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Woman enjoying a quiet moment with coffee, looking out the window.

19 Oct

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The Key Benefits of Isolation and Solitude

October 19, 2026 | By |

We all experience seasons when we desire to be alone to gather our thoughts. But when we intentionally spend that time with God, isolation can become sacred solitude—a place for spiritual growth, renewal, and preparation. Jesus often withdrew to isolated places to deepen his intimacy with God, for refueling and preparing spiritually.

There are several references of Jesus withdrawing Himself to commune with God, and here is one of the passages:

“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” (Mark 1:35 (NLT)

Peaceful woman meditating indoors, eyes closed, in a serene environment.

Whether you are a seasoned believer or a new babe in Christ, spending time alone with God helps deepen our relationship with Him. Jesus demonstrated the importance of stepping away from the noise and demands of life to pray, seek direction, and hear from the Father.

Jesus also used solitude to refuel. His ministry involved teaching, healing, serving, and pouring into others. Likewise, as believers, we cannot continually pour out without allowing God to pour back into us. Solitude allows us to receive renewed strength, wisdom, and spiritual clarity.

Finally, solitude prepares us for what God has called us to do. Jesus prayed before making important decisions and facing significant moments in His ministry. We, too, need intentional time with God so that we are spiritually equipped to walk in His will and share His Word boldly and effectively.

The S.A.L.T. Connection helps women develop spiritual disciplines that lead to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. If you desire to grow in studying God’s Word, prayer, worship, and intentional time with Him, we invite you to consider becoming a new SALT student.

You can also help make this transformational journey possible for other women. Your prayers, support, and financial donations help The S.A.L.T. Connection continue planting seeds of spiritual growth, discipleship, and transformation.

Come grow with us—or sow into the growth of another woman. There is a place for you at The S.A.L.T. Connection.

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Program Alumni Spotlight: Christen Populus

19 Oct

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Program Alumni Spotlight: Christen Populus

October 19, 2026 | By |

Every journey of faith begins with a desire for something deeper. Following a season of profound grief and searching, one educator joined our nine-month program to truly discover who Jesus is and who she was created to be.

What started as a search for answers ignited a complete transformation. As a proud graduate of our 2022 class, Christen steps boldly in her God-given identity—using her rooted biblical foundation to launch a children’s Bible study and inspire the next generation. Read her powerful story of faith, identity and purpose.

Why did you join The S.A.L.T. Connection program?

I joined The S.A.L.T. Connection in Fall of 2021 after speaking with my aunt about wanting to dive deeper in my knowledge of the Bible. Growing up, I attended church, but only routinely. In 2014 after losing my brother, I wanted to know more about who Jesus is, who I am, and what the word says about coming to the Lord. It was then I was introduced to SALT and decided this program was exactly what my heart was yearning for.

What challenges did our program help you with?

I struggled with my past identity, identifying as others knew me and not knowing my true calling. During the nine months of the program, I remember feeling a light being lit within me, the burning desire I felt was ignited. Upon graduating in Spring of 2022, I truly knew what being SALT was and still is.

My knowledge of who I am in God has truly turned my life around for the better. The word says “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 I can now boldly walk in my new GOD given identity as a child of the most high.”

How has our program helped you pour into others?

I have been in education for the past six years, pouring into the children I teach inside the classroom. My love for kids has grown, and I felt if I am leading them in a classroom, why not lead them in the word as well. My experience in the classroom only helped me formulate this children’s bible study.

I have two young daughters of my own, and my prayer for them daily is to have a loving fear of God, to know who they are in Christ and to walk in his will. With this children’s bible study class, my goal is to plant a seed, teach them to pray, show them what the Bible says about our identity and teach them the truth of who God is. The world will influence and pour what it wants into our children. It is our job to teach them the biblical truth and lead them to the light, teaching them to be the light!

A key scripture in my life in regard to children and my desire to pour into them comes from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

What is one main reason you would encourage another woman to join our program? 

I would encourage all women who want to dive deeper into their God given identity to join, whether you are a newborn Christian or a seasoned Christian. This class helps to open your eyes to the world around you as well as the spiritual world. I would say, before the SALT class I was blind, only hearing what the word says.

Now, I am able to walk boldly, both seeing and hearing the word. Now that my biblical knowledge is rooted, I am able to walk out what God has called me to do through His son, Christ. 

Interested in sharing your alumni story? Email us below!

SUBMIT HERE
A woman kneeling by her bed in prayer, in a warmly lit, cozy bedroom setting.

15 Sep

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Ushering In the Spirit

September 15, 2026 | By |

God’s presence is invited and welcomed through prayer, praise, and a humble heart.

The Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost) is the third person of the Trinity, that is co-equal with God the Father and God the Son (Jesus). He is God’s personal and active presence in the world and within believers. He guides, comforts and empowers people for faith and service.

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” (John 14:16 (KJV)

Serene image of a woman with eyes closed in prayer, symbolizing faith and devotion.

Ushering in the Holy Spirit is important because it shifts human gatherings and personal lives from routine efforts to divine encounters. It brings spiritual power, deep peace, and transformation. Inviting God’s active presence aligns believers with supernatural guidance rather than relying on routine strength alone.

The purpose of the Holy Spirit is to act as God’s active, personal presence on Earth. The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus Christ, convicts people of sin, brings individuals to spiritual rebirth, and lives inside believers.

The S.A.L.T Connection is aligned with The Holy Spirit. Our classes are available to you and are designed to guide you, comfort you, empower you and transform you. We also extend the opportunity to partner with us through donations and partnership. Join us in ushering in the spirit and spreading the word of our living Savior-Jesus Christ.

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Program Alumni Spotlight: Sheila Spikes

11 Sep

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Program Alumni Spotlight: Sheila Spikes

September 11, 2026 | By |

When an individual finds their true identity and purpose, the ripple effect can transform an entire community. As a proud graduate of the The S.A.L.T. Connection’s pioneering Alpha Class of 2016, alumna Sheila Spikes reflects on a decade of profound personal healing, active local outreach and a lifelong calling to uplift and empower women.

Why did you join The S.A.L.T. Connection program?

There are several reasons why I decided to join the S.A.L.T. Connection. For a long time, I felt like something was missing in my life, and after trying many different ways to fill that void with no lasting success, I met the founder of the program.

While spending time with her, I realized that I needed a relationship with God. I knew the only way to build that relationship was to truly get to know Him and understand who I was to Him. Guided by this realization, I applied to the program and was accepted. It has been the best life decision I could have ever made.

What challenges did our program help you with?

Through the program, I learned how to study the Bible, which has helped me overcome many personal challenges.

Learning who God is and understanding my identity in Him helped me realize that I am loved unconditionally and eternally. Knowing this freed me from the fear of failure, the guilt of feeling inadequate, and the opinions of others. Ultimately, it has helped me overcome low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.

How has our program helped you pour into others?

Having been a member of The S.A.L.T. Connection for 10 years, I have had many wonderful opportunities to serve and support others. Through my church’s Outreach Ministry—including our Food Pantry, Community Garden, and work at the Our Daily Bread Homeless Shelter—I am able to demonstrate Christ’s love by meeting tangible needs, offering encouragement, and building meaningful relationships.

These experiences allow me to walk alongside other women, sharing the Word of God and helping them recognize their own strengths and potential. I am excited that two of my church members will be a part of the new class starting this month.

Additionally, my time with S.A.L.T. inspired me to join the board of “Crossing Jordan The Next Steps,” a nonprofit maternity home for women in crisis pregnancies. God has truly blessed our work, and in partnership with S.A.L.T., we will open our first home on October 1, 2026, in The Colony, Texas, to address vital needs within our community.

What is one main reason you would encourage another woman to join our program? 

I would encourage other women to join the SALT so they would be able to learn how to study the Bible and know who God is and the importance of having a relationship with Him. Also, they would learn Scripture and be able to apply it to their own lives for victorious living and to impact other women’s lives.

Interested in sharing your alumni story? Email us below!

SUBMIT HERE
Partner Spotlight: New Hope Christian Fellowship

17 Aug

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Partner Spotlight: New Hope Christian Fellowship

August 17, 2026 | By |

In a world filled with countless worthy causes, aligning with a ministry that shares your deep love for God’s Word is a powerful blessing. In this blog, we’re spotlighting a valued church partner of The S.A.L.T. Connection. From their initial meeting with founder Charita Howard to watching local women and families grow tremendously in faith, learn what inspired them to step up—and why they believe our mission to teach Scripture and pour into others is vital for Grayson County and beyond.

With so many organizations you could partner with, how does supporting a Christ-centered ministry like ours align with your personal faith and values?

We support this ministry because of the nonprofit’s sincere desire to teach the word of God. We both set our ministry values on loving God’s people and making sure they understand his word. 

How do you feel your partnership helps us create a lasting legacy for the women and families served by our ministry?

Our partnership gives us a chance to further the word of God from different saltshakers. We are so blessed to have witnessed several women from the Grayson County area to grow tremendously and been a blessing to others.

As our partner, what is your biggest hope or prayer for the future of The S.A.L.T. Connection?

Our prayer is that this ministry continues to grow and keep moving so the fields are never oversalted.

How did you first discover The S.A.L.T. Connection, and what was it about our mission to “pour into others” that resonated with you?

We were introduced to the nonprofit by sister Charita Howard. She had such a zeal for the vision God had given her our hearts were overwhelmed. We were totally sold on the idea of more sincere teaching of God’s word.                          

For someone on the fence about getting involved with The S.A.L.T. Connection, what is the one thing you want them to know about the heart of this organization?

We feel the heart of this organization is about extending the Kingdom of God by making sure his people do not lack knowledge.

Interested in becoming one of our partners to help further our mission?

PARTNER TODAY

Close-up of a woman praying, conveying a sense of peace and faith.

17 Aug

By

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Prayer: How Do You Approach It—By Invitation, Obligation or Both?

August 17, 2026 | By |

The words “invitation” and “obligation” prompted me to take an honest look at my own prayer life.

There was a season when things were going well, and I must admit that I prayed more out of obligation than relationship. As a child, I was taught to pray because that was what was expected. As an adult, I would become so busy that days would pass without talking to God. Then guilt would remind me that I hadn’t prayed, and I would stop—not because I longed to be with Him, but because I felt I should.

As I matured in my faith, the Holy Spirit illuminated the verse below and I realized God wasn’t demanding my attention, he was inviting me into His presence.

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him now while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6 (NLT)

A redheaded woman in deep prayer, leaning on a church pew in a serene atmosphere.

Then life changed. During one of the most difficult seasons of my life, I found myself alone, wondering how I would make it through. In that place, God gently invited me to commune with Him. The Holy Spirit led me to Hebrews 4:16(NLT):

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

What a beautiful invitation! I discovered that prayer is not about checking a box or fulfilling a duty. It is about building a relationship with our loving Father.

Today, I still believe obedience matters, but my prayer life is no longer motivated by guilt. It is motivated by love. Prayer is simply a conversation with God—a dialogue that draws us closer to His heart and aligns our hearts with His.

How can we truly love someone without getting to know them? And how can we know God without spending time in His presence?

As you reflect on your own prayer life, ask yourself: Do I approach prayer by invitation, obligation, or both?

You do not have to seek His presence alone. Our ministry brings women together to cultivate a lifestyle of love-driven prayer. Through our community, we share our conversations with God, deepen our relationship with Him, and lift each other up. Let’s accept His invitation together and align our hearts as one.  

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Donor Spotlight: Arianna Jones

20 Jul

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Donor Spotlight: Arianna Jones

July 20, 2026 | By |

For one faithful supporter of The S.A.L.T. Connection—whose aunt founded the ministry—giving is far more than a donation; it is an eternal investment in Kingdom discipleship. In this month’s Donor Spotlight, Arianna Jones – a faithful monthly donor of our organization – shares her thoughts on the impact of faithful stewardship and her prayers for the future of the ministry.

With so many places and options to give, how does supporting a Christ-centered ministry like ours align with your personal faith and values?

Supporting The S.A.L.T. Connection is an investment in the Kingdom. I believe real transformation begins with God’s Word, and this ministry equips women to know Scripture, apply it, and then pour into others. That aligns with my heart because I’ve experienced how God uses His Word to heal, strengthen, and restore us. I want to support a ministry that doesn’t just inspire women—it disciples them.

How do you feel your financial support helps create a lasting legacy for the women and families served by our ministry?

I believe every monthly gift, no matter the amount, becomes part of something much bigger than itself. When a woman is discipled, it impacts her marriage, her children, her friendships, and future generations. My prayer is that my support helps make it possible for more women to encounter Jesus deeply, become rooted in His Word, and then go out and disciple others. That’s the kind of legacy that lasts forever.

As a donor, what is your biggest hope or prayer for the future of The S.A.L.T. Connection?

My prayer is that God continues to expand this ministry far beyond what we can imagine. I hope it reaches women from every background and every season of life, raising up generations of faithful disciples who know God’s Word and boldly live it out. I pray that every decision remains centered on Christ and that the ministry continues to bear fruit that glorifies Him.

How did you first discover The S.A.L.T. Connection, and what was it about our mission to “pour into others” that resonated with you?

I first discovered The S.A.L.T. Connection through my aunt, who founded the ministry. Going through the S.A.L.T. class myself gave me a greater appreciation for what biblical discipleship truly looks like. What resonated with me most was the idea that we can’t effectively pour into others unless we’ve first allowed God to pour into us through His Word. That truth has stayed with me, and it’s a reminder that healthy disciples make healthy disciples.                          

For someone on the fence about getting involved or donating to The S.A.L.T. Connection, what is the one thing you want them to know about the heart of this organization?

I would want them to know that The S.A.L.T. Connection genuinely cares about people, not just programs. This ministry is committed to helping women build an authentic relationship with Christ and equipping them to live out their faith every day. If you’re looking to invest in something that has an eternal impact, this is a ministry where your prayers, your time, and your generosity truly make a difference.

Interested in becoming a monthly donor to support our mission?

DONATE TODAY

Standing with Sand Branch: Being Salt and Light for Community Transformation

19 Jul

By

News

Standing with Sand Branch: Being Salt and Light for Community Transformation

July 19, 2026 | By |

At The S.A.L.T. Connection, our calling is rooted in pouring into others as God pours into us. While much of our focus is on equipping women with biblical truth and spiritual mentorship, living out a lifestyle of worship means stepping out into our communities and serving where the need is greatest.

Recently, our team—including blogger and leader Lynnette Burr-Lee—joined voices with local advocates to support an urgent cause right in our North Texas backyard: the revitalization of Sand Branch, Texas.

Sand Branch is a historic freedman’s town that has endured decades without the basic municipal services that many of us take for granted. Standing with this community isn’t just a civic duty; it is a direct reflection of our mission to love and serve others faithfully.

The Vision for Sand Branch

The mission is clear and urgent: to bring running water, sewer, and trash collection services to the Sand Branch community.

But the vision doesn’t stop at basic infrastructure. Advocates envision transforming Sand Branch into a vibrant, thriving innovation hub that honors its deep roots as a historic freedman’s town. The future of Sand Branch includes:

  • Affordable Housing: Restoring dignity and creating safe, sustainable places for families to thrive.
  • A Dynamic Community Center: A focal point for connection, resource sharing, and growth.
  • Historic Landmarks: Preserving and honoring the incredible history of the town.
  • Diverse Retail Opportunities: Building local economic power and independence.

Why It Matters and Why We Were There

In Matthew 5:13, we are called to be the salt of the earth. Salt preserves, heals, and enhances. When we show up for communities like Sand Branch, we are putting our faith into motion. True spiritual growth happens when we allow God’s love to reshape how we view and treat the neighbors around us.

As Lynnette recently shared, “The Holy Spirit teaches me how to love both believers and non-believers with grace, humility, and truth.” Loving our neighbors means advocating for their right to clean water, safe housing, and a hopeful future.

How You Can Join Us

Sand Branch needs your support, your prayers, and your voice for change. We encourage our S.A.L.T. community to look beyond our comfort zones and ask how we can be instruments of God’s justice and love.

Get Involved: Keep an eye out for local advocacy efforts, volunteer opportunities, and donation drives dedicated to bringing infrastructure to Sand Branch. Together, we can help restore this historic community.

Want to learn more about how we connect faith with community outreach? Explore our programs and join us on our journey of spiritual growth and transformation.

Volunteer Today

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17 Jul

By

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A Reminder When Feeling Broken

July 17, 2026 | By |

Brokenness is the state or quality of being fractured, damaged, or no longer functioning correctly.  It’s a state of emotional pain that makes you feel defeated and the trauma can crush you spiritually.

There have been times when I see or talk to others and I ask, “how are you doing?” Their response sometimes may be “life has been lifing.” What I interpret them saying is that life has thrown them some curve balls.  The statement is becoming clearer to me. I feel we are allowing the troubles of life to consume us, stress us, and break us. We’re sleeping a lot, crying, overeating and so many other things that are not pleasing to God. We’ve forgotten that God is our source.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalms 34:18 (NIV)

High angle of crop African American female in despair with frown face suffering from trouble sitting near window

During your moments of brokenness; God uses these moments to soften your heart, foster reliance on Him and begin a process of complete restoration. He’s allowing us to draw closer to Him.

If you’ve ever been in a season of brokenness or you’re in one right now say this out loud; “God, you are my source and you will meet all my needs according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

When facing personal brokenness, The S.A.L.T. Connection is a supportive group of women who are waiting to walk alongside you. Break the isolation by joining one of our Mentoring Programs designed to draw you closer to God. You can also grow with us through partnership opportunities and donations.

Remember God calls each of us according to His purpose. You heal from brokenness when you yield first to God.

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17 Jun

By

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Let’s Make it Personal

June 17, 2026 | By |

Today, we will reflect on our personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Let’s practice personalizing Scripture so it comes alive in our everyday lives. Sometimes we read Scripture as instructions, but how often do we personalize it? How often do we turn God’s Word into daily affirmations?

Here, I’ll give you two examples of verses you can start with.

“I will trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; I will acknowledge Him in all my ways, and He shall direct my paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

“Father God, I give all my cares and worries to You because You care for me.” (1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Young woman in checkered pajamas writing in a notebook while lying on a bed.

Imagine how beautiful those personalized words from God’s Word sound coming back to the ears of our loving Father, who listens so attentively to His children.

Three things I can promise you’ll receive by personalizing Scripture:

  • Making it personal builds intimacy with God.
  • Making it personal deepens your focus.
  • Making it personal renews your mindset.

This month, we are celebrating our SALT graduates because they were reminded that spiritual growth happens when God’s Word becomes personal. Each graduate has chosen to invest in learning, growing, and allowing God’s truth to shape their lives.

Today, I encourage you to ask yourself: “What is my next step?”

Perhaps God is leading you to become a future SALT student and deepen your understanding of His Word. Perhaps He is calling you to become a donor, helping make it possible for others to experience the life-changing benefits of the SALT program.

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