When Hope Returns
Hope is a buoyancy word. It takes a tsunami-like surge to keep it submerged. It’s difficult, I know, to hold on to the life preserver of hope when storms rage in your life, but let me encourage you to tighten your grip. Perhaps this poem, “When Hope Returns,” will help. Despair, oh despair, you’ve taken my […]
The Lord Bless You . . .
I have the following verses posted on my desk because I need to be reminded each day of the Lord’s greatness in my weakness. I need reassurance of all He can do in my life. The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; […]
God Chooses Those He Uses
David began his life as a nobody—an ordinary shepherd boy—chosen by God to become a somebody—an extraordinary king over God’s own people. Yet, before David wore his crown, God shaped his character by allowing pain to be his close companion for over a decade. The presence of suffering made no sense to David at the […]
Easy Ways to Help a Family in Need
When families are dealing with special needs, many of the basic chores of everyday life go from humdrum to hassle. As your friends, neighbors, 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 […]
Ten Essential Characteristics of a Healing Church
Have you ever walked through your house at night in the dark and jammed your pinkie toe into the side of the sofa? That little toe, the one you never think about, is suddenly your primary focus as you jump up and down because it’s screaming in pain—and your whole body feels it. Amazing—one small […]
The Holy Spirit’s Power and Presence in Times of Crisis
Are you going through a severe test? Maybe you have lost your appetite or you haven’t slept well for weeks or months. Fear and panic have replaced quietness and peace. You experience loneliness, discouragement, and isolation, complicated by unending physical or emotional pain. You’ve prayed and asked others to pray as well. And still, there […]
Hope and Hiding Place
There are certain days (weeks?) I wish I could crawl into a cave and stay there. At times like those, I find comfort in the poignant words of this hymn. The Hiding Place In a time of trouble, in a time forlorn, There is a hiding place where hope is born. In a time of […]
Just Wondering
Have you ever wondered what the disciples thought the day Christ died—were they profoundly bewildered? What were Mary’s feelings just before she told Joseph of her pregnancy, or as she watched her baby boy, now a man, hang on a cross? Has it ever crossed your mind to wonder what Daniel’s thoughts were on the […]
Severe Mercy, Sovereign Hope
“My name is Colleen, and I am a Swindoll.” I admit that in the measured tones of a 12-step introductory cadence. The name “Swindoll” has been a source of many assumptions over the years. And others’ assumptions are often untrue. These situations are common to us all. An even greater challenge is setting aside such […]
Welcome
When life falls apart, confusion sets in. Personal questions are unanswerable, emotions are uncontrollable, and strength seems unattainable; such are the realities of shattering circumstances. Special Needs Ministries represents a source of hope for people by offering sound teaching, resources, and personal counseling. We invite you to visit the Special Needs blog, managed by Colleen […]