Each Wednesday we will be featuring a member of our writing team. We hope to further grow our community by sharing a bit more about the women that make up Rochester MN Moms Blog!
This week…meet Amanda!
When she’s not navigating the labyrinth of parenting a teen (Noah, born in 2004), a tween (Bethany, born in 2006), and an elementary student (Bradley, born in 2010), you can find her rocking out as the worship leader at Homestead Church, and with her band Sterling and the Silver Lining.
Photo credit: Marit Williams Photography
How do you take your coffee?
This is embarrassing, ladies because I basically make my coffee taste like ice cream. My favorite creamer is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup flavored, and I use copious amounts of it daily. No shame.
What is an irrational fear you have?
Wait, I can only list one? I’m afraid of EVERYTHING, you guys. I’m mostly afraid of looking like a fool in public. And my job requires me to be in front of people ALL THE TIME. You’d think that eventually, the fear would diminish, but I’m always paranoid of having a wardrobe malfunction or having something on my face or between my teeth that I don’t know about, and I’ll be on stage calculating every possible worst-case scenario.
What is one thing you are working on changing/ being better at?
I’m always trying to be the best version of myself. This doesn’t mean that I can’t have bad days – but it means that I’m mindful of others in every situation. I always keep in mind that everybody has a story, and I don’t know all of it – I never know what someone might be going through. This has helped me to be more patient with others, especially behind the wheel.
What book had a profound impact on you and how old were you when you read it?
Anybody that knows me knows that I’m obsessed with reading. I have SO MANY books that have impacted me profoundly. I recently read “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom, and I cried my eyes out. Other notable mentions include “Unbroken” By Laura Hillenbrand, “First They Killed My Father” by Loung Ung, “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” by Sherman Alexie, and “They Cage the Animals at Night” by Jennings Michael Burch. I’ve read all of these books this year, except for Unbroken – I read that one maybe 5 years ago.
What is your favorite thing about your life?
Music. Music all the time, music everywhere. I play keys in a band called Sterling and the Silver Lining, I accompany another local artist named Ross Henry, I play solo acoustic sets around town, and I lead worship at church every week on my guitar. I’m completely immersed in music almost all the time, and IT’S MY JOB. How cool is that?!
What is something you believe everyone should experience at least once in their life?
I recently got back from a missions trip to Jamaica, and I think everybody should experience being immersed in a different culture. I came back from Jamaica a completely changed woman. We didn’t stay at a hotel or a resort – we stayed with the Reverend and his wife. There were no comforts of home, but it forced us to appreciate the things that really matter.
What is your favorite word?
Discombobulated.
Favorite way to start the day?
I start every morning with a cup of coffee and a daily devotion. I read, journal, meditate and pray. This means that I get up kind of early, but I start my day out right and I almost never feel rushed to get out the door, and it has made a huge impact on my daily life.
What has been most surprising to you as a mother?
Before I had kids, I was so judgmental of other parents. I’d say things like “When I have kids, I’ll NEVER let them do that!” I would like to apologize to anybody I may have said that to, because I get it now! Parenting is HARD, and exhausting (while still enjoyable and rewarding) – so, I let my kids play video games and watch too much TV. We probably don’t read enough and sometimes we have cereal for supper. And guess what? We’ve survived thus far.
If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow-where would you choose?
New Zealand. I’d nerd out visiting where they filmed the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
