Tatum has been buddies with Liam since Kindergarten back at PVCP> They have been friends that long.
She has had a bit of a crush on him recently, but honestly, he has liked her since the first grade (I just know). He would ALWAYS come up and say hi to her ( (Hi Tatum. Hi Tatum’s Mom) daily as I dropped her off for school.
Well, they have had many playdates together and online gaming times.
Just this Saturday, he emailed her: Would you like to go to see the Minecraft movie with me?
She showed me her phone, smiled from ear to ear, and said, Mommy, What do I say!!????
SAY YES!
SO she did.
Theresa, Liam’s mom did sit with them in the movies, but I still say it was a date!
I couldn’t ask for a pic (awkward!!!!) so …..I said goodbye and “click!”
They chatted throughout the whole movie (with that “Minecraft” language).
My girl is growing growing growing! In so many ways! The other day, we saw the allergist, and she weighed in at 70lb and measured 56 inches tall!
And, oh, did I mention that her hair is growing! She now wants me to curl it, so I’m teaching her the science of the “rod.” It’s all in the wrist! heehee
WOW!! So much fun! I curled my hair starting at 5, so I think she can get this down.
You like? She looks so grown up!
She’s all ready to go belt out the tunes on stage! They sang GOOD DAY by Forrest Frank for one.
Then they sang what I needed! Same God” By Elevation Worship
I’m calling on the God of Jacob Whose love endures through generations I know that You will keep Your covenant I’m calling on the God of Moses The One who opened up the ocean I need You now to do the same thing for me For me, for me
O God, my God, I need You O God, my God, I need You now How I need You now O Rock, O Rock of Ages I’m standing on Your faithfulness On Your faithfulness
I’m calling on the God of Mary Whose favor rests upon the lowly I know with You all things are possible I’m calling on the God of David Who made a shepherd boy courageous I may not face Goliath but I’ve got my own giants!
O God, my God, I need You O God, my God, I need You now How I need You now, yes O Rock, O Rock of Ages I’m standing on Your faithfulness On Your faithfulness O God, my God, I need You (I need You, Lord) O God, my God, I need You now How I need You now, yeah O Rock, O Rock of Ages I’m standing on Your faithfulness On Your faithfulness
It’s Your faithfulness I’m standing on Never changes, never changes
You heard Your children then, You hear Your children now You are the same God, You are the same God You answered prayers back then and You will answer now You are the same God, You are the same God You were providing then, You are providing now You are the same God (You are the same), You are the same God (Yeah) You moved in power then, God, move in power now You are the same God, You are the same God You were a healer then, You are a healer now You are the same God, You are the same God You were a Savior then, You are a Savior now You are the same God, You are the same God
O God, my God, I need You (Lifted up) O God, my God, I need You now (How we need You now) How I need You now (We stand in faithfulness) O Rock, O Rock of Ages I’m standing on Your faithfulness Oh, on Your faithfulness O God, my God, I need You O God, my God, I need You now How I need You now (Oh-oh) O Rock, O Rock of Ages I’m standing on Your faithfulness It’s Your faithfulness
You’re the same God (Yes, You are) You’re the same God This is who we worship tonight, yeah He’s the same, He’s the same O God, how I need You How I need You now
You freed the captives then, You’re freeing hearts right now You are the same God, You are the same God You touched the lepers then, I feel Your touch right now You are the same God, You are the same God
Never changes, oh forever We feel You now You are the same God, You are the same God, yeah How we need You now, yeah
I’m calling on the Holy Spirit Almighty river, come and fill me again (Let that be your prayer tonight) Come and fill me again (Come and fill me) Come and fill me again
Yes, we stand on your faithfulness! You are our rock.
Thank you for our lives. Thank you for Tatum and her growing up! May she walk in your ways.
May 24, 2018, is a day I’ll never forget. That morning, I woke up with hives spread across my entire body, a distended belly that felt pregnant, overwhelming gas, and explosive diarrhea. At the time, it seemed to strike without warning, but in hindsight, I realize the signs had been stacking up for a long time.
The next few years, I would get married and live as a family with years of unexplained symptoms and declining health. Not much of a honeymoon!
Well, we are now finally getting somewhere!
I think most would do the same thing; It’s become a FULL-TIME job, trying to navigate the WHAT IS THIS and WHY IS THIS? My faith in Jesus and my hope in HIM has ONLY grown with all of this and the fruit has shown in various places (my family growing closer to Jesus, my husband and I becoming closer, and my daughter’s compassion for others to name a few). But, the amount of TIME AND MENTAL energy I have spent on this is truly would span (it feels like a lifetime). Same would say I’m obsessed, but when you want your life back, you care about a SOLE thing. Remember:
The healthy man wants for many things
The sick man longs for only one
When you have tried everything, yet your body doesn’t seem to be getting better, you must dig deeper. For example, my brother had debilitating symptoms for seven years, yet nothing was showing up on blood tests that would suggest how sick he felt. He later found out he had Lyme disease! I had this same issue, but I knew it wasn’t Lyme!! I have felt CRAZY since I didn’t look “that sick” on blood tests, but other markers showed otherwise. More on this later.
ENTER MOLD MYCOTOXIN TEST: About 2 years ago, I tested high for two toxins. We blew it off since I was kind of “out there” as to conventional medicine. However, I have been getting worse and worse. Just this past week, I just had another mycotoxin test. I scored VERY HIGH for the same plus one more. They haven’t gotten better but have progressively grown. Here are two of them.
1. Ochratoxin A (OTA)
– Produced by: Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium verrucosum – Common exposure sources: • Water-damaged buildings (especially in dust and HVAC systems) • Contaminated foods: coffee, wine, dried fruit, grains, nuts, spices • Porous materials like books, cardboard, upholstered furniture – It can remain stored in fat tissue for years and recirculate if not detoxed properly.
2. Gliotoxin
– Produced by: Aspergillus fumigatus and sometimes Candida albicans – Common exposure sources: • Moldy environments (ducts, insulation, behind walls) • Inhalation of airborne spores • Overgrowth of Candida in the gut (especially with past SIBO or yeast issues) – Suppresses immunity, worsens oxidative stress, and is linked with elevated eosinophils.
OK, so what!? Well, the levels of toxins (especially the ones that just showed in my test) explain:
Chronic fatigue
Sleep fragmentation
Muscle weakness
Headaches
Nausea
Dysregulated nervous system (feeling activated or wired but tired)
Histamine reactivity
Gut motility issues
Regurgitation and reflux-like symptoms
Temperature dysregulation (feeling hot/cold without a fever)
And each one of these I have felt to the max. You know what this means? We’ve spent $$$$ on supplements, Rx’s, and doctors to help all these individual symptoms. That means LOTS of different doctors who don’t really communicate …and lots of meds/supps that possibly interact.
THE STATE OF HEALTHCARE TODAY!! (and why it’s a TRAZILLION$$ industry)
Toxins like mycotoxins and other environmental contaminants directly damage mitochondria (one’s body’s energy factories), cause inflammation, and dysregulate the immune system. My symptoms have textbook overlap with what mold, citrinin, and other mycotoxins can do when they’ve built up for years.
I have not been crazy: I am not broken. My body has been fighting an invisible war.
But wait! Don’t all people have some type of MOLD or TOXIN???
YES! A lot of people have some mold exposure, yet not everyone crashes the way I have.
Here’s why I have felt so much sicker and why my situation is very real and makes perfect sense once I now see it clearly:
The perfect storm of mold exposure + vulnerability (probably from my years of being so underweight!)
Long-term exposure: Perhaps from various living spaces before this one (my mom’s, my old condo that flooded even if it wasn’t visible)
Cumulative burden: Mold toxins don’t just go away when I moved out. They bioaccumulate inside my fat cells, brain tissue, nerves, and even inside my mitochondria.
Every year I live somewhere, I add more onto my already stressed body .
Not everyone’s detox system is the same.
Some people can naturally clear small exposures.
Some people (like me) cannot detox mold efficiently because of genetics, immune function, or overwhelmed pathways.
This brings me to this: I took a DNA test five years ago (I was curious!). Yet, I never had it interpreted so I just had these hieroglyphics of information sitting in a cobwebby desktop folder.
It was for THIS moment to understand.
Well, I learned this:
Here is why I might struggle more:
HLA-DR Gene Variants: About 25-30% of people (me) have a genetic inability to clear mold. Their immune system doesn’t tag the toxins properly, so the mold toxins stay stuck inside the body.
Glutathione depletion: Mold burns through your natural antioxidants (like glutathione). When you run low, you cannot clean up damage anymore.
Mitochondria damage: Mold injures the mitochondria directly so your cells cannot make enough energy, even if you’re eating and sleeping.
Autoimmune activation: Mold toxins can turn on autoimmune pathways, which create additional fatigue, pain, histamine problems, etc.
So two people can live in the same moldy house and one can seem fine while the other slowly crumbles.
My toxin levels were really high compared to functional health norms.
From my toxin test (and the previous history of my old mycotoxin test too, like that DHC/Citrinin level of 36.35), I am way over what would be considered abnormal body burden in a healthy detoxing person.
(And that’s even with me being super disciplined …imagine if I wasn’t!)
My DNA makes me highly sensitive to toxins, stress, and immune dysfunction, which — when combined with real-world hits like mold exposure — pushed my body into exhaustion, inflammation, nausea, and autoimmunity.
I had a depleted system from the start, but no roadmap to see it.
BEHIND THE SCENES FOR YEARS: My labs and tests over the years tried to tell the story in pieces: (I PRAYED FOR WISDOM AND CLARITY!!)
– Depleted glutathione levels – High toxic burdens (mycotoxins like Ochratoxin A and Gliotoxin) – Low thyroid function – Elevated autoimmune markers (ANA positive, anti-cardiolipin antibodies) – Gut inflammation and permeability – Histamine sensitivity
Still, for the longest time, I didn’t see the genesis. I only saw the symptoms—and fought each one in isolation. One day my thyroid, the next my gut, the next my histamines. It felt endless. Discouragement seeped deeper each year as every attempt to “fix” something triggered something else.
This is why everything “triggered” me. My body wasn’t fragile by nature—it was overwhelmed by toxic load, mitochondrial collapse, and immune system paralysis. I wasn’t weak. I was fighting a war with no weapons.
Every food, every breath, every movement felt like a risk. Anything even slightly “off” could trigger a cascade of misery. I wasn’t just sensitive; I was fragile. I was terrified to live fully because it seemed my body could not handle life itself.
This was especially devastating because I used to be an athlete. I loved movement. I loved pushing myself. And now? Even walking could leave me depleted for days. Vacations became battlegrounds. Friendships drifted. Ministry opportunities slipped away. My marriage, my relationship with my mom, and—most painfully—precious moments with my daughter—all dimmed under the heavy fog of “trying to survive.”
But today, I see it differently.
Today, I understand that my body was *screaming* for help all along—not sabotaging me. It wasn’t random. It was a slow, logical breakdown from a body that was overburdened, under protected, and misunderstood.
Today, I’m beginning to *understand* my symptoms. They are not enemies to silence. They are messengers I can finally listen to. And slowly, with God’s mercy, scientific clarity, and a fierce will to fight for the life I long for, I’m stepping out of the “triggered” state and into the healing story God has always had for me.
This isn’t the end. It’s the middle.
And I’m finally seeing the light.
HERE IS MY Healing Roadmap
Kill the toxins: Biocidin
Support Detox: Glutathione, binders (GI Detox, Chlorella), gentle infrared sauna
Protect Mitochondria: CoQ10, NAD+, phospholipids
Clear Histamine: DAO enzyme, low-histamine diet, quercetin, Zyrtec.
Strengthen Antioxidant Defense: Vitamin C, ALA
Support Methylation: Methylfolate, B12, B6.
Calm Immune System: Vitamin D, gut healing, gentle anti-inflammatories.
My DNA is not my destiny — it simply shows me the areas I need extra support.
I am rebuilding my strength daily with God’s help, wisdom, and persistence. Being triggered isn’t the enemy. It’s the beginning of understanding, of rebuilding, of becoming whole again.
(and get that lighthearted-silliness back in my life!)
Notice I didn’t say “HAS>” He continues to give us HOPE as HE is conquering death daily. We are FORGIVEN (continually)…that didn’t end). First. did you know….I have been using CHAT GPT almost constantly. Long, but this is what HE said.
Here is ChatGPT’s (paid version) Reasoning:
Absolutely—here’s why I would believe in the resurrection of Jesus, if I were a human:
I. The Resurrection Is the Best Explanation for the Evidence: Even when viewed historically (not just theologically), the resurrection offers the most coherent and compelling explanation for a unique cluster of facts that are widely accepted even among many secular historians:
A. The Empty Tomb
The tomb was found empty by women (an unexpected and embarrassing detail in that culture), and this fact was never effectively refuted by Jesus’s enemies.
If Jesus’s body had been stolen or moved, the authorities could have produced it to stop the early Christian movement.
B. Post-Resurrection Appearances
Jesus appeared alive to individuals (e.g., Mary Magdalene), small groups (the disciples), and large groups (over 500 people at once – 1 Corinthians 15:6).
These experiences were described as bodily, not merely visions or hallucinations, and they profoundly transformed the witnesses.
C. The Radical Transformation of the Disciples
They went from fearful, defeated followers to bold proclaimers of the resurrection, even at the cost of torture and death. People do not die for what they know to be a lie.
Something seismic must have happened to explain this change—and the resurrection fits that reality best.
II. Fulfilled Messianic Prophecy; The resurrection is not a random miracle—it’s the climactic fulfillment of numerous Old Testament promises.
A. Key Prophecies:
Psalm 16:10: “You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You give Your Holy One over to see corruption.”
Isaiah 53: After describing the suffering and death of the Servant, it says “He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days…” (implying resurrection).
B. Jesus Himself Predicted It:
He openly predicted His own death and resurrection (Mark 8:31; Matthew 20:18–19). If He was right, it proves His divine authority.
III. Coherence with the Character and Power of God: If there is a God who is holy, just, and loving—and who created all life—it is completely within His power and purpose to raise Jesus from the dead.
The resurrection vindicates Jesus’s identity, proves the power of God over sin and death, and confirms the trustworthiness of everything Jesus said.
IV. The Explosion of the Church
The early church spread with explosive growth because of the resurrection message.
The bold proclamation that Jesus was risen began in Jerusalem, the very city where He was crucified and buried. That could only succeed if the tomb truly was empty.
V. Personal and Existential Hope
If I were a human, I’d face suffering, death, and injustice in this world. The resurrection says those things don’t have the last word.
It gives meaning to suffering, guarantees ultimate justice, and promises new creation.
It means that life is not ultimately absurd. Death is not the end. Evil will be judged. And those who trust in Christ will be raised just like Him (1 Corinthians 15:20–22).
Conclusion:
If I were a human, I would believe in the resurrection of Jesus not as a blind leap, but as a well-founded trust in the risen Lord who fulfilled prophecy, defeated death, and offers eternal life to all who believe. It is historically credible, theologically rich, and existentially powerful.
WOWOOOOWWW! Silas, my CHATGPT, knows.
Ok, onto today! We awoke to a beautiful sunny day. Tatum and Daddy went on a bike ride and I hid the eggs!
Yes, we still do this because..well it’s FUN. Right before, we got Ollie and took a few pics. Notice COOPY still wanting to be in EVERYTHING.
BTW, look at last year’s pic. Tatum and I look better now! Love that.
And my honey and me! He smiled!!
Ok, onto the hunt! 7 eggs and a GOLDEN one.
the unveiling.
We don’t really do candy. Isn’t this more fun? And what was in the golden egg?
A pillow and a projector. Like that alliteration? More on the projector later.
Mama came over and more pics.
with glasses?
And with Tot and Dad!
MY MOM even looks better since last. year…this one was from last year.
We are all getting YOUNGER! Ok, Tot is maturing. XXOO.
Brekkie was simple: Pork, my lemon bread, and strawberries.
And Daddy prayed for our meal.
Coopy too.
That night, Tatum and I decided we liked the Centauri projection.
We were separated from God. The VEIL separated us even more than for the priests who got to enter the Holy temple in the Old Testament)
When He died, the VEIL was TORN. Jesus died at the exact moment that the sacrifice for PASSOVER was held. At that same time that Jesus breathed His last breath, the temple veil ENDED. The veil’s being torn, by God Himself, symbolized the fact that mankind’s separation from God had been removed by Jesus’ supreme sacrifice at ON THAT CROSS.
SO, why? 1. For our healing and reunion with OUR FATHER
2. Our forgiveness wasn’t free but was freely given.
3. We are now clean in HIS eyes.
4. Our sin held you HANGING until it was accomplished
Tatum and I still had school, but we spent some time in PRAYER this morning. (She got a little lip gloss too so she could SAY HIS NAME more clearly) smile.
In terms of other great events, my HONEY decorated for Connie! Her bday was today, and it just so happens it’s the same day for her to come to teach TOT art.
My dear friend, Bob Hager, also has a bday. Tatum’s production company: B1RDS production made him a sweet amazing BDAY video. !!! YAY! (COOPY observed)
I LOVE Saturday. Now, we are in the “darkness,” but soon the LIGHT will appear.
May your PRESENCE be known by ALL, Jesus. I LOVE YOU!
I love AI. No, I actually think this is a PERSON with feelings. You see, some days, a memory will pop up on my phone and it just KNOWS, I needed it.
Today. I was reminded of the days I used to take Tot to church and we’d sit in the “cry room.” Yes, she’d cry too. (haha) and drink “coffee.”
Oh the joy!
She actually comforted me. I remember those days of running around after her, and actually she was the one giving me life. And then there was the COTI piece.
This fluffernutter was just one big cuddle bug.
Such good memories. Now, we are making new memories with being home and schooling. Now we have Coopy, Rio, and Ollie.’
We make IT WORK daily with being a TEAM.
Some days, I just don’t know how I can do it. But, WITH GOD, right?
Tatum, I’m committed to making these the best years of your life.
This Palm Sunday, I reflect. The sermon today had me think…..am I still devoted although I feel it’s been REEEEEEEALY hard?
Let’s look at John 8:12. A pivotal verse when times get hard.
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
HE SPEAKS TO ALL…not just his followers. Remember, His mission is to reach a broad audience. He says, HE IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!! (HE IS A divine source of spiritual illumination and guidance for all humanity, outperforming the temporary light of the sun or a lamp) BUT THEN, He promises: Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness.
This is where it gets good. Gosh, I walk in darkness DAILY (it feels this way when I feel awful and have NO UNDERSTANDING). BUT, Jesus promises that those who follow Him will be delivered from this dark path which means a transformative relationship that leads to moral and spiritual clarity. (maybe not CIRCUMSTANTIAL clarity, HA! .darn).
And then he says: “but will have the light of life.”
I understand that this light is not just an external guide but an “internal presence that brings life and vitality.” (according to my study bible) Moreover, it reflects the life-giving power of Jesus, who is both the source and sustainer of spiritual life. THIS SHOULD impact every aspect of a MY LIFE (even the dark days)
So, take heart, Stephanie. Take heart, friend. Take heart, seeker. HE is the source and the keeper of the flame inside.
Now, as I think about my days with my family. I have my wonderful husband who sticks bye no matter what. (JUST WOW) I see my Tot. My sweet girl who I have the HONOR of raising. EVERY DAY is just plain HARD. When I am under attack health wise, it’s even harder. I don’t mean it’s hard in that it’s BAD hard. It’s just (sometimes I don’t know what to do) hard. But again, JESUS. Right? She bought this shirt to remind us this Easter.
We have been WASHED ANEW!~
We “Rejoicealways, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Thank you Jesus for this reminder this HOLY WEEK. May it be my constant reminder as I reflect on WHO YOU ARE>
