By Erin Stevens
Welcome back to a brand new year of Younger Perspective! We’re starting 2015 on a bright, beautiful note with the multi-talented, Miss Michaela Brown! Get to know this gem of a young lady in the next few moments as we take a little trip to the Browns’ farm in Iowa. Maybe we’ll even stop at Blue Bunny Ice Cream on the way! Michaela, it’s all yours…
Erin: When did you feel the call into music ministry?Â
Michaela: Music was always a part of our family! The day before my 13th birthday, they showed the Jesus film at our church and I rededicated my life to Christ. That night, I told Him I would be a willing life, ready to embark on an adventure with God. This music ministry has been just that! Over the past 15 years, I can see that guiding hand I prayed for so many years ago!
Erin: What does a typical day in the life of Michaela Brown look like at home on the farm?
Michaela: Mornings must include French Press coffee and quiet time. My sister-in-law and I work out together and my office is in town. Le Mars is the home of Wells Blue Bunny Ice Cream and the CEO and his wife are dear friends. They started a ministry center and coffee shop across the street from the Ice Cream Parlor! Our offices are in that building and about a 10-second walk from the best ice cream in the world. That’s why I work out, so I can eat ice cream! The rest of my morning is spent working behind the scenes for The Browns, Stage to the Stove (my cooking and music company), and some design work I do. Violin practice is also a part of my days. During harvest season on the farm, you would just scratch all the above and find me in the field, out and about on the farm from sun-up until after sun-down!
Erin: At what age did you discover your love for the violin? Share the story behind the musician.
Michaela: My sister and I took piano lessons. There were some kids in our church who played violin and we wanted to play just like they did. So we started violin lessons too. My grandma gave us the idea to work up one song with a violin part in the middle; I stood there with my feet planted and played my little song. Adam joined me and eventually Andrew as well. We love the energy they bring to our concerts. We don’t just stand there with our feet planted the whole song anymore!
Erin: What was the inspiration behind compiling your cookbook?
Michaela: Mom and the fans thought I should write a cookbook! Ever since I was little, I was always doing something with cooking. Gloria Gaither asked me to do two cooking shows at her Fall Festival a couple years back; that was the perfect event to debut a cookbook. The second one is in the works!
Erin: It’s apparent from social media that you take your role of being an aunt very seriously!What is your favorite part about being Auntie to adorable little Tessa and now Baby Charlie?
Michaela: It’s one of the greatest gifts in the world! My favorite thing is watching them grow into little persons! I just spent some time with them; we made cookies, played, laughed, hugged and kissed. Everyone needs five days with a two year old and two month old!
Erin: As a chef, I’m sure this answer will be no easy task: what is your go to, can’t live without, all-time favorite dish to whip up?
Michaela: I love making desserts and pastries. I still can’t make a pie like my Grandma did, but I keep practicing!
Erin: Craziest thing a fan has ever said to you? Go!
Michaela: Well, I just got a marriage proposal through Facebook, does that count?!
Erin: What was your favorite part of filming the group’s latest music video? Give the readers a behind the scenes glimpse.
Michaela: COLD! It was in the 30’s with 20-mph winds. We threw our coats off, recorded a take, then bundled up and did it all over again. We shot it in front of a neighbor’s barn, and had to chase the cows out of the shot! Day two, we went to another neighbor’s farm that has all kinds of animals, so we had fun interacting with them while catching it all on camera. “A Place in the Choir,” music video will be released in January, so stay tuned!
Erin: As a young woman in ministry, how do you personally keep Christ the focus of your hectic lifestyle?
Michaela: Well, I’m not perfect and will be the first to admit some days I spend more time with Him than others… But I have come to truly cherish my quiet time with Him. I have some wonderful women in my life who inspire me to keep Him first in all things. It’s a daily journey and I love waking up to see what each new day with the King will bring my way!
Even on those days when it seems we can’t find the opportunity to have our quiet time, I pray that we won’t be so quick to let it go by the wayside. We’ll never be perfect and our Heavenly Father doesn’t expect us to be, but that’s why we need that daily one-on-one time with the Lord. As we embark on this New Year, let’s try to keep Christ at the center of those hectic ‘every days.’ Thanks to Michaela for joining us today, and sharing straight from her heart. Until next month, Scoops fans…
And that’s my take on it.
For more information on Michaela’s singing family, The Browns, click HERE.
By Erin Stevens
First published by SGN Scoops in the January 2015 issue. For current issues, go to the SGN Scoops website HERE.
