All tagged Walking by Faith

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. 

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.

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 Give God Our Full Attention

How to Give God Our Full Attention

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Since losing my sight, I have experienced a lot of awkward and cringe-worthy moments.

I don’t even need to list all of them, because I’m sure you can imagine some of the crazy things that can happen when you are navigating the world without being able to see.

Recently, I had one of these experiences at the gym.

Finding God in Unexpected Places

Finding God in Unexpected Places

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Where do you feel closest to God?

Is it in a quiet, serene setting like a garden or flowery meadow??

Maybe it is in your living room with a cup of coffee in hand during the early morning hours.

What about in the back corner of a cozy coffee shop or when you are singing hymns in church?

All of these are good answers to the question, and, honestly, there are no wrong answers. Everyone is different and everyone experiences closeness with God in a different way.

Finding Blessings Through My Sight Loss

Finding Blessings Through My Sight Loss

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

When I was about 10 years old, I experienced one of the scariest moments of my life.

It was a beautiful, sunny day and I was on horseback, my favorite place on earth. While riding through an open pasture with my sister, my horse suddenly got spooked and took off at a full gallop.

I considered myself a pretty seasoned equestrian at the time, but this sudden increase in speed took me by surprise and, before I knew it, I was literally hanging upside down beneath the horse’s neck.

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!

Wedded Bliss Despite Our Differences

Wedded Bliss Despite Our Differences

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

My wedding date is rapidly approaching, and I can just about hear the bells ringing!

In fact, I will be saying “I do” in just 3 days!

Throughout our engagement, Seth and I have learned a lot about each other.

As we have spent more time together, endured the stress of planning a wedding, suffered personal losses, and explored the foundation of our relationship in pre-marital counseling, the good and the not-so-good parts of both of us have been revealed.

One of the most enlightening and important things we have learned is just how different we truly are.

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.

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?”

Christmas Courage - An excerpt from "Whom Shall I Fear" by Sara Claudia

Christmas Courage - An excerpt from "Whom Shall I Fear" by Sara Claudia

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 toward 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.

In the novel, however, I was challenged to look at it from Mary’s point of view—one of fear and uncertainty, but also one of faith and obedience.

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.

Alone with God

Alone with God

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Have you ever felt truly alone? Maybe you are facing a situation that is unfamiliar to your closest family or friends, are in a disagreement with your spouse or significant other, or just cannot seem to relate to the walks of life that the others around you are experiencing. Many situations in life can make us feel like we are isolated. When we feel this way, it can be so easy to retreat into ourselves. Like little hermit crabs, we crawl into our shells, and, trust me, this is not a safe place at all. I know from experience that the enemy can get to us more easily when we isolate ourselves.

Not I but He

Not I but He

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

How many times in a day do you catch yourself using “I” phrases? Don’t worry, you are not alone. I am definitely guilty of dwelling on myself quite a bit throughout the day. My problems. My worries. My plans. My accomplishments. How often, though, do we take the time to reflect on the world around us?

Reading Psalm 104 gives us a great opportunity to do just that.

High Hopes

High Hopes

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Hope is a word that is not lacking in most of our vocabularies, but how often do we slow down and really think about what it means? Here are a few common definitions: “A feeling of optimism, a strong sense of expectant desire for something to happen, or to look forward to a certain event with anticipation.” Often, what we are hoping for is an object, entity, or idea that cannot, at the moment, be seen or experienced.

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