How did we get here? Part 5
There is always more to the story and I am sure you are wondering how the first 4 parts of this story have anything to do with The Branded Mountain.
Let's back up to the State Fair of West Virginia.
For the past 8 years, David and I had agreed we did not want any children. We had 7 amazing and beautiful nieces and nephews to care for and that was enough for us. We both absolutely love kids, but to be completely candid, the pregnancy journey never appealed to me. Of course the topic of adoption had come up, but David didn't want adopt without trying to have one of our own. Fair enough. No kids. We were perfectly content with our lives.
Anyone that truly knows me, knows that I crave structure and I love having control over my own life. Giving someone else the reins absolutely terrifies me.
So, here I was, in our hotel room overcome with emotion. My nightly routine consisted of pajamas, face wash, and medication. I laid there beside David and could not physically get up to take my medication. This was a battle I had been fighting and this appointed night was the night that God was taking things into His own hands.
I didn't tell David, In fact I never actually told him at all. I couldn't bring myself to say it. He knew I was upset and anxious and he begged me to tell him what was going on. I said very little and he eventually caught my drift.
After we won that day, I felt so stupid. How can I "build the boat" and not trust God with this part of my life too. While my spare time was completely consumed with the bull, other things were going on in my life. I should have realized it sooner. After the show, David even made the comment, "I bet you are glad you listened."
I want to be clear here, this decision was about control more than anything else. Giving up my routine and the foothold I kept on myself rocked me to my core.
Moving on to the winter of 2025, as we continued to wait for the national show season to wrap up, another desire kept creeping up into my thoughts.
For several years, I had ideas for "projects" I wanted to try, but could never pinpoint what exactly I was meant to do. I would begin and then quickly stop - moving on to another project. Nothing quite stuck.
This winter was different. I felt like I had more of a divine direction and could hone in on the foundation of it all.
These ideas and convictions followed me all the way through 2025 and led us here. I have been blessed with an outlet to create, learn, and explore my creative talents further.
For that, I am forever grateful.
Without Bull Tour 2024, my heart would have never been opened and my eyes would have never seen the beautiful path God has for me.
The journey isn't over. We are just getting started, but trusting God in all my steps and letting go of the reins has proven to lead to the most amazing life.
So, this is how we got here. I wouldn't change any turn in the path.
I suppose you might be wondering what happened to my miracle bull. Unfortunately, God never said we would win. That is not a promise he ever made this entire journey. Honestly, I am glad He didn't make that promise. The hard work would not have existed or produced near the growth. There were times of discouragement along the way, but we chose to persevere. If nothing else, it was a grand adventure that has led to even more adventures!
We had just returned from the 2025 KY State Fair with the Reserve Champion Heifer when I received a phone call.
It was David, and he was getting ready to head to a sale. I expected a typical "we are leaving now" conversation. Instead, he says, "I just sent you a picture. I want to know your reaction when you get it."
There it was in black and white...our invitation to travel to Kansas City, to accept the Northeast Polled Show Bull of the Year award.
Keep building the boat God called you to build. This experience started out with only one purpose on my mind and ended with a field full of possibilities for us. You might seem crazy to everyone else, but only one opinion matters and He is the only one rooting for you 100% of the time.