Colleen Swindoll Thompson

Colleen Swindoll Thompson holds a bachelor of arts degree in Communication from Trinity International University as well as minors in psychology and education. Colleen served as the director of Reframing Ministries at Insight for Living USA. From the personal challenges of raising a child with disabilities (her son Jonathan), Colleen offers help, hope, and a good dose of humour through speaking, writing, and counselling those affected by disability. Colleen and her husband, Toban, have five children and reside in Frisco, Texas.

“Lord, Are You Sure?”

Posted on 17th January 201710th November 2017 by Colleen Swindoll Thompson

Recently, my son Jonathan began asking a particular question after almost everything I said. He asks his question, then follows my answer by asking, “Are you sure?” “Mom, can I go outside?” “Sure.” “Are you sure?” “Yes.” “Mom, can I eat breakfast?” “Absolutely; dive in.” “Are you sure?” “I’m sure.” “Mom, can I play X-Box?” […]

“Believe”: Sometimes Found in Stars over the Porch

Posted on 17th January 201730th July 2019 by Colleen Swindoll Thompson

My close friend just found out her son was sexually assaulted. In the last 10 years, her son has been diagnosed with the following: intellectual disability; developmental disorders; severe Tourette’s syndrome; learning, behavior, and life skill disorders; and the accompanying challenges related to anxiety and emotions. Believing in God’s goodness was tough for her. Adding […]

A Tough Assignment

Posted on 12th January 201710th November 2017 by Colleen Swindoll Thompson

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” How familiar we are with Paul’s penciled words; Paul’s oft-used salutation rests upon God’s grace in salvation and peace that comes through the work of Jesus Christ. The subject matters vary: to the Romans, he wrote of unshakable truths for the […]

Teenagers Can Be Terrific Teachers

Posted on 10th January 201710th November 2017 by Colleen Swindoll Thompson

Teenagers are a unique group of people. They can text 4,000 words a second but can’t speak in complete sentences. They remember 8,000 e-mail addresses but claim memory loss on trash day. They sustain electric energy during all-night social events but become comatose at two-hour family functions. I have four teenagers. Four teenagers whose hormones […]

Easy Ways to Help a Family in Need

Posted on 10th January 201710th November 2017 by Colleen Swindoll Thompson

When families are dealing with special needs, many of the basic chores of everyday life go from humdrum to hassle. As your friends, neighbours, and church members care for family members with special needs, take some time out of your week to offer a helping hand. Here are several ideas: Offer to clean someone’s home […]

God News and Bad News

Posted on 10th January 201730th July 2019 by Colleen Swindoll Thompson

“I have some good news and some bad news.” Ever heard that before? We often choose to hear the bad news first, hoping the good news will provide a joyous overshadowing of the other. And sometimes we have to come up with the good news ourselves. I’ll share some of my own good news and […]

Becoming Real

Posted on 10th January 201730th July 2019 by Colleen Swindoll Thompson

While driving to work today, my attitude wasn’t so great. More often than not, I’m a bit like Tigger from Winnie-the-Pooh, but today I felt like Eeyore. I know in my head that stress and demands exhaust my spirit, but the journey from my head to my heart is a long one. On days like […]

Weeds

Posted on 10th January 201730th July 2019 by Colleen Swindoll Thompson

Imagine. Someone just offered you one of four ways to spend your day. Your choices are: Spa Day: Receive a massage, a facial, a manicure, and a pedicure; get lathered with lotion and cloaked with warm towels while listening to quiet music all day long. Sports Day: Spend the day with close friends watching sports; […]

Honouring Men of Character

Posted on 10th January 201730th July 2019 by Colleen Swindoll Thompson

As a more serious complement to my article “It’s a Guy’s Life,” which shed light on the humorous side of being a man, I’ve created my own list, honouring men of character. Men who are called on to provide loving care to individuals who cannot function on their own face sobering realities and unique demands. […]

Attitude Check

Posted on 10th January 201710th November 2017 by Colleen Swindoll Thompson

I’d like to encourage you (and myself) to toss out the idea of “New Year’s Resolutions” and instead cultivate four areas of character development. The first character trait was directed towards our attitudes. I determine to exhibit a persistent ATTITUDE of praise and to write down three examples each day. Now wait . . . […]