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 87 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…

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…