“Perhaps She Was Feeding Me.”

For the past six months, I often noticed this lady whenever I visit a certain store in my area. She was either sitting quietly on a bench or leaving the plaza.

From a distance, she appears to have nowhere to go. Yet she always carried herself with a quiet dignity.

More than once, I felt prompted to buy her something to eat.

One day, I told myself, “If she’s still there when I come out, I’ll ask her if she’d like something.” But when I returned, she was gone.

Another time, I went inside the store and purchased something for her, only to come back outside and find the bench empty once again.

I began to wonder if I would ever have the opportunity.

Then today happened. As I approached the store, there she was—sitting on the bench. Immediately, I thought, “Lord, You’ve given me another chance.”

Before going inside, I walked over and asked, “Would you like something to eat?” She looked up with the sweetest smile and replied, “God bless you, but I’m so full,” and gently patted her stomach.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said again. “God bless you.”

I responded, “God bless you,” and as I walked away, I carried her smile with me.

And the rest of the evening, I paused and pondered this brief encounter. God places people in our path who seem to have so much less than we do but somehow possess so much more.

More contentment. More gratitude. More peace. More appreciation for simple blessings.

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Perhaps the Lord wasn’t giving me an opportunity to feed her.

Perhaps He was using her to feed something in me.

To remind me that gratitude is not measured by the size of our possessions but by the posture of our hearts.

Today, a woman on a bench reminded me to be thankful for all things.

Thankful for family and friends.

Thankful for another day.

Thankful for every breath I breathe.

Reflective Questions

  • Have you ever discovered that God was teaching you through someone you thought you were supposed to help?
  • Who has God placed in your path lately to remind you to be grateful?
  • Could it be that the blessing you were trying to give was actually the blessing you needed to receive?
  • When was the last time a simple encounter changed your perspective?
  • What are three things you’re grateful for today?

Father, forgive us when we focus more on what is lacking than on what You have already provided. Help us to live with grateful hearts and to recognize that every good gift comes from You. May we never take for granted the blessings that surround us—even the breath in our lungs. Amen.

Would love to hear your stories; pause and share in the comment section.

#PerhapsSheWasFeedingMe
#ChooseGratitude
#GodsUnexpectedLessons

Pausing With God Early Morning Prayer

As we enter the month of June 2026, we invite you to join us for another powerful Early Morning Prayer journey as we walk through the book of Judges. This month’s theme, “Journey Through Judges,” will take us through cycles of drifting and returning, weakness and growth, consequences and calling, renewal and alignment.

The book of Judges reminds us that even in times of confusion, compromise, and struggle, God remains faithful. Again and again, He heard the cries of His people, raised deliverers, restored what was broken, and called His people back to Him. Throughout this journey, we will reflect on the lessons found in the lives of Deborah, Gideon, Samson, and others who experienced both victories and failures—but also the mercy and restoration of God.

Each morning, we will pause together to pray, reflect, and realign our hearts with God’s truth. Whether you are seeking direction, healing, strength, restoration, or renewed faith, we pray this month encourages you to trust God more deeply and remain steadfast in every season.

Welcome to June 2026: Journey Through Judges.
Let us pray, reflect, grow, and journey together.

JUNE 2026 JOURNEY THROUGH JUDGESDownload

Super Mom’s Day

Mother’s Day is approaching, so we’d like to take a moment to recognize all the Super Moms out there. Yes, April 27th is marked as Autism Super Mom Day, but I’d like to include all parents that daily take care of a special needs (SN) child—24 hours a day, 365 days a year; your hard work and sacrifices do not go unnoticed. You are the true heroes, and your love and care have a significant impact on our children’s lives.

Unless we have firsthand experience, we cannot know what these parents or caregivers mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially go through. So whenever your paths cross, instead of staring at or ignoring them, why not pause and celebrate them by acknowledging their strength, courage, and determination? They need our support, understanding, and resources like https://momofspecialneeds.com/– most of all to know that we see them!

Wishing you SUPER MOM’S the happiest of Mother’s Days!

ABIDE & BLOSSOM

Dear Prayer Family & Friends,

Look how far we’ve come together…

In January, we Surrendered.
In February, we were covered with The Armor of God.
In March, we followed our Marching Orders.
In April, we embraced Rebirth & New Beginnings.

May is a month where we get to slow down to ABIDE & BLOSSOM.

PWGM MAY 2026 DAILY DEVOTIONALDownload

Jesus reminds us in John 15:4: “Abide in Me, and I in you…” As we remain in Him, we will grow and bear fruit.

Let’s come each morning ready to stay connected, grow deeper, and blossom in His presence.

Encouraging • Empowering • Engaging

With love,
Sheri Powell

REBIRTH & NEW BEGINNINGS

Dear Prayer Family & Friends,

Look how far we’ve come together… 

In January, we surrendered—laying down our will and yielding more fully to the Lord.
In February, we put on the full armor of God—strengthened, covered, and prepared.
In March, we followed our marching orders—choosing to be faithful in all that God called us to do.

And now…we have arrived in April ~ REBIRTH & NEW BEGINNINGS

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” — Isaiah 43:19

Download your free copy and join us this April as we focus on the theme, Scriptures, and prayer points. Let them inspire you to expect renewal and transformation in your life—and, most importantly, expect God to do something new in you!

April 2026 devotional downloadDownload

Your sister in Christ,
Sheri Powell
Pausing With God Ministries
Encouraging, Empowering & Engaging

A Woman Of Excellence

With Mother’s Day approaching and this being Women’s Month, like my sister, I found myself celebrating a remarkable woman who holds a special place in my heart—my mother.

My mother may not have stood on a big stage or written books, but her life was a ministry in itself. Through her faith, her prayers, her wisdom, and her quiet strength, she showed me what it means to walk with God and to serve others with love.

So much of who I am today—my faith, my heart for encouraging women, and even the ministry of Pausing With God Ministries—has been influenced by the example she set before me.

That is why I wrote my book, Women of Excellence: The Ministry of My Mother. This book is more than just a story; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the lasting impact my mother had on my life and still has today. It comes from the pages of her personal journals.

Her words, her faith, and her example planted seeds that are still growing. Her legacy reminds me that living with God has a much bigger impact than I ever imagined. It goes beyond our lives and into the lives of the people who come after us.

This Women’s Month and Mother’s Day, I celebrate my mother and the countless women like her whose faith and love continue to shape families, communities, and generations.

Perhaps it’s the perfect time to pause and honor the women who have poured so much into our lives. You might even consider gifting them this heartfelt reflection written for mothers and daughters to share together. 

Women of Excellence: The Ministry of My Mother
Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578432463

To every mother, mentor, and woman of faith who has influenced another life, your ministry matters more than you know.

#WomensMonth #MothersDay #WomenOfExcellence #LegacyOfFaith #MothersAndDaughters #PausingWithGod #EncourageEmpowerEngage #WomenInMinistry

For more information, contact us at PausingWithGod@gmail.com or (904) 610-4947.

Honoring Women Who Paved the Way

One of the priceless gifts my sister and I inherited from our father is a love for writing. He had a special way with words, and that gift has continued to grow in both of us over the years.

Recently, my sister wrote a beautiful blog post in celebration of Women’s Month, and I wanted to share a short excerpt with you. Her words are thoughtful and encouraging, reminding us of the strength, resilience, and influence women carry every day.

Reflecting on this month, my thoughts turn to the numerous women who made this celebration possible—women whose strength, courage, and determination paved the way and created opportunities for numerous individuals.

I think about the women from my past, the women who are part of my life today, and the countless others whose names may not appear in this blog but whose influence has helped shape the world around us. This month, I celebrate each of you quietly in my heart.

If it is in God’s plan, I will celebrate my 67th birthday on the 23rd of this month. As I approach this milestone, I find myself wanting to live more intentionally—not only during Women’s Month, but every day. I want to grow deeper in my relationship with God, practice greater gratitude, and walk patiently in the journey. He continues to unfold before me.

As we continue through this month, may we take time to appreciate the women who have inspired us, supported us, and walked alongside us in life. Let us also remember that each of us carries the ability to encourage, uplift, and make a difference in the lives of others. When women stand together in faith, love, and purpose, the impact can reach far beyond what we can see.

I invite you to take a moment to read the full article on her blog:

🔗 https://health-and-conditions.com/2026/03/08/womens-month/

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”  — Proverbs 31:25

May we continue walking in that strength, trusting God with the days ahead.

MARCHING ORDERS

Dearest Intercessors,

In January, we focused on surrendering — giving more of ourselves to the Lord. In February, we stood firm — putting on the full armor of God.

In the month of March, we are ready to receive our ‘Marching Orders’.

Each morning during our quiet time, we will ponder the themes, read the scriptures, and personalize the prayer points with an attitude of attention, readiness, and obedience.

Join us during your Early Morning Prayer time and let’s march forward — not in fear, but in faith.

March 2026 devotionalDownload

With expectation,
Sheri
Pausing With God Ministries
Encouraging, Empowering & Engaging

STAND FIRM

For the past 15 years, our PWGM Prayer Team has been meeting every morning. As we move into year 16, we are even more intentional about praying the Word of God.

We thought we’d share February’s 28 Days in Ephesians 6—a time to pause, pray, and put on the full armor of God. (attached below)

Each day, we’ll stand firm in truth, strength, and faith, learning how to walk boldly in the power of His might.

This month’s lineup is intentionally designed to help you PAUSE in the presence of God and realign your heart through Scripture, prayer, reflection, and journaling. Each day offers space to be still, to listen, and to be strengthened as we walk this journey of faith side by side.

Each day provides you with: A Scripture, a sample prayer, and a thought-provoking journal prompt.

Whether you’re joining us for the first time or you’ve been walking with us for years, February is an invitation to lean in, not rush ahead—to trust God in the waiting and allow Him to strengthen your heart.

PAUSE and join us as we grow stronger—together.

28 Days February STAND FIRMDownload

Standing firm isn’t always easy—but it’s always worth it.
If this message spoke to your heart, comment, like and share it with someone who may need encouragement today.

PAUSE with us and grow stronger—together.

#PausingWithGod #Ephesians6 #ArmorOfGod #StandFirm #Encouraging #Empowering #Engaging

W.A.I.T.

What Am I Telling You!

Yesterday, I came home from my grandson’s birthday party to a dark house—the power was out. I received a text saying it should be restored by 6:30 p.m., so I stayed busy. I cleaned out my closet, set aside items for Goodwill, grabbed something to eat, and before long—the power came back on.

But then I noticed something unexpected.

The thermostat read: “System On — WAIT.”

In the back of my mind, I thought, Wait for what?
It was 27 degrees—one of the coldest nights we’ve had—and heat felt urgent.

I did a little Googling and decided to turn on the emergency heat. Of course, the warning popped up about how much it could increase my electric bill, but heat was needed. So I left it on overnight.

This morning, I planned to call the heating company. While I was on hold, I felt prompted to pause and look one more thing up. That’s when I learned something important: After a power outage your system may go into a protective delay (“WAIT” mode) to prevent damage to the compressor. During this time, emergency heat can kick in if the thermostat senses it’s too cold.

So I switched the thermostat back to regular heat. And in less than five minutes, the heat came back on.

WAIT.

Those letters rang a bell, years ago, I share with a group of ladies. W.A.I.T. “What Am I Telling You”

Why does God tell us to wait?

Because waiting protects us.
Because waiting builds trust.
Because waiting keeps us from jumping into “emergency mode” when God is already at work behind the scenes.

In our waiting, God strengthens our hearts. He teaches us to remain calm, stay firm in our faith, and trust that He is working all things together for our good.

As I waited for the heat to return, I also prayed for those who didn’t have what I had—those without heat, those without shelter, those facing the cold with far fewer resources. I thanked God for His provision and asked Him to provide for them as well.

Sometimes the message is simple.

When life feels urgent…
When fear says fix it now…
When the situation feels uncomfortable…

Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage…Psalms 27:14

What feels like a delay may actually be protection.
What feels like silence may be God working quietly on your behalf.

Reflection Question:
Is there an area in your life, where God might be inviting you to wait instead of rushing into “emergency mode”?