Podcast appearances and mentions of sandra peoples

Sandra Peoples shares how ministry leaders can use ChatGPT to know how to welcome kids with disabilities, train volunteers, make modifications, and support behavior challenges. Could it be your ministry accessibility advisor? Sandra says yes and teaches you how to get the most out of it.  Find the full Show-Notes at:

Sandra Peoples interviews Pastor Jim Roden, and they talk about the characteristics of accessible churches that help make them healthy churches. You'll be surprised by the last three!Find the full show-notes at: https://keyministry.org/2025/03/06/an-accessible-church-is-a-healthy-church-ep-138/

It's February, and we've all somewhat settled into 2025 and are ready to look ahead to what the year will bring. To help you prepare for your church's steps of accessibility and inclusive events, we've created a Ministry Planning Calendar! In this episode, Sandra Peoples will walk you through ideas for planning ahead and praying for what God will do in 2025. Download your calendar & find the full Show-Notes at: keyministry.org/podcast 

Sandra Peoples shares praise reports from churches across the country as we celebrate what God is doing through accessible churches. She also shares the biggest challenges churches say they are facing in the new year and lists resources to help with each challenge.Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast for the full show-notes!

Sandra Peoples grew up with a sister with Down syndrome and now has a teenager with level 3 autism, so she knows how different the holidays can feel for a family like hers. But they don't have to feel different at church! With a few steps of consideration, she shares how families can feel included and valued. Let's make sure special-needs families can hear the message of hope this Christmas!Find the full Show-Notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Sandra Peoples interviews Lexi Melia on her experiences as a disability ministry intern, and they share advice for ministry leaders who are looking for an intern for next summer!Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

In today's episode, Sandra talks about the challenges small to normative-sized churches face in disability ministry and shares how the churches she's been a part of have overcome these challenges.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

About Sandra Sandra Peoples (M. Div, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) has been part of a special-needs family her entire life—she grew up with a sister with Down syndrome and has a son with level 3 autism. These relationships are the inspiration and motivation for her advocacy work. She is the author of three books, including, Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family. Her next book, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families, will release in 2025 from Crossway Publishers. Sandra is currently a PhD student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in the area of family ministry with an emphasis on inclusion for special needs families. She serves the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention as their disability ministry consultant, helping churches around the state start and strengthen their disability ministries. Sandra partnered with Lifeway Christian Resources to create the free download, Be All In: A Ministry Guide for Special Needs Inclusion in Children's Ministry. She is also an adjunct professor in Liberty University's School of Divinity, teaching classes in the area of disability ministry. And Sandra is a monthly cohost for Key Ministry: The Podcast, where she shares her perspective on family aspects of disability ministry and inclusion. Related Links Sib Show https://sandrapeoples.com Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family    

Sandra Peoples interviews Jason Epps and Paul Pettit about their book, One Body, One Spirit: Disability & Community in the Church. Hear about their friendship and how Jason's challenges with church accessibility led to them writing this book together. Find the full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

Parents go through five phases as they raise their children with disabilities. It's helpful for ministry leaders to understand these phases so we know better how to support families in these different seasons. In this episode, Sandra Peoples shares characteristics of the phases, the needs parents have in each one, and how the church can support them along the way. Find the full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

A prayer based on Proverbs 22:11. I have a boy with big feelings—HUGE feelings—and anxiety that tricks him into thinking some of his feelings are true when they actually aren't.  To keep his heart pure, the Holy Spirit continually helps him focus on the truth, we often recite Philippians 4:8 together, “Finally brothers whatever is true, whatever is honorable, for whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Are there lies your children believe about themselves that you can help them combat with the truth of scripture? What about in your own life? Listen to today's podcast episode from Sandra Peoples.   Would you like to have today's episode in written form? Consider joining our Patreon! It's a fantastic place to connect with other praying moms, and get lots of free prayer resources to help you make prayer a more practical priority!  Your support helps Million Praying Moms keep this podcast going—all funds provide for the work of the team and systems necessary to bring you a new episode each weekday Would you be a part of His provision? GO DEEPER FREE RESOURCE: Summer of Prayers FREE: Join the Everyday Prayers Podcast Facebook Group Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sandra Peoples talks with Julie Hernandez, the Disability Ministry Director at her church Heights Baptist. They discuss the good and challenging parts of their summer activities in Disability Ministry.Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast to find the full Show-Notes.

A prayer based on Luke 14:27. We know what happened to Jesus on His cross. His entire life led up to that point—His death. Not only death, but because it was public and painful, the cross would also bring shame, sorrow, and suffering. Jesus knew this even before He came to earth. In Isaiah's prophecy about Jesus in chapter 53, he wrote, “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” The cross that we are to bear includes our own shame, sorrow, and suffering. It sounds overwhelming, doesn't it? But this verse says we are to bear it. When you're in the middle of a hard season, do you remember God's faithfulness in every challenge you've faced before. Has He ever let you down? Listen to today's podcast episode from Sandra Peoples. Would you like to have today's episode in written form? Consider joining our Patreon! It's a fantastic place to connect with other praying moms, and get lots of free prayer resources to help you make prayer a more practical priority!  Your support helps Million Praying Moms keep this podcast going—all funds provide for the work of the team and systems necessary to bring you a new episode each weekday Would you be a part of His provision? GO DEEPER FREE RESOURCE: Summer of Prayers FREE: Join the Everyday Prayers Podcast Facebook Group Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Will all aspects of disability be erased in heaven? Sandra Peoples looks at applicable biblical passages and shares her thoughts in this episode of Key Ministry the Podcast.Find the full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

Has there been a time when you were in the darkness and then experienced the return of light again? Maybe the power went out in your entire house and you stumbled around in the dark. Maybe you've explored a cave and remembered what it was like to see a tiny sliver of light ahead and walk toward it. Life can present us with dark moments, but light will always overcome it! Have you been experiencing a darkness of your soul? Listen to today's episode from Sandra Peoples based on Psalm 67:1. Would you like to have today's episode in written form? Consider joining our Patreon! It's a fantastic place to connect with other praying moms, and get lots of free prayer resources to help you make prayer a more practical priority!  Your support helps Million Praying Moms keep this podcast going—all funds provide for the work of the team and systems necessary to bring you a new episode each weekday. In fact, the podcast has grown to the point that we desperately need to hire part-time help. In the month of May, we're asking God to provide 100 new supporters. That's a big ask, but we believe God can do it. Would you be a part of His provision? GO DEEPER FREE RESOURCE: How to Pray God's Word for Your Children, by Brooke McGlothlin The 5-Day Praying for Girls and Boys Challenge FREE: Join the Everyday Prayers Podcast Facebook Group Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ep 100: Ministry Visibility on Your Church's Website with Sandra PeoplesIn our 100th episode, Sandra Peoples shares three ways to increase ministry visibility on your church website. Most disability families are going to visit your church website before they visit your actual church. Does your website communicate everything they need to know for a smooth visit?Find the full Show-Notes on www.keyministry.org/podcast

Ep 100: Ministry Visibility on Your Church's Website with Sandra PeoplesIn our 100th episode, Sandra Peoples shares three ways to increase ministry visibility on your church website. Most disability families are going to visit your church website before they visit your actual church. Does your website communicate everything they need to know for a smooth visit?Find the full Show-Notes on www.keyministry.org/podcast

Beth Golik and Sandra Peoples recap our Disability & the Church 2024 Conference that happened last week in Orlando, Fl.Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast for the full show-notes.

Key Ministry the Podcast Ep 095 with Sandra Peoples and Tracy McElhatten. Find full shownotes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

In Episode 091 of Key Ministry the Podcast, Sandra shares an idea for organizing care for disability families in your church and how the parable of the Good Samaritan provides guiding principles for how and why we provide that care.Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast for the full Show-Notes.

Sandra Peoples joins guest host Jana Magruder to discuss ways to be a special needs friendly church. Sandra Peoples (M. Div, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is one of the leading voices in the special-needs community. She is the author of three books, including her most recent release, Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a … The post Becoming a Special Needs Friendly Church: Episode 2 appeared first on Kids Ministry.

Sandra Peoples joins guest host Jana Magruder to discuss ways to be a special needs friendly church. Sandra Peoples (M. Div, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is one of the leading voices in the special-needs community. She is the author of three books, including her most recent release, Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a … The post Becoming a Special Needs Friendly Church: Episode 1 appeared first on Kids Ministry.

086: Supporting Students with Invisible Disabilities with Sandra PeoplesFind the full show-notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

Sandra Peoples talks to us about disability, the dignity of all people, and how local churches can serve families with disabilities. (The conversation starts at 8:15.)    Plus, in “Headlines” (1:15), Dr. Quinn reflects on failure in sports. And in “On My Bookshelf” (30:45) Sandra shares a book she's reading right now. Visit our website: https://cfc.sebts.edu/ Support the work of the Center: https://cfc.sebts.edu/about/give/ All opinions and views expressed by guest speakers are solely their own. They do not speak for nor represent SEBTS. Read our expressed views and confessions: https://www.sebts.edu/about/what_we_believe.aspx

082: Ministry Goals for 2024 with Sandra Peoples.

Sandra & Melanie join Becky to discuss gratitude and how the practice of thankfulness can benefit our special-needs journey. Related Links ThanksforGiving campaign Sponsor an episode of the Rising Above podcast!

It's unfortunately easy for youth ministry to exclude students who are neurodivergent or who have physical disabilities. These students and their families often experience significant stress in at home, and the church can sometimes add to their sense of not feeling welcomed. This episode from the podcast features a conversation with Sandra Peoples about how youth workers and churches can better serve students and parents with disabilities.  Discussion Questions:  It could be helpful to start by talking about verbiage - what do we mean by disabilities and why is the community moving away from the phrase “special needs”?  When we're talking about ministry to students with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent, it can quickly get overwhelming to really understand what we're talking about. Could you give a basic overview of what these phrases mean for our listeners who are new to the conversation?  How should youth workers think about disability from a biblical and theological framework?  What are some unique stresses and challenges these families experience that would be good for pastors to be aware of?  Obviously, youth ministries don't have the same resources and support as a public school to provide one-on-one aides and we haven't usually received much training, so what are some ways that our youth ministries could realistically make some changes to be a welcoming space?  Most of the special needs students who come to youth group are likely considered mild/moderate in needs and are mainstreamed in their school classes, so they can often slip under our radar because there isn't always something visible about their disability. What counsel do you have for youth workers that will equip us to better minister to these students?  About Sandra: Sandra Peoples (M Div, PhD student) is the disability ministry consultant for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, an adjunct professor for Liberty University, and the author of Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family. She and her family live outside of Houston, TX. Resources Mentioned YPT Podcast 37: Serving Students with Special Needs (Bryan Barrineau) Joni and friends Sandra's ministry website Sandra's Podcast: The Key Ministry Podcast Sandra's Book: Unexpected Blessings Sandra on Twitter: @SandraPeoples Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter/X: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian YPT has published an ebook that's a free download for subscribers. Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry collects ten articles from the YPT archives to help new readers catch the heartbeat of Youth Pastor Theologian is written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK. 

We learn from Sandra Peoples how to ensure our ministries are well-equipped to welcome students and families with disabilities.

You've recruited (and maybe even begged) and still can't get enough buddies to meet the needs of kids and teens at your church. What can you do next? Sandra Peoples has four ideas that work for churches of any size!

In this episode, Sandra Peoples will walk you through the process her church uses for creating Individualized Spiritual Plans for their students! It helps keep everyone focused on the main goal for the students when they are with us at church—the gospel!

Sandra Peoples shares 8 steps to take so you'll be ready to welcome and support kids with disabilities at VBS this summer.

Mom's Series: "Unexpected Blessings" with Sandra Peoples Hey guys, we're so excited your joining us today. It's the start of our Mom series and Sandra Peoples is back and sharing with us mom to mom in this episode. Sandra is the author of Unexpected Blessings and the special needs ministry consultant for the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention. Lets listen in as she shares her story. Sandra Peoples (PhD student at SWBTS) is a special-needs mom and sibling. She and her family live outside of Houston, TX where she serves her church as the Inclusion Coordinator for Special Needs Families. She is also the Special Needs Ministry Consultant for the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention . She's the author of  Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family . You can connect with her at  sandrapeoples.com.     Connect with Us: If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won't miss an episode.  We'd love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website. Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459/?source_id=105530184205752 Free Youtube Resource Library https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz  

In this episode, Sandra Peoples is joined by Chris Hulshof. Together they discuss the importance of churches that are both acceptable and accessible to those with disabilities.

Are you ready to set some goals for your ministry in 2023? In this episode, Sandra Peoples will talk about the purpose behind our goals and share four ideas for goals you might want to plan for! And stick around until the end for a pep talk about success and failure in ministry.

Special Needs Ministry Series: "Special Needs Ministry in the Church" with Sandra Peoples You're not going to want to miss this episode. Continuing on with our series on Special Needs Ministry and the Church today we are talking with Sandra Peoples, author of “Unexpected Blessings” and Special Needs Ministry Consultant of the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention. As a pastor's wife and both a sibling and a mom of someone with special needs, Sandra more than gets what it takes to start and maintain a thriving special needs ministry no matter the size of the church and more importantly just how much this follows after God's own heart to minister to those with a disability.   Sandra Peoples (PhD student at SWBTS) is a special-needs mom and sibling. She and her family live outside of Houston, TX where she serves her church as the Inclusion Coordinator for Special Needs Families. She is also the Special Needs Ministry Consultant for the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention . She's the author of  Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family . You can connect with her at  sandrapeoples.com.     Connect with Us: If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won't miss an episode.  We'd love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website. Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459/?source_id=105530184205752 Free Youtube Resource Library https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz  

Podcast co-host Sandra Peoples grew up with a sister with Down syndrome and now has a teenager with level 3 autism, so she knows how different the holidays can feel for a family like hers. But they don't have to feel different at church! With a few steps of consideration, she shares how families can feel included and valued. Let's make sure special-needs families can hear the message of hope this Christmas!

Our good friends, Sandra Peoples and Melanie Gomez, join us on the podcast today to share about managing our expectations as we try to make the holidays memorable for our special-needs families.   Find Sandra Peoples Instagram: @sandrapeoples sandrapeoples.com Sandra's book:  Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family   Find Melanie Gomez Instagram: @RedefineSpecial Facebook: Redefine Special redefinespecial.com Melanie's book:  Bundle of Joy   *Message for our Spotify listeners: We apologize for the gap in our podcast distribution on this platform. If you want to find the episodes you missed, you can catch up on our website: www.risingaboveministries.org/podcast    *Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios. https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/

In this episode, Sandra Peoples shares how the disability ministry at her church is transitioning from being led by a volunteer to having a part-time staff position. As the disability ministry leader at your church, you can learn how to communicate your limits so you can maintain healthy boundaries.

In this episode, Sandra Peoples shares the vision of the Southern Baptists Convention of Texas's Special Needs Ministry Sunday! It's a look at how it started and the prayer she has for the future. Listen to get ideas for your own disability ministry celebration or how to work within your convention to get more attention for the importance of inclusion.

In today's episode, Sandra Peoples shares 5 ways churches can support special needs families this summer! The summer months can be stressful for families who thrive on routine and may feel like they are missing out on the fun other families are having, but our churches can support and encourage them so they know how much they are loved and seen.

Have you ever considered that an unreached people group in your community is those families who have children with special needs? Sandra Peoples, Special Needs Consultant with the SBTC, joins us for this episode with some statistics about this people group and how to reach and serve these families in your community.

This week Pastor Lee is joined by his wife, Sandra Peoples, who coordinates the special needs ministry at Heights Baptist Church. Hear from Sandra about why special needs ministry is so important, and how you can be a part of serving special needs families in your church. Welcome to Heights Baptist Church! Our mission is to love and to lead all people to a new life with Christ. Digital Connect Card: https://www.heightschurch.org/connect To watch services online: https://www.heightschurch.org/media To give online: https://www.heightschurch.org/give

How do we make a church culture shift that leads to everyone being on board for the inclusion of people with disabilities and the modifications we can make so they feel welcome? In this episode of Key Ministry: The Podcast with cohost Sandra Peoples, we'll talk through the shift King David made in the book of 2nd Samuel, from banning people with disabilities from entering the city to welcoming Mephibosheth at his table.

Sandra Peoples provides wisdom to restore your soul amid the demands of parenting and caregiving.  Disclosure: Affiliate links are used below. If you choose to purchase through the links, we may be compensated at no additional cost to you. See full disclosure policy. Today's Guest: Sandra Peoples (M Div) is a special-needs mom and sibling. She and her family live outside of Houston, TX where she serves her church as the Inclusion Coordinator for Special Needs Families. She's the author of Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family and cohost of the podcast, Self Care and Soul Care for the Caregiver. Theme Music: “Found” by Lisa Troyer and Dawn Yoder Venture3Media/Circle of Friends Show Sponsor: Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done by Katie M. Reid Things We Talk About: Martha and Mary from Luke 10:38-42 Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family by Sandra Peoples Self Care and Soul Care for the Caregiver Podcast Caregiving Characters and Comforting Stories We Love, Ep. 51 A Very Bavarian Christmas Mark 14:8 Psalm 16:6 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Connect with Us: The Martha + Mary Show webpage Podcast Group on Facebook: Martha and Mary Show Sisterhood IG Handles: @leenienhuis @katie_m_reid @sandrapeoples Producer: Jeanna Lesausky Subscribe to the show and leave a rating and review.

Isolation. Loneliness. Shame. These words describe what many special-needs families experience from day to day. Sandra Peoples will share her personal stories of a sister born with Down syndrome and a son with autism. She paints a picture of what life looks like for many special needs families and how the church can better reach out and minister to these families. Book by guest: Unexpected Blessings: The Joys & Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family.

All this season, I'm interviewing REAL moms, with REAL challenges, who have overcome to have REAL, vibrant prayer lives. Their stories are, well, real, and I've picked 6 of them to share with you over the next six weeks. If you like them, follow MPM on IG at MPM and listen to them all. The ones I've chosen for this season are intended to give you a diversity of personal story, and my hope is that you'll hear your story reflected in one of theirs. Maybe in all of them. Today, we hear from Sandra Peoples, who shares about the struggles of her prayer life as a special needs mom. What Sandra shared in this brief interview stuck with me, and dug its way into my heart for weeks after we recorded. Tune in now to listen for yourself and be encouraged to overcome your own challenges to prayer! SHOW NOTES: www.millionprayingmoms.com/s11-e2-real-moms-real-challenges-real-prayer-with-sandra-peoples MILLION PRAYING MOMS ON INSTAGRAM: @millionprayingmoms MILLION PRAYING MOMS ON FACEBOOK: @millionprayingmoms PRAYING MOM BOOK: https://www.millionprayingmoms.com/the-book/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE MPM PODCAST EMAIL LIST and get a free copy of Brooke's How to Pray God's Word for Your Children eBook: bit.ly/how-2-pray

Sandra Peoples paints a picture of what life looks like for many special needs families and how the church can better reach out and minister to these families. Receive Sandra People's book "Unexpected Blessings" for your donation of any amount: https://donate.focusonthefamily.com/don-daily-broadcast-product-2022-01-18?refcd=1304306 Get more episode resources: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/experiencing-gods-grace-in-a-special-needs-family/#featured-resource-cta If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback: https://focusonthefamily.com/podcastsurvey/

It's always a pleasure to have our friend, Sandra Peoples, on the podcast!  Find more from Sandra here: sandrapeoples.com Instagram: @sandrapeoples Twitter:@sandrapeoples Facebook: @sandra.peoples.author

After a break for the summer, host Sandra Peoples is back and has big changes to share, including introducing Lauren D. Crow at the new cohost. Get to know Lauren in this episode!

On today's episode I got to chat with my friend Sandra Peoples about her summer of no, being a Special Needs Mom and advocate and ministry leader in the church, and she shares some tips on being a praying mom - one who advocates for your child to the Father.  We also talk about humility, cranberry limeades, and the overwhelming love of God.Yall this is so good.  Sandra and I could have chatted a long time.  But, take a listen - and you don't need to have a special needs child to be so encouraged from today's podcast.Sandra PeoplesUnexpected BlessingsPrayers for Moms of Special Needs ChildrenSiblings informationSandra on TwitterSandra on InstagramGive Them GraceRise and Fall of Mars HillDane Ortlund book on PsalmsMillion Praying Mom

What might it take to welcome special-needs families into your church?    As churches re-think ministry to their communities after the pandemic, Sandra Peoples hopes they'll take steps to welcome families with members who have special needs.      “The COVID season opened people's eyes to isolation and what special-needs families and adults with disabilities experience when they are isolated,” she says.    Peoples is an author and a seminary-trained inclusion-coordinator for her church. She's also a member of a special-needs family—both as a mother and as a sibling. She believes that remembering that isolated feeling during the pandemic can inspire churches to reach out to those whose circumstances make it difficult to join with others.         “I'm hoping, I'm praying, that pastors and church leadership will remember what that felt like,” she says, “and they will want to remove barriers so that other families don't continue to feel that way.”    Although a study prior to the pandemic found that 99 percent of pastors believe their churches are already welcoming to families with disabilities, that's not what Peoples hears from special-needs families themselves.    “There's a disconnect there between what pastors believe to be true about their church and what families are actually experiencing,” she says.    She recognizes that it might seem intimidating for a church to consider all the ways it might be called on to support special-needs families.     “But what special needs families are looking for is just to know that their children are loved and that they're safe,” she says. “And every church can do that.”      Read Sandra People's recent Gospel Coalition article titled, “4 Ways to Be a Welcoming Church to Special-Needs Families” here.    Read her blog and learn about her books here. 

“Prayer is a matter of the state of your HEART, not the state of your LIFE.” Inside of Praying Mom: Making Prayer the First and Best Response to Motherhood, are 7 common challenges that keep moms from a vibrant prayer life. About half of them relate directly to the state of a mom's life. Too busy. Too overwhelmed. Too many little children. Too difficult a diagnosis. Too many loose ends. And these life circumstances are

Author and podcast host, Sandra Peoples shares her perspective on filling two roles in a special needs family, being both the sibling and a mother. Her insights regarding three different stages siblings of special needs children experience and how parents should support their children in these stages is encouraging and perceptive. July 6, 2021; Ep. 47Timestamps & Key Topics:0:22-    Intro2:22-    About Sandra Peoples5:50-    Good Gifts11:13-   Taking Part in Joy17:19 -  Sibling Stages26:08-   Sow in Tears29:56-   Where to Find Sandra31:54-    OutroEpisode Links & Resources:Sandra's websiteUnexpected Blessings BookSandra People's PodcastSandra Peoples on InstagramSOAR's Wonderfully Made ConferenceScriptures Mentioned: James 1:17, Psalm 126:5If you enjoyed our podcast, please...Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart WebsiteGet our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and HopeReview and like us on Apple Podcasts Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcastsFollow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmomsFind Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writerFind Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholtFind Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

About Lee & SandraSandra Peoples is a special needs mom and sibling. She's the author of Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family. Her husband, Lee, is a pastor and  and she serves as the special needs ministry director at their church outside of Houston, TX. We know you will enjoy hearing from their real-life experience as they have walked through the special needs journey. They have so much wisdom to share about raising both a child with special needs and a typical child as well. You will be blessed!   Favorite Quotes "We process differently. We grieve differently." - Lee "Shift your expectations. Find joy in what they find joy in."  "A trial will either make you walk away or worship." -Lee "When Jesus comes back I want to be found worshiping." -Sandra "'Remember and Tell.' Remember God's faithfulness in seasons past and tell. Don't hide the hard stuff." -Sandra   Related Links Dad's podcast linkCommon Man, Extraordinary Call bookRodney Peete BookEnneagram 5 Love LanguagesBook on boundariesGary Thomas- When to walk away (toxic people) Heights Baptist- Alvin, TX Sandra's website   

Parenting children with special needs, learning disabilities, or mental health challenges can feel overwhelming at times. Even in "normal times," we struggle to make the best decisions for their needs, we worry about how they will fit in with others, we are anxious about what the future will bring, and so much more. And then times of change or challenge hit - a move, a school change, a health issue, or even a pandemic - and the struggles and stress seem to bury us. There is hope. Our guest, Sandra Peoples, is one of the leading voices in the special-needs community. Sandra and her husband Lee have two sons—David and James. James has level 3 autism. They live outside of Houston, TX where Lee is a pastor and Sandra serves as their church’s special-needs ministry director. Sandra also has a sister with Down syndrome which gives her a life-long perspective on being in a special-needs family. Most of all, she is a longtime friend and contributor to the ministry here at Million Praying Moms! In this episode, Sandra addresses some of the most common challenges facing special-needs moms when things turn upside-down and gives practical, Christ-centered tips for dealing with decision fatigue, change in or loss of routine, and more. Find encouragement and inspiration in today's episode! MPM Show Notes: https://www.millionprayingmoms.com/053-navigating-life-changes-challenges-special-needs-mom Million Praying Moms FB Community: www.facebook.com/groups/millionprayingmomscommunity Million Praying Moms on Instagram: www.instagram.com/millionprayingmoms

What a challenge it can be in today's world for fathers to step up to the plate in the face of a diagnosis. Today, we wanted to share a conversation Becky had recently with three dads who have done just that. They have walked through the challenges that come with raising a child with special needs and learned lessons along the way. We hope their conversation will be an encouragement to you as a special needs dad to do the hard things and lead your family well, even in the face of a challenging situation.About the Dads- Lee Peoples is a pastor in Texas and you may know him as the husband of Sandra Peoples. He is a dad to two sons, one who has autism.Wally Bryan is has been on the podcast before with his wife Lisa. Together, they have two children, Kelly and Matthew who is their adult son with Fragile X syndrome.David Adams is a physician and a single dad to three sons, one with autism.Resource for DadsCommon Man, Extraordinary Call - a book written by Jeff Davidson with Becky Davidson that challenges, equips, and inspires fathers of children with special needs. 

This episode is for anyone who either has a child with special needs, or knows someone who does. (pretty sure that is everyone!) This topic was born out of my own desire to be a better friend; to not let my lack of knowledge or awkwardness get in the way of better supporting my friends who have kids with special needs.  I'm pretty sure I am not not alone in all of this, and I'm so grateful Sandra Peoples was willing to come on to guide us from her experience, and with so much grace.  Sandra has a son with Autism and she was also raised with a sister with Down Syndrome.  Because of this she understands well what special needs families need most.   Sandra gives us practical advice on how we can support our friends (the parents of the kids) and ALSO how our kids can be a good friend to the child with special needs as well as to the "typical" siblings of them!  This is so packed with ideas, inspiration and grace, I hope you love it!  Please pass this episode on to your friends and find show notes over at: www.monicaswanson.com/podcast Today's episode:  www.monicaswanson.com/episode-56 Thank you to this episode's sponsor:  www.wondercratekids.com

About SandraAs the sibling to a special needs sister and the mother to a special needs son, Sandra has incredible insight into the caregiving world and offers some great suggestions for staying connected during these unprecedented times.ResourcesSandrapeoples.comSelf-care for the Special Needs Mom- facebook groupSelf-Care and Soul-Care for the Caregiver- podcastUnexpected Blessings (Free right now on Kindle!)

featuring Sandra Peoples. Sandra offers further insight and motivation to churches seeking to serve families with disabilities. Resources: Leading a Special Needs Ministry by Amy Fenton Lee Every Child Welcome by Katie Wetherbee & Jolene Philo Don't miss out on Part One of Unexpected Blessings!

featuring Sandra Peoples. Sandra offers further insight and motivation to churches seeking to serve families with disabilities. Resources: Leading a Special Needs Ministry by Amy Fenton Lee Every Child Welcome by Katie Wetherbee & Jolene Philo Don’t miss out on Part One of Unexpected Blessings!

featuring Sandra Peoples. Sandra opens up on the grace and mercy God gives her as a special needs mom and sister. Here's a book we highly recommend: Unexpected Blessings Subscribe to Sandra's updates: http://www.sandrapeoples.com

Sandra Peoples is a special-needs mom and sibling. She's the author of Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family. Her husband is a pastor and she serves as the special needs ministry director at their church outside of Houston, Texas. Join us as we talk to Sandra about her journey and how it gives her great insight into how to remember the siblings of our children with special needs.Favorite Quotes:Creating a safe place outside of the family for our kids to be themselves and talk… - SandraI take things in seasons... - SandraI say no to a lot of things... - SandraOnly do what only you can do. - BeckyYou can't always say yes [to your typical child], but you can say "let's make a plan for later." - Sandra**Be sure to listen for Sandra's ONE THING: encouragement that she would give a sibling of a child with special needs.Find more from Sandra Peoples:www.sandrapeoples.comTwitter - @sandrapeoplesInstagram - @sandrapeoplesFacebook group- Self-care for the Special Needs MomBooks:Unexpected BlessingsHeldSpeechless

Author Sandra Peoples gets real about life as a special-needs mom and how listeners can support friends and families dealing with special needs in their homes. It’s easier than you think!Sandra and her family live outside of Houston, TX where she serves her church as co-director of the special-needs ministry. She’s the author of Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family and Held: Learning to Live in God's Grip: A Bible Study for Special-Needs ParentsFacebook Group she recommends: Self Care for the Special Needs MomFor Show Notes click hereTo learn more, connect with Sandra via:Website: www.sandrapeoples.comClick these to connect on social media: Facebook Instagram TwitterLet’s hang out!Instagram: @josieologypodcastFacebook: @josieologypodcastFacebook Group: josieology podcast private group - you’ll need the password to get in (password was mentioned in the podcast)Website: www.josieology.comClick here to Follow the BlogContact Josie via email josie@josieology.com

Melissa interviews author, Sandra Peoples, about raising a child with special needs --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

When someone in your family is diagnosed with a disability, it can be difficult to move past the pain and confusion. Why did this happen? What will our lives look like now? But living in a family impacted by disability can be a special blessing!In this episode, we talk with Sandra about her unique journey in disability and how she has come to the point of being able to see the blessings!

Individuals with differing abilities have much to contribute and our communities are lacking without their presence and influence. This is true in faith based settings as well. Sandra Peoples is a leading voice and encourager in the special needs community via her online groups, 3 published books, a long running blog. and as a contributor and editor at Key Ministry. Listen in to this conversation as Sandra and I chat about how important it is for individuals with disabilities to be seen and understood in faith based settings. We follow up with encouragement for families, resources for churches, and nudges for everyone to move forward.

Eva Marie Everson, Erin Smalley, Sandra Peoples, Michael Gardner, Scott Whitlock

Eva Marie Everson, Erin Smalley, Sandra Peoples, Michael Gardner, Scott Whitlock

Have you ever wondered if the sacrifices that you are making for your children will make a lasting impact?  Listen as Sandra Peoples shares how her mother made some impactful deciisons for her older sister with down syndrome, which then motivated Sandra to make a difference in her son James' life as well. Sandra Peoples, is a leading voice in the disability community as an encourager to special-needs parents. She has been a member of a special-needs family since the day she was born. Her older sister has Down syndrome, and in 2010 her son James was diagnosed with autism. Sandra is the executive editor for Key Ministry and Not Alone, and her writing has been featured by FamilyLife Today, DaySpring, Parenting Teens ( aka LifeWay), and (in)courage. Sandra, her husband, and their two boys live outside of Houston. You can connect with her at her website and you can preorder her book at Amazon.

Have you ever thought about how difficult a simply activity like attending church could be for a special needs family?  Listen as Sandra Peoples discusses what churches could do to partner with special needs parents.  I highly encourage you to share this episode with your pastor or children's pastor at your church so they can learn how to reach this group of people. Sandra Peoples, is a leading voice in the disability community as an encourager to special-needs parents. She has been a member of a special-needs family since the day she was born. Her older sister has Down syndrome, and in 2010 her son James was diagnosed with autism. Sandra is the executive editor for Key Ministry and Not Alone, and her writing has been featured by FamilyLife Today, DaySpring, Parenting Teens ( aka LifeWay), and (in)courage. Sandra, her husband, and their two boys live outside of Houston. You can connect with her at her website and you can preorder her book at Amazon.

Do you ever wonder how having a special needs sibling will affect your traditional child?  Listen as Sandra Peoples shares her story of first being a special needs sibling, and now a special needs parent. Sandra Peoples, is a leading voice in the disability community as an encourager to special-needs parents. She has been a member of a special-needs family since the day she was born. Her older sister has Down syndrome, and in 2010 her son James was diagnosed with autism. Sandra is the executive editor for Key Ministry and Not Alone, and her writing has been featured by FamilyLife Today, DaySpring, Parenting Teens ( aka LifeWay), and (in)courage. Sandra, her husband, and their two boys live outside of Houston. You can connect with her at her website and you can preorder her book at Amazon.

Are you the parent of a special needs child who is struggling with your child’s diagnosis?  Do you need encouragement in your day to day life?  Or maybe you need some perspective on what it is like to have a special needs child and how you can bless another family in this situation.  Today Sandra Peoples shares her story of receiving an autism diagnosis for her son, and what it is like to raise a special needs child.  She shares that even though a special needs diagnosis might be your plan B it is actually God’s plan A for your life and the life of your child. Sandra Peoples, is a leading voice in the disability community as an encourager to special-needs parents. She has been a member of a special-needs family since the day she was born. Her older sister has Down syndrome, and in 2010 her son James was diagnosed with autism. Sandra is the executive editor for Key Ministry and Not Alone, and her writing has been featured by FamilyLife Today, DaySpring, Parenting Teens ( aka LifeWay), and (in)courage. Sandra, her husband, and their two boys live outside of Houston. You can connect with her at her website and you can preorder her book at Amazon.

Christine talks with Sandra Peoples about the rewards and challenges of parenting a child with autism. She describes the day the diagnosis came, what the most common fear parents have regarding their special needs kids, what true hope is for all moms, and what truths she clings to in her deepest doubts and questions. Links from the show Key Ministry // Sandra's Bible study, Held // Sandra's book, Unexpected Blessings Order Your Copy of Searching For Spring Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Target // Christianbook.com // Books-a-Million // Baker Books Download the Discussion Guide for Searching for Spring Register for the Enjoy the Word online conference Submit a question for the "Ask Me Anything" episode Subscribe to the "By Faith" Podcast iTunes // Stitcher // Google Play Connect with Sandra Instagram // Twitter // Website Connect with Christine Blog // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter