Sharon JaynesForgiveness, Perspective, Relationships, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For 46 Comments

When Family Gets Messy

Family can get really messy over the holidays. My family growing up was one big mess on every-days.  Fighting. Arguing. Yelling. Crying. And eventually, a lot of forgiving.

If ever there is a place to learn about forgiveness…to practice forgiveness…to struggle with forgiveness…it is in the context of family. And interestingly, it is in the context of family where the word forgiveness first shows up in the Bible.  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, Living Free, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For 96 Comments

When It’s Time to Stop Moping

Have you ever been so discouraged that you just wanted to stay in bed and pull the covers up over your head? Maybe that’s where you are right now.

I felt that way last Christmas when my son and daughter-in-law didn’t make it to our house for our much longed for, much planned for holiday visit.  A snow storm canceled their flight and it was too dangerous to drive.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesConfidence in Christ, Enough, God's love, Identity in Christ, Knowing God, Living Free, Living Fully, Perspective, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For 278 Comments

You’ve Been Pre-Approved!

I’ve got something really special to give away at the end of this devotion! But for now, here’s today’s encouragement!

I walked to the mailbox and then to the recycler. Don’t need this one, or this one, or this one I whispered as I dropped the shiny flyers in the red box.

I don’t know about you,  Read more…

Sharon JaynesConfidence in Christ, God's love, God's Promises, Living Fully, Prayer, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For 137 Comments

Don’t Stop Too Soon

Can I make a confession? Sometimes I quit too soon. I’ve quit when what I really needed to do was press on and press through. Sometimes I’ve gotten tired of trying. Sometimes I’ve gotten tired of the struggle. And you know what? I’ve missed many blessings because I got tired of the battle. I don’t want to do that any longer.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesIdentity in Christ, Listening to God, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For 87 Comments

When Comparison Kills Confidence

If there’s one thing I know it’s this: The measuring stick will get you stuck! Comparison is the devil’s tool that has stopped many of us gals from stepping into our God-given destinies…and it’s time to stop!

I camped out with Moses by the burning bush for more than a year when I was writing the book, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesIdentity in Christ, Knowing God, Living Free, Living Fully, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, Trusting God 106 Comments

When It’s Time to Stop Moping

Have you ever been so discouraged that you just wanted to stay in bed and pull the covers up over your head? Maybe that’s where you are right now.

I’ve hidden under the covers a time or two myself. OK, well maybe more than two. I felt that way this past Christmas when my son and his wife couldn’t make it from Chicago to North Carolina because of the snow storm.  Read more…