It’s great to have author Shannon Vannatter visiting today. I had the privilege to meet her last year at the ACFW conference and she’s a sweet, wonderful and knowledgeable lady. She’s agreed to share with us about a big change in her life.
1. What has been one of the biggest changes in your life?
Motherhood. My husband and I were married for 16 1/2 years when our son was born. People kept telling me our lives would change. That’s a huge understatement. Motherhood colors everything. I don’t think about me anymore. It’s all about him.
2. How did you deal with that change?
I didn’t ever used to worry too much about my health or dying. I try to take better care of myself now for his sake. And I work to not let my husband get lost in the shuffle. It can’t all be about our son, it still has to be about us too. When our son is grown and gone, I don’t want to look at my husband and wonder who he is.
3. What did the Lord teach you during that time of your life?
When our son was a baby, my husband was in the shower getting ready for work, and our son was asleep. It had snowed, so I went outside to sweep the dog’s ramp so they wouldn’t slide down it. Something I’d done several times over the years, but this time my feet slid out from under me and I fell backward down the ramp. The foundation of our house is rock. I didn’t hit the rocks and just ended up bruised. But what if I’d hit my head? My husband didn’t know I was awake, much less outside. I realized then that I have a baby to take care of. God is in control, but I don’t need to do stupid things. I don’t sweep snowy ramps without good traction shoes on, without someone knowing I’m out there, and I don’t get on ladders when no one is home.
4. As a pastor’s wife, do you feel challenged to always put on a “brave face”, even in difficult seasons of life?
No. I decided a long time ago to be myself. If I’m not, the facade eventually cracks. If I’m having a rough time, I don’t whine, but I don’t pretend either.
5. How do you hope your books will touch others?
I hope my characters’ trials will help readers grow closer to God. I always pray that my books will end up in the hands of a nonbeliever and change their lives or at least plant a seed.
6. How has being a publish author changed your life?
It’s put everything into high-gear. I’ve had to give up a lot of jobs at church. I felt guilty about that for a long time, but other people have stepped up and done a better job. I have to fit in writing time, book signings, research trips, and publicity. I try to do it all without giving up my family time. It’s a delicate balance.
Thank you so much for sharing, Shannon.
Shannon has graciously agreed to do a book giveaway of her brand new book which released on October 2nd All you have to do is leave a comment and you’ll be entered. A little bit about the book:
Lacie Gentry, a young widow and mom, is struggling with the aftermath of her husband’s tragic death. When she bumps into former classmate Quinn Remington, her future is undecided. She accepts a job teaching kids to ride at Quinn’s neighboring ranch, hoping to revitalize her life with an old pastime but soon sees in Quinn a chance to move forward with new love…if she’s ready.
It’s been years since Quinn has seen lovely Lacie Gentry—the girl he always admired in high school but never came close to dating. By the time they met, Lacie was engaged to rodeo star Mel Gentry then happily married. Now Lacie’s closer than ever. The attraction is still there, but so is a secret that might end any chance of romance.
Can they rise from the rodeo ashes?
Congratulations, Shannon, on your book! Good for you being in ministry and being willing to follow God’s call to write – and to BE YOURSELF – just who God has made you to be, in spite of the expectations of others. That’s a tall order for a pastor’s wife and I’m thrilled that your church has obviously not challenged that too much. The book sounds wonderful!
Hey Susan, thanks for your kind words. My husband and my church have been very supportive. I hope you get a chance to read the book.
Liz, thanks for hosting me. Your interview was fresh. I’d never answered any of those questions before.
Bravo Shannon for being yourself instead of a Pastor’s Wife!!!! I’m not a pastor’s wife but some of my friends are and it is a challange not to be shoved into a role God did not call you to do. ie: organist, Sunday School Director. (unless of course you want to)
Diana
Hey Diana,
Our congregation is great and my husband reminds them often that my job is to help him. Every church we’ve ever been to though, I’ve been asked if I play the piano. No, I don’t.