Sharon JaynesLiving Free, Living Fully, Perspective, When You Don't Like Your Story 136 Comments

I Never Want to Be That Bitter Old Woman

Have you ever heard someone say, “She’s just a bitter old woman.”

I have. And whenever I do, I know exactly what the person means. The image comes instantly to mind—a woman whose smile has been replaced by a scowl, whose conversations are peppered with complaints, and whose heart seems trapped in yesterday’s hurts.

I don’t want to be that woman.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesDealing with Your Past, Forgiveness, Living Free, When You Don't Like Your Story 98 Comments

Why We Keep Tripping Over Forgiveness

Have you ever had a hard time forgiving someone? If so, keep reading…

It was a Saturday afternoon college football game, and I was doing what I like best—not watching the game but observing people.

My flip-down seat was the last in a long row of Carolina blue. A steady stream of fans traipsed up and down the concrete steps carrying soft drinks,  Read more…

Sharon JaynesDealing with Your Past, Forgiveness, Living Free, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, When You Don't Like Your Story 80 Comments

When the Heart Gets Stuck in Yesterday’s Pain

I have a confession to make. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but when I was in high school, I hardly ever read the books we were supposed to have read in English class. I read the Cliffs Notes study guides and got by. I mean, who’s got time for homework? Right?

But a decade later, I decided to go back and get that high school reading list and actually read the books!  Read more…

Sharon JaynesDealing with Your Past, Living Free, Perspective, When You Don't Like Your Story 51 Comments

What If You Could See Your Story Through a Different Lens

I sat in the dimly lit room with soft music wafting through the air, and I began to relax. No this was not the prelude to a romantic evening with my husband. It was my yearly eye exam!

If you’ve ever had an eye exam, you’re familiar with the refraction test the doctor uses to determine if you need glasses and if so,  Read more…

Sharon JaynesDealing with Your Past, God's Promises, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, When You Don't Like Your Story 56 Comments

The Danger of the Drift

Last week I wrote over at Proverbs 31 Ministries. I thought you might enjoy it too! Here you go!

Sitting at the beach I watched my grandnieces, ride the waves like miniature mariners. Wade out. Ride in. Wade out. Ride in. I also noticed that the waves didn’t come straight into the shore, but at a wind-driven angle.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesDealing with Your Past, Living Fully, Perspective, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, When You Don't Like Your Story 15 Comments

The Power of Your Story to Change a Life

As we role into Thanksgiving week, I’m thinking how thankful for how God took the messiest parts of my story and turned them into the most miraculous.

I used to cringe at the thought of telling parts of my story. People in my small town thought that my family was a typical American family with two kids and a collie dog named Lassie.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesA Sudden Glory, Listening to God, Perspective, When You Don't Like Your Story 64 Comments

When Your Thoughts Are On a Downward Spiral

I’m writing over at Proverbs 31 Ministries today and thought you might enjoy it too! Here you go!

The negative thoughts were rolling in like the tide, carrying trash from the sea of memories along with it. Certain aspects of my life hadn’t turned out like I thought they would, and I was mentally complaining…to God…about God.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesDealing with Your Past, Expectant Living, Living Free, Perspective, Trusting God, When You Don't Like Your Story 97 Comments

God is Still Writing Your Story

Hi there. I’m back from a month of reflection and rest. I’ve been praying for you and I’ve missed you! I’m glad to be back. Here’s today’s devotion:

There have been times when my heart ached because of a difficult or disappointing situation: a bad decision that led to painful season, an unexpected happenstance that created an unresolved circumstance,  Read more…