All in FAITH

What it Means to Walk by Faith, Not by Sight

What it Means to Walk by Faith, Not by Sight

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Since losing my sight in 2015, 2 Corinthians 5:7 has become my motto.

It says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Over the last eight years, I have seen this verse ring true in my life both spiritually and literally as I navigate the world without my sight. Merriam Webster defines faith as, “Belief in, loyalty to, and complete trust in God, and as a firm belief in something for which there is no proof.”

So, what does it mean to navigate the world solely on your trust in God and on your belief in the unseen? What does it mean to walk by faith and not by sight?

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?

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.

How to Give Yourself Grace

How to Give Yourself Grace

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

The last few months of 2022 were hectic, to say the least. 

I started graduate school which completely threw off my normal routine. 

If you know anything about me, you know that following a normal schedule is especially important to me! 

With the onset of this new endeavor, I was forced to reallocate my time, and it was exceedingly difficult. 

I struggled to be available for my ministry, my personal life, and even my relationship with God. 

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.

Why I Wrote a Fear Devotional

Why I Wrote a Fear Devotional

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

I am so excited for the release of my latest book, Whom Shall I fear? 30 Days of Christ-Centered Courage!

You will all be able to read it soon, but before you do, I wanted to give you a little insight into why I felt led to write a devotional centered around fear.

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:

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.

Letting Go of Doubt

Letting Go of Doubt

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Have you ever had moments in your life where you just feel invincible? I’m talking about those times when you feel like you can conquer any task, overcome any hurdle, and smash through any roadblock. For most of my younger years, I felt invincible. As I grew older and I started to feel the impact of the hardships of life, those moments became fewer and farther between. Especially after I lost my sight, I experienced more times where I felt defeated and weak. All of a sudden, even the smallest, most minute tasks seemed impossible. How would I ever be able to pick out my own clothes, prepare food independently, or finish college without my sight?

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.

Seeing is Not Believing

Seeing is Not Believing

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

We all know that old idiom, “Seeing is believing.” Let’s face it, our society is pretty much based on proof, evidence, and tangible research. It can be hard for us to believe something that we have not actually seen, felt, or witnessed for ourselves, especially when that thing seems unbelievable. Take Thomas, for example. In John 20, Jesus appears to His disciples, except for Thomas, after His crucifixion and resurrection. When the disciples tell Thomas what they have seen, he does not believe them. So the other disciples tell him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he says to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe” (John 20:25).

Darkness to Light

Darkness to Light

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

In the first chapter of the Bible, we learn much about God, His power, and His plan. When God began His masterpiece in this account of creation, Genesis 1:2 reads that “The Earth was formless and darkness covered everything.”

Before losing my sight in 2015, I could have described myself in a similar way, and I think a lot of us can relate to this description at some point in our lives. I was raised as a Christian, but I did not truly know God. I was guilty of simply going through the motions with my “faith” at the time if you can even call it faith. I was very lost. The lack of a real relationship with God really took a toll on me in college. I succumbed to the party scene, the need to be popular, and the desire to be known for my worldly accomplishments and possessions. I was formless and covered in darkness and sin.

Load More