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Colleen Swindoll Thompson

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Seeing God’s Purpose and Promises through Blind Eyes: An Interview with Gordon Mote

December 11, 2020
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We’ve all said a time or two, “Adulting is hard!” Daily traffic, kids crying, constant negative news, bills to pay, laundry to fold, food to cook . . . we’re all driven to distraction.

Sadly, such distractions also limit our focus on what’s vitally important. In fact, have you stopped recently to ask yourself what IS important?

Where is my focus? Have I become too narrow—so focused on today that my perspective on life has lost its meaning? Where is my vision?

Gordon Mote speaks into these questions because he has chosen to focus on life’s bigger picture. Gordon and his younger brother were both born blind, yet both clung to God’s direction for their lives. Their inspiring and energizing vision is embedded in their hearts. Gordon shares how God has used his blindness to see life through the eyes of his soul—eyes that remain focused on reaching the lost and restoring the discouraged. We hope you enjoy this revisited interview between Colleen and Gordon!

Recorded on Jul. 30, 2014

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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.

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Past Episodes

The Olympic Games are infused with anticipation and excitement. Incredibly conditioned athletes from around the world come together to compete, captivating our attention and appealing to our longings for global friendship. But what makes an Olympic athlete? Is it agility? A developed skill? The competence of a competitive coach? Or is there more behind those monumental moments of success? As the games unfold, so do some of the most incredible stories of determined, tested, and tried individuals who made the choice to stay the course and to discipline their bodies and minds year after year. That is the making of an Olympic athlete. Like an athlete, Joni rises to each challenge, choosing to endure tests, trials, and painful setbacks. She remains focused on the prize, the crown of glory awaiting her in heaven. Joni and her husband Ken are spiritual athletes, determined to stay the course and finish well. Listen in on this conversation between Colleen and Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada.
November 3, 2020
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Life’s challenges can rob us of our joy—especially when circumstances appear hopeless. If words such as fear, pain, illness, sorrow, loss, or doubt describe your life, you need to know you are not alone. Emily Colson, daughter of the late Chuck Colson, speaks with honest compassion about life as a single parent and the surprising gifts from God she has encountered while raising Max. You will laugh with her, and come to love her, as she shares about how to live abundantly—one day at a time. Listen in as we revisit this conversation between Colleen and Emily. You are invited to share your input on how this podcast relates to your story in the comments section below!
October 6, 2020
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David Glover’s life and ministry changed when his grandson, Zachariah, was born with hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, and a myriad of other disorders. David poured his life and love into Zach by caring for his grandson and the needs of their family until Zach passed away unexpectedly at age four. With refreshing honesty and humility, David reveals how God uses suffering and pain in our lives to humble us, change us, and use us in ways we never imagined. The impact of Zach’s life was so profound that David realized there was a sizeable hole in Christian special-needs ministry. Through the suffering and grief, David says: "God is using people with special needs to refine us by making us become genuine, transparent, and authentic . . . they don’t wear masks but live on the truest level of sincerity, honesty, and purity." Though David’s grandson never said a word, never took a step, endured 15 surgeries, was diagnosed with multiple disabilities, and died unexpectedly at age four, his life’s purpose has had a profound impact on numerous lives. Listen in as we revisit this conversation between Colleen and David!
September 9, 2020
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Anyone who has experienced it knows: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) provides huge challenges. Jolene Philo understands. In this interview, Jolene offers a wealth of wisdom as she talks about the many special needs in her family as well as the diagnosis of PTSD. She models an example of a person who has learned to trust Christ as Lord over all things. She encourages us to do the same. Listen in on this revisited dialogue between Colleen and Jolene as they tackle the heavy topic of special needs and PTSD.
August 14, 2020
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It was an enviable life.Jennifer Shaw had strong Christian parents, an excellent education, a loving husband, and two adorable girls.But it changed almost overnight.A miscarriage that almost took her life, her beloved father’s diagnosis of a terminal disease, and the birth of her atypical son turned Jennifer’s life into one of suffering, sorrow, and searching. But her story also includes a surprising turn as she discovered God’s faithfulness and goodness through her suffering.Listen in as we revisit this conversation with Jennifer, who offers a depth of understanding for caregivers and those with disabilities, empathy for those who have lost a loved one, and compassion for all who encounter life-changing circumstances.
July 7, 2020
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Marriages often struggle with the significant challenges that come with raising a special needs child.Joe and Cindi Ferrini have been there—and are making it work.This will encourage you in your marriage as Joe and Cindi balance serious topics with much-needed humor. We discuss commitment, good choices, adaptation and acceptance, divorce, dependence on biblical truth, and the importance of a Spirit-filled life.Your special needs family doesn’t have to erode your marriage. Joe and Cindi are proof that you can make it stronger.Listen in as we revisit this conversation between Colleen and Cindi and Joe Ferrini.
June 2, 2020
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In less than a minute, life can change forever. For Joni, in less than one minute, a dive into shallow water decades ago resulted in quadriplegia for the rest of her life. For Joni and Ken, in less than one minute, the words “stage 3 breast cancer” rang through their ears. What’s more, most minutes of Joni’s life are filled with acute, almost unbearable chronic pain. Marriage vows include the tough words like: “in sickness and in health . . . for better or for worse.” Realities such as these pull and strain at a marriage. Ken and Joni have endured sickness, poor health, despair, emotional weariness, depression, and marital strain. Ken and Joni show us we must choose—in sickness or health, able or disabled—our attitudes and responses to what life tosses our way! Their example of clinging to passages such as 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 and 1 Samuel 16:7, singing hymns of praise, and choosing to trust that God is sovereign in the midst of massive challenges will encourage you, empower you, and equip you with greater hope. Listen in as we revisit this conversation between Colleen and Joni & Ken Tada!
May 6, 2020
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In 2008, Greg Laurie received a phone call that changed his life. His son Christopher had been killed in a car accident. Greg Laurie knows personal grief up close. In this candid interview, he shares what helped him walk through his season of sorrow—as well as the lingering loss he continually endures through faith. Listen in as we revisit this impactful interview between Colleen and Greg Laurie.
April 7, 2020
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Life is full of ups and downs we never expected. For some, the surprising twists and turns change everything about life.Amy Robertson understands challenges, change, and choices in the midst of unbearable pain.When Amy Robertson’s youngest son, Dustin, was diagnosed with severe autism just before he turned 3, life was difficult.When Dustin turned 11, the difficulty turned into utter despair.The good news is that God was faithful to bring Amy and her family through the difficult decision of placing Dustin in a group home. Amy’s authentic message of despair, acceptance, surrender, grief, and choices is saturated with truth, comfort, and the amazing hope provided by our faithful God.We all encounter a crisis or event that appears impossible to endure and demands we choose to walk by faith. If you find yourself in a place of darkness, despair, or doubt, Amy’s story will offer an abundance of encouragement and hope. Listen in as we revisit this conversation between Colleen and Amy!
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We are wrapping our arms around a subject that has no age limit, no time limit, and no generational limit. In this multigenerational dialogue between three Swindolls, we dissect and discuss the idea of transgenerational grace and its observable impact through time. Whether you’re in your 20s, 50s, or 80s, learning and living grace is always appropriate and always needed. Link arms with us as we explore the influence of grace in subjects like grace toward siblings with disabilities, gracious parenting, Paul’s transformation into a gracious change-agent, and grace-oriented vs. legalistically-oriented families.
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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