .
You are now the father of three children . What do you most enjoy about being a father , and how will you judge whether or not you were successful in this role when your children are grown ?
I view my responsibility as a dad to show Jesus to my kids . That is my goalpost for whether I have been successful or not . Everything else that comes in life needs to fall under that umbrella . Teaching them to have a good work ethic and to be respectful and loving can all come naturally when their priorities are set on living for Jesus and pleasing Him in all they do .
Did your children seem to notice the schedule change , and how did it affect them ?
Emma especially felt the difference in not seeing her cousins and friends from church and the road . Not being able to go to the library , playground , or even Chick-fil-A was also really hard for her to understand . She is a social butterfly and really craved that interaction ! But as all kids do , my kids eventually adapted to a slower pace . However , I also knew when they had had enough and needed a change of scenery . We would then go over to my parents ’ and explore the woods of their 21 acres . That did the trick !
Do you have a couple of books or other resources that you would recommend to other mothers ?
I really enjoy the Risen Motherhood podcast and the Made It Ate It Loved It blog by Scarlett Bendixen .
How have these resources been helpful to you ?
The Risen Motherhood podcast is super encouraging to me and talks about many subjects that I relate to , such as comparison , taking time to myself to make me a better mom , prioritizing my husband , and many more .
The Made It Ate It Loved It blog has incredible , tried , and true recipes that are delicious and have videos that show you just how to make them . This is definitely a favorite !
With three children and a hectic travel schedule , what are some things that you and William do to keep your marriage healthy and strong ?
William and I lead busy lives together on the road and separately at home , where I ’ m a stay-at-home Mom , and he is a contractor . But at the end of the day , when the house is quiet , we always find each other and have our “ us ” time to reconnect . Sometimes this includes just talking about our day or what we are looking forward to . Other times , we watch a movie together or fold laundry together while we talk . Then there are those wonderful evenings when Nana and Papa take the kiddos , and we go out on the town for dinner at LongHorn Steakhouse or Olive Garden . Can you guess which is whose favorite ? ■
RENEWANATION . ORG 21