How Do We Work as a Team with God?

How Do We Work as a Team with God?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

During my training with my guide dog, Jackson, one of the first things we learned how to do was to work around obstacles.

The trainers would set up traffic cones, large solid barriers, and other objects on the sidewalk to block our path.

The dogs are trained to stop in front of the obstacle, and then as a team, the dog and handler are to decide the best way to work around the object.

The first few times Jackson and I worked on this task; it was pretty much a disaster. I would give him the wrong command and completely confuse him. Or he would take matters into his own paws, guiding me on his own “creative” path around the obstacle.

It took a lot of practice, trust, and teamwork for us to finally become comfortable working together around these unexpected barriers.

Am I Following God's Will?

Am I Following God's Will?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Confession time!

It can be difficult for me to take the advice of others. In fact, sometimes I will even seek out affirmation over advice because I know it will be much easier to swallow.

My mom may critique an outfit down to the color of the thread if I ask her opinion, whereas it can be easier to just ask my husband who will always say, ”You look great, honey!”

If I send a blog post for revision to my editor, Erica, she will probably knit-pick it to death, whereas someone else would say, “This is great work!”

You get my point, it can seem easier and better for our ego to ask for advice from someone who will agree with what we have already decided, but this way of thinking doesn’t always lead to the best outcome.

Have I Lost My Purpose?

Have I Lost My Purpose?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

What was the hardest part about losing my sight suddenly at age 20?

There were so many challenges that accompanied the unexpected tragedy which occurred over 6 years ago.

Some of these hardships included losing my independence, having to adjust to a new way of living and engaging with the world, and enduring the frustrating search to find my purpose as someone with a disability.

Losing sight of my way, my plans for the future, and the purpose I thought I had for my life would be one of the hardest things I had to face.

At the time of my sight loss in 2015, I was on track to graduate college the following year, pursue a graduate degree, and begin a career in the field of Psychology.

In the blink of an eye, all of that disappeared and I no longer had a plan for what my life would be ten years down the road, let alone 10 months, weeks, or even days in the future.

Is God Against Me?

Is God Against Me?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

When I lost my sight in 2015, to say that it felt as though life was crumbling around me would be an understatement.

In the blink of an eye, my collegiate equestrian career, my senior year of college, my health, and life as I knew it disappeared.

In the days, weeks, and months that followed, I faced one hard situation after another as I learned to live again in darkness.

It definitely felt like everything was falling apart, and I struggled to understand Where God was and what he was doing through it all.

Do you ever have those days when you feel as though everything is falling apart?

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.

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.

Can I See God Through My Tears?

Can I See God Through My Tears?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

When I was 19 years old, about a year before I lost my sight, I took a trip with my parents to the Grand Canyon.

My dad and I were able to gaze upon the spectacular landscape from a unique vantage point on a helicopter ride.

Slightly terrifying? Yes! But the views were well worth the mild panic attack! It was one of the most wondrous things I have ever seen.

The Grand Canyon is one of those sights that just makes you think, “How in the world could someone not believe in God?”

How could something so beautiful and so spectacular simply arise by chance?

There Are No Shortcuts with God

There Are No Shortcuts with God

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

My husband, Seth, and I love to hike.

We aren’t professional outdoorsmen by any means and won’t be tackling the Appalachian Trail any time soon, but we do enjoy an afternoon spent meandering through God’s beautiful creation.

On a recent long weekend, we drove to Berry College, where our goal was to hike to the House of Dreams. The charming cottage sits atop Lavender Mountain, 1,360 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by vibrant gardens and foliage and spectacular views of the campus and city of Rome, Georgia far below.

The House of Dreams was built as a gift for Martha Berry, the founder of Berry College, in 1922 by students and faculty.

It was meant to be somewhat of a retreat for her, and we were looking forward to having a peaceful retreat of our own into the mountains.

Our Wedding Day

Our Wedding Day

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

It’s official, I have been a married woman for over two months! I can hardly believe it! Time has flown by, and life as a newlywed has been wonderful. I wanted to thank all of you for the kind words of encouragement, support, and love that Seth and I received. I also wanted to share some of our wedding photos so that you can get a glimpse of our perfect day!

Stay tuned for an upcoming podcast featuring my husband, Seth. We will be playing our own version of “The Newlywed Game.” It will be a lot of fun, and there will definitely be a lot of laughs as you get a little peek into our life as a newlywed couple!

Stuck Between a Rock & a Hard Place

Stuck Between a Rock & a Hard Place

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Have you ever found yourself in a tough situation?

One of those “between a rock and a hard place” kind of circumstances that just seem impossible to wriggle out of.

Let’s face it, some problems that we find ourselves faced with are simply impossible for us to change, no matter how hard we try.

My blindness, along with all of the struggles that accompany it, is one of those situations for me.

As much as I wish I could, I cannot bring my sight back.

It is a circumstance that I cannot change and if I’m being honest, this makes me pretty angry at times.

Ria Story, a leadership speaker, trainer, and author, says, “We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond to it.”

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Have you ever looked at the world around you and simply wondered, “Why?”

Why is such a young person suffering from cancer?

Why is there so much trash on the television?

Why, when I turn on the news, is there yet another deadly tragedy?

Sometimes, all of the evil negativity that surrounds us can make it easy to also say, “Why would God allow this? Or even, “Why are you doing this God?”

Over the past six years, while struggling with my sight loss, I have been very tempted to question God.

What it Means to Live for Christ

What it Means to Live for Christ

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Have you ever had to completely start over?

Maybe you moved to a new town, started a new job, or transferred to a new school.

Whatever the situation may be, when you are learning to live in a new place, literally or figuratively, it can be unfamiliar, unsettling, and scary.

When I lost my sight six years ago, I felt like I was having to start my life from scratch in more ways than one.

First, there was the obvious way in which I had to learn to live again…figuring out how to do everything without my sight.

To say it was challenging would be an understatement, and to say that I have learned everything there is to know about living with blindness would be untrue.

Can I Keep Swimming Through The Storm?

Can I Keep Swimming Through The Storm?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Have you ever wanted to learn how to scuba dive?

The idea of being able to retreat into the depths of the ocean and explore all of the sea life, caverns, and underwater treasures in real-life color always seemed fascinating to me.

When I was 20 years old, I actually got the chance…kind of.

When I was a junior in college, before I lost my sight, I took a scuba class.

Yes, it was actually an elective course that was offered at my school. We were supplied with wet suits, goggles, flippers, and oxygen tanks as we learned all of the ins and outs of becoming a diver.

While it was a lot of fun, I definitely was not prepared for how challenging it would be, both mentally and physically!

Breaking Up with My To-Do List

Breaking Up with My To-Do List

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

One of my strengths is that I am proactive, a planner, and the complete opposite of a procrastinator.

When I get an idea in my head or have a task to accomplish, I work efficiently and endlessly until it is finished!

However, this can also be one of my greatest weaknesses because sometimes, if I’m being honest, I take it a little too far.

The notion that tasks, plans, or exciting new ventures need to be realized instantly is not always realistic.

This personality quirk shows up in virtually every aspect of my life.

If I get an idea for a new project around the house, I would prefer for it to be done that day.

If I have a long to-do list, I often will not rest until each task is checked off.

Should I Believe The Lies?

Should I Believe The Lies?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Do you ever hear that little voice in your head?

You know, the not-so-nice one whose only goal seems to be to bring you down.

The one that repeats phrases like,

“You’re not good enough” or “No one really cares about you.”

In today’s world, deception is everywhere.

In the news, in our favorite TV shows, and even in the phrases whispered by that little voice.

But this phenomenon is not new.

In fact, the enemy has been trying to deceive us and pull us away from God’s truth since the very beginning of mankind.

Finding Our Happy Place - with Candace Cofer

Finding Our Happy Place - with Candace Cofer

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

We all have our "happy place."

Maybe it's the porch.

One of my friends said her husband loves the back porch so much they call their patio "The Matt-io."

Maybe for you, it's the beach.

Sunshine and waves and the smell of Coppertone sunscreen is your ticket to serenity.

Maybe it's less expensive. Maybe all it takes is a hot shower.

As a parent of little ones, complicated and compulsive adolescents, or seemingly unreachable teenagers, you seek a few minutes of alone time. Brief and simple, but happy nonetheless.

Wedding Bells

Wedding Bells

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.

Look Up

Look Up

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

“Okay, here’s what we have to do. We’re going to lower ourselves about three feet down into the gully and then climb about four feet up on the other side, and then we have some briars to work through… but it’ll be fine!”

These are the words I heard as my dad and I began hiking back to the watershed lake that sits about a mile behind my childhood home.

The challenge didn’t phase me, though.

I had spent my whole childhood, teenage, and young adult years exploring these woods, and I was excited about the adventure.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

April Showers Bring 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.

Should We Thank God For “Unanswered” Prayers?

Should We Thank God For “Unanswered” Prayers?

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

One implication of my blindness that I don’t think I will ever get used to is its impact on social interactions.

When I am in a conversation with someone, I cannot read their body language, and this is a pretty important aspect!

As a result, it can be hard to know if I have their attention, if they are distracted, or even if they have walked off and left the conversation all together!

In situations like this, I often end up feeling unheard and unanswered.

We all know how it feels to see that a text message or Facebook message has been read, but ignored.

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