Backstory: Tatum wanted a VR. Yep…. a $400 device that is a virtual reality machine.
Well, that required some work because she had to sell her Nintendo, raise some funds, save some money from reading…etc. It was a big purchase for her!
This excitement lasted a week or so, and then she changed her mind. The glasses gave her a headache, and she wanted a tumble track for gymnastics (instead) ( a better choice I believe!). DONE..she decided to return it and buy the tumble track.
We packaged it up neatly, and printed out the UPS label. Next, we dropped it off at the UPS store. Now, I go to a certain store all the time, but for some reason, we went to a different store this time. AND I did not get a receipt! (MY BAD) This was a Friday.
By Monday, I did not see that it had even been scanned by UPS. Tuesday..nothing. That is when I went into the store to see what could have happened. The woman at the counter scolded me for not getting a receipt, and told me it should be fine. She was not the nicest person…honestly she was a bit rude, and I just let it go.
Then, Wednesday, I went in again and I said to her,
Ma’am, it is just so weird! I know I should have gotten a receipt, but would anyone at your store be aware of this or could something of happened?
She then said, You are accusing us of stealing!! I take offense to that.
Oh…boy, I didn’t mean that at all!
NO, I just am not sure what to do! I hope you can understand.
She did not…not at all. She gave me the number of the manager and I went on my way…I was shaking with frustration, hurt and anger. I called the manager and told the story. NO RESPONSE.
Well, when I got home, I told Tatum the story. Tatum was FURIOUS and said,
Mommy, I want to go in and talk to her! This is not OK!!
I hemmed and hawed as I felt this was really not for her to deal with. BUT SHE INSISTED>
OK. Here we go. We headed to the store and walked in.
Tatum went right up to the counter and told the woman the story of how she saved for this machine and where could it be? She also told the woman that “my mom would never be rude or accuse anyone of stealing.”
The woman was VERY rude back to Tatum, and I finally just said, Here is my number if you find it. And Thank you. WE LEFT>
Ok…HERE IS WHERE IT GETS GOOD.
I walk out to the parking lot with Tatum and this woman comes right up to me. (She was in the store and witnessed our interaction).
As she approached me, I felt like I was going to get a lecture about Tatum. I’m used to people telling me how to parent.
She says: May I say something!? I have never ever ever seen anything like this!!
(I tightened up and waited for the other shoe to drop…How could I let me daughter do this..yada yada.) BUT NO!!!
She continued: “This was the most AMAZING thing I have ever seen for your daughter. Mom, you should be proud. I’m a therapist and I couldn’t believe how brave your daughter is!!”
I started to tear up.
She spoke directly to Tatum:
Sweetie, you did such a brave thing standing up to that woman with such poise and kindness but with strength.
We chatted for a few minutes about ALL DAY EVERY DAY she works with kids who cannot even order a meal for themselves. SHE WAS SHOCKED and amazed. She even gave me her number. She said, “I’m going to call my mom right now and tell her this story. “
THIS IS WHAT SHE TEXTED ME: Hi Stephanie!
I am sorry for the delay… we are having all of my family in (staying with me from the Midwest) for my brother’s wedding Friday … (so yesterday I was so frantic preparing)…
I just wanted to say that your example in the store was so incredible, and I could tell Tatum is such a grounded, well spoken young lady… it was really a blessing to witness her confidence and sweetness.
THIS IS WHEN I GOT IT. Even if the package was stolen, lost or gone, (And I lose $400), it was a HUGE lesson for Tatum. She learned to be strong in the midst of challenge and ANOTHER noticed. (I believe that this woman was a messenger from God) Tatum told me she isn’t scared of what people think because she is used to rejection and disappointment. This woman AFFIRMED Tatum and also made me see that I’m a good mom. (Tatum even said to the woman, “MY MOM IS THE BEST.”
Sometimes we need these reminders. He uses situations like this to teach us. I wouldn’t have prayed that I lose money to learn these things and to be reminded about how strong my kid is (and is becoming), but that is how God works…mysteriously.
Now, if it gets rectified, then great. If not, well, this was a day to be remembered.
Health is not just about fixing problems—it’s about preventing them. Whether you’re currently facing health challenges or simply want to thrive long-term, having a clear approach can make all the difference. Think of it as a flowchart for healing and optimization:
1. Get a Baseline with Functional Testing
Start with comprehensive lab work. Unfortunately, our medical doctors don’t think to provide the option to get a FULL panel and insurance companies don’t cover something so comprehensive. I like the platforms like Function Health which offers testing for over 100 biomarkers—insulin, CBC, metabolic markers, vitamins, minerals, antibodies, and organ health (heart, liver, kidney, etc.). It includes twice a year testing to see if you have improved your markers
Know where you stand.
“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” — Proverbs 27:23 ➡️ Be diligent in knowing the state of your body—your health is your stewardship.
2. Consider Genetic Testing
Understand how your body:
Detoxifies
Methylates
Handles oxidative stress
Manages circadian rhythm
This insight personalizes your path and helps you work with your body, not against it.
For example, your body may not be able to handle a heavy toxic load. OR your body may require certain type of methylated vitamins.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” — Psalm 139:13 ➡️ God designed you uniquely—understanding your blueprint honors His craftsmanship.
3. Support Where You’re Deficient (Not Where the Hype Is)
Target real needs instead of trends.
Example: A cold plunge might be trendy, but if your cortisol is already high, it could make things worse.
You may need to address basic deficiencies in vitamins or minerals before diving into “quick fixes.”
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.” — 1 Corinthians 6:12 ➡️ Be wise and discerning; just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
4. Dig Deeper if Needed
If antibody markers are elevated or your symptoms persist, more advanced testing may be necessary. This could include:
Gut health assessments
Mycotoxin and environmental toxin testing
Hormonal panels
— James 1:5 ➡️ When things are unclear, ask God for clarity as you dig deeper into your health.
5. Clean Up the Diet
Eliminate processed foods
Eat at least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight
Figure out if you do better on a higher carb or a higher fat diet
Eliminate added sugar to your diet
Focus on whole (one-ingredient), anti-inflammatory foods (if it has a bar code, it’s probably not good for you)
]“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 ➡️ Nourish your body with foods that bring life, not harm—this honors God.
6. Optimize Sleep
This is foundational. Deep, restorative sleep is non-negotiable for healing, brain function, and longevity.
You get the deepest sleep earlier in the evening, so go to bed earlier than later.
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8 ➡️ Good sleep is part of trusting and resting in God’s care.
7. Replenish Electrolytes
Hydration isn’t just about water—sodium, potassium, and magnesium are vital for cellular health and energy.
“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.’” — John 4:13–14 ➡️ True hydration—physically and spiritually—matters.
8. Limit Alcohol or have NONE!
It disrupts sleep, taxes the liver, and spikes inflammation. Moderation (or elimination) matters.
“Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” — Ephesians 5:18 ➡️ Clear your mind and body to make room for clarity and communion with God.
9. Lift Heavy Things
Strength training protects against aging, supports metabolic health, and builds resilience—especially important for women.
“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” — Proverbs 31:17 ➡️ Physical strength is part of godly stewardship of the body.
10. Walk Daily—and A Lot
Walking supports lymphatic drainage, fat metabolism, mental clarity, and recovery. It’s underrated and essential.
“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day…” — Genesis 3:8a ➡️ Walking clears the mind, heals the body, and can bring you closer to God
Evening: dim lighting, wind-down routine, gratitude
How you start and end your day matters for your nervous system and hormone balance.
“But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.” — Psalm 59:16 “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.” — Psalm 63:6 ➡️ Anchor your mornings and nights in His presence for balance and peace.
Yes, that is all they are. Plus coconut oil and salt. She loves to make her own treats…here is another. Sugar free coconut ice cream with a few sugar free chocolate, gluten free pretzels, blueberries. Here’s lookin at ya!
The day gets only brighter with this precious sweet Rio. He talks and talk and talks allllll day.
All day he says:
HIIIIIIIII! Pretty bird! You’re so CUUUUTE! You’re so PRETTY! Kiss..smooch smooch smooch
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!)
