All in FAITH

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.

Setting Our Sights on God

Setting Our Sights on God

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

Clutter.

We push it under the bed, sweep it under the rug, and bury it in the deep depths of our closets.

Don’t try to deny it, we are all guilty of it!

This was exactly what my sister, Beth, was doing while unpacking from a week-long trip. With a busy, chatty one-year-old, she doesn’t really have time to do too much organizing.

While stuffing some things away, she caught herself saying, “Out of sight, out of mind”.

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.

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.

How to Leave the Noise and Listen to God

How to Leave the Noise and Listen to God

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

A question that I frequently get asked is how I use my iPhone without my sight. 

Thanks to Voice Over, the screen reader software on Apple devices, I can listen to a friendly electronic voice telling me what is on the screen. Using this feature with certain gestures on the touch screen, I can text, scroll through Facebook, send emails, and use my phone in much of the same way as a sighted person.

While I am very thankful for this technology, sometimes I simply crave silence. 

I realized that I had spent the twenty years of my sighted life taking the ability to sit in the quiet and read a book for granted. 

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?

How to Find Peace and Strength Through Prayer

How to Find Peace and Strength Through Prayer

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

When someone lives through a life-changing event or trauma, like I did when I lost my sight, people often wonder how they are able to keep moving and carry on with life. 

I often get asked how I deal with all of the challenges and hardships that my blindness can cause and how I was able to face this sudden change in my life with strength and determination. 

The answer…. Prayer. 

At that point in my life, it’s not that I was the strongest Christian.

I grew up in church and went through the motions, but I did not have a real personal relationship with Christ, and my prayer life was practically nonexistent.

3 Ways to Fully Depend on God

3 Ways to Fully Depend on God

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

I have always considered myself as being pretty independent.

From the time I was a little girl, I remember being completely content just doing my own thing. I had no problem exploring in the woods with just my dog for company, playing in my room on my own, and otherwise keeping myself entertained.

Relinquishing Your Fears to God

Relinquishing Your Fears to God

Sara Claudia Ministries
FAITH

During a recent meeting of my monthly Bible study, the 5:7 Club, we did an activity that some may find a bit unsettling.

The ladies and I all took turns naming our fears.

Many of the worries expressed related to health concerns, loved ones, and an uncertain future.

For me, I often feel anxious about the unknown.  

You may be wondering, what exactly was the goal of this exercise?

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.

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. 

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