Blog
My blog is broken into three main categories but I touch on endless topics. To read my posts about these categories just click the buttons below.
The Fishbowl Podcast
The podcast for leaders in ministry and the world
Oozing Everyday
Thoughts on life and faith while “oozing”‘ with the light of Christ
2 Brothers with Hemophilia
The journey of two brothers with Severe hemophilia A
One Word 2022
I love the beginning of a new year, but for some reason, my One Word has taken some time for me to consider. But now I know. The Spirit is leading me to a simple word and a very familiar scripture, but the truth is, being still and listening are difficult. This is the...
Twenty-Nine Years
I just don't have the words to describe how I feel today. I am giving thanks to God for putting Joe MacDonald in my life. Twenty-nine years ago, we started a journey with a certain life in mind. Here we are, all these years later, living the life I never dreamed I...
Pain, the Pandemic, and Eyes Wide Open: Chronic Pain and Burnout
Originally published by Bloodstream Media, November 24, 2021 When the pandemic began, I lived in a small Texas town three-and-a-half hours from the big city. My doctor, therapist, and support system were now far away. Knowing that my time in small-town Texas would be...
Disclosing Pain Can be Beneficial
Originally published by Bloodstream Media, October 22, 2021 I serve a small congregation as a United Methodist pastor. What most of those attending worship do not know is that I live with chronic pain. Every Sunday I wake up praying that my pain level will be...
A Child in Pain: Sharing the Journey
Originally published by Bloodstream Media, October 8, 2021 My youngest son, Caeleb, is a fifteen-year-old teenager doing his best to figure out life. He is a sophomore in high school, is in the marching band, and is an artist. Caeleb has severe hemophilia A with an...
Love Yourself Enough to Put Yourself First
I have learned a great lesson from Simone Biles. The country was disappointed when she pulled out of the Olympics. I was hoping to see her absolutely kill it and continue to make history bringing home gold medals, but the truth is that she did something even more...
The Body Remembers Loss: Celebrating My Mom
One of the things that makes me happy is to create. My first love is making music. I have a few new oboe reeds that make playing so much fun. I am also a quilter. I learned to sew a few years ago and enjoy cutting fabric and creating beautiful things (despite some...
Contentment and Influence: Giving Thanks This Mother’s Day
As I look outside my window to my newly established garden, on an unusually overcast New Mexico day, I feel a huge amount of contentment and peace. For almost a year the parsonage that my family and I have made our home is inviting and comfortable and the warmth, and...
An Unexpected Blessing in Sharing About Chronic Pain
I believe in the power of sharing stories. From listening to a story on The Moth that makes you laugh out loud while driving down the road to a story shared by a church member that breaks your heart, there are lessons to be learned in everything we hear. As a mother...
Rare Disease Day: The Journey…Was it a Dream?
I scroll through social media and see postings from moms and dads with children who have hemophilia. I flashback to those early years when both Julian (1996) and Caeleb (2006) were diagnosed with severe hemophilia A. It was a lifetime ago. I am grateful that my oldest...