Reframing Ministries

Colleen Swindoll Thompson

An Anchor of Hope in the Depths of Grief

February 10, 2022

You probably have seen Priscilla Shirer speaking on a stage or read one of her many books or Bible studies. She is a powerhouse in the kingdom of God, yet behind the scenes she and her family have been dealing with incredible loss and grief over the last couple years. Join Colleen Swindoll Thompson and Priscilla Shirer for a candid conversation about the many facets of grief.

Listen in to learn:

The gifts we can give others on their grieving journey How grief is a process Why we are able to grieve with hope How to navigate work, life, and relationships while grieving The glimpses of God’s grace in the losses

We pray this episode encourages your soul and spirit and helps you grip God’s anchor of hope in your grief.

For more information about Priscilla Shirer and her ministry go to goingbeyond.com

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Featured Offer

When Life Isn't Fair: What They Didn't Tell Us in Sunday School
In When Life Isn't Fair: What They Didn't Tell Us in Sunday School, Colleen Swindoll Thompson weaves together biblical truth, practicality, and her own growth experiences as a mother of a son with special needs. She writes with raw honesty about her personal crisis of faith as well as the hardship and humor that come with learning to trust God through difficult times.

Archives

Join Colleen Swindoll Thompson and Reframing Ministries Coordinator Tiffany Jo Baker on Colleen’s back porch for a real discussion about what to do when life doesn’t look like you expected. In this short but packed episode you will learn: *How to deal with thoughts and feelings*What the difference is between expectations and anticipation*How Jesus shows up in our mess*Why our choices are more powerful than our circumstances This is just day one of a five-day video patio devotional series. New subscribers get instant access with the video devotionals delivered directly to their inbox over five days (plus don’t miss the behind the scenes bloopers on day six). Find out more. We would love for you to join us in our free Community of Family Caregivers Facebook Group that was mentioned in this episode. Check it out.
January 13, 2022
Linda’s life was dramatically changed over a decade ago when a drunk driver struck their family van head-on going 80 mph, nearly killing them all. Among their injuries, Linda’s daughter, Jen, suffered a traumatic brain injury and wasn’t expected to live. Even though Jen still suffers from vision impairment and memory loss, God is using her story to change thousands of lives. Today Colleen, Linda, and Jen share a real and raw conversation about faith, healing, and forgiveness. Linda's and Jen’s faith, despite it all, is contagious. You will leave this episode changed. Listen in to learn: - What to do when you wrestle with bad things happening to good people - The choice we make in hard times - What forgiveness isn’t - How Jen’s spirit was alive, even when her mind and body couldn’t communicate - The three P’s to do during dark times - How the Holy Spirit isn’t disabled - What a “flip-flop” is and how Jen uses it to continue living every day - How trauma squeezes out what’s in you - How to reframe everyday life into divine missions SHOW NOTES You can find out more about Linda and Jen Barrick at Hopeoutloud.com, and you can purchase their latest book, Miracle for Jen. Want more? Subscribe to Reframing Ministries for our latest content and to also receive instant access to our free 5-Day Patio Video Devo Series!
December 9, 2021
Only two years into her marriage, Laura Story’s husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Walking down the aisle she never expected her story to include being a life-long caregiver and primary bread winner. Today Colleen and Laura share a real and raw conversation on how she wrestled with her faith and life and God brought a ministry from her place of weakness.Listen in to learn: - How to handle when you don’t feel God with you - What God says about long-term disability - How to not give power to our feelings - How God’s good looks different than we think - Why sin is the biggest problem in our lives, not the “thing” we are dealing with - The reason for hope - Why you don’t need someone to fix “it,” you just need Someone SHOW NOTES: You can find out more about Laura Story and her latest book So Long, Normal here. LET ME HEAR FROM YOU. What was your biggest “aha” moment or takeaway from our conversation with Laura Story today?WANT MORE?Subscribe to Reframing Ministries for our latest content and to also receive instant access to our free 5-Day Patio Video Devo Series!
November 11, 2021
Do you wonder what the future holds? Are you longing for something but can’t put your finger on it? Do you feel unraveled by life’s unknowns? Today Colleen Swindoll Thompson talks with author and caregiver advocate, Jessica Ronne, as she shares some of her incredible story that includes losing a husband to brain cancer, raising a son with profound special needs, remarrying, and blending a family with seven children. Listen in to learn:• The gifts that come with caregiving• What to do with the unknowns of life• How to grieve and still live• Why you need grit and grace in today’s world Join us as Colleen talks with Jessica about her life story and her new book, Blended with Grit and Grace. SHOW NOTES: Connect with Jessica on her website, on Facebook, and on Instagram. You can purchase her book, Blended with Grit and Grace, on Amazon or an autographed book from her website.
September 9, 2021
Anxiety . . . it’s an invisible plague in the mind, a pervasive problem that permeates thought, an unsettling earthquake that rattles internal peace. Anxiety, as most know, is an obviously large problem in our world. Often we find ourselves entangled in webs of fear-laden thoughts, and instead of bringing our anxieties to the feet of the Lord, we habitually ruminate over what we cannot control—which only makes things worse. Amy Simpson knows this cycle all too well. Amy was raised in an unstable environment, which caused tremendous confusion and anxiety. As an adult, Amy has faced her anxiety head-on and offers us all a freeing hope found in Christ. Do you try to shut out anxiety by staying busy or attempting to fix what is uncomfortable or difficult? Without Christ, we will never find full rest and peace on this side of heaven. John 16:33 says: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (NLT) For those who struggle with anxiety, we must run to the truth which promises rest for the weary and peace for the anxious. If you have not already trusted Christ as your Savior, I ask you to lay down the fight, give your life and all its challenges to Christ, and trust Him as your Lord. Listen to this revisited dialogue between Colleen and Amy in order to learn more about a peace of mind that transcends all understanding. SHOW NOTES: You can find all of Amy’s information, resources, and ways to connect by going to her website.
July 22, 2021
Listen in as we revisit this incredible conversation between Colleen and Jan Silvious! We’re tackling topics today revolving around fear, resiliency, aging, and living biblically in the trials of fear. We hope this podcast provides helpful direction on how to lean on the Lord in your fears, grief, and uncertainty while encouraging you to take on tomorrow renewed and encouraged! SHOW NOTES: Connect with Jan Silvious on her website, request her for speaking or coaching, or purchase her books!
July 8, 2021
The last place we expect or desire our child to live out their days is in prison. Jason Kent, son of Gene and Carol Kent, was a parent’s dream to raise. Everything Jason did, he did with excellence. From graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy at the top of his class to marrying a beautiful woman, life for the Kent family was ideal. Until . . . something snapped and Jason was arrested for a crime Gene and Carol would never have expected. Their lives as they had known them were irreversibly changed. In this revisited interview between Colleen and Carol, Carol openly shares how they have not only rebuilt their lives but have reframed what it means to live fully amid unchanging, hard circumstances. Like Paul did, Jason Kent has a “captive” audience. Jason teaches hundreds of inmates God’s Word and classes on life skills, communication, and personal development. There is no valley too deep for God’s light to shine bright. Are you willing to open your hands, release what you value most, and allow God to replace your wants with His will? The story for Jason is not over; neither is yours. I hope to hear from you today. Finally, I pray you will take a moment to send Jason a note for all he is doing in spite of the darkness surrounding his life. SHOW NOTES: To connect with Carol or request her for speaking, visit her website. You can also see upcoming conferences where she will be speaking. Ministry to inmates through churches and organizations: Speak Up for Hope PO Box 6262 Lakeland, FL 33807www.SpeakUpforHope.org Greeting cards your church or community can send: American Rehabilitative Ministries has developed a line of name-brand greeting cards to send to inmates around the world. They offer a variety of categories (anniversary, birthday (adult and child), friendship, get well, sympathy, thank you, wedding, Christmas, Easter, Father’s Day, graduation, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day). There is a $4.00 charge for each 100 cards, covering the cost of packaging and postage. Boxes of Hope: A branch of Carol’s ministry provides Boxes of Hope for Inmates. Find more information on this excellent program you and/or your church can partake in.
June 25, 2021
The last place we expect or desire our child to live out their days is in prison. Jason Kent, son of Gene and Carol Kent, was a parent’s dream to raise. Everything Jason did, he did with excellence. From graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy at the top of his class to marrying a beautiful woman, life for the Kent family was ideal. Until . . . something snapped and Jason was arrested for a crime Gene and Carol would never have expected. Their lives as they had known them were irreversibly changed. In this revisited interview between Colleen and Carol, Carol openly shares how they have not only rebuilt their lives but have reframed what it means to live fully amid unchanging, hard circumstances. Like Paul did, Jason Kent has a “captive” audience. Jason teaches hundreds of inmates God’s Word and classes on life skills, communication, and personal development. There is no valley too deep for God’s light to shine bright. Are you willing to open your hands, release what you value most, and allow God to replace your wants with His will? The story for Jason is not over; neither is yours. I hope to hear from you today. Finally, I pray you will take a moment to send Jason a note for all he is doing in spite of the darkness surrounding his life. SHOW NOTES: To connect with Carol or request her for speaking, visit her website. You can also see upcoming conferences where she will be speaking. Ministry to inmates through churches and organizations: Speak Up for Hope PO Box 6262 Lakeland, FL 33807www.SpeakUpforHope.org Greeting cards your church or community can send: American Rehabilitative Ministries has developed a line of name-brand greeting cards to send to inmates around the world. They offer a variety of categories (anniversary, birthday (adult and child), friendship, get well, sympathy, thank you, wedding, Christmas, Easter, Father’s Day, graduation, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day). There is a $4.00 charge for each 100 cards, covering the cost of packaging and postage. Boxes of Hope: A branch of Carol’s ministry provides Boxes of Hope for Inmates. Find more information on this excellent program you and/or your church can partake in.
June 24, 2021
Welcome to a unique addition of the Reframing Ministries podcast! For this discussion, Colleen is the interviewee, discussing mental health topics with Pastor Brad Hoefs, founder of Fresh Hope for Mental Health. Listen in to this revisited interview between Brad and Colleen as they dissect and discuss mental health issues, the church, and family mental health details. In our world, we need hope . . . FRESH HOPE . . . not hope for a moment but for a lifetime. Regardless your struggles, please connect with Brad Hoefs and Reframing Ministries. We long for all who hurt to find hope and encouragement in this interview. SHOW NOTES: Check out the Fresh Hope website for information about the ministry and visit Brad’s blog. We also invite you to subscribe to Fresh Hope’s podcast.
June 10, 2021
We’ve all been there a time or two . . . or THREE . . . when life doesn’t let up. More specifically, trials are agonizing and exhausting, where we long for a flicker of light or a ray of hope. After surviving oral cancer twice, and in the midst of launching her book Undone: A Story of Making Peace with an Unexpected Life, the cancer came back with an unrelenting vengeance. Astonished and terrified, Michele’s prognosis was extremely bleak. She endured a year of excruciating surgeries and an unbearable recovery. In those dark hours of suffering, questions surfaced about life and faith. Like us all, when God allows severe suffering, life’s hardest questions abound. In this revisited interview with Michele, she shares extraordinary wisdom and significant truths essential to surviving life’s greatest adversities. Without a doubt, Scripture promises suffering. However, when hit with suffering, the struggle to make sense of it all is enormous. If you have ever wrestled with doubt, God’s goodness, God’s sovereignty, God’s presence . . . you are in good company here. I promise, you will never be judged, rejected, or turned away for what you are questioning or enduring today. Reach out to us! We long to connect and provide deep and enduring comfort in your time of need. In what way can we help you today? SHOW NOTES: You can connect with Michele on her website, where you’ll find her latest posts, books, podcasts, and additional resources!
May 20, 2021
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Featured Offer

When Life Isn't Fair: What They Didn't Tell Us in Sunday School
In When Life Isn't Fair: What They Didn't Tell Us in Sunday School, Colleen Swindoll Thompson weaves together biblical truth, practicality, and her own growth experiences as a mother of a son with special needs. She writes with raw honesty about her personal crisis of faith as well as the hardship and humor that come with learning to trust God through difficult times.

About Reframing Ministries

Reframing Ministries was created and is wholeheartedly committed to caring for caregivers and those living with significant challenges. As a ministry, Reframing embraces those who suffer. We understand that life is messy and painful; we also know without healthy support, surviving well is impossible. At some point in your life, you will need care on some level, and you will be called to provide care for others who are suffering. Because of Colleen’s experience as a caregiver, ongoing physical pain, her education in psychology and certification as a life coach, Reframing Ministries is equipped to come alongside families, communities, and churches with resources purposed to equip you to live well and help others live well. We offer help and hope through books, written articles, inspiring interviews, online support groups, personal emails, podcasts, and a collective network of authentic world influencers.

You are here for a reason! YOU matter! Your story is so important. Reframing Ministries invites you to embrace life’s challenges, learn how to shift your perspective, walk alongside other’s in need, and be an inspiration to others as the light and life of Jesus shines through you.

About Colleen Swindoll Thompson

Subscribers get instant access to our free 5-Day Patio Video Devo Series. In these brief video devotionals, Colleen shares real-life, raw moments and the truth that sustains through trials to help you care for your soul and for others.  Subscribe here.

Contact Reframing Ministries with Colleen Swindoll Thompson

Mailing Address
Insight for Living
Post Office Box 5000
Frisco, Texas 75034
USA
Phone Number
(800)772 - 8888