Pausing With God

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 encouraging, empowering 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.

https://pausingwithgod.com/donate-contact-us/

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

Don’t forget to ‘LIKE’ and ‘SHARE with someone!

Pausing To Say Thank You

Pausing to send a shout out to Mr. & Mrs. Milford at Dreamette Orange Park, Pausing With God board members, family and friends who stopped by to support us today.

**Dreamette Orange Park**
**1177 Park Ave, Ste 1, Orange Park, FL**

In today’s culture there is so much emphasis on who and what we hate, but I saw today that a simple thing like stopping for ice cream brings people together to fellowship, laugh and encourage one another.

You know when we first answered the call from God to create Pausing With God Ministries, many people told me all that things that we were not going to be able to do, they even told me that no one would support us. To prevent myself from being discouraged, I had to hide His word in my heart.

We continue to believe that as we use what we have to help those in need, God will make a way for us to continue to fulfill the mission: which is to encourage, empower and engage girls and women (ages 12 and up) that they can be all He has created them to be.

So, I’m excited and looking forward to all that is coming up, stay informed by checking us out on our social media platforms and https://pausingwithgod.com/events/ for upcoming events.

If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation, you can do so on https://pausingwithgod.com/donate-contact-us/

Thank you again, you all have been doing an amazing job; liking, following and sharing our events https://pausingwithgod.com/events/. We look forward to seeing you soon. Until next time, don’t forget to pause!

#icecream #dreametteorangepark #SpiritDay

Run, Walk, Crawl

Have you ever examined your thoughts before you moved into action? Well, today was one of those days. I felt the need to get up and take a walk, before I ran some errands. I wanted to walk along the water and no, it wasn’t to feed the alligators and I am thankful none of them showed up. 😊

I jumped to my feet and got dressed before I could change my mind. In a flash I was in the car, steering the vehicle to one of my favorite spots. Exhaling as I stretched in preparation for the walk.

I have come here numerous times before, but after a few steps, my mind started to wander. I looked up ahead, though I walked this path numerous times before; for some reason, the turn around point seemed farther away. I contemplated only going halfway. I could turn around and head back to the car, rationalizing at least I tried. But something in my gut said, ‘No – keep going.’

I shifted my attention to why I was here in the first place. Taking one step at a time. I seized this moment; enjoying the sun, the lake and the breeze. Intermittently, I even pushed myself to run a few times. Catching my breath in between running and walking, I began thinking about what was up ahead.

Before I knew it, without any reluctance, I began to pray. I prayed for myself, for my family, for my friends and even you (our readers). By the time I said, “Amen,” I could see my car up ahead. I was winding up this walk, full of hope that when the challenges and experiences come our way this year; that a quote by Dean Karnazes, would empower, encourage and push us all to stay engaged. “Run when you can, walk if you have to, and crawl if you must; just never give up!”

If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to pause and share your thoughts.

Connection One Step To Prevention

This morning our hearts and prayers go out to three individuals and their families.

The CDC reported that 49,449 Americans lost their lives to suicide last year, up from 48,183 deaths in 2021,

Last week was suicide prevention week and October is suicide prevention month.

Pause and click to hear Arynn ‘s story

“All of us can play a role in efforts to save lives and reverse the rise in suicide deaths.”

How can you recognize the signs of suicide risk, and help a loved one? The CDC offered up five key steps:

Don’t be afraid to ask. Many people might be reticent to inquire whether a friend or family member is having thoughts of suicide. But research shows that asking such questions decreases, rather than increases that risk.
Help keep them safe. Reducing the person’s access to lethal means can go a long way to preventing a tragedy.
Stay in touch. Suicidal thoughts thrive in isolation — being there for your loved one can help protect against suicide, experts say.
Encourage them to reach out for help. People in crisis who called 988 were more likely to experience a lessening of depression, and feel less helpless and more hopeful at the end of the call.
Follow up. After connecting the person in crisis with the support system they need, don’t stop reaching out and checking in. Maintaining a presence in their life can reduce your loved one’s odds for suicide

Suicide prevention hotline is available https://988lifeline.org/ for additional information or to chat with someone.

Together we can make a difference!

#SuicidePrevention

#Connect

#Florida

Unseen Blessings

Did you know that helping others can increase your peace of mind and reduce stress? Serving others has a direct effect on your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being.

PWGM hosted Crafty Conversation sessions. This four series event is a tool that teaches a craft while encouraging, empowering and engaging women with a conversation. This event is supported by a grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Grassroots Grants Endowment at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida (www.jaxcf.org), Florida’s oldest and largest community foundation, works to stimulate philanthropy to build a better community.

As you help others, you can receive what I call, ‘Unseen Blessings’:

Loving others – You learn to love people, right where they are.
Being joyful – You see and/or hear how things worked out for them.
Peace and patience – You see that you aren’t the only one going through a challenging season.
Your heart is filled with kindness and goodness – You realize that everyone needs someone to encourage them…why not you?

Remember it’s not what you don’t have, it’s for you to share what you do have – ‘YOU’! Being willing to help someone makes a difference in your life, your family and your community.

If you would like more information or to volunteer at one of our events contact us at PausingWithGod@gmail.com

Good Grief

There is a quote that says: A limb has fallen from the family tree that says grieve not for me, but remember the BEST TIMES, the laughter, the good life I lived while I was STRONG.

Within the last few weeks, we’ve experienced the loss of three family members. The freshness of a loss communicates so many different thoughts through your head. They range from sadness, despair to shock, guilt or regret, rage and even anger. Often these come from finding it difficult to accept that the person is really gone, or wondering if will you ever recover from the loss.

But grief can also be a teacher. According to the American Heart Association, some may suffer from broken heart syndrome when the grief is too much to bear. But losing a loved one may also be a positive teaching moment and an enlightening process. Though you can never be ready for this, there may be a message and insights you can gain from such a tragedy.

Upon returning home, I shared with my husband that when the Lord takes me home; I’d prefer that he forego any services, but for us to continue to make every day count. My request is for him, my family and friends to remember me as I lived and not how I took my last breath.

His response was, “We’ll see what happens when that day comes.”

Later that evening I jotted a few things in my journal:

Death is inevitable for all of us, find something to laugh at on a daily basis.
Life is too short; the old cliché is so true; give people their flowers while they can enjoy them.
Make a list of one or two things you’ve always wanted to do and do not let money limit you. There are creative ways in which you can experience them.
a. For example: I always wanted to go to Paris and London. So, until I got a chance to take that trip, I would ride my exercise bike while watching YouTube videos and tour around the cities.
Be there for others and help them grow through their seasons of life. Remember, that grief can make us or break us.

But as we go over the bridge of troubled waters. Let’s not forget to go back and help someone else, get to the other side!

Crafty Conversations

What is Crafty Conversations? Crafty Conversations is a workshop that will encourage, empower and engage you!

We are often asked, ‘What’s In It For Me? You get to pause and encourage one another as you learn or revive your crafting skills.

To see what’s coming up, pause and visit. https://pausingwithgod.com/events/ space is limited so don’t forget to register today!

Whether it’s creating our one of a kind greeting cards, learning how to crochet, to decompage to macrame; the craft sessions are a starting point for conversation, networking, friendship and so much more.

2024 Crocheting Class

All of this culminated out of our love to crafts and a heart to bring women together to pause and have fun while learning something new or sharing their own craft.

All of the sessions are free and include supplies, that are prepared by our volunteers.

Thank you to our sponsors: 2025 Crafty Conversations is supported by a grant from Clay Electric Cooperative. 2024 sponsors have been The Delores Barr Weaver Grassroots Grants Endowment at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida.

Come With Me

Like most of you, before you close your eyes at night, you pretty much have your tomorrow planned out. Whether it’s household chores, meal planning, grocery shopping, work or getting your car repaired.

Well today was a get your car fixed day, however it came with an unexpected surprise. One of my coffee buddy’s wanted to meet up, so we decided to kill two birds with one stone.

I dropped off my car at the dealership and she picked me up. Off we go…where, ugh we had no idea – we didn’t’ plan this part of our morning out. We just drove down the street, waiting until we saw a place to eat. Well, that didn’t go as expected. After driving for 10 minutes or so, we turned around.

Heading back in the direction we came from; we noticed a gas station whose prices were lower than on her side of town. It even had a Dunkin Donuts 😊 inside (those that know me – understand the mention of this). After she pumped the gas, she wanted to see if DD had seating, but all they had was one table and it was occupied, but the attendant suggested a café around the corner.

Off we go – café hunting. We followed the directions, and they were right, it was a really charming place.

We found a parking space and went inside and perused the establishment as we were taken to our table. Once seated, our beverage orders were taken, which gave us time to look at the menu. While waiting for the food to arrive, we played catch up. For what felt like a few minutes, turned out to be over an hour, we chatted, and ate, and ate and chatted.

After a while, we became cognizant that people may be waiting for a table; so back to the dealership to wait on my vehicle. We said our goodbyes and I went inside. In the waiting area, I sat at a high-top table and pulled out a book; I was prepared just in case this happened. I got comfortable in the chair and then I opened the pages, and my eyes fell upon the Scripture where Jesus fed the five thousand.

And so, I read it. I saw where Jesus tells His disciples to, ‘Come with Me.’ He knows in order for us to complete assignments and opportunities that He has set before us, we need to be fed by Him first.

The plans we make on a daily basis can be different from God’s plans. In that text, the disciples wanted to send the hungry people away, but Jesus had compassion on them and wanted to feed them. But in order for this to take place, the disciples had to be obedient…they had to be with Him. At that moment, there was no way for them to understand, the only thing that was required was obedience.

And today is like no other, God desires the same from us. When He calls us, we don’t have to have all the answers, nor connect all the pieces together.

It’s like when we were in the car, if we didn’t keep driving in the direction we did, we wouldn’t have saw the gas station, and we wouldn’t have gotten the information of the café that we more than likely would have never found.

So, I’m glad we allowed God to interrupt our plans. I’m grateful my sister-friend called, because we set off on an adventure that was full of food, fun and fellowship.