Hallo-who

If you ask my kids, I have always laid on the cautious side about partaking in the festivities around or on October 31st; but this post isn’t about me. Tonight after viewing my East Coast families posts, I thought about things differently.

There were several families on social media that caught my attention. Families are gathering in their homes creating memories. From carving pumpkins, to making paper crafts, to sipping apple cider, roasting marshmallows and eating smores.

While we are still be in the midst of a pandemic, but I see a new beginning. People are ceasing from complaining what we don’t have to celebrate what we still have before us.

There is a thankfulness in the air, thankful that we indeed have air in our lungs. Thankful for the family members that remain in the land of the living. A gratefulness that we got to see another day to say, ‘I love you’. True that in each family there are challenges and difficulties, but I see families being intentional about loving and spending time with one another.

Mother Teresa is know to have said, “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” This perspective is like an eraser on the top of a pencil. Removing what the world would have us to focus on and seeing the light in the darkness.

Today is setting the tone for us to become even more consistent and deliberate about spending time with our loved ones. This time together, doesn’t have to involve spending money or even going to a far away place. While it may be nice, we can have a picnic on the living room floor. We can create any kind of getaway if we want to, simply using what we have around the house. Keeping it simple, simply creating precious memories that we can keep.

So may today cause us to pause and remember that even though it’s easy to forget at times, family is the most important thing in the world.

Sisters and Friends

A while ago as I sat prepping for an upcoming event. I came across a nugget and thought I’d share an excerpt with you.

Why can’t women get along, it’s because we are afraid to be vulnerable, afraid to be soft, afraid to be hurt, most of all afraid of our power. So we become controlling and aggressive – vicious. Why can’t women get along, it’s because we’ve been taught to be bad rather to be powerful. (Courtesy of Iyanla’s reflections).

Pausing With God Ministries is a nonprofit corporation organized to inspire and engage congregations and the community at large. The Lord has given us a platform to encourage and edify women of all ages. We are partnering with the Body of Christ to break the silence and address uncharted territory. The topic of the day is MENOPAUSE. It is estimated that as many as 6,000 US women reach menopause every day. The gender makeup of a vast majority of churches and religious groups reveals that there is a higher percentage of women than men attending on a weekly basis.

By the year 2020, the number of women who will be older than 55 years of age is estimated to be 46 million. In addition, with the increase in life expectancy, more women will spend up to 40% of their lives in the postmenopausal stage. With these alarming statistics, it is vital that we bring awareness, especially to the Body of Christ.

Along with the physical challenges we face with menopause, many of our sister-friends are overwhelmed emotionally and mentally. Others are trying to dig out off a spiritual drought. PWGM is your female version of Aaron or Hur, coming along side of a you, holding up your arms, encouraging you one step at a time (Exodus 17:12).

(I do not own the rights to this video)

Our workshops, sermonettes, conferences and shut-ins are presented to encourage, enrich, edify, empower women to love themselves, one another and be all that they were created to be. For more information, schedule or invite us; email Sheri at PausingWithGod@gmail.com.

Don’t suffer in silence!

Menopause Let’s Talk About It!

Years ago, when I began experiencing several symptoms of menopause I was afraid to talk to anyone for fear that they would think I lost my mind. But the opposite was true, it wasn’t until I began sharing …that I realized I am not alone.
Continue reading “Don’t suffer in silence!”

You Are Not Alone

Though I knew I had to complete what I started, I found myself hesitating because my dad passed away before he was given the opportunity to see it in print. He wasn’t shy about his struggles, actually he put them all in his journals. His desire was to reach others who were experiencing similar difficulties and let them know that they are not alone.

What triggered me to write this blog was a special mental health episode on “The Talk”. Eve (American rapper, singer, songwriter and actress) 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 share; like my dad, hoping that people realize that they are not alone.

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, ‘I am not ashamed, and I seek help.’

My dad’s book was written to reach those who I may never meet in person, and to bring encouragement and remind others that they are not alone.
(Dad’s book, ‘God’s Got It’ can be purchased on Amazon.com).

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 who is experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, there is help.

Pause and check out – Cymone LaShae – A Hope dealer and mental health GOAT slaying mental illness with Jesus & therapy! https://www.instagram.com/ofasoundmindinc?

Also check out NAMI has some 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.

If you find it challenging to find help, please feel free to contact us @ PausingWithGod@gmail.com and let’s get you connected to the right resources and treatment that work for you!

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

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

National Daughters Day

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

Pausing To Share…#TBT

September is Menopause Awareness Month….Preparation is the key!

What other readers have said about Pausing With God…

“Sheri has an anointed message divinely given to her for the sole purpose of relieving, comforting, restoring, and inspiring women before, during, and after menopause.”
Cleo D. Graham, R.N.P., B.S.N.,M.N.

What’s absolutely clear to me after reading Pausing With God (although I already knew it) is how you so love the Lord! It’s a truth that resonates with every turn of the page.
I commend you my sister, for your persistent resolve to put to pen what has been bottled up in your heart.
Joleen Green Bridgeport, Ct

I was amazed at the level of faith this woman of God has, but she doesn’t hesitate to share an honest human side of herself. Author Sheri Powell’s clever use of analogies and
scriptures prepares the readers for each section and each point. Pausing With God has humor and wisdom…a good mixture for an easy-to-read book.
Sherrie Clark Writer & Editor

Click on our resource link https://pausingwithgod.com/resources-2/ or secure your copy today on Amazon.com

Mask Up

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

Pausing To Share

One of my goals for today was to write a blog post for our website, but as I sat down for our morning devotion, I thought you’d be encouraged by the Scripture in Our Daily Bread, Galatians 6:7–10.

Maybe today you are saying for the 100th time that you are sick and tired of this pandemic. But the truth of the matter is, no day that we are alive in the land of the living is ever wasted.

Our prayer this morning is that we pause long enough to listen and be wise enough to allow God to order our steps and strengthen us for the task that He has called us to.

Don’t become weary in doing good. Galatians 6:9

beengaged #beencouraged #beempowered

Buddy Up!

Pausing To Remind – Buddy Check 12 (Self Awareness Reminder)

Pausing To Remind – Buddy Check 12
(Self Awareness Reminder)

Mark your calendars,
set your alarm to remind a buddy
and check yourself on the 12th!

Buddy Check programs are now offered in multiple US cities, as well as in Japan and Germany. Here’s how it works:

Check out pamphlet

Breast Exam Pamphlet Download

Or call your physician and get your step-by-step instructions for breast self-examination and self-awareness kit
Set a reminder that on the 12th of every month you will call your buddy and remind them to check themselves between the 7th and 10th day of their menstrual cycle
If a lump is detected, call your physician immediately

Let us know if you have any questions, concerns and we will try to provide resources that can assist you!

Pamphlet courtesy of Maurer Foundation Breast Health Education

Menopause Awareness Month

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.