All tagged Bible study

Don't Waste Your Time Worrying

Don't Waste Your Time Worrying

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

During my initial three weeks of training with my guide dog, Jackson, we had a lot of new, exciting, and sometimes scary experiences.

One that I remember most is when we were introduced to obstacles.

The trainers set up various objects along the sidewalk that were meant to block our path. Then, as a team, Jackson and I had to figure out how to work around them.

This exercise was meant to mimic a real-life scenario in which our route may become unexpectedly blocked and we would have to decide how to navigate the situation.

As Jackson and I walked along, I did not know exactly what the obstacles were or what the outcome would be, I just knew they were coming.

Relinquishing Your Fears to God

Relinquishing Your Fears to God

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

During a recent meeting of my monthly Bible study, the 5:7 Club, we did an activity that some may find a bit unsettling.

The ladies and I all took turns naming our fears.

Many of the worries expressed related to health concerns, loved ones, and an uncertain future.

For me, I often feel anxious about the unknown.  

You may be wondering, what exactly was the goal of this exercise?

Find Your Can

Find Your Can

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

A question that I receive often is, “What does a normal day consist of for you and your guide dog?”

On an average morning, we are dropped off downtown where we will usually run by the coffee shop or head to my office to start working.

Work for my ministry usually consists of writing a blog or devotion, rehearsing a speech, conducting a Bible study, or having an encouragement session with someone either in person or over the phone.

All of which Jackson does not find too exciting, so he will settle in for a nap.

Throughout the day, Jackson and I may visit one of the local shops or grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant.

How to Turn Your Worries Over to God

How to Turn Your Worries Over to God

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

During my initial three weeks of training with my guide dog, Jackson, we had a lot of new, exciting, and sometimes scary experiences.

One that I remember most is when we were introduced to obstacles.

The trainers set up various objects along the sidewalk that were meant to block our path. Then, as a team, Jackson and I had to figure out how to work around them.

This exercise was meant to mimic a real-life scenario in which our route may become unexpectedly blocked and we would have to decide how to navigate the situation.

As Jackson and I walked along, I did not know exactly what the obstacles were or what the outcome would be, I just knew they were coming.

What is the Sword of the Spirit?

What is the Sword of the Spirit?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Until now, we have been on the defense, protecting ourselves with a glistening breastplate, a strong shield, reliable footwear, and a heavenly helmet.

Now, however, armed with the word of God, we are ready to take up the offense and fight.

One of the reasons that I love the Disney Parks so much is that there is just something so magical about seeing a previously 2-dimensional story come to life before me in 3- dimensional real-life action!

What is the Shield of Faith?

What is the Shield of Faith?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Have you ever felt the truth of the saying, “When it rains, it pours”?

Sometimes, it seems as though we are stuck in a season of life where one trial follows another, and they all begin to build up until the weight of it all is crushing.

Blindness often brings upon those seasons because it impacts so many distinct aspects of my daily life.

Waiting on God's Timeline

Waiting on God's Timeline

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

In the book of Genesis, we can read about someone who was trapped in his own long season of waiting.

In Genesis 37, Joseph, the son of Jacob, was sold into slavery by his own brothers.

By no fault of his own, all of a sudden, Joseph found himself being plucked out of his homeland and shipped off to Egypt towards a life of labor and lack of freedom.

Joseph’s unfair judgment continued as he was sold to the captain of the palace guard, falsely accused of rape by the officer’s wife, and thrown into prison. Joseph was locked up for two years.

Through it all, however, he remained faithful to God and God remained faithful to Joseph.

Finding Christmas Courage

Finding Christmas Courage

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

I love to read and listen to audiobooks, and one of my favorite authors is Karen Kingsbury.

Not only are her novels compelling and entertaining, but they are all based on scripture and Biblical truths.

Her writing always leaves me with a sense of peace and gratitude towards our Lord and Savior, and I always tend to learn something new about God and His word.

While reading Kingsbury’s novel, “Truly, Madly, Deeply,” I was given a whole new perspective on a Bible story that all of us know so well…the Christmas Story.

We often read the account of Jesus’ miraculous conception and birth with a sense of hope, joy, and peace.

How to Stay “In-Step” with the Holy Spirit

How to Stay “In-Step” with the Holy Spirit

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

When I received my guide dog, Jackson, I was so excited for the freedom and independence he would bring to my life.

And I definitely have not been disappointed!

I feel so much more confident traveling independently with my boy by my side. However, I also knew that having a guide dog would come with its challenges and occasional hardships.

Having a dog is very different from simply walking with a white cane.

For one thing, when you have a dog, you are responsible for a living, breathing animal. This means that, on occasion, they will become sick and need a day or two off of work.

Is My Life More Than A Tragedy?

Is My Life More Than A Tragedy?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

My trip to Leader Dogs for the Blind in Michigan last month was a blessing for many different reasons.

The main reason, of course, is that I came back with my wonderful guide dog Jackson. He is such a gentleman and has truly changed my life already.

One of the other main reasons it was such a great trip is because of all of the people that I met. There were about twelve other people in my class at Leader Dog, and everyone was from different places and backgrounds with varying ages, careers, and even ranges of vision.

No, not everyone who receives a guide dog is totally blind.

What Do I Deserve?

What Do I Deserve?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

When I entered this world in May of 1994, to say that my mom and dad had their hands full would be an understatement.

While preparing to welcome their third child, they were also busy wrangling twin toddlers.

I’m sure they were excited, anxious, and just a bit exhausted by the time I made my appearance.

Not only had they spent the last nine months caring for me as I grew in my mom’s tummy, but they had also committed themselves to a lifetime of physical and emotional care for yet another child.