but look like I am 40. I know that is
not something that most men would admit, but I am comfortable enough with my
manhood that I can come out and say that.
I would rather my face not look like an old catcher’s mitt when I hit
40. I use a ton of moisturizer, my
Clarisonic, and get chemical peels every 3 weeks.
a small business owner, how do you balance home-life with work?
someone. Whether that is your work,
yourself, or your family. Don’t ever
cheat your family. Success in the
business world is never worth failure in the home. You will never visit someone dying in a
hospital bed and ever hear them say, “ I wish I would have spent more time at
work.” They will always say they wish
they would have spent more time with their family. I make sure that I am always home in the
evening and if I do have the rare late night appointment, I try to schedule it
after they go to bed around 8:00.
Shay?
peas in a pod. We love to walk the
streets, shop, and eat wonderful meals.
I have seen so much of the world with her, and I pray that we have a chance
to do so much more.
your favorite KSU memory?
Big 12 Championship. I was a captain on
the team that year and I am proud to say that when no one gave us a chance to
win that game versus an undefeated Oklahoma team dubbed “the mini-NFL team”, we
walked out with not only a win, but we took them to the woodshed.
was your first impression of Shay?
was out of my league. I knew she was
marriage material. I dated a lot in
college but with Shay, we had an instant connection. We talked in her parents’ kitchen for at
least an hour when we first met. She was getting out of a serious relationship (on July 4th), so it
wasn’t until school started that we started dating. I only talked to her once actually between
those dates. I remember telling my best
friend Aaron Martin about her and no lie, Aaron said that she was the one I
would marry way before we even got serious.
you manage the family finances?
the business and Shay manages the personal.
Running a small business is enough for me to handle. Running payroll (salaries, hourly raises),
taxes, paying bills, etc. keeps me busy.
Bottom line is I trust Shay and quite honestly, I don’t even look at the
personal finances.
our business, where we had no money. We
used all of our savings to buy our home and start our business. I remember one week after
paying the bills, we had to make it two weeks with just $100. I remember we ate peanut butter and jelly for
a whole two weeks and snuck over to Jay and Sherry’s for a few dinners. We always had a rule back then. Anything over $10 and we had to ask the other
for permission. Praise the Lord that he
has blessed us where this is not the case, but really any purchase I make to
this day, I still run by her and she with me.
We have one account for business and one for personal. It’s our money, not mine or hers. We are in this together. Money has never been a sticking point in our relationship. We very, very rarely ever argue about money. We trust each other.
I can take him to run errands, and we have the best time. Someday when he is older, we will be able to
bond over KSU football, the Yankees, and the Cowboys. For now, I am content with bike rides and
bedtime stories.
Shay cooks?
for the BCS playoffs next year?
BCS teams are in. Eventually they need
to expand this to 8 teams. Here is the
thing: they can say that players like
bowl preparation and having 4 weeks from the last game to the BCS game, but
that is crap. I would have much rather
stayed in a groove and played in playoff games. Bowl prep was a beating and it was long. They need to get rid of the NCAA, start the 4
major conferences, have them expand and then start the 8 team playoff
system. It will happen, mark my words.
10.
What did you learn growing up on a farm?
Hard work.
While everyone else was out by the pool during the summer, I was making
hay. When it was 105 degrees outside, in
a barn it was about 130. When it was the
dead of winter and all you wanted to do was stay inside and eat ho-hos, I was
out after school/practice feeding the cattle.
I also learned how to appreciate the outdoors. Being in McKinney, there isn’t much
opportunity to hunt and fish, in Missouri you can walk out my parents’ backdoor
and get all you want.
11. What do you consider your greatest success?
Maybe it is the unsatisfied athlete in me,
but I don’t feel like my greatest success has happened yet. I just don’t quite feel like I have “arrived”
so to speak. I have had some victories
for sure, but the success I want my life to be built on isn’t of this
world. In the end, who cares how much
money you have, how successful your business is, the size of your home, the
kind of car you drive. Not me.
12. What has brought you the most joy in your life?
My kids.
Being a dad is the coolest thing EVER!
I feel so blessed that God has given such a wonderful gift.
is your all-time favorite vacation spot?
Any place in Europe, although I am partial to London.
advice?
elements I believe you must have to operate a small business. First and foremost, you have to be a
self-starter/self-motivator. If someone
is always having to push you, then don’t even think about it. Another key element is hard work and the
expectation that you are never “off the clock”.
If it were easy everyone would do it.
But unlike most jobs that end at 5, my job is around the clock. Of course I could shut down at 5 and never
look back, but in today’s society you have to make yourself available at all
times. Not to mention when you own a
small business a small piece of you is always still in the office. Now the best thing about a small business is
that you control your income and vacation time.
Plus, no one is ever going to tell you what to do. You want a raise, go out and work a little
harder. A small business is a lot of
work, but most things in life that are worthwhile are.
was your childhood like?
farm and spent every waking moment outdoors and playing sports. We had 3 television stations growing up and didn’t have much entertainment.
The Shull’s farm in Missouri
16. Are
you happy with 2 kids or would you like more?
I am up for whatever God wants!
17. Do
you follow a specific Bible study when you do your quiet time?
I do a couple of different things. I like to start with the Jesus Calling app,
go straight to the corresponding Proverb for the day. Then I head straight to www.preceptaustin.org. This is the greatest collection of sermons,
bible studies, topical studies, Greek/Hebrew studies ever. Sermons from everywhere, verse by verse
commentary. Check it out!
18. Were
you raised in a Christian Family? When
did you become a Christian? How do you
and Shay tell your children of God’s love and lead/guide them in their
spiritual growth, in addition to church/Sunday School?
I was blessed enough to say that I was raised
in a Christian home. If on Sunday we weren’t at church, something was wrong. I
accepted Christ on February 18th, 1989. I was a 7 year old, but to this day I can
remember how I felt and what happened.
I
have no doubt that I was saved that day.
My faith over the past 32 years has grown like a tree. In some seasons it grows more, and in others, not as
much. I recently read a book called Not a Fan. Our Bible fellowship group is
still in the process of studying it. I
wish I would have read a book like this, or another book called Radical, when I
was in Junior high.
In the
most recent book Not a Fan, it asks the question, are you a fan or a follower
of Jesus? READ THIS BOOK. If you don’t have the money email Shay and we
will find a copy to send to you.
With
Kensington and Smith, we talk about Jesus all the time. I know it’s a crazy concept for small kids, but we constantly
talk about God. We tell Bible stories
before bed (seems like David & Goliath and Moses are the most
requested). We pray, we ask them to tell
us about Jesus. Even though Smith and
Kensington can tell you who Jesus is and that he died on the cross for our
sins, we still know that they aren’t quite aware of their surroundings so to
speak. In the meantime, we will keep
singing, praying and talking. The other
night, I was lying in bed with a headache and Kensington climbed into bed,
laid her hands on my head and said daddy I will pray for you. She said, “Jesus I ask that you make my daddy
feel better, Amen”. I have no doubt that
God hears every prayer of every believer, but that one had to have made him
smile.
Thank
you to Shay for letting me guest post. I
hope I didn’t disappoint. Thank you for
loving Shay and seeing why, after 10 years, I am still smitten for her.
You can find Andrew on Instagram and Twitter @AndrewShull. You can also find him on my family room sofa every night watching Real Housewives of Something with me and eating a brownie. He might have a super, super healthy diet but every night, he indulges in a good trashy reality TV show and a little piece of dessert. Life is just too short not to.
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Andrew did such a good job!!!! So fun to read his answers!
Slightly Askew Designs says
Such a good job and I love how candid and "Andrew" he was (ahem question 3) hahaha 🙂
Kelly Jo says
Hi Shay!
I'm about to head over to Amazon to order Not a Fan. If you need help getting copies to other readers, let me know. I would be happy to connect with someone, purchase a copy for them, and have it shipped to his or her home. Great opportunity to pay-it-forward. <3
P.S. This made me laugh. "Since Shay said I couldn't discuss #1, then I would say travel." Haha!
Tara G. says
It's o'dark thirty here and I wanted to laugh out loud at #3! That's something my husband would say! :). I appreciate your testimony- not just that specific answer, but your entire post reflects your heart for the things of the Lord.
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
Loved reading your hubby's answers! I love that he thought you were out of his league when you first met – so cute!
Whitney says
Great Job Andrew!! Such a blessing to see how the Lord works through you and Shay. There is no doubt your kids will follow in your foot steps 🙂
MorganizewithMe says
Amazing couple, thanks for sharing so much and for begin such an inspiration.
jen says
So fun! He is such a sweetheart! You both are genuine, humble, kind people. I just loved this!
jackie says
Not A Fan is an amazing book!!! I would also recommend that anyone read it also! Thanks for posting Andrew's answers 🙂
Jaren says
Loved these "Ask Andrew" posts!
Jennifer Cannon says
Alright andrew…. Can we be friends!?! I feel like i could sit and talk to him for hours! 4 years ago, i would have said." I wish i was marrying someone like Andrew!" But im happy to say it sounds like yohr andrew and my Brandon would be two peas in a pod! Two loving Godly men, with a hint of a soft side!
Great post Amdrew!!
I hope you two never take each other forgranted for good relationships are few amd far between!
Much love sent your way girl!
Jennifer
Debbie says
Andrew accepted Christ on my wedding day! Cool! I loved reading his answers and will definitely check out the books and online Bible study he mentioned. Love reading about Christ-centered marriages. God bless y'all!
Leslie says
His post made me cry! There are few men in this world so sweet, sincere, and genuine. You both are very blessed!
Anonymous says
Totally agree about Not A Fan and Radical – wish I'd read them years before I did. Those changed my life drastically.
Becky
Olivia says
Thank you Andrew! Great post!
Carrington says
Oh my word. Kensington's prayer made me tear up. How awesome is it that she has two parents that teach her about Jesus! God bless your sweet family!!
Sarah Smith says
You seem to have some a wonderful, god-centered marriage! I can only hope that mine and my husband's relationship continues to grow over the years like yours! Thanks for being a great role-model!!
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
haha, I love the ' I cant discuss #1 " too cute!!
It's great to see a man so engaged with his family and church!!
I grew up LDS, and love my religion, and my family.. it's great to see young families come together in Christ!
Lynn {A Taste of Country} says
What a great hubby you have! Thanks for sharing Andrew's answers with us 🙂
Team Harries says
Love his heart for the Lord!
Angela says
What a great answer to that last question. I bet God smiled when he heard little Kensington's prayer. Too cute! You guys are such an inspiring couple, thanks for all your honesty. I have to go find that book now!
Cathy's World says
I loved part one. But, part two…Yep, it brought tears to my eyes! I love the fact the he is such a Godly man and a great daddy.
I have such a great husband. I am so blessed also. I really enjoyed reading both posts.
Keep up the great work guys.
God Bless
Cathy
Carlin Smith says
Andrew, That Big 12 Championship is one of my all time favorite memories! Thank you for helping to make it happen! And, thanks for all the other answers, too. My son is in Junior High this year. Do you think the book you recommended is too deep for him at this age? You mentioned you wished you had read it in Junior high.
Leiah G. says
What a great post! I will say, after hearing Andrew say 'if you don't have the money to buy the book – email Shay and she'll find a copy to send you' that brought tears to my eyes. What great love to spread 🙂 I am convinced I should read this book and will make it a point to pick one up!
Thanks, Shay & Andrew
Linznoel says
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED Not A Fan! Such an amazing read 🙂
Little Pink Rose says
So fun! Thanks for sharing!
Nicole Lee says
I hope I find an Andrew one day!
dol says
Andrew accepted Christ on my wedding day! I loved reading his answers about everything and will check out the books and Bible study online he talked about. It's wonderful to read about Christ-centered marriages. God bless y'all.
Jumi says
I love your blog, I am a relatively new follower but I loved reading this AND my husband is not a banana person at all, he doesn't even like to see them
Amy Lynn says
You are such a loving, godly, inspirational couple. I'm a little sad for Sean, because I just don't see their relationship headed in the direction yours is, although I only know what they put outin social media. Hollywood just doesn't seem like the best place to start a strong, godly marriage. Thank you so much for being such an inspiration to me as a Christian and as a wife.
Ashley says
Love the book Not a Fan. I think I've read it four times and everytime learn something new about how to really live my life for Christ. The author Kyle Idleman is one of the pastors of my church. He's a great speaker too if you get the chance to listen to his sermons online.
Jenna {Real Simple Girl} says
I loved learning more about Andrew! It makes me so happy to know that there are young guys out there who are grounded and living for God. Now I just gotta find one of my own! 😉 He is definitely wise beyond his years! I'm off to order Not a Fan!
Anonymous says
Absolutely adore your family Shay! Such a great man of God he truly deserves a surprise gift of any sort..not just the #1 thing but just a gift to say thank you so much for not only posting these past two weeks but being such an inspiration to not give up on finding my godly man. Knowing that there is still some out there who are not willing to compromise the Lord is just purely amazing and definitely something to be praise and rewarded in a way that Andrew could see our appreciation for what he's spoke these last two weeks. He'll never know the impact his words have made! Truly a blessing! I hope to see more random posts from Andrew one day from your children too! Love you much Shay even when I don't know you love you very much!
Andrea says
Sorry to be nosey here. But do you go into the office to get a chemical peel, or do u do it yourself? And what kind/brand do you use? I want to look into doing this myself. Thank you – Andrea.
Mix and Match Mama says
We go to our dermatologist's office for our chemical peels.
Andrea says
One more question. Cause the last one I had at the derm made my face peel for a few days. Do you know what percentage or what type. Thank you. By the way, my husband made ur waffle sandwichs/ cristo last night. They were a big hit. Thanks.
Mix and Match Mama says
I should know what kind (because she's told me a million times) but I don't remember right now (it is 5:25 am…by brain is kind of foggy). Email me and I'll remember to ask her next week!
Paula says
Awww-thanks for the sweet sneak peaks! I like your little family a bit more. Andrew is very grounded. I like his personality, or what I have read.
I need to work on my face! 37 is creeping…quickly!
Candi says
Just found your blog. Loving it!! Thanks for sharing your heart for The Lord, it's inspiring.
Liah says
I remember watching the MTP dates with Sean and Catherine and thinking, "Andrew has an amazingly clear complexion!" Maybe I need to invest in a Clarisonic…