Have you ever purchased a new or used car (I’ve done both) and once you drove it off the lot; you’re puzzled each time you pass by a vehicle that looks just like yours. You thought you were the only one with that make, model and color.

That is similar to the feeling I had when I began writing a book about our dad. Though he knew I was going to put his journal entries in print, I found myself hesitating because dad passed away before he would be given the opportunity to read it.

I am confident that he would approve, because in spite of his challenges, what echoes throughout his journals is that he had a desire to reach out to others experiencing similar difficulties and let them know that they are not alone.

Thursday, Oct 8, 2020 was a special mental health episode on “The Talk”. Eve (American rapper, singer, songwriter, actress, and talk show hostess from Philadelphia), opens up about anxiety and panic attacks. She shares, “For her, it’s anxiety. She still has it; she still lives with it; it ebbs and flows… But now, she is so thankful to be able to do the show that is able to help people see that they are not alone and in hopes to give them some tools that they can use on their journey.

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
• 1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
• 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24

A mental health condition isn’t the result of one event. Research suggests multiple, linking causes. Genetics, environment and lifestyle influence whether someone develops a mental health condition. A stressful job or home life makes some people more susceptible, as do traumatic life events. Biochemical processes and circuits and basic brain structure may play a role, too.

None of this means that you’re broken or that you, or your family, did something “wrong.” Mental illness is no one’s fault. And for many people, recovery — including meaningful roles in social life, school and work — is possible, especially when you start treatment early and play a strong role in your own recovery process.

Unfortunately, the general public does not have empathy for others unless it hits their home. Combined with the labels that society places upon them, it’s no wonder we are now seeing the masses come out from years of isolation. I say ‘Cheers’ to those of you who are brave enough to raise your voices and say, ‘It’s me, but most of all, ‘Thank you’ for reaching out and encouraging and reminding others that they are not alone. (Dad’s book, ‘God’s Got It’ will be published 2021)

Though Pausing With God Ministries was birthed from my season of menopause, we pray for you; our readers for any season that you may be currently experiencing. We want to share that if you have a family member or friend is experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, there is help. NAMI is there to provide you with support and information about community resources for you and your family.

Find education programs and support groups at your local NAMI. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org if you have any questions about anxiety or want help finding support and resources

#mentalhealthawareness  #selfcare #anxiety #selflove #love #depression #motivation

​​​Sheri is available for seminars, conferences, evangelistic outreaches, youth events, bible studies, workshops, or book signings for your event. To contact or book Sheri for your engagement, submit a request by US Mail: Pausing With God Ministries P.O. Box 9172 Fleming Island, FL 32006 or call (904) 610-4947 or feel free to email at PausingWithGod@gmail.com.

All contributions and resources are accepted and greatly appreciated. Pausing With God Ministries is operated by volunteers and donors like you. Your donations and support enable us to engage, encourage and empower women. Here is the address to make your donation https://pausingwithgod.com/donate-contact-us/ 

So there is a book inside of you?

Come learn a few of the basics and fellowship with other up and coming authors.

SEATS ARE LIMITED so sign up. Send an email to PausingWithGod.com

In subject line: Book Symposium In body of email: include your name and contact number.

Stay tune for Zoom information.

Can we talk…seeing the world just celebrated National Daughter Day, did you post just so you didn’t feel left out?
How is your relationship really with your daughter?

The Ministry of My Mother will remind some and refresh others… • Remember, it’s not how you started, but how you end • Realize that we all experience a storm or two at some point in our lives • Reexamine our relationship with our mother, our daughter, but most of all with ourselves.

SECURE YOUR COPY TODAY HERE ON OUR WEBSITE OR AMAZON.COM

A Woman of Excellence: The Ministry of My Mother, A Memoir

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. While I do not know the current status of your relationship(s). Perhaps you are presently working through some challenges or perchance you are grieving the loss of your parent or your daughter. Or maybe your relationship with your mom is in a good place — that’s wonderful news. But even in the best of relationships there is always room for growth.
#beengaged #beempowered #beencouraged #beinspired

Not sure what you think when you read the title, “Mask Up” or how you even feel about wearing a mask.

The coverings are worn anytime in public when we are near others. Wearing a mask is a piece of protective equipment. When we wear a mask, we protect others, and when others wear a mask they protect us.

But think about ‘masking up’ in a spiritual sense, how that idea might translate to our spiritual lives. Ever thought that it doesn’t just protect us but also can protect others.

As we cover up in the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will order our steps in a way that will protect us from unnecessary trials and tribulations. We will love and not hate, we will forgive instead of trying to pay back, we will walk in peace and not strife, we will pray instead of preying upon one another. We will be able to live a life that is pleasing and acceptable to the Lord, which is a blessing to those we come in contact with.

Covering up in the Lord, putting on God’s armor protects us, but also protects others.

Pause & Pray…Lord help us to see that there are some things, some decisions we must make that may go against what we want, but Lord help us see that they are for Your glory, for our good but also for the good of others!

In Jesus Name we pray Amen

September is Menopause Awareness Month, an opportunity to educate one another about this season of our lives. Menopause is a natural and normal part of aging, yet there has been a lot of stigma and misinformation associated with it. And because of this and the way menopause is portrayed in much of the media, women have feared getting older, families have been disrupted and the misunderstanding has caused many challenges in the workplace.

It is amazing that nothing slips by God nor surprises Him. In Genesis 18:11, it says that Abraham and Sarah were old. Sarah was had stopped having her monthly periods and was past age of childbearing (paraphrase).

Menopause is said to have occurred when a woman has not had a period for 12 months. While the average age of menopause in the United States is 51, many women can and do experience it earlier. After menopause, a woman no longer produces eggs and thus cannot become pregnant naturally. However, there have also been rare cases, like Sarah’s and many others;  where women who have had babies as many as seven years after they believed they went through menopause – did I just hear you gasp!

Pausing With God’s mission is to educate, encourage and engage you to take advantage of the information and resources that you have at your fingertips. No one knows your body better than you so do not relent in becoming your best healthcare advocate.

Here is an excerpt from Pausing With God A Journey Through Menopause

Stop by our Resource tab and secure your copy of Pausing With God A Journey Through Menopause and other resources like the Menopause Map https://www.hormone.org/menopausemap/index.html This resource is sure to help you on your journey.

When I read the scripture and the devotional this morning in Early Morning Prayer it mentioned about a loved one who was in hospice in their final stages of life.

If the truth be told we are all in a natural (earthly) holding pattern, all in a spiritual hospice.

The Bible says it is appointed to all men to die Hebrews 9:27. We are all on a journey, all in this thing called life going; all going to leave these earthly vessels one day.

Our prayer today is that this truth would encourage and move us to have an encounter with Jesus. Such an experience that it may be said of us that when we leave this earth, we will be sleeping in Christ.

I can speak from first hand experience of what it is like to let go of a loved one in the natural, one who has the comfort of God because they died in Christ. But in the process of grieving and mourning for our loved ones, may we be able to let go of all that hinders us from totally surrendering, trusting and living for Him God.

Pausing To Pray:

Lord help us on today…to taste and see how much You love us. You love us so much, enough to die for us that might live in You!

Due to COVID-19 doctors have had to make the necessary adjustments in how they see their patients.

The instructions are to pull up to the building, text the office and wait in the car for the okay to proceed to the blue bench.

Green light…feeling like I rolled diced and moved to the next three spaces. By the time I made it to the blue bench, receptionist came out to take my temperature and squirted hand sanitizer in my hands.

After my appointment, I thought about this bee who though so many things that could hinder its day surrounds them everyday…they never stop buzzing, they don’t stop pollenating.

Instantly my perspective changes to gratitude. I begin praying for my doctor, who in spite of everything hasn’t let that stop her from seeing us, her patients.

I lifted up every first responder, all those that have an illness, those having a procedure this morning every store employee, every parent, teacher…everyone!

As I say amen, I’m reminded that no matter what is going on around us, no matter what the task for the day, we too must never stop…there are so many things we can do; and with this perspective we won’t complain about what we cannot!

Keep buzzing, keep pollinating and most of all keep praying!

Check out our author special under Resources tab

#Beengaged #Beencouraged #Beempowered

Over the years, in addition to publishing several books, I have benefited from writing blogs and articles for several magazines and websites. But recently I thought about you, perhaps you have an untold story, testimony, or poem that you’d like to share?

Our Summer and Fall issue have been published but keep reading you still have one more issues to submit your story, testimony or poem on our website and social media entities, please read the following themes and the guidelines:

Winter 2020 – Wrapping Up My Year (submission deadline is 11/01/20)

Queries should be sent by e-mail to PausingWithGod@gmail.com.  Article lengths vary widely from 300 to 3,000 words. When you forward your submission, you are agreeing that we have the right to edit and/or shorten in order to properly format. On occasion, longer articles and excerpts may be split up and shared at different intervals. Along with your submission, please include your name, a short bio and your picture. We do not accept material that has been previously published in any form in print or online.

Pausing With God Ministries is accepting your submission to publish on its website and other social media entities with no compensation being paid to you. If you understand and agree, feel free to submit your article by e-mail to PausingWithGod@gmail.com. 

In addition, feel free to contact via one the following venues:

Email | PausingWithGod@gmail.com

Facebook | @PausingWithGod

Twitter | @PausingWithGod

Instagram | @PausingWithGod

Thank you and In All You Do, Don’t Forget To Pause

Sheri

 

This is the season for graduations. While graduating from school (any grade) is a huge accomplishment. Graduating in the Lord is priceless.

On Sunday, May 31, 2020; Reginald L. Simmons (our dad), moved his tassel to the left front side of his cap.

This is so surreal as Saturday, May 30, 2020; he gave me a to do list when he would be one in that number, singing – “When the saints go marching in”.

There is so much I can say about him. We were working on his book and so I find it fitting to share the draft of the last page.

First of all, I would like to thank and praise God for my time here on earth. My heath and strength are still pretty good. I have plenty to be thankful for, my children and their children.

Life has been hard at times but looking back it was worth it all. I have a great family and at this time would like to enjoy all of you.   At my age, I can look back and see how good God has been to me and my family.  Some have gone on before me. So, I ’m looking forward to joining them when the time comes.

May God grant me time to see some of the young ones grow and if not, my prayer is that they grow and have a blessed life!

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

 

Pausing With God Ministries (In remembrance of Reginald Simmons)

In lieu of flowers, to honor Reginald (Reggie) Simmons life and legacy, you can make a tax-deductible donation either by using this link or mailing donation to: Pausing With God Ministries P. O. Box 9172, Fleming Island, FL 32006.

$25.00

 

For a full obituary, https://www.hkhfuneralservices.com

One day I’ll be able to share the entire testimony of how our friendship began… until then here’s a snippet of how the Lord used her to encourage me.

I called her to wish her a happy birthday, as we are FaceTiming I noticed she’s out taking a walk and unbeknownst to her she ended up encouraging me.

Most of you that know me have no heard how one of the items on my bucket list is to run a 5K. We caught up with the latest and after hanging up the phone, I realized that this challenge doesn’t have to be completed in the eyes of the public.

So I laid aside every weight that so easily beset me and hit the reset icon on my C25K app and off I went into the neighborhood.

Starting off with a brisk five-minute walk warm up, alternated with 60-seconds of jogging and 90-seconds of walking; wrapped up with a 5-minute cool down. Mission accomplished in 30 minutes and it feels so good!

As I sit here gulping down some water, I am aware of what is going on amongst us, but I remind myself that wisdom doesn’t equate to bondage…I pray God-give all of us creative ways to be encouraged.
Maybe it’s in the simple phone call to a family member or a friend.

HERES HER REPLY…BE BLESSED!

Sheri, our friendship has spanned over 23 years. Over that time, We’ve laughed, cried, and prayed together.

My fitness journey originated out of a place of profound hurt and pain yet little did I know that GOD would use it to heal me and encourage others like you my sister.

Thank you for sharing this snippet of our friendship and love for one another. I love you 💕

Today is the last day of the year, and everyone is busy preparing for New Year’s Eve. In a few hours, it will be 2020, a new decade, and many of us will be launching our New Year’s resolutions. But honestly, after a few weeks, we often give up…Why?

Keeping these resolutions requires us to consistently take action every day to achieve the goals we’ve set. That’s why, throughout this week, I’d like to invite you to discover 7 healthy, holy habits (that I routinely do as well :-)) to start the year off right!

Sometimes we rush, head down, into action to achieve our “goals,” complete our “projects.”

What if, on New Year’s Eve, God were to challenge us through this verse? “Be still, and know that I am God!…”

(Read Psalm 46:10, NLT).

Courtesy of “A Miracle Every Day”.

Be blessed and remember that God is with you every day!

​

Our time together revealed:  (1) Women want to belong. (2) Women want authentic relationships. (3) Women want to impact their world around them. 

We celebrated ‘over 100 Women’ and the release of our new book:  A WOMAN OF EXCELLENCE THE MINISTRY OF MY MOTHER. 

This labor of love has been designed to be a blessing to woman of all ages: REVIVING, RENEWING AND RESTORING RELATIONSHIPS!

Sheri Powell and PWGM is also available for seminars, conferences, evangelistic outreaches, youth events, prayer shut-ins, Bible studies, workshops and book signings and so much more.   For more information or to book Sheri for your next event send us an email.

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. 

Continue reading “PWG Highlights – Tonia and mom” →

There is a poem by Teresa Mahieu that I choose to help give you a snippet of my mom, Lula Alexander.  The beauty of a woman is not in… the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman, is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, the beauty of a woman with passing years—only grows.

My mom left an imprint in our hearts, especially during the years as a stay at home mother, which was sometimes a blessing and then other times a curse. My misfortune was when I decided to take my own personal day (without permission) and when she was home to intercept those phone calls from the school.  The blessing was that she was there to take care of us. She didn’t stay at home because we were rich or well of, by no means; but she knew that these years were a priceless sacrifice that she was willing to pay. 

During my adolescent years, there was a time when I felt that I was the black sheep in the family and that I was being treated differently by my mother. The light came on as I was raising my own kids. During their upbringing, I reflected on and pulled from how my mom reared me.  She in her own way was teaching me how to be a strong, independent, God serving woman.  One of the best things she has ever said to me, which I tell my adult kids and grandchildren to this day is, “I can show you better than I can tell you”. At the time, I didn’t really understand what that meant. I thought that meant it’s spanking time. No, she didn’t spare the rod, but what mom really meant was that she showed us love, strength, wisdom, loyalty and to trust God in everything you do.

She is a beautiful woman, inside and out. She does know how to dress and how to carry herself. Her soul reflects her true beauty that is still sown from her love of God. She doesn’t share with just her own family, but it is for whomever she has an opportunity to share with.

She is my foundation and my rock. I’m blessed, so thankful and honored to be the daughter of Lula Bell Wiggins Alexander.

Intercessors In The Making

We entered class as strangers and left as sisters in Christ! Class is dismissed and we are Intercessors for the glory of God!  What Happens When Women Pray….watch out!

Aging has given me a clearer understanding of the ups and downs of being a mom. I know that I could never have walked in her shoes. The strength I have as a woman, mother, friend and Christian, is rooted and fueled from Sylvia Dowdy (my mom). 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, voice messages and texts.
“Where are you, it’s dark.” I chuckle because I’m reminded that she loves me just as much, as an adult, as she did when I was a child.
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, voice messages and texts.
“Where are you, it’s dark.” I chuckle because I’m reminded that she loves me just as much, as an adult, as she did when I was a child.
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!

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, voice messages and texts.
“Where are you, it’s dark.” I chuckle because I’m reminded that she loves me just as much, as an adult, as she did when I was a child.
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!

I was born on November 30, 1974 in Bridgeport Connecticut to teenage parents who met each other at Harding High School in Bridgeport, CT.

My mother, Linda Evelyn Moore, was only fifteen and my father, James Edward Jennings, was seventeen.

My mother’s parents divorced when she was 2 years old and she went to live with her paternal grandparents. Her father worked a lot and although he didn’t live far from his parents, my mother saw him only once in a while. My mother’s mother chose to “move on with her life”, having other children and visited my mother only occasionally.

STANDING IN THE GAP

Standing in the gap for her 8 beautiful children and grandmother to twenty of the most joyful and jolly rugrats is our matriarch, Angela R. Tunsill.

My siblings and I are close in age, but this never seemed to be a challenge for our mom. We all felt and still know that we are all equally loved. Growing up, mom made sure we were well dressed and feed ‘really’ good. Our home was filled with laughter, it was an environment where we were able to talk about anything.

As a twenty-eight-year-old, married mother of three; I am proud to say I still seek my mother’s approval, as well as advice.  My mom has been the example and set a standard which I implement as I fashion my own family.

Our mother has had her fair share of challenges. Dark days where she lost hope, wanted to give up and frequently asked, “Why me?” Strangely enough, these seasons of her life, motivated and strengthened her. 

Our mom always said, “When you all grow up, I want you all to be better than me.”  She knew we saw her struggles, the abuse and trying to make ends meet with little to nothing.  I know what she meant, as I find myself struggling from time to time, having a family of my own, while assisting the upbringing of my nieces and nephew.

This year has been a frustrating and exasperating one  for her.  Two of her children, who went astray are now incarcerated. In addition, all in the same year;  three different grandchildren passed away.  But in the midst of her tears,  her  questioning why, what did she do to deserve this, where did she go wrong, she remains the backbone for our family.

The trauma and the loss of a loved one has the ability to break  anyone, but not my mom. When you look at her,  she doesn’t   look like what she is going through. She continues  to stand  with her head held high and a smile on her face.

My mom means the world to me, and if I could give her the world, I would. She deserves it all and so much more.  Angela R. Tunsill,  you are a Woman Of Excellence, I love you mom!

For most of us as adolescence we were told about puberty, menstruation and pregnancy; but not about menopause.  It’s humorous that it took us almost 12 years to get to puberty and only 12 consecutive months to confirm that we are menopausal.

Menopause is the time when a woman’s menstrual period ends. Menopause is considered complete when a woman has been without her period for one year. Menopause can occur any time between ages 40 and 60. On average, it occurs at age 51.

By the year 2030, it is expected that there will be 1.2 billion women who are 50 years of age or older. That means there will be a large amount of females embarking on their journey through menopause.

With these statistics, regardless if one is peri (the time in a woman’s life shortly before menopause), meno (the ceasing of menstruation) or post(the time after which a woman has experienced twelve (12) consecutive months without a period); it is in our best interest to connect with as many sister-friends as we can.

I suffered in silence for a long time because Menopause in the past has not been a subject matter that is generally spoken about. But in the last 10 years or so it is coming to the forefront and we will continue to pause and share so that women realize that in this season of their lives they are not alone!

It may not seem like it in the midst of the hot flash or night sweat but there is light at the end of the tunnel for Menopause is a season of preparation for the latter part of our lives!
My story is shared in Pausing With God A Journey Through Menopause. Available in English and Spanish,,  Get your copy here.

It is something to lose someone any time of year, but I say a special prayer for those who have lost a loved one during or around the holiday season(s).

The other day, we were jolted by the news of another childhood friend had passed away. Though we hadn’t kept in touch, it was ironic that a few weeks ago, out of the blue, she sent me a very encouraging message on social media. We conversed, and both probably thought to ourselves, we have to do better with staying in touch. But life interrupted and any chance of that is now gone.

Continue reading “Thankful” →

How Should A Breast Self-Exam Be Performed?

1) In the Shower

Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. Notice any changes and get lumps evaluated by your healthcare provider.

Continue reading “Breast Self-Exam” →