While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss

Today's special bonus episode of the While We're Waiting podcast features a conversation with bereaved mom and author of the new book "Sunlight on the Ocean", Rhyl Venning.  A return guest to the podcast, Rhyl shares today about her journey to becoming an author, her objective in writing the book, and how writing Kari-Lee's story impacted her grief.  She also shares some of the books who have been helpful to her in her own grief journey.  I believe you'll be blessed by listening in!Click HERE to listen to my previous episode with Rhyl, in which she shares Kari-Lee's complete story.  Click HERE to order Sunlight on the Ocean from Amazon.  Click HERE to order Sunlight on the Ocean from Barnes & Noble.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Welcome to episode #172, which is a continuation of my conversation with Cameron and Lyssah Fry.  If you missed last week’s episode, you’ll want to go back and listen to hear the story of their tiny and feisty daughter, Jubilee … born at 25 weeks, 6 days, and weighing just 18 ounces … who repeatedly astounded medical staff with her tenacity and fighting spirit. Her testimony, throughout her 393 days in the NICU, was “Watch What God Will Do”, and her earthly life, though short by some standards, continues to have a profound impact. Today, we discuss the marriage relationship after loss, the “before and after” of child loss, the beauty of the gospel, and following Jesus through pain and sorrow. We pick up our conversation right where we left off last week.Link to Part One of my conversation with the Frys:   https://www.buzzsprout.com/1230350/13744468Connect with Cameron and Lyssah:Website:  https://hisgirlfryday.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hisgirlfryday/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/HisGirlFrydayFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/hisgirlfryday/I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Jubilee Nileen Fry was born at 25 weeks, 6 days gestation, weighing in at just 18 ounces, and was not expected to live through her first night.  However, she repeatedly astounded her medical team with her tenacity and fighting spirit.  Her testimony throughout her 393 days in the NICU was “Watch What God Will Do”, and her earthly life, though short by some standards, continues to have a profound impact on those around her.  Jubilee's mom and dad, Cameron and Lyssah, join me on the podcast today to share her story.   We also discuss the emotional toll of pregnancy after loss (you’ll even hear baby Aili in the background as we chat), and the Frys will share a little bit about their experience at a While We’re Waiting Weekend this past summer.  Lean in and be encouraged today!Connect with Cameron and Lyssah:Website:  https://hisgirlfryday.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/hisgirlfryday/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/HisGirlFrydayFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/hisgirlfryday/I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

When you're living with a child who's battling cancer, you learn to make the most out of every day.  And that's what Joey and Donna Sorters did as they walked their son Jarren through his cancer journey ... They made a conscious decision to dance in the rain.   If you missed last week’s episode, you’ll want to listen to hear the story of their son Jarren’s courageous battle against cancer and what the Lord has taught them as they continue to walk out their journey.   Click HERE to listen to the first half of our conversation.  Today, we cover a wide variety of issues faced by bereaved parents, including a discussion of the impact of child loss on marriage and on surviving siblings. We pick up our conversation right where we left off last week. Click HERE for more information or to register for the upcoming Our Hearts Are Home Conference for Bereaved Parents scheduled for October 13-14, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  A virtual option is available!  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

I’m pleased today to introduce you to my friends Joey and Donna Sorters.  Our paths crossed several years ago when we worked in the same school district together … but at the time, we never dreamed we would walk very similar journeys with our children seven years apart.  In the first half of this two-part episode, Joey and Donna share the story of their remarkable son Jarren, who went to Heaven at the age of 15 after a ferocious battle with cancer.  His motto was “If you get knocked down 7 times, you get up 8”, and he had plenty of opportunity to live that out throughout his journey.  That determined spirit and competitive nature served him well, as he faced setback after setback with a positive attitude.  Listen in and be inspired … Click HERE to connect with the Play4Jarren Foundation.  Click HERE for more information or to register for the upcoming Our Hearts Are Home Conference for Bereaved Parents.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Welcome to episode #168, which is a continuation of my conversation with my friend Jackie Carson.  If you missed last week’s episode, you’ll want to go back and listen to hear the story of her son Jonathan’s battle with drugs and alcohol, including how God redeemed his story to help others caught in the snare of addiction.  Today, we discuss a wide variety of issues faced by bereaved parents.  At only 8 months into her own journey, Jackie has a passion for ministering to other grieving parents, and she shares some very practical things that have been helpful for her.   We’ll pick up our conversation right where we left off last week.Click HERE to listen to the first half of my conversation with Jackie.   Click HERE to join Jackie's public Facebook Group, "Be Still and Know".Click HERE to learn more or register for the Our Hearts Are Home conference in Indianapolis the weekend of October 13-14, 2023.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

I'm pleased today to introduce you to my new friend, Jackie Carson, who I met when she attended one of our While We're Waiting Weekends recently.  In the first half of this two-part episode, Jackie shares the story of her smart and funny son Jonathan, who went to Heaven just before Christmas in 2022.  Jonathan was introduced to marijuana at the age of 12, and it was a gateway drug for him, leading to years of alcohol and drug abuse, jail time, and declining health.  After an 18-month stint in prison, he checked himself into a faith-based rehab, and God used that to turn things around and bring Jonathan to Himself. Ultimately, the Lord took him home, and that’s when Jackie’s journey as a bereaved mom began.  Lean in and listen to hear an amazing story of both redemption and loss. Click HERE to join Jackie's public Facebook Group, "Be Still and Know".Click HERE to learn more or register for the Our Hearts Are Home conference in Indianapolis the weekend of October 13-14, 2023.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Donna Eller joins me on the podcast again this week.  If you missed last week’s episode, you’ll want to go back and listen to hear the story of her daughter, Julie … some of it in Julie’s own words from the journals she kept during her fierce battle with cancer. Today we extend our conversation to cover a wide range of very practical issues faced by bereaved parents, including giving grace to a spouse who may be grieving very differently than we are … and we’ll also discuss Donna’s more recent experience with grief in the loss of her husband Tim.  We pick up our conversation right where we left off last week. Click HERE to listen to Part One of my conversation with Donna.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

My friend Donna Eller is my guest on the podcast today.  In the first half of this two-part episode, she shares the story of her independent, funny, and faith-filled daughter Julie, who went to Heaven following a fierce battle with cancer in 2015.  But there’s more to her story, as Donna has also experienced the loss of her 8-day-old grandbaby (Julie’s son Noah) as well as her husband Tim more recently.  Though I’d heard Donna’s story when she attended our While We're Waiting Weekend in 2018, it wasn’t until this conversation that I realized the profound impact baby Noah had on their entire family, and how God used his life to prepare them for what was to come.  I believe you’ll be inspired by Julie’s faith journey as read from her own journals by her mom.  Lean in today and be encouraged.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

When we first formed the While We're Waiting ministry back in 2011, we were advised by a ministry consultant to change the name.  "While We're Waiting", he said, "It sounds like you're sitting kicked back in a recliner just waiting to go to Heaven."  Of course that's not at all the concept we had in mind when we chose the name, but I really didn't have a word to clearly and concisely explain the correct concept until my conversation with Dr. Lee Warren a few weeks ago.  He introduced me to the Hebrew word "Qavah", which perfectly expresses the meaning behind the name of our ministry.  Listen in to hear the story of "While We're Waiting".  Click HERE and HERE to listen to the podcast episodes I've recorded with my daughter Bethany about sibling grief.  Click HERE for more information or to register for the Our Hearts Are Home conference scheduled for October 13-14, 2023, in Indianapolis.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org