My Ring Doorbell was pinging…The Lights Went Out!
We’ve all been there—sitting at home, minding our own business, when suddenly click… everything goes dark. No TV. No Wi-Fi. No hum of the fridge. Just silence.
The first thing I always remind myself is this: stay calm. Grab a flashlight, and make sure everyone is safe. But after that moment of scrambling, I’ve found that power outages can actually become a little unexpected gift.
One of my favorite things to do when the lights go out is to pause and pray. I pray for the reason behind the outage. I pray for the workers who put on their gear, often in bad weather, to figure out the cause and fix it. And I especially pray for those who don’t just lose power for an hour or two, but live without it regularly or for long stretches of time. It’s a humbling reminder of how much we take light, air conditioning (for us Floridians), and convenience for granted.
‘Family light burns bright’
Of course, prayer isn’t everyone’s first instinct—and that’s okay. If that’s not your thing, here are a few other ways you can turn a blackout into something more than just an inconvenience:
Stay Comfortable
Conserve your phone battery (low-power mode is your friend).
Avoid opening the fridge or freezer to keep food cold longer.
Stay Engaged
Play a verbal game or a round of “20 Questions.”
Share stories you don’t always take time to tell.
Laugh together, sing, or just soak in the quiet.
The truth is, when the lights go out, we get an opportunity we don’t often take: a pause. A chance to put the to-do list aside, look around at the people with us, and make a memory that no screen could ever replace.
So the next time your house goes dark, don’t just think of it as an interruption—see it as an invitation. To breathe. To connect. To pray. And maybe even to smile at the simple gift of stillness.
As a published writer, there are mornings when I read Our Daily Bread and wonder if maybe—just maybe—I should submit one of my journal entries someday. But until then… I’ll keep practicing right here, with you all, through the PWGM blog. 😊 Thank you for reading, reflecting, and growing with me.
Yesterday, a friend and I were crafting greeting cards for convalescent homes and rehabilitation centers. As we glued the small crochet hearts on the cards — leftovers from a past ‘Crafting Conversations’ event that we hosted — I noticed some were imperfect. Some hearts were stretched, others lopsided.
As I kept sorting through them, I felt my excitement start to fade. “Are you getting bored?” my friend asked.
I paused and realized, no—I wasn’t bored. I was discouraged. Several of the hearts just didn’t seem good enough to be used.
That moment made me stop and reflect: How often do our thoughts creep in and steal our joy or motivation? Imperfections, disappointments, and insecurity can distract us, discourage us, and even derail us from finishing what God has called us to do.
Sadly, I confess that I discarded some of the hearts. But afterward, I paused again—this time with a deeper thought: Maybe those hearts were a picture of us.
Many of us walk around with bruised, broken, or weary hearts. And yet, God doesn’t toss us aside. He lovingly uses us—even in our imperfection. He strengthens us, guides us, and reminds us that His power is made perfect in our weakness.
Once I laid down the discouragement and remembered the purpose behind those cards, the joy returned, and the crafting became a ministry again.
Pausing With God Signature Card
Next time; I won’t be so quick to toss what seems too flawed to use. Instead, I’ll remember that God doesn’t waste a thing — not even what looks like scraps to us. When we surrender what’s broken, God creates something beautiful.
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, help me see the beauty in what seems imperfect. Remove discouragement from my heart and remind me of the purpose behind what You’ve called me to do. Thank You for using me, not because I’m perfect, but because You are. In Jesus Name – Amen.
I first came across the title “Good Grief” last year, during one of the most difficult seasons of our lives—the loss of our youngest son. Today, I saw that same title again in Our Daily Bread, and it stopped me in my tracks.
The freshness of grief brings with it a flood of emotions—sadness, despair, shock, guilt, regret, even anger. These feelings often stem from the struggle to accept that someone we love is truly gone, and the haunting question of whether we’ll ever feel whole again.
As I paused to read the devotional, I found myself deeply grateful for God’s steadfast love. His mercy and grace continue to carry us, even as we walk through the valleys of loss. He teaches us, comforts us, and holds us as we learn to live with the ache.
Grief, painful as it is, can also be a teacher. According to the American Heart Association, some may even suffer from broken heart syndrome—a real, physical manifestation of deep sorrow. Yet, in the midst of that sorrow, grief can bring insight. It can awaken us to what truly matters and reveal powerful lessons we wouldn’t have otherwise understood.
Today’s devotion reflects on the story of Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2:7–14), a reminder that one day, our earthly assignments will be complete, and the Lord will call us home. But until then, you and I are still here—for such a time as this.
Let Me Be Ready
I’d like to share a few notes from my journal—simple truths that have been helping me navigate this journey and hope that it will encourage you:
Make every day count instead of counting every day.
Death is inevitable—find something to laugh about every single day.
Life is too short—give people their flowers while they can still enjoy them.
Write down one or two things you’ve always dreamed of doing—and don’t let money be the barrier.
For example, I’ve always wanted to visit Paris and London. Until I could make that trip, I’d hop on my exercise bike, watch YouTube videos of those cities, and tour them from my living room.
Be present for others. Support them through their own seasons of grief and growth. Grief has the power to make us or break us—but it can also bind us together with compassion.
And as we cross our own bridges over troubled waters, let’s remember to reach back and help someone else find their way across, too.
P.S. btw I did get that Paris/London trip on my 60th birthday!
This blog is very personal as I pause to remember and celebrate my mother and all the women in my life whose unconditional love has fertilized my heart, mind and soul to press to become the woman God created me to be.
I remember her throughout the year but with Mother’s Day just around the corner; I find myself missing her like it was only yesterday that she took her last breathe. She was truly A Woman of Excellence, and I am so glad to have been a part of her ministry.
In addition to celebrating with you whose mom is still in the land of the living; I send a virtual hug to those of you like me, whose mother is no longer with you and a special prayer for those whose relationship with your mom or your daughter is currently not in a good place.
Some years ago, I had the privilege of writing a memoir about my mom. A Woman of Excellence: The Ministry of My Mother. This easy read shares the dynamics of a mother and daughter relationship and how they can range from healthy to unwholesome.
How we interact or fail to may affect us on so many levels: emotionally, mentally, physically, financially and spiritually. The Ministry of My Mother reminds me to remember, it’s not how you start, but how you finish. To realize you will experience a storm or two in your lifetime and to reexamine your relationship with your mother, your daughter, but most of all with yourself.
Now don’t go anywhere, scroll down and be encouraged by some daughters and mothers stories that I received a few years ago.
Sharon & Brittany
Words cannot express what my daughter Brittany means to me in 2-3 sentences, so I feel compelled to share the story of Brittany my Angel. After confirmation of my pregnancy, I was told by the doctors that she would bring great joy to me and my family by . At that time, I was in denial being pregnant at the age of 40 and fought with God that this couldn’t be (arms too short to box with God!) One night I had a dream that I had a doctor’s appointment and as my husband and I were getting ready to leave for the appointment the doorbell rang, and it was the doctor. He had a big smile on his face and told me what a blessing she was going to be. I was clothed in a red dress (I don’t wear red) and I interpreted that to mean me and my baby were covered in the blood of Jesus!
When I gave birth to Brittany, we were told there was a suspicion of down syndrome which was confirmed. We loved her even more. Though she has challenges, she has so much drive and ambition. Brittany has brought more love and affection that I could ever imagine! She is very spiritual and truly anointed by God. The evidence and confirmations are overwhelming. God truly uses her to keep me on track when I have doubts and worries (though I try to hide them). She is my guardian angel, my inspiration, my reason for being.
Brittany: I love my mom very much. She helps me with everything and helps me to talk because I stutter. We laugh, dance and pray together. My mommy takes me to all my activities and helps me with my school work. I love church and my mommy takes me. When I had spinal surgery, my mommy bought me a puppy to help with my recovery and that made me very happy. She is the best mommy!
Tonia and Sis Greene
About 30 years ago, our Pastor gave my mother and I a prophetic word from the Lord. He shared that we would have a “model relationship” one that others would look upon and desire. If I went by what was going on at that time it would certainly seem as though he had missed God.
At the age of 17, I left home and to try my hand at adulting. Over the next few years there was little to no communication between my mom and me. However, this did not stop my mother from holding onto what God had spoken regarding us. You see she is a mighty woman of God, one who believes in the power of prayer. She was relentless in prayer for me as she held onto the word of God.
At 23 years old, God begin to restore our relationship. We traveled to West Africa with our church and could have been a coincidence that we ended up as roommates. Upon our return from Africa, my mom purchased a condo and out of nowhere, we found ourselves living under the same roof. It was during this time that God did an extreme makeover in our relationship.
Today, I am 48 years young, and I don’t know what I’d do without my mother. She is one of my best friends and I love her dearly. We don’t always agree, but what mother and daughter do. But in spite of our strong personalities, it is by the power of God and through prayer that we are stronger than we’ve ever been.
We enjoy road trips, shopping and cooking together, although I haven’t mastered her biscuits yet fun trying. Now I’m a mother, my daughter (Serenity) and I totally understand a mother’s love and desires for the best for her child. We are 3 generations of girls who love the Lord and know the power of prayer. Truly God’s promises are ‘Yes and Amen’.
Aleka & Robin
A mother and daughter’s bond is supposed to be unbreakable, but when mental illness plays a part, the relationship becomes difficult.
I was around 5 years old when I began noticing something different about her. The illness had immobilized her comprehension that I was her child, and she was my mother.
When kids are supposed to be outside playing and doing kid things, at an early age; having a mother with mental illness, I was learning that people are different. In spite of this, no matter where she went, I wanted to follow. No matter what she did or said, it couldn’t shake or change my love for her…she was my mother. I’m not even sure how, but I was even able to love her pass those times of verbal abuse.
When our relationship turned for the worse, even though my mother resided in the same home, my grandmother took on the responsibility of raising me. Although my grandmother did a wonderful job, nevertheless, I made a vow to always to respect and take care of my mother.
Still today, when I look at her, I don’t see the woman who was not being able to do her part, I see her as a human being, a woman who is doing the best that she can.
Two Mothers Remembered by Joann Snow Duncanson
I had two Mothers – two Mothers I claim Two different people, yet with the same name. Two separate women, diverse by design, But I loved them both because they were mine. The first was the Mother who carried me here, Gave birth and nurtured and launched my career. She was the one whose features I bear, Complete with the facial expressions I wear. She gave me her love, which follows me yet, Along with the examples in life that she set. As I got older, she somehow younger grew, And we’d laugh as just Mothers and daughters should do. But then came the time that her mind clouded so, And I sensed that the Mother I knew would soon go. So quickly she changed and turned into the other, A stranger who dressed in the clothes of my Mother. Oh, she looked the same, at least at arm’s length, But now she was the child and I was her strength. We’d come full circle, we women three, My Mother the first, the second and me. And if my own children should come to a day, When a new Mother comes and the old goes away, I’d ask of them nothing that I didn’t do. Love both of your Mothers as both have loved you.
Angela and Sylvia
Aging has given me a clearer understanding of the ups and downs of being a mom.
The strength I have as a woman, mother, friend and Christian, is rooted and fueled from the Sylvia Dowdy (my mom). I know that I could never have walked in her shoes.
As I reflect at the challenges that she has experienced in her life, I am amazed how she made it through and overcame with such dignity.
Even though I am 50+ years old, I still get them. The calls and voice message or text.
“Where are you, it’s dark.” I chuckle because I’m reminded that she loves me just as much and as an adult as she did when I was a child. Her protection of me never ceases.
I still enjoy our talks, our laughs and even our tears. Thank you, God, for my lil lady, meddling as she may be 🙂 I wouldn’t change this journey or the many more to come!
The dynamics of a mother and daughter relationship take may range from healthy to unwholesome. They can affect you on so many levels: emotionally, mentally, physically, financially and spiritually. The Ministry of My Mother will remind some and refresh others… ● Remember, it’s not how you start, but how you finish. ● Realize you will experience a storm or two in your lifetime. ● Reexamine your relationship with your mother, your daughter, but most of all with yourself.
Did you know that a creative mind can mend the soul?
Research shows that creative activities: ✅ Reduce anxiety and depression symptoms ✅ Improve brain function ✅ Enhance problem-solving skills ✅ Foster a sense of accomplishment ✅ Provide a healthy emotional outlet
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to create. I couldn’t wait for the weekends when my mom would come home with the McCall magazine. Inside, I’d find Betsy—a paper cut-out doll. I would carefully cut her out and play with her until the next edition arrived. Now, almost six decades later, I still find joy in creating—whether it’s with paper, yarn, paints, or anything I can get my hands on.
Though we always crafted behind the scenes, Pausing With God Ministries has been hosting creative workshops for women and girls (ages 12+), providing a space to explore various crafts while fostering personal and professional growth.
We’ve discovered that for many crafting is more than just a hobby, it serves as a form of self-care, reducing stress, boosting mood, and enhancing brain function. Through these gatherings, participants not only create but also find encouragement, empowerment, and emotional renewal.
In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety are constant, the simple act of creating can be transformative. It allows us to disconnect from distractions, reconnect with ourselves and one another.
So, if you missed our last session, don’t worry—we have more coming up! Thanks to a grant from Clay Electric, all sessions are FREE, but space is limited.
Join us, and we are confident that you will leave encouraged, inspired, and refreshed!
In All You Do, Don’t Forget To Pause and check out the upcoming Pausing In His Presence Retreat. For more information, email us at PausingWithGod@gmail.com
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!
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’ .
If you would like to join us for the ‘WATCH NIGHT SERVICE’ see below to register!
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.
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!
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.
Be sure to pause and register to receive email of upcoming events!!
Pausing With God 