Half Heart Whole Life

11/30/2025

Advent has been on my mind this year. It is a season of waiting, and honestly, with my half heart journey, waiting is something I know pretty well. It has taught me to slow down, pay attention, and look for God in the in between moments.

I am keeping Advent simple. Lighting a candle with my family. Saying a short prayer. Taking a quiet moment to breathe and remember that hope is something we grow into, not something we rush.

If you have never practiced Advent before, or if it has been a while, maybe try one small thing this week, a candle, a verse, a quiet pause, and see what happens. We are all waiting on something, and Advent gives us a way to wait with a little more hope.

I would love to hear how you are practicing it too.

11/06/2025

Born with half a heart. Still trusting God with the other half.

A lot of you have asked why I am praying to delay the transplant as long as it is safe. A transplant is a gift, and I am deeply grateful for the chance when the time comes. But it is not a cure. It marks the beginning of a new chapter, accompanied by long-term challenges. So every stable month matters. Every year buys better medicine, better outcomes, and more time before stepping into that next fight. Until God says it is time, I am staying faithful right here.

If you feel led to pray with us, here is what we are asking God for in this season:

1. Healing always
I never stop believing God can do what doctors cannot.

2. Stability and protection
For my heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs to remain strong so we can delay transplant safely.

3.God’s timing and wisdom
For my doctors and for us as a family, led clearly by Him without fear or rushing.

4. Strength and energy
To stay active, present, and able to love and lead my family well.

5. Peace instead of fear
Courage for difficult days and deep rest in God’s hands.

6. Grace and joy for my family
That our home stays covered in peace, laughter, support, and hope.

7. Purpose in the waiting
That God uses every day, every appointment, and every quiet moment for His glory and my growth.

Thank you for praying with us and standing with our family. I do not take it lightly.

One step, one beat, one day at a time. 💛

Follow along at Half Hearted Whole Life for more of the journey.

11/03/2025

Quick health update. I am still in the waiting season with my heart. My next appointment is in January, and the transplant timeline still looks like three to five years. Some days, that reality sits heavily. Some days it just is what it is.

The gym has been tough lately. I know I need the strength, but fatigue and meds do not always play nice. It is frustrating when your mind is ready to go and your body taps out early. I am learning to give myself grace and take the wins where I can, even when they feel small.

At the same time, there has been so much good. We had an incredible end of summer and fall. Mariners playoff baseball. Time with people I love. My gospel community surprised me with a new espresso machine and honestly, it made me feel really seen and cared for. I did not expect it and it meant a lot.

And we just wrapped a fundraiser for Love INC of Kootenai County. It was powerful to watch our community show up and support neighbors who are struggling. I love the work we get to do and I am grateful I still get to show up and lead, even in a season that feels uncertain.

So yes, there are hard days. There are frustrating moments. But there is also beauty, support, laughter, good coffee, baseball joy, and God’s faithfulness in the middle of the slow road.

Still here. Still trusting. One day at a time.

03/10/2025

Good morning everyone,

We will be posting a new video here soon! Keep your eye out...

02/26/2025

Today, Rebekah and I are meeting with several doctors and a case manager for a consultation. We’d really appreciate your prayers for wisdom, clarity, and peace as we navigate this. We’ll be posting a video update here in the next few days. Thank you all for your support!

02/08/2025

Slowing down! Morning date time Union Coffee Roasters

02/06/2025

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to rush through life, missing the beauty in the here and now. This week, let’s commit to being in the moment and truly experiencing each day, focusing not just on our to-do lists, but on the treasures of our daily lives.

When we pause and take a breath, we can appreciate the love, joy, and beauty all around us. Remember the words from Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Embracing stillness allows us to connect with our Creator and the world, grounding us in what is eternal.

Join us at Half Heart Whole Life as we explore the power of mindfulness and intentionality. Let’s celebrate the moments that make life meaningful, nurturing our spirits and being fully present together.

02/04/2025

We are thrilled to share our first-ever video on YouTube: "Half Heart, Whole Life"! Join us on Stephen's incredible journey as a congenital heart defect patient, navigating the challenges leading up to his heart transplant.

This inspiring story sheds light on resilience, love, and the importance of living life to the fullest, surrounded by his amazing wife and kids. 💖

We invite you to watch, share, and support Stephen's journey. Let's spread awareness together and remind everyone that despite the obstacles, life can be beautiful!

👉 https://youtu.be/eLLIV0mS3IE?si=tzajFrx5wXtpoGrO

Thank you for joining us on this adventure!

02/04/2025

**Video Title: No More Meds - A Journey of Resilience**In this episode of "Half Heart, Whole Life," Stephen and Rebekah share a significant update on Stephen...

02/04/2025

🌟 **Heart Journey Update!** 🌟

We’re excited to share that after Stephen’s recent doctor appointment an update!

Despite the challenges, we’re thriving with the support of our amazing community. 💖

Click the link to watch our latest video and join us on this journey! https://youtu.be/eLLIV0mS3IE

**Video Title: No More Meds - A Journey of Resilience**In this episode of "Half Heart, Whole Life," Stephen and Rebekah share a significant update on Stephen...

02/04/2025