All tagged Jesus

A Challenge to Focus on the Unseen

A Challenge to Focus on the Unseen

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

If you were to walk into my house, one of the first things that you would notice would be all the pictures. 

Wedding pictures, engagement photos, snapshots from my travels, and photographs of family adorn the walls, shelves, and mantle. 

I have always loved pictures. Before I lost my sight, and, yes, even after.

The third anniversary of my wedding is today, and one of my favorite things to do is to sit and look over all the pictures from our perfect day. 

How do I do this without my sight you may be wondering? 

For my digital photos, I have descriptions of the pictures typed out, which my screen reader will read aloud as I select an image. 

Do Your April Showers Bring You May Flowers?

Do Your April Showers Bring You May Flowers?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

“April showers bring May flowers.”

It’s a saying we all have heard, and we know it is true.

The wet, dreary weather we tend to endure in early spring gives way to a beautiful array of vibrant colors and energizing scents as time passes.

While the rain is not a welcome occurrence, it is necessary for the beauty that we all look forward to each year.

This fun, familiar saying reminds me of a Bible verse found in Romans chapter 8.

Where Is God in Our Suffering?

Where Is God in Our Suffering?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

As many of you know, I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling through Liberty University.

During this program, one of the most surprising and enlightening things I have learned is that skills or techniques are not the most important factors that make an effective counselor. Rather, the most powerful way of helping to facilitate healing, growth, and change in the lives of clients is a counselor’s way of sitting with hurting people.

This is known as presence.

Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen?

Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

As humans, we are especially prone to asking the “why” question when bad things happen in our lives.

Why did I get fired?

Why did my mother have to leave us so early?

Why am I going through this divorce?

As Christians, we know that God is all-powerful. So, it seems natural for us to begin questioning Him as well.

How to Find Your Self-Worth in God

How to Find Your Self-Worth in God

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Have you ever felt as though you do not quite measure up?

When you look around, you can’t help but think that you are not as good-looking, happy, or successful as the rest of your peers.

Your clothes are not as nice, your marriage or relationship isn’t as strong, and you didn’t get that promotion.

Sometimes, it feels like it is just part of our nature to compare, conform, and crave the attainment of worldly standards.

Seeking God When You're Burnt Out

Seeking God When You're Burnt Out

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

I honestly can’t believe I’m writing this, but happy May! 

This year is seriously flying by so fast, and it has been a whirlwind for me. 

Between speaking engagements, graduate school, family life, and other responsibilities, it seems as though I hardly have time to eat, breathe, or sleep! 

Can any of you relate? Are you in a season that is so busy that you simply cannot find the time to slow down?

Finding Comfort in Silence

Finding Comfort in Silence

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

A few weeks ago, I spent time in Lynchburg, Virginia at Liberty University.

As an online student, I do most of my assignments virtually.

However, for my course in counseling skills, I had the opportunity to travel to campus for a week of face-to-face learning. It was a wonderful week in which I was able to connect with fellow students and learn the practical skills that I will use every day as a counselor.

One of the most valuable skills for a counselor is silence.

Why Do We Celebrate Valentine's Day?

Why Do We Celebrate Valentine's Day?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

The month of February always evokes thoughts of hearts, cupids, and mushy love notes.

Valentine’s Day is a holiday in which many of us strive to show just how much we care about our significant others.

I wonder how many dollars are spent each year on flowers, chocolates, and expensive meals!

This year, I found myself contemplating why we celebrate February 14th in this way. 

Is it simply an effort to prove how deserving we are of love in return?

Out With the Old, in With the New

Out With the Old, in With the New

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

After going blind in 2015, I desperately wanted my life to return to “normal.”

Whether my sight came back or not, I was bound and determined to return to who I was before. I wanted to do the same activities, live the same way, and enjoy the same things.

It didn’t take long to realize, however, that the “normal” I had experienced before would never completely be attained again.

Fixing Our Eyes on the Unseen

Fixing Our Eyes on the Unseen

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

If you were to walk into my house, one of the first things that you would notice would be all the pictures.

Wedding pictures, engagement photos, snapshots from my travels, and photographs of family adorn the walls, shelves, and mantle.

I have always loved pictures. Before I lost my sight, and, yes, even after.

The one-year anniversary of my wedding is rapidly approaching, and one of my favorite things to do is to sit and look over all the pictures from our perfect day.

How do I do this without my sight you may be wondering?

What is the Helmet of Salvation?

What is the Helmet of Salvation?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

When I was about 6 years old, I attended a summer camp at a local farm.

This was the beginning of my horse obsession.

One of the first lessons at camp taught us about the necessary equipment, both for the horse and for the rider.

The horse must be equipped with a saddle, saddle pad, girth, and bridle.

The rider must be equipped with proper riding attire such as breeches (pants), boots, gloves, and a helmet.

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.

What is the Armor of God?

What is the Armor of God?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

One of the most difficult parts about blindness is all of the unseen “enemies'' that seem to lurk around every corner.

I bump into or trip over objects that I didn't know were there, jump ten feet in the air when someone starts speaking in a room that I thought was vacant, or flinch when something brushes my arm and I have no way to figure out what it was. The unseen can be frightening!

In reality, however, all of us sighted or blind, encounter unseen enemies that are far more sinister.

How to Replace Our Fears with Faith

How to Replace Our Fears with Faith

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

What makes you afraid?

When we take a closer look at our fears, many of them center around the unknown, unfamiliar, or what is out of our control.

One of my greatest fears is storms.

The power and unpredictability that they possess turn me into a nervous wreck every time the thunder begins to roll and rain pounds on the roof. You never can quite tell what a simple summer thunderstorm may progress into.

Ironically, before I lost my sight, I also had a fear of the dark.

Can God Use Me?

Can God Use Me?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

If you had told me 7 years ago that I would one day start my own ministry, I would have thought you were crazy.

The idea that I would be sharing my faith with others would have been almost laughable to me.

Why?

Because I did not have a close relationship with Christ, I was living far from how a Christian should live, and I hardly ever touched my Bible.

Despite this, God decided to use me anyway, and I’m so glad that He did.

As a result, my life is now drastically different.

Putting on the New Self for the New Year

Putting on the New Self for the New Year

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

I used to love rearranging the furniture in my bedroom when I was younger.

My parents were constantly hearing noises of furniture being rolled or scraped across the floor above their heads. I have had to let this beloved pastime go since losing my sight.

Honestly, rearranged furniture is now one of my worst nightmares!

It would take me forever to get used to the changes, and thinking about all of the accompanying bumps and bruises makes me cringe!

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.

What Are You Thankful For?

What Are You Thankful For?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!

The day when we get to stuff ourselves with turkey, dressing, and sweet potato casserole while being surrounded by family and friends. I honestly cannot think of anything better!

I love Thanksgiving for several reasons.

First, I get to visit with family who I don’t get to see that often.

Second, it means that Christmas is right around the corner.

Third, the food!!!

Fun fact: I actually love Thanksgiving food so much that I had it served at my wedding reception. My favorite? Sweet potato casserole!

How to Become More Connected with Christ

How to Become More Connected with Christ

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

In the fall of 2020, I began the process of applying for a guide dog from Leader Dogs for the Blind.

I know what you’re probably thinking because I’ve heard it many times before… “You have to apply? Shouldn’t anyone who is blind automatically be qualified for a guide dog?”

Actually, this is far from the truth because there is a lot more that goes into using a dog as a mobility tool than simply grabbing hold of the harness handle and being led everywhere you want to go.

As the dog’s handler, it is your responsibility to give your dog directions such as where to go and when to cross the street. The dog’s only responsibility is to follow your directions and guide you there safely.

As a result, the application process ensures that you have an adequate level of orientation and mobility skills to work with your dog as a team and that you can properly care for and provide for your new furry companion.

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