Connections with Mike Thom and Colleen Houde-logo

Connections with Mike Thom and Colleen Houde

Religion & Spirituality Podcas

Conversations about life and faith.

Location:

Canada

Description:

Conversations about life and faith.

Twitter:

@ChvnRadio

Language:

English

Contact:

204-326-3737


Episodes

Mack Brock talks life changes, foster parenting and music

3/7/2024
Countless people sing his songs in churches every week around the globe, but few realize recording artist Mack Brock is the songwriter behind them. Mack Brock has experienced many changes in his career in ministry and music and his family life. Today on Connections, Mack talks in depth about his life changes, foster parenting and music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:12:49

From fundamentalism brainwashing to following Jesus: How God tranformed Carrie Sheffield's life

3/6/2024
Carrie Sheffield's upbringing was anything but normal. She was the fifth of eight children with a violent, mentally ill, street musician father who thought he was a modern-day Mormon prophet destined to become U.S. president someday. Growing up, Sheffield moved around a lot. They often lived like drifters, camping in sheds, tents and motorhomes. In her lifetime, Carrie attended a total of 17 public schools. She eventually escaped and found her way back to God. Today on Connections, Carrie shares her experience. She also talks about her new book, Motorhome Prophecies: A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:21:55

'I need God to be real': Finding faith that works when life doesn't

2/14/2024
Stephanie Morales-Beaulieu will never forget the day her dad called to tell her he had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The doctor had given him three to five years to live. This propelled Stephanie into a season she did not think she would survive. After experiencing what a little bit of trust in God’s faithfulness can accomplish, Morales-Beaulieu was compelled to share this message, and her father’s life, legacy and love for Jesus in her first book, Anything But Ordinary. Today on Connections, Stephanie shares her family's story and how it has helped grow her faith. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:27:13

Author releases documentary with hopes of saving God's marriages

2/6/2024
Marriage on its own can be challenging. Throw in kids, life and everything else, and things can get very complicated. Speaker and author Lucille Williams hopes her new documentary, Faith, Love and Pancakes, will help turn things around, allowing couples to win in their relationships. In this episode of Connections, Williams talks about her new documentary and where you can watch it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:15:25

'You're losing your best friend little by little': Life after an Alzheimer's diagnosis

1/17/2024
January is Alzheimer's awareness month. In 2019 Linda Wiebe's husband, Herb, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, a journey that has taken their family down a winding path. Today on Connections, Linda shares her family's experience with Alzheimer's and how their faith has impacted this journey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:28:28

Writer shares survival story of pastor shot 6 times

1/16/2024
On March 6, 2016, Pastor Tim Remington was shot six times at close range. After being shot, Tim survived blood loss, multiple surgeries, a saddle clot, an infection, and a stroke. He made an incredible recovery, which only spurred his belief that God still works miracles. Amy Joy Hess shares his story today on Connections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:15:02

Home by Sunday: The story behind Casting Crowns to hit theatres Nov. 30

11/28/2023
A new documentary sharing the story behind the Grammy-winning, multi-platinum-selling Christian band Casting Crowns will hit theatres this week. The film Home by Sunday gives fans a front-row seat to the last two decades, showing the band's journey from a youth band to becoming one of Christian music's best-known bands. Home by Sunday will hit theatres across the country on Nov. 30. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:12:30

Winnipeg film director asks "what happens when we die?" in new feature film

10/16/2023
After Death is a gripping feature film that explores what happens after we die, based on real near-death experiences, conveyed by scientists, authors, and survivors. From the New York Times bestselling authors who brought you titles like 90 Minutes in Heaven, Imagine Heaven, and To Heaven and Back, emerges a cinematic peek beyond the veil that examines the spiritual and scientific dimensions of mortality, inviting us to wonder: Is there life after death? Today on Connections, Stephen Gray, producer and director of After Death shares where the idea came from and how you can check out this new film. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:19:52

Michael Taylor: What if Jesus were a coach?

6/30/2023
Texas Life Coach Michael Taylor has thrown a lifeline to individuals looking to kickstart their spiritual journeys and self-discovery in his new book, What if Jesus Were a Coach? What if Jesus Were a Coach? aims to inspire readers to find their own truth about God. The author shares his personal experiences and delves into the teachings of Jesus to help readers realize that there is more to spirituality than rules and restrictions. A former Atheist, Michael Taylor once had an aversion to organized religion until he undertook extensive research about world religions to determine if God existed or not. Today on Connections, Michael shares his testimony and why it's so important for him to reach others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:17:58

Encouragement, hope, and practical help for the Christian foster parent

6/29/2023
There are great rewards that come along with being a foster parent, yet there are also great challenges that make them feel depleted, alone, and discouraged. The many burdens of a foster parent's day--struggling children, difficult biological parents, and a broken system--are only compounded by the many burdens of a foster parent's heart--confusion, anxiety, heartache, anger, and fear. In her new book, Foster the Family: Encouragement, Hope, and Practical Help for the Christian Foster Parent, Jamie C. Finn, executive director of Foster the Family and a foster parent helps you see your struggles through the lens of the gospel, bringing biblical truths to bear on your unique everyday realities. Today on Connections, Jamie shares a bit about her journey with foster parenting. She'll also talk about some of the things that have helped her along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:19:21

From self-doubt to confidence: How music helped Wande develop her faith

6/28/2023
As a young teenager, Wande lacked confidence and often chased the approval of others by following the latest trends or behaviours of her peers. Upon discovering an interest in Christian rap music, the development of her faith and the direction of her future changed for good. Wande shares her powerful testimony today on Connections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:15:38

Katy Nichole: Simple song from prayer journal goes viral

6/28/2023
Singer/songwriter, Katy Nichole, has not only gone viral, now reaching well over 150 million people with the chorus to her debut single "In Jesus Name (God of Possible)," but she has also reached the second-highest position on iTunes’ overall Top Songs chart while remaining No. 1 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel chart since the song’s release. Today on Connections, Katy shares what it's been like to go viral. She'll also share the inspiration behind the song and her own miracle story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:15:57

When forever is interrupted: How a cancer diagnosis brought Heather Ginter back to God

6/27/2023
It was 2017 when Heather and Ernie Ginter's lives were turned upside down. Just before a planned trip to Costa Rica to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, Ernie was experiencing some pain and was quickly diagnosed with gallstones. He went in for emergency surgery and was able to go on his trip. When they arrived back, they were devastated to find out the doctor had also found a rare form of cancer. Amid her husband's 13-month battle with cancer, Heather says she was able to find her way back to God. And at the age of 46, she was baptized. Today on Connections, Heather shares her powerful testimony. She also talks about her memoir, When Forever is Interrupted. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:28:55

Resilient kids: Raising them to embrace life with confidence

6/26/2023
Parents want their children to grow up with the ability to face life, especially disappointments and risks, with confidence and bravery. Children who learn resiliency are less likely to give up, avoid risks and become overwhelmed with anxiety and depression. Kathy Koch, PhD., is a child development specialist and author of six books, including RESILIENT KIDS: RAISING THEM TO EMBRACE LIFE WITH CONFIDENCE. She defines resiliency as “recovering readily from disappointment, failure, defeat, adversity, and trauma.” Today on Connections, Dr. Koch shares practical, relevant and faith-based insights and resources, reminding us there is “no shame or blame for yesterday and great hope for tomorrow.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:24:05

Bacuyani family: Rewriting a life story in the midst of grief

6/23/2023
The Bacuyani family has always loved to travel and explore together. They have been travelling the world with their three boys since 2012. But it wasn't until tragedy struck in 2021 that they decided to start travelling full time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:30:42

He memorized the New Testament: How memorizing scripture can change your faith life

6/22/2023
Aaron House is the founder and executive director of Piercing Word Ministry. Piercing Word Ministry is a full-time non-profit based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They tour throughout the United States and beyond, bringing God's word to centre stage and igniting a passion for the Word of God and the art of the church. Part of that was encouraging the audience to memorize God's word.In 2013, House set out to memorize the entire New Testament. In the end, he memorized and recited 25 of the 27 stories. He says memorizing scripture is a great way to win spiritual victories. Today on Connections, Aaron shares about his ministry and why it is so important to memorize scripture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:20:10

A little goes a long way: How God uses the simple and ordinary for his extraordinary purposes

6/21/2023
In a culture where value is placed on grand displays of power and influence, it is easy to get caught in the comparison trap that creates an enormous pressure to do more, try harder, or “go big or go home.” The constant striving for greatness and abundance can disrupt our peace, happiness, and confidence. Like many women, Rachael Adams questioned her worth, which she based on her contributions as a wife, a mother, and a child of God. She believed that her modest, routine work was insignificant and meaningless. Rachael needed a reminder that God finds importance and significance even in the simplest, most ordinary tasks and that He multiplies the smallest efforts for his kingdom and will. In her book, A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life, Rachael offers biblical truths about God’s ability to unlock eternal influence when we consistently pursue and obey Him Today on Connections, Rachael shares what success means to her and how we can look past our insecurities when it comes to success. See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:19:04

From darkness to light: How Joyce Wolfe found peace after a battle with anxiety

6/20/2023
Joyce Wolfe was a confident, laid back and spiritually strong woman, that was, until 2018 when her family experienced a health crisis. This event sparked anxiety and panic attacks for Joyce, something she had never experienced. Today on Connections, Joyce shares how she found peace. She will also share how she uses her experience to help others find hope and joy. See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:23:36

From strip clubs to safe haven : Outreach provides safe space for survivors of human trafficking

6/19/2023
Refuge for Women was formed in January 2009 in Lexington, KY, and was founded by Ked and Michelle Frank. Before starting Refuge, Ked had a series of pivotal conversations with the leader of a group doing outreach to women in local strip clubs. Although the outreach had been ongoing for three years, the women who wanted help with escaping had no long-term places to go. In response to this need, Refuge for Women opened its first location in Kentucky in 2009. It is a non-profit, faith-based organization that provides long-term care for women who are survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, offering them a new beginning. Since then, Refuge for Women has served more than 100 women and grown to 11 locations. Today on Connections, Ked shares the inspiration behind this organization and the impact it has had on the community. See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:22:39

Nichole Schaubroeck: Top 6 tips to save money in the grocery store

6/16/2023
With prices on the rise for basically everything, saving a dollar or two here and there can help. Nichole Schaubroeck, known online as Coupon Cutie, is an expert in this area. Nichole has spent years figuring out the best ways to save money and is now using social media to help others do the same. Today on Connections, Nichole shares ways that we can save money in the grocery store. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:21:25