Sharon JaynesChristmas Inspiration, Listening to God, Living Free, Living Fully, Trusting God 140 Comments

Trusting God in Trying Times

We had prayed for a year and felt confident we knew God’s answer. How could we have been so wrong?

Before my husband and I graduated from college as a young married couple, we prayed that God would lead us to exactly where He wanted us to start our lives. After a year, we felt sure He had called us to a small town outside of Charlotte,  Read more…

Sharon JaynesEnough, Identity in Christ, Living Free, Living Fully 120 Comments

Let Me Tell You Who I Am and Who You Are

Once, a young girl named Martha Taft was asked to introduce herself to her elementary school classmates. She stood up with self-assurance and said, “My name is Martha Bowers Taft. My great-grandfather was president of the United States. My grandfather was a United States senator. My daddy is the ambassador to Ireland. And I am a Brownie.”

I love her confidence!  Read more…

Sharon JaynesListening to God, Living Fully, Mamma Moments with God 52 Comments

The Gift of Struggle

I don’t like to struggle.  I don’t like to see my child, my husband, or my friends struggle. I like life to be easy.

I want all my friends to love me all the time, my husband to agree with my every decision, and God to answer every prayer with a checkmark.

But deep down I know a carefree life will never produce a courageous person who trusts in God with all her heart.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesConfidence in Christ, Expectant Living, Identity in Christ, Living Fully, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For 111 Comments

What Are You Afraid Of?

How do you react to fear of the unknown when it comes to stepping out in faith or living boldly? I remember the first time I spoke with a microphone in front of a crowd. I was terrified! My topic was Unshakable Confidence in Christ, but my knees were knocking!

Everyone has his or her own unique way of talking themselves out of taking steps of faith.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesEnough, God's love, Identity in Christ, Living Fully 89 Comments

When You Feel as Though You Just Don’t Matter

For years we were joined at the hip. Not a day went by when we didn’t talk on the phone at least once.

But sometimes friendships come unhinged. People change. Perspectives change. Purposes change. Passions change. While nothing went terribly wrong, and no hurtful words were exchanged, the void was vast beyond bridging. I felt tossed away. Discarded.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesEnough, God's love, Identity in Christ, Living Fully 63 Comments

The Name You Call Yourself

I held Harper’s hand as we walked into the restaurant to place our name on the waiting list. Actually, I walked; my 7-year-old grandniece skipped.

I gave the hostess the number in our party, expressed the desire for an outside table, and told her yes, crayons, please. Then the hostess asked my name. I replied, “Sharon.”

Harper quickly corrected me: “No.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesConfidence in Christ, Living Fully 67 Comments

When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn…What We Can Learn from Mary

Life wasn’t turning out like I thought it would. There would be no gaggle of laughing children filling my home, no crowded kitchen table at mealtimes, no juggling of kids’ busy schedules. My first child would be my only child. And while I was so grateful to have this walking, talking, bundle of love, this wasn’t the way I had envisioned life unfolding.  Read more…