Sharon JaynesA Sudden Glory, Dealing with Your Past, Dreams of a Woman, Living Free, Prayer/Spiritual Warfare, Trusting God 12 Comments

If You’re Going Through a Hard Time and Don’t Understand

Yesterday I wrote a devotion for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In light of all that happened in Texas this past Sunday, I’m thinking maybe you might need this encouragement too. I had to go back and read the words I wrote to remind myself of the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:18. Yep, sometimes we need to preach to ourselves.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesConfidence in Christ, Expectant Living, Living Free, Living Fully, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, Trusting God 3 Comments

Living in God’s Yes and Best

“I can do everything through him (Jesus) who gives me strength,” (Philippians 4:13 NIV).

Several years ago, my husband and I decided to go zip lining on the island of Kauai. After being jostled and tossed like ragdolls in the back of a retired army jeep, we finally made it to the top of the mountain from which we were going to zip down—risking life and limb I might add.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesConfidence in Christ, Dealing with Your Past, Expectant Living, Identity in Christ, Living Free, Living Fully, Renewing your mind with the Truth, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, Uncategorized 9 Comments

When You’re Struggling with Bad Thoughts and Habits

Someone once asked me if I had ever struggled with a stronghold in my life. To be honest, at the time I wasn’t even sure what a stronghold was. So I did a little digging.

A stronghold is one of those churchy Christianese words that’s hard to wrap your mind around. It’s not a word we use everyday.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesExpectant Living, Identity in Christ, Living Free, Living Fully, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, Trusting God 30 Comments

You Are Who God Says You Are

Today I’m writing over at www.proverbs31.org for their Encouragement for Today devotion. In case you missed it, I wanted to share  it with you too! Lived blessed! You are.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1 (NIV)

I became a Christian when I was a teenager.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesExpectant Living, General Inspiration, Living Free, Living Fully, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, Uncategorized 140 Comments

When You Don’t Want to Go Back to the Way You Were

I just got my braces off…again.

I have had braces on my upper teeth three times. Count them. One. Two. Three.

As the orthodontist explained, “Teeth have a memory. They always want to go back to the way they were.”

As soon as he said those words, I felt convicted. I have a tendency to go back to the way I was.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesConfidence in Christ, Dealing with Your Past, Expectant Living, Forgiveness, Identity in Christ, Living Free, Living Fully, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, Uncategorized 78 Comments

How Taking Hold Makes All the Difference

I was alone, or at least I felt that way. Women huddled in happy clusters chatting about first one thing and then another. Some propped babies on their hips. Others clutched Bibles in their hands.

Most wore smiles on their faces. I wore one too. But it wasn’t a reflection of what was in my heart. The upturned lips were simply the camouflage I wore to blend in—to avoid being found out.  Read more…