Grieving Parents Sharing Hope

Do we know the difference between our soul and our spirit and how each of them affects us? As a bereaved parent, do we have a broken soul, a broken spirit, or both? Does it really matter?

Listen in as Laura shares some insights that she believes the Lord has given her recently about this.

Click here to recieve a personal Weekly Word of Hope from Laura.

Join us in February of 2025 on The Grief Cruise. Find out more here.

Destine Wood was born on August 21 and is forever 40.

Kevin Zick was born on August 21 and is forever 33.

Frank Cisewski was born on August 22 and is forever 34.

Evan Sabine was born on August 23 and is forever 15.

Bailey Arwine was born on August 23 and is forever 22.

Katie Mullen was born on August 24 and is forever 19.

Jordyn Hansen was born on August 24 and is forever 21.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

The post 270: Feeling Broken After Child Loss appeared first on GPS Hope.

Most of the time, when we use the word hope it is wishful thinking, as in I hope our team pulls out a win today. But when the word hope is used in scripture, God has a different meaning.

Listen in, as Laura talks about this, and how important it is to be a prisoner of hope, as we find in Zechariah 9:12.

A special thank you to Chris and ReNea Trebelhorn, for sponsoring today's episode in honor of their son, Aaron.

Join us in February of 2025 on The Grief Cruise. Find out more here.

Click here to sponsor an episode in honor of your child.

Hizkia Aritonang born on August 14 and is forever 20.

Callan Letcher was born on August 15 and is forever 17.

Aaron Trebelhorn was born on August 16 and is forever 21.

Jeremy Bornemeier was born on August 16 and is forever 32.

Jadyn Philipps was born on August 17 and is forever 18.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

The post 269: Becoming a Prisoner of Hope appeared first on GPS Hope.

As parents who have lost a child, we all know people who have said things that are inappropriate or just plain hurtful. In this episode, you are going to hear from two very special ladies in a conversation with Laura, about things people say that are just not true, in their attempt to make us feel better.

Sara Faith Nelson, has been on this journey for ten years. She taught elementary and middle school grades for 15 years. Now she enjoys pursuing her love of writing. The primary focus of Sara's writing has always leaned toward themes of hope, faith, and trust in the goodness of God. Since the death of her daughter and only child, Jeanette, she writes about her grief journey and surviving a devastating loss. She continues to write about trusting in God's goodness and grace while grappling with the hard questions. Sara and her husband, Dennis, live in Arizona.

BJ Jensen has been on this journey for almost 30 years and is the mom of baby Jodi and adult son Jay, who left this world too soon. BJ and her husband, Dr. Doug Jensen are best known for directing the Love in Motion signing choir for 30 years. They founded the non-profit called Healing Hallelujah Ministries to offer hope, help, and healing to hurting hearts. Doug and BJ's creative efforts include writing books and stories, songs and sketches and are highly sought speakers at events and conferences for bereaved parents.  All of their ministries have come to fruition since the loss of 2 children.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Join us in February of 2025 on The Grief Cruise. Find out more here.

Neena Renee Rey was born on August 5 and is forever 2.

Gabriel Andrew Moreno was born on August 5 and is forever 28.

Jacob Gary was born on August 6 and is forever 21.

Travis M. Blair was born on August 9 and is forever 30.

Christopher Hotch was born on August 10 and is forever 31.

Jacob Holiday was born on August 10 and is forever 26.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

The post 268: Things People Say That are Not Helpful after Child Loss appeared first on GPS Hope.

It seems many of us struggle to hear from God after the death of our child. We wonder why He has abandoned us when we need Him more than we ever have before.

This was not Laura's original topic for this episode, but God directed her to change it unexpectedly, a few hours before she was planning on recording.

To get My Grief Journey for only $5 (through July) click here. (Be sure to check out My Grief Journey for Kids also.)

Listen to previous podcast with Wayne Jacobson: I Am So Angry at God

Daniel Krawiec was born on July 28 and is forever 32.

Easton Holden was born on July 28 and is forever 5.

Joey Ray was born on July 28 and is forever 26.

Dayne Sturm was born on July 29 and is forever 21.

Whitney Leanne Garkow Seehusen was born on July 30 and is forever 31.

Lauren Miller Dobbins was born on July 30 and is forever 33.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

The post 267: God, Why Can’t I Hear You? appeared first on GPS Hope.

Have you ever stopped to think that your tears could possibly be a gift from God? That is something Laura explores in today’s talk, along with a few other observations that may be helpful to those who are grieving the loss of their child.

To get My Grief Journey for only $5 (through July) click here. (Be sure to check out My Grief Journey for Kids also.)

Click here to find out more about Reflections of Hope.

Join Laura and Dave on The Grief Cruise this coming February. Get all the details here.

Cayden Josephine Turner was born on July 26 and is forever 18.

Sage Cook-Remigio was born on July 27 and is forever 8 weeks and 2 days old.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

The post 266: So Many Tears appeared first on GPS Hope.

When we are in that dark pit of grief after child loss, we are in a very vulnerable place, making us an easy target for the enemy to get a foothold. It might be through things we were taught about God that make us angry at Him. It could be through our desperate need for peace, causing us to go down a path we would not have gone down before.

Today's guest dealt with both of these things.  Listen in, as Laura talks to Joycelyn about the dark place she found herself in, even as a pastor, after her son's death by suicide.

In 2017, Joycelynn experienced the suicide loss of her oldest son. As she shut down emotionally and spiritually, God allowed her to run with her anger and pain until He said the running was over.

Joycelynn is a Christian faith-based holistic registered nurse, wellness & grief coach, pastor and writer who empowers others to live whole in the kingdom of God. Her goal is to create a compassionate space where others will find solace, support, and practical strategies to navigate their grief journey of traumatic child loss.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Joycelynn’s website: LivingWholeWithGrief.com

Contact Joycelynn at: [email protected]

Join us for a Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August! Find out more  here.

To get My Grief Journey for only $5 (through July) click here. (Be sure to check out My Grief Journey for Kids also.)

Madeline Youngdahl was born on July 16 and is forever 14.

Jack Crean was born on July 16 and is forever 18.

Jimmy LaPlante was born on July 19 and is forever 39.

Paul Ortiz Jr. was born on July 19 and is forever 26.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

The post 265: God, I Can’t Forgive You for This appeared first on GPS Hope.

After taking a month off for her sister's illness and unexpected passing, Laura is back. In this episode, she discusses how faith and fear have the same root, and how the choice we make to lean into one or the other will have an affect on our journey of child loss.

Join us for a Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August! Find out more  here.

To look at or purchase the hardcover full year Reflections of Hope book directly from the publisher (for a cheaper price than Amazon) click here. 

To purchase specific monthly editions of Reflections of Hope click here.

Allie Custer was born on June 12 and is forever 29.

Avery Gingerich was born on June 14 and bloomed on earth to blossom in heaven.

Emily Raquel Ponce Gallegos was born on June 15 and is forever 9 months.

Kari-Lee Venning (Birrell) was born on June 19 and is forever 25.

Alex Doyon was born on June 23 and is forever 30.

Hunter Josiah Whitney was born on June 25 and is forever 18.

Courtney Kolb was born on June 26 and is forever 23.

Lukas Christofferson was born on June 28 and is forever 19.

Dominic Cardenas was born on June 28 and is forever 24.

Elianne Andam was born on June 28 and is forever 15.

Robert “Bobby” Allen was born on July 2 and is forever 24.

Charlie Rhodes was born on July 10 and is forever 9.

Rachel Corn was born on July 10 and is forever 22.

Eric Breslau was born on July 11 and is forever 25.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

The post 264: Our Journey of Faith Versus Fear and Doubt appeared first on GPS Hope.

When we first lose our child from this earth, memories bring stabbing pain, because we realize that is all we have now. We can't make new memories. We feel like we will never be able to enjoy life again, even if we have other children, a wonderful spouse, or job or ministry we loved.

How can we possibly smile, or ever be happy again after our child dies? Just the thought of it can make us feel guilty. In today's episode, Laura shares something that will help a bereaved parent think of their child with joy.

Don’t forget to check out the NEW June and July Editions of Reflections of Hope, especially if you have Kindle Unlimited.

Join us for a Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August! Find out more  here.

Click here to become a financial partner and keep GPS Hope going strong.

To share the acronym of your child’s name, click here and scroll down to the comments.

To find out more about joining Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

James Manning was born on June 3 and is forever 2.

Mateo Montoya was born on June 5 and is forever 6 ½ months.

Kayla Ramos was born on June 7 and is forever 25.

Ocean Yohannes Emru  Campbell was born on June 7 and is forever 23.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

The post 263: Thinking of My Child with Joy appeared first on GPS Hope.

In today's episode, Laura shares how she begged God to end her life after the death of her daughter. Eventually Laura decided that she did not want to live out the rest of her life as the shell of a person just waiting to die.

As Laura shares her progression of going from wanting to die, to now living a life of meaning and purpose again, she does it in a way that brings hope to other pareavors, as we all wait to be with our child again.

Thank you to Craig and Michelle Enanoria, for sponsoring today’s episode in honor of their son, Kyle.

Find out more about joining us for a Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August!

Sponsor a podcast episode here.

Click here to become a financial partner and keep GPS Hope going strong.

Don’t forget to check out the NEW June Edition of Reflections of Hope, especially if you have Kindle Unlimited.

Check out Laura’s books.

To find out more about joining Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

Jessi Wilfong was born on May 26 and is forever 20.

Ian Martin was born on May 26 and is forever 43.

Andrew LaPlante was born on May 27 and is forever 24.

Jacob Campbell was born on May 27 and is forever 32.

Nathan Lee was born on May 28 and is forever 20.

Alayna Lisboa was born on May 29 and is forever 7 weeks.

Kyle Enanoria was born on May 30 and is forever 11.

Mark (Markie) Sweitzer was born on May 30 and is forever 29.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

The post 262: Waiting to Be with My Child Again appeared first on GPS Hope.

Waiting can be one of the hardest and most exhausting things to do. As parents who have lost a child from this earth, two things we seem to be waiting on the most are for it to stop hurting so much, and obviously waiting to be with our child again.

This week Laura talks about waiting for it to stop hurting so much. Next week she will discuss waiting to be with our child again.

Please remember to give this podcast a review, letting other pareavors know why they should listen!

The following were not mentioned, but here are some things to check out.

Don’t forget to check out the May and June Editions of Reflections of Hope, especially if you have Kindle Unlimited.

Join us for a Weekend of Hope in Wisconsin this August! Find out more  here.

To find out more about joining Dave and Laura next year (February of 2025) on The Grief Cruise, click here.

Jason Turner was born on May 20 and is forever 36.

Zack Sexton was born on May 20 and is forever 36.

Isaiah Santell was born on May 22 and is forever 16.

Kyle Terry was born on May 24 and is forever 28.

If you would like your child mentioned on the podcast the week of his or her birthday, click here to fill out the short form with the needed information.

The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

The post 261: When Will It Stop Hurting So Much? appeared first on GPS Hope.