News &amp; Blogs

Pain and Forgiveness: How to Apply God’s Word to Release Negative Emotions

May 12, 2025 | By Shellram Calhoun |

The act of forgiving does not come easy, for most of us it can be painful. Our fleshly instinct is to recoil in self-protection when we’ve been hurt. We don’t naturally overflow with mercy, grace and understanding when we’ve been wronged.

Due to our inherent sinful nature, it’s critical as believers in Christ to gain a better understanding and remind yourself what the Bible has to say about forgiveness.

Young woman sitting in a pensive mood with tissues, expressing contemplation and emotion.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.“

– Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

One of the things I’ve learned in my S.A.L.T. Connection ministry studies is how important it is to forgive others and myself. By studying God’s Word and applying it in my life in the area of forgiveness; my burdens are becoming lighter as I cast all my cares to God.

If you struggle with forgiveness, you too can learn how to apply God’s Word to your life to overcome this pain. Remember, forgiveness is not the same as forgetting or condoning the hurt. It’s about releasing negative emotions and choosing to move forward, even if you still have valid reasons to feel hurt.

Click below to learn more about programs offered through The S.A.L.T. Connection.

Painting with a Sis Event Featured on KXII-TV’s “Talk of the Town”

12 May

By Charita

News

Painting with a Sis Event Featured on KXII-TV’s “Talk of the Town”

May 12, 2025 | By Charita |

Our founder, Charita Howard, was featured on KXII-TV’s “Talk of the Town” segment, which is a well-known broadcast afternoon show in the Grayson County area.

Watch as she speaks with anchor Annette Campbell to discuss this year’s Painting with a Sis event, including fundraising goals and how it will make a difference as we plan to use the raised funds to expand their mentorship programs, as well as grow their community partnerships with local churches, shelters, and woman organizations.

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11 Apr

Blog General

Will You Be S.A.L.T.?

April 11, 2025 | By Shellram Calhoun |

Salt is used as a preservative to save meat and food from spoiling, as Jesus saves our souls from sin, death and hell. As a servant of Christ, you voluntarily set aside your personal rights in order to love, serve and obey the will of God.

In joining one of The S.A.L.T. Connection programs, you will be making a commitment to God to continuously study His word, apply it in your life and share with others. As an active participant of The S.A.L.T. Connection, I chose to serve God by pouring back into the program after graduating from the nine-month session in 2020.

I’m not perfect; however, daily I seek Him, meditate on His word and share His word with others. There’s nothing better than an intimate relationship with Jesus.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

– Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

Do you desire to help preserve the world, just as salt preserves food?
Are you willing to be a positive and godly influential force, which can add flavor and goodness?
Will you be S.A.L.T. by committing your time and enrolling in one of the two programs offered through our organization?

If so, please click on the link to enroll. God will bless you for your obedience!

Serene woman with curly hair clasping hands in prayer outdoors.

10 Mar

Blog General

The Many Blessings You Can Find Studying God’s Word

March 10, 2025 | By Shellram Calhoun |

In 2019, my dad was diagnosed with cancer right at the beginning of me starting my first S.A.L.T. class and I asked “Lord, how can this be happening right now when I’m trying to get closer to you?

In 2020, COVID attacked the world; which was another distraction to keep me from studying the Bible. During my mid-term evaluation, Dad passed away. This was a crushing moment, but I clung to God’s Word and embraced His promises. I held my dad’s hand, read his favorite scripture, kissed him on his forehead, and prayed. It was then that I noticed a tear drop falling from his eye and I watched him transition to his new home with our Heavenly Father.

Without the Word of God being poured into me by an amazing group of Godly women, I don’t know where I would be. They provided the education and resources to help me know God more intimately through studying His word, applying it in my life and gaining a desire to pour into others. God’s Word tells us repeatedly that we should meditate on it day and night. Committing to studying the Bible and applying it to your life, impacts your intimate relationship with Him. It enables you to fully reflect God’s character.

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

– Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

The S.A.L.T. Connection is a great place to start in having a better relationship with our Heavenly Father. We offer two programs to best suit your spiritual needs: a nine-week and nine-month program. Learn more about the programs on our website and don’t be afraid to sign up and watch God transform your life. The Triune God is the Christian belief that God is one being in three persons: the Father, son and Holy Spirit.

18 Feb

By Charita

News

Charita Howard Nominated for 2025 Behind Her Brand “Luminary” Award

February 18, 2025 | By Charita |

Behind her Brand – a lifestyle and leadership network of women with a purpose of commitment to support, celebrate, connect, and curate diversity of thought and approaches to drive change for the modern professional woman – has nominated our founder, Charita Howard, for their 2025 Women Who Build Awards. This inaugural awards program celebrates those who are pushing boundaries, leading with vision and conviction, pioneering innovative approaches, championing others, and making a significant impact in their respective industries.

There are six total award categories, and Howard was nominated for the Luminary Award which celebrates women in leadership whose achievements shine brightly in their industry and have become a beacon of inspiration to others. These women illuminate the path for their peers, setting an example of excellence, resilience, and dedication, while their contributions leave a lasting impact on their industry and beyond.

The Behind Her Brand Women Who Build Awards were established with the mission to uplift, inspire, and foster our community of empowering women, companies, and organizations. The awards ceremony will be held Wednesday, March 26, and aims to shine a spotlight on all honorees and their achievements to inspire others to pursue their own transformative journeys.

16 Feb

Open Doors: How to Recognize God’s “Symbol of Opportunity” for Your Life

February 16, 2025 | By Shellram Calhoun |

A door is a symbol of opportunity, mainly concerning spiritual advancement and spreading the gospel. How do you know that an open door is really from God?

The door that God opens will never contradict His Word.

The door that God opens will always be accompanied by confirmation.

The door that God opens will require you to depend on Him.

The door has been opened for The S.A.L.T. Connection, and you can see him moving, never contradicting His word, providing confirmation and requiring us to depend on Him for all of our needs. There’s nothing like the love of our Good Father in Heaven. As the world changes around us, we need God more than ever. We have been called to serve Him, advance His kingdom and use our gifts for Him.

Revelation 3:8 (NIV) states: “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”

Because of the faithfulness, commitment to keep God’s word and remaining loyal to Him; God keeps His promises to reward The S.A.L.T. Connection. Our ministry continues to pour God’s word into women, so they can pour into other women.

To continue to stand on the promises of God, we ask that you support us in expanding our mission in our local communities of Collin, Denton and Grayson counties. Would you please help with a one-time or reoccurring monthly donation and the opportunity to be one of God’s soldiers on the battlefield? Choose your payment option by clicking on the donation button below.

DONATE HERE

17 Jan

By Charita

Blog News

When God Says Go……Go!

January 17, 2025 | By Charita |

From Fear to New Office Beginnings

In Genesis 12:1, the Lord told Abram to “Go”; “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you”. Abram obeyed and went without hesitation or questioning.

On June 13, 2022, I heard these same words from the Lord. He told me to “Go”; abandon the normal sources of personal identity and security. At that time, I had no idea what His plans were for me. I just knew that He wanted me to obey Him just as Abram did. I experienced fear, doubt and anxiety. Having worked in the corporate environment for 34 years, God was now telling me to step outside of my comfort zone and trust His guidance.

I’m sure many of you can relate to my experience. You hear God telling you to go, but fear will put you in bondage and stop you from pursuing something new that aligns with God’s purpose. “Go” is not just a passive feeling, it’s an active call to take concrete steps towards the direction God is guiding you. When God tells us to go, we need to go! We need to move forward and expect Him to provide everything we need so that we can be faithful in the small and big.

I’m now happy to say that my “going” has marked a new chapter for the S.A.L.T Connection. God has blessed us with our first new office space so that we can now expand our ministry and continue His calling for us to “Go and make disciples.”

We cannot “go” on this journey alone. We need your monetary support to help us cover the expenses for the rental of our office space, class materials and other operational needs. If God is leading you, please click on the link below to give your generous donation so we can continue our great work for His Kingdom.

DONATE HERE

07 Dec

https://thesaltconnection.com/donate

A Giving Spirit That Pours for More

December 7, 2024 | By Shellram Calhoun |

Over the past 10 years, The SALT Connection has been pouring into to women through the ministry of teaching, training, discipling and mentoring. This is the way that we’ve demonstrated God’s love and compassion for others.

And now the Lord has given to us. We have been blessed to move into our new office space at The Hope Center, so that we can now hold classes and future events.

Giving is a central concept that involves more than just monetary donations. The Bible teaches that giving is a form of worship that reflects God’s character as a generous provider. As we continue to pour out the little we have, we will continue to experience the more God has for us.

Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV) states “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Remember God is pleased with those who give willingly and joyfully than those who give out of obligation.

God has given us the opportunity to expand our ministry, and with your monetary support we can further our mission in our new office space in 2025. Please click on the link below to give your generous donation so we can continue great work for the Kingdom of God.

29 Jul