From the outside, many people assumed that he and I were thick as thieves all of my life; this is so far from the truth.
You see my parents divorced when my siblings and I were young and like most, our trials and tribulations created gaps in our relationship with our dad.
A father and daughter relationship can affect both parties on so many levels. For me, it wasn’t until I grew up and had a family of my own that I learned what forgiveness was all about. Then some years later, I was able to let go of the hurt and let the healing process begin.
My healing process included writing a letter to my dad. I communicated my pain, but highlighted my forgiving him for not being there when I needed him the most. I closed the letter with expressing my desire to have a relationship with him.
As the relationship grew, my dad gave me a priceless gift…his journals. As I perused through my dad’s journals, like I did with my mom’s, I began writing his memoir. ‘God’s Got It – Don’t Worry About Anything’; this easy to read will remind some and refresh others:
It’s not how you start, but how you finish.
You will experience a storm or two in your lifetime.
Take time to pause and re-examine your relationship with your father, your daughter, but most of all with yourself.
Did I hear you say, but I am not as fortunate. My relationship with my father isn’t one that I can see being reconciled or perhaps your father is no longer in the land of the living and you struggle with not being able to get the answers to your questions.
2 Corinthians 6:18 “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty. (New American Standard Bible)
I paused to write this blog, so that you can be encouraged; no matter what season or situation you find yourself in, I wanted to remind you that you have a Heavenly Father who transcends your earthly fathers’ ability to give you the emotional, mental, physical, financial and spiritual support you need. As you lean on Him you will begin to experience the love, faithfulness, kindness and tender mercies of God.
True, relationships often go from good to bad, but a relationship with God never gets “worse” only “better.” His plans and purposes for your life were set before you were in your mother’s womb. So trust Him, for He desires that you prosper (emotionally, mentally, physically, financially and spiritually) and He has a future designed just for you!
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Subscribe and stay informed of upcoming events. Next year (2024), in remembrance of my dad, PWGM will begin hosting ‘DONUTS WITH DAD’. This event will be held at dad’s favorite donut establishment. We will Pay It Forward to the first fifteen (15) dads & daughters (first come, first serve).
This Day In History, I was 2 months and 1 day old.
On June 11, 1963, when two African American students were allowed to enroll in the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. But this day in history did not come without a fight, Alabama Governor was against desegregation, and it took the President at that time to call out the Alabama National Guards to protect these students.
You might ask why do I share this moment in history? Because the truth of the matter, regardless of the color of our skin, material things, amount of money, power or position we may possess; we will all one day depart from this earth.
What is important is for us to ask ourselves, as I do on a regular; what legacy do you aspire to leave? How do you want people to remember you? One of hate or one of love?
My Bible tells me in John 10:10, For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Son….if we truly LOVE God there is no place in our lives (our heart) for hate. Yes, it is a cliché, but LOVE is what makes the world go round. It is when we demand our way, the road ahead becomes dangerous and though we think we are winning, that is a menagerie at its best.
So, what will it be for you today? Will you stand in the way of others living the life that Jesus died for them to have, or will you become His hands and feet, their Aaron and Hur and encourage, empower and engage them to be the best version of themselves that God our creator has designed them to be!
If you are reading this, today you have a chance to make a difference, the question is what kind of impact and on who will you make today?
Pause and think about that!
Pausing With God Ministries vision, goal and purpose is to encourage, empower and engage you to be the best you!
Thank you to all of you who gave up your Saturday mornings for twelve weeks. We walked away with the the truth that about depression and how to ‘live’ with it! Remember the helpful tips: Avoid being alone, Seek help from others, Sing! Praise and give thanks, Lean on the power of God’s Word and Rest confidently in the presence of God’s Spirit.
Let’s continue to leave the SUPER us at the foot of the cross and begin to love, appreciate and celebrate the REAL YOU! For you truly are fearfully and wonderfully made!
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.
Let me start by saying that sometimes going away is much needed for your mind, body and spirit. You ask why do I make this statement, well for those that know me, know that my journey through Menopause has been a mini-series. But during the entire trip to Paris and London, I did not experience NOT ONE hot flash or night sweat. OMG I felt like a normal person again.
Note to self: is it possible I may need to move to another country…LOL!
Well, I’m back in the states and still haven’t experienced any, so I did inventory of what have I not ate or drank. Stay tune, the science project is still in progress.
Anyways back to the trip. Without sharing all the precious memories, here is a brief breakdown.
The plane ride wasn’t as bad as I thought, in between napping I caught up on some TV shows and movies. Nine hours later, the intercom comes on, ladies and gentlemen, we are beginning our descent. I straightened up in my seat, and peeked out the window.
We arrived at Charles de Gaulle airport; made our way through customs. Yippee, my first stamp on my passport!
Making our way through the airport, I giggled like a child. My daughter arranged for a private car to pick us up. I felt like Steve Martin in the ‘Jerk’, when he saw his name in the phone book. Actually, it was my name in large font on the chauffeurs’ cell phone.
Settled in and buckled up in his vehicle we took for a 30-minute ride to the hotel, I found myself speechless as I peered out the window taking it all in. Looking to the left and right, I found myself checking out how Parisian people lived and what were the differences to the U.S.
Sheri is the author of Pausing With God A Journey Through Menopause, Pausing In His Presence A Shut In Experience, A Woman Of Excellence: The Ministry of My Mother: A Memoir and recently published God’s Got It: Don’t Worry About Anything. These paperbacks or eBooks can be purchased online from Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Books A Million and Walmart.
Shei 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
It’s Friday and here is our fun fact. Every year, January 20th is celebrated as Camcorder Day. This contraption is one of the most popular human innovations of all time.
Before the introduction of the camera or video recorders, it was impossible to record memories anywhere other than our brains. However, with technological advancements, this became possible with the invention of the camcorder, a device that would record and store videos simultaneously.
Pause and think about your first experience with a camcorder? Where were you and what were you doing? Well no matter where you were or what you were doing…it’s Friday; dig out that camera, grab family or friends – go and make some memories.
Sheri is the author of Pausing With God A Journey Through Menopause, Pausing In His Presence A Shut In Experience, A Woman Of Excellence: The Ministry of My Mother: A Memoir and recently published God’s Got It: Don’t Worry About Anything. These paperbacks or eBooks can be purchased online from Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Books A Million and Walmart.
Shei 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
By now you may be feeling encouraged or discouraged or maybe even disgusted about the plans you had for this New Year…I’m talking about those resolutions.
We’ll I’ve been pausing to ask myself: ‘What does God desire to refine in me?’
If you have ever watched a potter at their wheel, you’ll notice they begin with a round, moist lump of clay. The clay’s body is thrown down onto the wheel and centrifugal force is applied until no more roughness is felt.
The potter’s thumb is pressed into the center of the lump to make a hole to the potter’s measurements. The sides are molded, and the vessel is smoothened and shaped. The item is then cut from the wheel and left to stiffen.
With the start of a new year, most of us have good intentions. But oftentimes, we find that we aren’t as successful as we’d hope we would be; and when we don’t meet the mark or measure up, we become discouraged.
A piece of clay has to go through so many steps before it turns out into a beautiful piece of art. No matter what you set out to do this year, maybe attack it in a different way. Like the clay: throw your plans down and knead out what is not working for you.
I set out this year to tune up physically, but I realized it is just as important that I make some adjustments spiritually. No, I’m not gonna promise to read the entire Bible in a year, most definitely not going on a forty day fast, but what I can do is take it one day at a time.
Every morning that I get to open my eyes, I can do so with a grateful heart and whether I walk one or two miles or read one Scripture or an entire book in the Bible; God has me on His wheel and I’m feeling confident that when He is all done; I’ll be a piece of art that will bring Him glory!
Pausing In His Presence can be purchased online from Amazon,Barnes and Nobles, Books A Million and Walmart.
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
We women have a defining quality that allows us to bond with one another. We are social butterflies, and friendship is a vital part of our lives.
Unfortunately over a period of time, our solidarity with one another has been placed on the back burner. There are shifts in our responsibilities have taken precedence.
From the moment we open our eyes in the morning, our minds are jam-packed with unattainable to-do lists. By the evening, our bodies are exhausted. We find ourselves with little to no energy to do anything else.
Whether we have discovered it or not, we all have at least one similar characteristic from either Mary or Martha. These two sisters are mentioned in Luke 10:40. Mary did not take it lightly that there were things that needed to be accomplished. But in the frenzy of the day, she considered it a privilege to pause and sit at Jesus’ feet, gaining what could never be taken away.
On the other hand, Martha worried about what was not getting done. Her motive may have been in the right place, but her priorities were mislaid. Her feverish attempts to impress Jesus caused her to miss an opportunity to pause in His presence.
Pause and think about it: Does your life resemble Mary’s or Martha’s’, or maybe a little of both? I’m sure you have good intentions to spend time in prayer, but you find that your busy schedule or responsibilities hinder you from pausing with God. Well if you are reading this; today you get a another chance to be determined in making Him a priority. God is patiently waiting to give you what can never be taken away.
Until next time, don’t forget to pause and leave us a comment or click on one of our social media platforms below and ‘like’ us.
Pausing In His Presence can be purchased directly from this website https://pausingwithgod.com/resources-2 or online from Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Books A Million and Walmart.
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.
Pausing With God 