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Raising two sons with a bleeding disorder has given me hundreds of stories. Many of them lead to happiness and gratitude. Others are filled with pain and suffering. They are all a part of me in a way I never imagined they would be. The nice thing about having so…

One ordinary evening, while a dear cousin and I relaxed in my living room, we delved into a profound conversation about purpose. We pondered why some people who struggle with mental health would cling to altruistic pursuits despite financial challenges they may have, especially since those challenges could create more…

In the realm of hemophilia, I believe the current classification system oversimplifies a far more intricate reality. Severe, moderate, and mild hemophilia are classifications based on the amount of clotting factor present in a person’s blood. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that impairs the blood’s ability…

Some years back, my two sons packed their suitcases and Caeleb, the youngest, said, “All right, it’s time to go on a Daddy-and-son madcap adventure.” My wife had a speaking engagement out of town, which meant the MacDonald boys were going to set out on their own, together on the…

I do love Thanksgiving season. Families gather, food is shared, and quality time is priceless. But not everyone enjoys the holidays. In them, we’re encouraged to live a life filled with thanks, a life of thanksliving. Ugh. Yes, it’s a nice thought, but sometimes it’s enough to distract…

Whenever I scroll through my Instagram feed, I often reflect on the “what ifs” in my life. For example, what if my life had unfolded exactly as I had envisioned it during my youth? As a child, I was a dreamer with countless aspirations. I envisioned living in a different…

Every year, the holiday season appears to arrive earlier, a stark contrast to the days when Christmas wasn’t even contemplated until after Thanksgiving. Now, the hustle and bustle of preparations begin as early as Halloween. This year, the approaching holiday season carries a bittersweet weight for me as it’ll be…

The past three weeks have been busy ones in the life of my church family. Since the middle of last month, I’ve performed four funerals and a wedding and led a critical church conference. These events have had emotional consequences. My anxiety level continues to be high as I navigate…

As a former band director, I understand the importance of each musical instrument in an ensemble. The percussion keeps the rhythm steady. The low brass offers the foundation of the music, and the trumpets, flutes, and clarinets play the melodies. Each section contributes to the overall piece. Music is an…

My husband, Jared, and I have an open-door policy for our friends. We warmly welcome them, whether they need a place to stay for the night, a safe haven after a tough experience, a spot to relax, or a place to celebrate life’s victories. In our home, friends become part…