Grace

Sharon JaynesLiving Fully, When You Don't Like Your Story 22 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, hampering our plans or a whole lot worse.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesLiving Fully, Relationships, Trusting God, When You Don't Like Your Story 24 Comments

God Puts to Use What He’s Put Us Through (and What We’ve Put Ourselves Through)

Chris, one of my friends, was in a seminary class when someone raised his hand and asked the professor: What is your best advice on how to be a good pastor?”

“Empathy,” the professor replied. “Have empathy.”

Then Chris raised his hand. “How do you get empathy?

With a trace of sad knowing in his eyes,  Read more…

Sharon JaynesA Sudden Glory, Listening to God, Living Fully 28 Comments

Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God

I want to tell you a funny story today. One that taught me a great lesson. Here goes…

Fourteen exhausted, sweaty teenage boys plopped down on the bottom step of the gymnasium bleachers—my son being one of them. The assistant Junior Varsity basketball coach paced back and forth, lecturing them on the error of their ways. In the style of Sergeant Carter addressing Gomer Pyle,  Read more…

Sharon JaynesLiving Fully, Power of Words 21 Comments

When You Feel Empty

A sign was posted on a telephone pole by the grocery store: “LOST DOG with three legs, blind in left eye, missing right ear, tail broken, and recently castrated. Answers to the name of Lucky!”

Perhaps you feel just about as “lucky” as that lost dog. Hobbling along. Impaired vision. Broken tail. Well, you get the picture.

There was a woman in the Bible who also felt like she was out of luck and had nothing to give.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesConfidence in Christ, Living Free, Living Fully, When You Don't Like Your Story 14 Comments

Going With The Flow Is Often Flawed

Have you ever heard someone say, “Just go with the flow?” Let me tell you a story about why that’s not always a good idea.

I met my husband at a Bible Study in college and quickly learned that he was a very frugal, industrious, and resourceful young man. On our first date, he came to pick me up in his ten-year-old Volkswagen Beetle that he had purchased for $725.  Read more…