Sharon JaynesEnough, God's love, Identity in Christ, Living Fully Leave a Comment

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 65 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…

Sharon JaynesChristmas Inspiration, Enough, Living Free, Living Fully 69 Comments

Living Free of Holiday Envy

I was checking out my Facebook posts and feeling a little bit left out. It seemed everyone was having a big ole time with family and friends, and well, I wasn’t. It was the holiday season and it appeared all the family gatherings were picture perfect…and mine wasn’t.

Pinterest postings of perfect sausage pinwheels. Facebook pics of glittery table setting with Christmas China and matching napkins.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesLiving Fully, Perspective, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, Trusting God 58 Comments

When You Feel Stuck in Your Faith

Have you ever felt stuck in your faith? Like you can’t seem to grow any deeper? Stand any stronger? Believe any better? I know I have.

Sometimes I feel like a trapeze artist who’s stuck hanging over the vast expanse in a circus tent, wondering why I can’t fly through the spiritual life with the greatest of ease like so many others seem to.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesExpectant Living, Identity in Christ, Living Fully, Perspective, When You Don't Like Your Story 80 Comments

How Long Am I Going to Be Mad About It?

I was really upset with her. I don’t need to tell you the details because I want you to fill in the blanks yourself.

I was really mad at _______ for ________. I’m not worried about you not having anything to put in those blanks because you’re human. We’ve all been really irked at someone for hurting our feelings,  Read more…

Sharon JaynesLiving Free, Living Fully, Prayer, Praying for Your Child 128 Comments

There’s a Reason for Every Season

In the South, we name our beach cottages. Barb’s Folly was one of our favorites to rent. Her screened-in back porch on the second floor overlooked a weather-worn dock jutting out over a lazy canal, and fuchsia myrtle bushes dotted the landscape like splashes of paint. The outdoor back stairway wrapped around a palm tree that reached for the sky,  Read more…