All tagged Walk by Faith Not by Sight

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.

Focusing On the Good

Focusing On the Good

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

One of the reasons why blindness is so challenging is because I literally cannot get away from it.

It is something that cannot be fixed with a dose of Advil, a good night of sleep or a quick visit to the doctor.

It is always there, always debilitating, and always a challenge.

Can you relate?

Do you have a “thorn in the flesh” that seems to be stinging you with every step forward?

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.

Are You Listening to God?

Are You Listening to God?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Throughout my journey with blindness, I have learned many lessons.

Lessons that could be applied not only to my sight loss but to grief, relationships, and even to God.

While learning to navigate the world without my sight using a white cane, one of the first techniques I was taught was how to use my ears.

At street crossings, I was instructed on how to pay close attention to the sounds of traffic. By doing so, I could determine whether traffic was flowing, the direction the cars were moving, and if it was safe for me to cross the street.

Is God Your Sighted Guide?

Is God Your Sighted Guide?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

When I am not using my white cane or guide dog as my eyes, I must rely on another person to be my “sighted guide”…

This means that, as I hold on to my companion’s elbow, they lead me around obstacles and along a safe, clear path.

At least, that is the intention!

In this way, I can navigate by feeling how the other person moves as well as by relying on their verbal directions and cues.

Are You God's Vessel?

Are You God's Vessel?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

When I was little, I was a bit different from many of my friends.

I never donned a dance leotard, ballet slippers, gymnast suit, or cheerleader uniform.

No, I was more comfortable in boots, brushing ponies, and riding in a dusty arena.

I did try gymnastics lessons once, though.

Quickly, I realized it wasn’t for me.

In an attempt to find an excuse to gracefully bow out of the sport, I told my parents that I didn’t want to do gymnastics anymore because my instructor had a ponytail…it was the logic of a 5-year-old, but it worked!

So, I never learned how to do a cartwheel, stand on my hands, or be flexible.

How are You Planning to Remain Faithful to God?

How are You Planning to Remain Faithful to God?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

During a playful conversation with my husband, he offered me a piece of advice.

He proposed that, in addition to pursuing a career in professional counseling, I should also consider a job as a professional planner. In this role, I could plan people’s trips, meals, day-to-day activities, and overall lives.

As you can probably tell, he was poking fun at my tendency to construct plans in my own life, which can sometimes be excessive.

The topic of planning reminded me of a passage I read recently in the book of Daniel.

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.

It's What Inside That Counts

It's What Inside That Counts

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

We all are guilty of making some questionable decisions when we are young.

Especially in high school, we get pulled into strange fashion trends, risky behavior in an effort to fit in, and going to great lengths in order to be seen as appealing to others.

When I was a senior in high school, I let one of my friends talk me into dyeing my hair. My natural color, a dirty blonde shade, had never been touched with color before, but I wanted it to be blonder.

Thus, the bleaching and dyeing began.

Running to God with Our Problems

Running to God with Our Problems

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Sweat was pouring down his forehead. His knuckles were turning white, and he was struggling in his seat as he began to raise his voice saying,

“Get me out of here!”

We had just screeched to a halt after twisting, flipping, and racing through the Batman roller coaster, and it was taking a little too long for us to be unloaded from the tangle of seatbelts and safety restraints.

I’ve always wondered why my dad insisted on taking us to Six Flags every year before school started because this always seemed to happen. He would inevitably become severely claustrophobic on one…or several…of the attractions.

How to Exercise Our Faith

How to Exercise Our Faith

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

I’m always up for a challenge at the gym, but my trainer introduced me to a new exercise recently that brought me to my knees… Literally. 

It’s called the “surrender” and involves dropping first to one knee and then down to the other before rising up again into a mini squat one leg at a time. Trust me, it’s a lot harder than it sounds. After about 3 surrenders, I was breathing hard, my quads were burning, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it to the end!

Taking Time to Sit at the Lord's Feet

Taking Time to Sit at the Lord's Feet

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

I love entertaining at my house, but I’ll be honest, it can also be exhausting! There are so many things to think about and prepare.

I have to make sure the house is clean, provide food and refreshments, and gather games, movies, or other sources of entertainment.

The work does not end when the company arrives, either.

Once the party starts, I always find myself rushing around, making sure that everyone has what they need and is having a good time.

With all of this hustle and bustle, it is hard to even visit with my guests.

Sometimes, I just wish that I had a remote control for life so that I could hit the pause button and have the time to enjoy the moment!

In Luke 10, Martha faced a similar situation.

She had a very special guest coming to her home…Jesus!

Can you imagine?

I would probably be a nervous wreck if Jesus was coming over to my house for dinner.

Like many of us do when we are preparing for guests, Martha, even after Jesus arrived, hurried around in frenzied preparation.

How I Travel God's Creation Without My Sight

How I Travel God's Creation Without My Sight

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Some of my fondest childhood memories are of trips taken with my family.

To this day, my mind is filled with images of beautiful scenery and tales of exciting adventures. I am so thankful for all those special moments that can never be replaced. 

My husband, Seth, is also a travel fanatic. 

A few weeks ago, we returned from a trip to the United Kingdom.

It was our very first vacation abroad as a couple and Seth’s first time venturing out of the country. 

Spoiler alert…we had a blast!

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.

Seeking Deliverance from Our Fears

Seeking Deliverance from Our Fears

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

I will never forget the very first time that I took a trip on my own after losing my sight. 

I was preparing to fly to Michigan to receive orientation and mobility training at Leader Dogs for the Blind. 

This organization does not only provide guide dogs to people who are blind or visually impaired, but they also teach such individuals how to navigate the world using a white cane (orientation and mobility training). This was the reason I was traveling there in 2016. 

I had barely been blind for a year, and this would be the first time I would be taking a trip on my own since losing my sight. 

Finding Peace in the Storm

Finding Peace in the Storm

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

As a child, I was relatively fearless. 

I never hesitated to hop on a fast roller coaster, explore the woods on my own, or climb onto the back of a tall horse. 

Despite this, one thing that still manages to stir up fear in my heart is the rumble of thunder.

Storms are unpredictable, create panic and fear, and can leave a path of destruction.

Finding Joy While Striking Out

Finding Joy While Striking Out

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

While I do not consider myself to be much of a sports fanatic, I do love the Atlanta Braves.

At a game one evening, amidst the exciting atmosphere, I heard the fan behind me make an interesting statement.

It was the beginning of the game, the 2nd or 3rd inning, and we were losing 4 to 1.

The organist started playing “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.”

The man sitting behind me said, “We are losing 4 to 1! What do we have to be happy about?”

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.

IT'S BOOK RELEASE MONTH!

IT'S BOOK RELEASE MONTH!

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

It is FINALLY book release month! That’s right!

My new book, Whom Shall I Fear? 30 Days of Christ-Centered Courage, is releasing on November 23rd!

I’ve teased y’all with a few of the devotions, but haven’t fully explained what the book entails…

Here’s a quick description:

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