A New Year Reflection

For as long as I can remember, one of our family’s practices every year was to clean the house thoroughly before New Year’s Eve. “Out with the old, in with the new,” they say.

In today’s society, we’ve forgotten so many family traditions. Curious, I paused to ask on social media: “Raise your hand if you were brought up to clean the house before the New Year arrives.” To my surprise, this tradition is still going strong in many households.

One of the advantages of this task is uncovering treasures you’d forgotten about. As I cleaned, I found a few objects I hadn’t seen in years. I set these aside, thinking, “I’ll come back to them later—maybe I’ll keep them, or maybe I’ll regift them.” 😊

After hours of physical labor, I sighed with satisfaction and whispered to myself, “Mission complete!” I raised my head and glanced at the clock on the wall. “Why not?” I thought. “It’s still early; let’s do a little crafting.” But for some reason, I couldn’t get in the groove. Something felt… missing.

I inspected the house. Everything seemed to be in place. What had I overlooked? Then it hit me: around the house, everything was tidy and organized. But what about the inside? What about ending the year with some spiritual cleansing? Were there habits, attitudes, or even relationships I needed to let go of before the New Year began?

I grabbed a pen and my journal and opened it to a blank page. Without overthinking, the words flowed onto the paper so quickly it made my head spin. This exercise of reflection and release was just as beneficial as the physical cleaning of my home.

What about you? Might there be an area of your life needs to be put in order or cleansed as the New Year approaches? May I suggest that you take some time to ask yourself: Are there any habits, attitudes, or even relationships weighing me down or holding me back? Then go a step further and consider how releasing these could make space for something new, something better, as the year begins.

So, as you prepare for the New Year, don’t forget to clean not just your house but also your heart and mind. Let’s step into the future lighter, freer, and ready for all the blessings and opportunities ahead.

Happy New Year!

If this blog has encouraged you, pause and share, but don’t forget to like and subscribe!

PWGM New Year’s Eve Virtual Service

A Watch Night Service is a late-night Christian worship service, traditionally held on New Year’s Eve. Its purpose is to offer reflection, thanksgiving, and anticipation for the new year. This New Year’s Eve Pausing With God Ministries will be hosting it’s first ‘Virtual Watch Night Service’ .

A Brief Summary Of The Historical Legacy of Watch Night: On the night of December 31, 1862, enslaved and free African Americans gathered, many in secret, to ring in the new year and await news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. Just a few months earlier, on September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the executive order that declared enslaved people in the rebelling Confederate States legally free. However, the decree would not take effect until the clock struck midnight at the start of the new year. The occasion, known as Watch Night or “Freedom’s Eve,” marks when African Americans across the country watched and waited for the news of freedom. Today, Watch Night is an annual New Year’s Eve tradition that includes the memory of slavery and freedom, reflections on faith, and celebration of community and strength.

(courtesy of https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-watch-night)

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Pausing To Share… My little sister Tonia is sharing about Menopause Part 2. You can catch the replay here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1856eTaomA/

Menopause…Let’s Talk About It

Her discussion inspired me to relaunch a book I published in 2017, available in English & Spanish “Pausing With God: A Journey Through Menopause.”

During my journey, I found many secular books about menopause, but no Christian ones. If you know any, please email me the title and author at PausingWithGod@gmail.com.

In my book, I share my experiences and wonder why we learn about puberty and periods, but not menopause.

I remember hearing stories from older women about a “dark tunnel” they felt they could never escape. Their stories scared me and made me ignore the fact that I would also go through this season someday.

But menopause is a season of life that most woman experience. I’ve learned that we need the grace of God and support from one another to go through this journey successfully.

The purpose of this book is to remind you that menopause is not the end of the world and not a “dark tunnel with no way out.” Instead, it’s a time for growth and change. God cares for us and will guide, heal, comfort, and free us.

Stay tune for we are strong and ready to speak up – no more suffering in silence!

Book can be purchased in English or Spanish online Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles, Target or PausingWithGod.com Pause and secure your copy today!

Pause & review 2024 PWGM Conference

Sheri Powell and Pausing With God Ministries were thrilled to host 2024 PWGM Conference, Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Trumbull Marriott in Trumbull, Connecticut. With a year of praying and planning, this year’s event did not disappoint, it was a day of encouragement, empowerment and engagement.

Our attendees received a heartfelt message from an exceptional lineup of speakers and presenters: Cymone LaShae, Sarita Conley and Willette Barnett and praise and worship from the incomparable psalmists Jennifer Armistead.

Pausing With God Ministries 2024 Conference brings women from state to state and all walks of life to pause, reflect and receive what can never be taken away. Providing an unique opportunity to experience God’s presence in a powerful way.

You can also click on this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8IENFS75KM to hear from our very own stand up routine from a professional Christian comedian – Tonia Greene.

Winning Is Not What It Seems!

When we grew up, we heard the old line, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.’

This summer, I have been observing my grandson playing video games. You can hear his excitement when he wins and the ‘Oh no and Ah-man’ when he isn’t as triumphant.

Later as we were watching the swim competition of the Olympics. We were aware that there would be some who would receive a medal and others would be given an honorable mention. As the swimmers reached the finish line, my grandson and I had a front row seat of the swimmers’ expressions. He noticed the elation of the winners and the defeated look of those whose swim time didn’t make the mark. 

So, I took this as an opportunity to pause and chat about winning and losing.

I turned to him and said, “Hey grandson, I know you like to play video games, but what happens when you don’t win?”

He replied, “I love winning, but when I don’t, I try to control my frustration and try again!”

I gave him a thumbs up, this is our signal that lets him know I am one proud Nana.

His response reminded me that there are no losers, no one who keeps trying is a loser. Winning is good, but there is much more than winning that makes the competition experience exciting. I too like to win, and I know this is contrary to sports and most competitions; but I have found that it is so much more fulfilling when we win together.

Though life is full of ups and downs, and when things don’t go the way, we intended or hoped for; it can be emotionally, mentally, physically and sometimes financially stressful. But when we make the time to pause and process what’s really important-what’s really going on; we more than often find the wherewithal to try again.

As we learn to never give up on ourselves, we will then be able to share with others how to accept winning and to try again when they don’t receive the accolades that they worked so hard to accomplish or feel they deserved.

Pausing With God Ministries is a dedicated organization committed to fostering your personal & professional growth. Our mission is to provide resources, workshops, lunch & learns, and other events that empower, encourage and engage girls and women (ages 12 and up) to use their unique strengths and talents to make a meaningful impact in their lives, families, and communities.

Pause and connect with us so we can help you WIN!!!

(credits: title and pictures selected by my grandson)

Prayer Is A Priority

Pausing With God Ministries wants to remind you to make prayer a priority!

Stay tune for 2025….Pausing In His Presence Bible Study & Prayer Retreat!!!

A sequel to Pausing with God: A Journey through Menopause. Sheri Powell has recently published her second book Pausing with God: A Shut-In Experience. In both selections, Sheri reveals the importance of pausing with God; now she’s encouraging us to make it a lifestyle. She communicates in a simplistic manner that no matter what season of life we find ourselves, when we take the time to pause in His presence, we will discover peace that passes all understanding.

In Pausing In His Presence we find that we have everything we need to have a Romans 8:28 experiences.

Pausing With God was the beginning, Pausing In His Presence motivates us to make communing with God (prayer) a way of life.

Pause and secure your copy :

PAUSE & SAY HI:

Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/PausingWithGod/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pausingwithgod/

Sheri is available for seminars, conferences, group or individual coaching or counseling, workshops, in person and/or online group studies, book signings or as a vendor for your event(s): Call (904) 610-4947, email us at PausingWithGod@gmail.com or submit a request by US Mail: Pausing With God Ministries P.O. Box 9172 Fleming Island, FL 32006.  All rights reserved. Copyright 2018.

Operation Round Up

We are so happy to announce we are proud recipients of Clay Electrics’ Operation Round Up grant.

As you all know Pausing With God Ministries is a dedicated organization committed to fostering the personal and professional growth of women. Our vision is clear – encourage, empower and engage girls and women (ages 12 and up).

Clay Electric has a long history of supporting charitable and community service organizations, from children’s programs and athletic organizations to food banks and scouting. Our leadership sees the Operation Round Up program as part of our cooperative heritage and values – people coming together to help their neighbors. Through Operation Round Up, our members have the opportunity to come together to create change in their communities through a foundation – something they couldn’t do individually on this scale.

While the program is voluntary, members are automatically enrolled and need to opt out in order to not participate.

The goal of Operation Round Up is to address the charitable needs and provide financial assistance to improve the quality of life in the fifteen (15) counties Clay Electric Cooperative serves. This grant of $500.00 will allow us to prepare to host additional Crafty Conversations in 2025. Crafty Conversations is a workshop where we teach a craft and have a conversation (from various topics). The Craft and Conversations are  encouragingempowering and engaging!

As you know to host a workshop or event takes funding, so if you can, pause and click on link below to become a sustaining partner/supporter. It can be as little as $5.00 per month.

We also have sponsorship packages, if interested; email us at PausingWithGod@gmail.com

Thank you in advance

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?

The day began as most others do, I woke up the same time as always but today the harsh blast from the alarm clock, startled me.

‘Oh shoot’, I slept in a little too long so I found myself struck by the need to rush.

My autopilot anxiety kicked in but an ominous feeling of the words “Slow down, it can wait!” somehow quieted my hurried frenzy immediately.

I took several deep breaths. As I stretched my arms and legs.

I no longer felt as if hurrying was an ingredient for my day.  Instead I found myself saying a-few prayers; practicing gratitude, which helped calm my mind.

I thought to myself,  the rush is not necessary, actually it’s quite harmful to one’s health.

Off to my destination, ‘late’ or on time depending how you look at it to the neighborhood grocery store.

I only use the word ‘late’ because that particular days to-do list was quite daunting.

In retrospect those things should wait, so I won’t be made to feel late at all!

I am so grateful that I listened and took my time as while I was standing at the deli. Today I met an angel, sometimes it’s hard to tell! She had a light energy about her, a genuine caring persona, a grand smile, and wisdom that shone through her eyes like stars on an exceptionally dark evening.  Wisdom was written in her forehead, and I was interested in conversing with her.


How serendipitous it was when she told me “I was going to rush today but decided not to.”  Which brought about the discussion of mindfulness and being fully present.

With technology ever present today more than ever; I have the tendency (as I imagine many others do) to get lost on my phone instead of the moments unfolding before me.

Sometimes I catch myself utilizing electronic devices to capture precious moments instead of fully indulging in them.

Our brains are fully capable of capturing precious moments through the lenses of our God given eyes and saving within us not only then image before us, but the feeling deeply instilled of such cherished unfolding experiences.

What a beautiful proclamation. I’d dare to say, “divine intervention”. I suggested we actually do capture this moment, because I’d been wanting to start a project about the language of God. Writing blogs to share ‘What I see and what I hear!’

I’ve found that God is ever present, but if you fail to observe you can easily miss the moment(s).

They’re not always physical signs, synchronicities, or words. Sometimes it is simply God placing you in the right place at the right time. Like today and for this; I am filled with gratitude.

I would love to thank you, angel, for blessing my day with your presence. Of course, I thank God, for giving us the same message. “SLOW DOWN,  it isn’t that important!” Or as my angel put it, ‘In all you do, don’t forget to pause.’

 I believe wherever you are, is exactly where you’re meant to be. Although, sometimes, the circumstances can be quite dismal, if you remain mindful, and listen carefully, you will surely find you’re never truly alone.

Pay attention, God speaks to each of us in whichever way you or I are capable of “hearing”.

For me, it’s like a giant scavenger hunt, which suits me perfectly fine!

You could chalk it up to coincidence, or even serendipity, but I pause to hear God when spirit speaks. The question then is, are you listening?


Thank you, Sheri Powell, for letting His Spirit to run through you, as it did me, meeting you was a day sprinkled with gladness and gratitude!

Readers what about you – ‘Are you listening and looking for those God ordained encounters?’

In His Steps,
Elizabeth L.A.A.

In All You Do, Don’t Forget To Pause

Connecticut … Here We Come!

Sheri Powell and Pausing With God Ministries would like to invite you to our 2024 Conference, Saturday, October 19, 2024. Held at the Trumbull Marriott on 180 Hawley Lane in Trumbull, Connecticut.

Your donation of $50.00 will include brunch, swag bag and an unforgettable experience with Special Guests including the incomparable Psalmist Jennifer Armistead.

Encouraging, empowering and engaging Guest Speakers: Cymone LaShae, Willette Barnett and Sarita Conley and our very own Sheri Powell.

Save the date, register today and join us for an unforgettable experience at the Pausing With God Conference, coming to Connecticut this year!

This dynamic event is designed to unite women and men from diverse backgrounds in a shared journey of empowerment and self-discovery: Good Grief, Turning Devastation into Celebration.

Seating is limited, so pause and register today at PausingWithGod.com
https://pausingwithgod.com/2024-pausing-with-god-conference/

Vendors will be onsite, for more information or to sign up contact Sheri at PausingWithGod@gmail.com

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