Bind My Wandering Heart to Thee

Why is it SO easy to get distracted from what really matters in life?

I have talked before about how I relate so much to the Israelites in the Bible. I am them.

Yes, I know when the dust settles that only because of Jesus do I get to go to heaven, & yes I get to see just how patient & long-suffering the love of God, through the loving sacrifice of His Son Jesus really is.

But distractions are EVERYWHERE.

It’s not an excuse, but it is a reality.

Satan Doesn’t Really Have to Try So Hard If He Can Get Us to Just Feel Comfortable & to Rely on Ourselves

I have mentioned this before, but in other countries, spiritual warfare is often much more obvious & often terrifying. Demon possessions happened in the Bible & they still happen today. Satan is not sleeping with this world anymore today than he was in Bible times.

But, in America, I think he has found, in his thousands of years of studying human behavior, that all Americans need really is a false sense of control… complacency… something seemingly so subtle that it can be so easily excused away as “not that bad.”

We dismiss the danger, & so we fail to protect ourselves from him.

God Warns Us… And We Ought to Heed Him

Verses telling us to be alert, vigilant, suit up in the armor of God seem more like cute little verses about trusting God through hardship versus any real NEED to ACTUALLY stand firm against any real threat.

But Satan is still roaming. He is still seeking to kill, to destroy, to deceive. He still wants to destroy your life & your testimony.

And he’s quite frankly doing an excellent job. Let us destroy ourselves because we are lulled into thinking the threat isn’t even a threat worth caring about… believing the lie that we’ve got our life pretty well handled without being on our knees in prayer every day, gleaning from God’s Word every day for the sustenance to survive.

It’s like we forget or majorly downplay all the warnings God so carefully made sure to make us aware of over & over in His Word.

Not just a passive, “we have God, we’re good,” but a, “if we’re not daily leaning into God moment-by-moment every day, we are just as susceptible to falling for Satan’s wiles as Adam & Ever were. We NEED to take the threat seriously as God has repeatedly urged us to do in His Word, the Bible, & live IN an ABIDING in Jesus Christ, not just an acknowledging of Him.”

SO Easily Forgotten

Sometimes, I shock myself at how quickly I turn. I can be all on fire with, “I will do ANYTHING for You! God, You are worth my ALL!” to later that week, being so engrossed in mindless activities that I don’t WANT to look up from it, for anything or anyOne—even for God.

I am drawn SO EASILY toward COMFORT.

It goes straight from, “God, thank You for this moment of rest & peace!” to, “who? God? No, I would rather do this right now.” Shame. Shame on me. Why am I like this??

It is like a constant turnaround from, “I’m ALL IN!” to “I’d rather do this” to “God, I did it again, I am so sorry. Help me focus on what matters—YOU” & then back again.

Why am I like this? Soooo stupid. It really just is so stupid. So why do I keep falling for it?

It’s so subtle too. I don’t even see it happening until I am neck deep in comfort & haven’t thought to ask His opinion all day.

The Good Shepherd’s Hook–The Tough Love Our Wandering Hearts Really Need

That’s what makes me think of the shepherd’s hook, how Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd… how we are described as the dumb sheep who are so prone to wander.

I am sure it doesn’t feel good to get whacked with the shepherd’s hook or have it yank around your neck when you’re about to mindlessly walk off a cliff.

But the shepherd will do it because he knows that the alternative is so much terribly WORSE–that the sheep need rescuing no matter how uncomfortable it may be… it’s far better than the alternative.

I need His tough love sometimes… to be yanked back to reality… to have my perspective righted over & over again.

What Will Ru(i)n Your Life?

What really matters?

What will matter of your life after you are gone?

What will God say of how you used your time when you are standing before Him face-to-face?

What will have been worth it?

What opinion will you have of your life when you are laying on your death bed, no longer able to do anything about it?

How will you live now for the glory of God?

Shine HOPE by being willing to “about face” as many times as needed to turn back to what matters—living for the glory of God—keeping in mind the infiniteness of God’s long-suffering, patient love for you. Turn back—over & over & over again, as many times as it takes. He’ll be there waiting & He is beyond worth it–All for the glory of God.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

***He is waiting for you… will you come?:***

***(Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6)***

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

(*TUNE IN to watch this week’s LIVE STREAM (Episode 31) on my YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @6pm EST/Wednesdays @8am GUAM*) OR come back here to watch it once it has been uploaded!)

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for EIGHT years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Mosaic Necklace-Empowering Women in India out of Sweatshops

This stunning, Mosaic Necklace handcrafted in India will give you the fun, colorful look your summer wardrobe needs! This necklace is beautifully beaded with multicolored dyed quartz beads, featuring gold accent beads. Wear alone or style with other necklaces for a layered look!

Purchase this beautiful necklace to provide safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops.

***SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!***

How Can You Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support MichelleHydeOnline.com?

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

Not What I Had in Mind

It’s Sunday afternoon right now as I’m writing this & I just need to brag on God a little bit.

You see, today was my first day back teaching the K4/K5 Sunday School class after a few month summer break of traveling & hosting my parents here on Guam.

I am not one who gravitates toward working with children, but you would never know it because I literally work with kids all the time. I taught K5 years ago (was not my plan), I help with K4/K5 children’s church now, & I also aide for 2^nd grade (previously 1^st grade for a few years). So, saying it isn’t something I would eagerly gravitate toward sounds pretty understandably unbelievable.

I feel like those actresses who play the same genre several times & then get pigeonholed there… they may WANT to branch out, but people automatically envision them playing those types of roles & so those are the ones they tend to be able to book. (Do I need to just not mention anything about my past of working with kids & see where I get placed in the future as a blank slate? Haha, maybe.)

But, I did pray & ask God to show me where He wanted me to serve, versus just shooting straight for what my preferences would be: ie. Discipleship, women’s ministry, maybe even young adults/teens. And God answered by just putting this I-can’t-ignore-it nudge on my heart to serve where I’m serving. And here I am.

It’s Healthy Sometimes Not Doing What Feels Most Comfortable

Anyway, because this isn’t exactly the ministry area I would have picked, sometimes I feel so out of my element & so out of my comfort zone, that I need to weekly take a deep breath & pray for a good attitude, the energy to get through it, & the words & wisdom to share with the kids so my teaching isn’t wasted.

I pray every Saturday night this way: “Lord, please help me to have a good attitude about getting up earlier tomorrow & help me have the right words to say to help them understand what I teach from Your Word. Give me the words & wisdom & please help me get through it. Give me a right attitude about it, too. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Years ago, back when we first lived on Guam, right after my hubs & I got married, there used to be adult Sunday school at our church & we were in the marriage & family class.

Our teacher had so many nuggets of wisdom to help us as a newly married couple hoping & fully expecting to have kids someday.

But one thing in particular that he taught stands out to me in regards to ministry. He would always say, “Don’t just volunteer where you feel comfortable & in something you feel already confident in… because what happens when you do that? You’re trusting in yourself, your know-how, your abilities… no. Instead, volunteer outside of your comfort zone, where you don’t feel you can do it… because then you’re not relying on yourself—you’re relying on HIM through each day of it. And when you rely on Him, you are letting Him work through you, in His strength, His wisdom, His guidance… & that is where true work can be done because you’re letting Him take the lead instead of yourself.”

What wise words!

Praying My Way Through It

And that’s my life these past few years—praying my way through every day of it because it is NOT what I would have chosen for myself. And honestly, it’s been WAY more rewarding getting to see HIM work through what I KNOW cannot come from ME.

And today was no different. It’s the start of a new school year, kids that are barely past THREE are now joining my class. Most of those who would have been my now K5ers (who know the rules & routines of our class & can help set the tone for the rest of the class) have moved or are just not back on island yet from summer travels… so hardly any of them know the rules & routines. Starting FRESH here.

That’s hard enough, but I had FIFTEEN kids today. FIFTEEN! I normally have no more than 8, maybe?

Then I had several kids who knew no boundaries or self-control. They were loud, all-over-the-place chaotic. (2 got in a fist fight!) Multiply that & pretty quickly the whole class can dissolve into chaos. It’s a LOT.

I’m Glad I Can Count on Him When I Can’t Count on Myself

But I went to God with it all last night in preparation for it. I prayed through it today. And the unnatural calm I felt today in the midst of all THAT was all Him.

It didn’t get to me. I took a deep breath, prayed silently, then handled each situation with calm, demonstrating how they are to handle each situation.

Not joining the chaos or trying to fight above it… but bringing them down to my calm instead.

And for the most part, it worked. I showed them respect & stayed calm. They mirrored & began to get how we do things in our class.

It was truly miraculous. I can’t believe how well I handled that because that is not my natural response to chaos (cue panic & frustration & get-me-out-of-here thoughts of desperation).

God had me. God helped me. God kept me centered & grounded.

Because I relied on Him & not me in it.

I’m SO glad I can count on Him when I can’t count on myself.

Don’t Fear Serving Him Where You Don’t Feel You’re Made for It

So, don’t fear being outside your comfort zone. Don’t fear what you’re not good at. Don’t just serve where it makes you feel comfortable.

Pray about it. Ask God to lead. Ask God to decide.

And trust Him to take the lead through it. His wisdom. His words. His guidance. His work through you.

He’s got you even when you don’t got you.

Trust Him! He’s got it.

Shine HOPE by turning to Him through the hard, when you’re completely out of your comfort zone & have no clue what you’re doing. He already knows. He’s got it. He will help as you call out to Him for it.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

***He is waiting for you… will you come?:***

***(Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6)***

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

(*TUNE IN to watch this week’s LIVE STREAM (Episode 30) on my YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @6pm EST/Wednesdays @8am GUAM*) OR come back here to watch it once it has been uploaded!)

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for EIGHT years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

August 2026 “Hope Mail”

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable women in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to health care, education for their children, and care for elderly family members. Purchase this month’s Hope Mail and empower women in India!

FOR A LIMITED TIME – Only available during the month of August! Enjoy free shipping and 10% off your Hope Mail package when you subscribe every month!    

Your purchase of August Hope Mail provides one day of school for a girl in an area of extreme poverty.           

August Hope Mail includes the stunning Blue Sage Quartz Necklace, handcrafted by women in India earning a fair wage for their work. Featuring dyed quartz on a gold-tone adjuster chain, this necklace is perfect for everyday wear.

Every purchase of this month’s Hope Mail creates safe jobs for women to earn a dignified wage and send their children to school. 

***SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!***

How Can You Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support MichelleHydeOnline.com?

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

This Girl Likes to be “in the Know”

I am not a fan of the unknown, or, more accurately, I am not a fan of feeling like I can’t have control over a certain aspect of my life.

Because, let’s face it, fear of the unknown is really a fear of not knowing how to prepare, how to handle it, where to go, what to do next… it’s a fear of not feeling any control.

And not having any control in any given circumstance is NOT my comfort zone.

When I Have to Pray Just to Get through Each Moment… It’s Hard

That’s a big reason why feeling weak is so hard on me–like sleeplessness or prolonged injury or sickness—I want to pray the weakness or discomfort away, pray for strength, & feel capable again… without needing to pray for help every second of every day for absolutely everything just to get through the day.

That’s a big reason why moving is so hard for me, too—not knowing where we’ll live or when I’ll be able to make friends or get a job or or or…. I feel super vulnerable. I feel very little control over whether people like me or whether I’ll fit in or anything really. I feel completely out of my element… & I don’t like it.

I think that’s why I so often pray the way of getting comfortable again, feeling capable, feeling “I’ve got this” vibes. I like feeling in control of my environment. (Also why I like having a “buffer friend” in a crowd so I know that if every person there were to reject or dislike me… I’ve still got someone by my side. I’m okay speaking TO a crowd, but not trying to speak IN a crowd, if that makes sense. Crowds make me nervous because I don’t know where I fit in that crowd–it overwhelms me. I’ll do it anyway… because I like making & having friends… but it is not comfort zone approved in any way whatsoever.)

It’s Coming… & the Temptation for Wanting to Know Everything RIGHT NOW or Else PANIC Is So Annoyingly Intense Sometimes…

Well, the unknown is coming… it’s here already, technically.

And I don’t mean “it’s already here” by the fact that “really, if I were to really think about it… every single day is the unknown because I actually have very little control compared to the illusion of control I feel myself to have.”

I mean that God is moving with something in my life & I have no idea what that is going to end up looking like (& no, it’s not pregnancy)… & the huge temptation is unease in the uncertainty… the waiting… the unknown.

I want to KNOW! Now!

But, I am reminded again that God is already there. He already sees it. He already knows. And if there is any delay in getting further information, it is only because God knows the exact right timing to converge the details the exact way they need to be… & any rushing from me would potentially steal away something God is working together because I tried to rush ahead of His timing. I don’t want that.

Stepping into the Unknown with a God Who Knows

I have to be willing to be faithful with what God puts in front of me in the waiting versus trying to rush ahead to the next thing before it’s time… & trust Him with what He hasn’t quite shown me all the way yet. He doesn’t need my help… He needs my obedience to His will, His working… & HIS timing.

Am I so tempted to want to micromanage God a little bit? Honestly, yes.

But would that end up being in my best interest? Probably not, no.

As much as I want so badly to have a say & to be “in the know,” I have to be willing to recognize that He has got things handled far better than I could ever hope to manage.

—God’s got me.—

I Want to Wait on Him… & to Trust Him in the Waiting

So, as much as I may want to rush to the last page of this chapter to see what He is working on behind the scenes, I need to step back & pray about it… pray for peace in knowing He’s handling it… pray for wisdom & discernment moving forward when it’s time… pray for the ability to be present & obedient in the waiting.

God’s got me. He sees. He knows. He’s got me.

“So, here I am, God. Yes, I see You. I know You… You’re working. I don’t have to step in… You’ve got it… You’ve got me. I need to get better at trusting You. I know that. So, help me in the waiting. Help me when the details are still so unclear, when excitement & anxiety & worry all want to swirl together around me & sweep me away. Still me. Remind me You’ve got this & You don’t need an ounce of me to step in to help. Let me let You & help me to be faithful & to show up in the waiting, obeying You where You have me right now. You’ve got the future covered. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

So, if you’re stepping into some sort of transition, too… some new season… a new unknown… will you sit with me in it? Trusting you don’t have to agonize over all the details… you just have to wait on Him, trusting He’s doing His work even when you can’t quite see it… to rest in Him in the waiting… to be faithful with what’s in front of you right now, trusting His lead & His timing not to need an ounce of your micromanagement. He’s got us.

What a comfort that is… to know that I am stepping into the unknown with a God Who KNOWS.

Shine HOPE by resting in Him during the seasons of unknown, trusting He has a plan, He is working, He’s got you.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

***He is waiting for you… will you come?:***

***(Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6)***

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

(*TUNE IN to watch this week’s LIVE STREAM (Episode 29) on my YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @6pm EST/Wednesdays @8am GUAM*)

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for EIGHT years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Marcella Earrings–Helping Empower Women in India out of Poverty!

Our stunning Marcella Earrings are handmade in India by women earning fair wages for their work. These earrings have an asymmetrical design. One earring has a pearl stud that features a gold nugget at the bottom of the chain. The other earring has a gold stud with pearl accent beads throughout the chain. Every purchase creates safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops.

***SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!***

How Can You Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support MichelleHydeOnline.com?

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

We Miss This Sometimes

You are so loved, did you know that?

People make God out to be this Controlling Overseer judging our every move, constantly disappointed, badgering us with shame & guilt like we can never be enough….

But those images & perceptions of Him are entirely & completely false… Couldn’t be further from the truth, actually.

When our mistakes, our wrong choices, & our sin disappoint Him, it is not expressed to us through a sense of shame in us, but rather in knowing that every single command He gives is to protect us from the harm we don’t understand we’re causing ourselves & others. He cares too much about us not to warn us about things He knows will hurt us.

Imagine with me dodging to swat your kid’s hand away from the burning pot on the stove. Do you do that to shame your kid about their choices, to embarrass them? NO! You do it because you KNOW how much that would hurt them & you would much rather risk hurting their feelings in the moment by telling them “no” in order to protect them… than to stand by & watch them burn.

Everything He says “no” to is to protect us.

Like small children, who usually don’t know better–especially on their first attempt… they THINK they know, don’t they?

God will do anything to keep you from unknowingly hurting yourself. But we have to be willing to listen to His loving commands, through obedience to His Word, the Bible. It will not prevent all hurt in our lives, but it will prevent us from unnecessarily hurting ourselves or others around us who end up reaping the consequences of your actions.

He Sees You. He Cares About You. He Wants to Protect You from Yourself.

Imagine an All-Knowing, ETERNAL God–compared to us, whose lives are as a vapor comparatively… & us thinking we see clearer than He does. How ridiculous, right!?

Just like that tottering toddler believes YOU may not know what YOU’RE talking about. The audacity, right?

God knew you were gonna screw it up. He knew you would fail so many times. He knew you wouldn’t always get it, wouldn’t always believe Him over yourself… wouldn’t always listen & obey….

He made you anyway. He knew His grace, through Jesus Christ dying on the cross for our sin would be big enough to cover it no matter what your screwups included.

God knew you couldn’t make yourself, so He knit you together in your mother’s womb. He wanted you to exist. He wanted you here… so He MADE you.

God knew you could never hope to pay for your wrongs against Him & so the wrath of God would fall on you, a burden that would swallow you whole & lead to eternal suffering & pain…. So, He sent Jesus to pay your price on the cross—If you trust in that free, unbelievably generous gift of His sacrifice on your behalf, He covers your sin free of charge, He takes God’s wrath on Himself instead!

We NEED to Obey Him, Because Not Only Does He Deserve It–It Is ALSO for Our GOOD!!

God knew this life would often feel too heavy to manage. He warned against mankind fighting to have the knowledge of good & evil in the Garden of Eden, to instead let Him shoulder it & handle it, but mankind chose self (as each of us do so often!) & that trait was passed down throughout all generations, & so now we often mistake being aware of good & evil as a need to try to fix it all & to try & carry the burden of it all on ourselves versus leaning into Him for His lead & His wisdom & His strength as He offers us freely.

His love for us in so unreal. His love for you.

He is not coming to condemn & point fingers & shame you.

He came to die on your behalf. Jesus died to take on God’s wrath reserved for you, so that you could be set free from the sin & guilt you shoulder yourself… from the eternal punishment you deserve.

All because He loves you.

He Cleans Us Up from the Inside Out… He Never Leaves Us Where We Are

He takes you as you are, but He doesn’t leave you there… He cleans you up. He loves you too much to leave you as is. He works in & through your life for GOOD.

What a gracious gift!! For YOU!!

No, God isn’t snickering at you failing & flailing through life… He nudges at your heart to come home to Him & let Him love you & clean you up.

He isn’t rolling His eyes, talking about you behind your back, as if “what a loser, what a failure, what a disappointment.” But beckons you to slump into His arms of refuge & forgiveness & the beginning of a clean slate.

He offers you His grace through Jesus. He offers you mercy in exchange for your wrongs. He gently, patiently cleans you up versus guilting you to do it yourself to be “good enough” for Him. He walks with you through this life, versus letting you figure it out yourself.

GOD. LOVES. YOU.

Come to Him. Bow to Him. Trust in Jesus. Watch Him make you clean from the inside out, giving you a fresh start, a clean slate, & a changed heart… a new life in Him.

Do You Feel Loved? What Does Love Mean to You?

He is the best decision I have EVER made & WILL ever make… & I trusted in Jesus’ saving grace at just 5. And I won’t ever top it. Any age you are is the perfect time to watch Him change your life.

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” (Isaiah 41:10)

“For God did not send His Son [Jesus] into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:17)

“… For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God….” (Romans 3:23)

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

“… if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

For God SO Loved YOU… God IS Love!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

“In His presence is fullness of JOY.” (Psalm 16:11)

“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 John 4:8)

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body ^[a]to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:3-8)

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

***He is waiting for you… will you come?:***

***(Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6)***

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

(*TUNE IN to watch this week’s LIVE STREAM (Episode 28) on my YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @6pm EST/Wednesdays @8am GUAM*)

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for EIGHT years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Capri Coast Earrings–Handcrafted in & Creating Jobs for Women in India!

These beautiful, hand-beaded Capri Coast Earrings create dignified jobs for women in India who are able to earn fair wages for their work in a safe environment. Each strand of beads attaches to a gold-tone semi-circle. Handcrafted in a workshop in India committed to fighting child marriage and helping women become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans, these fair-trade statement earrings are perfect for summer!

***SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!***

How Can You Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support MichelleHydeOnline.com?

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

He Makes Us New

I hear a lot of people feeling pressured to have their life cleaned up before they can come to Jesus, but that is not how the Bible displays the grace of God.

On this recent Sunday, the pastor read from the story of the sinner on the cross.

This man, told about in Luke 23:38-43, recognized that Jesus did not deserve to be on that cross beside him, but that he himself definitely did. He acknowledged his own sinfulness… he did not deny it.

But what that robber also didn’t do was have opportunity to clean his life up before having any chance for heaven. He had no right to heaven & no more time left to prove himself worthy for it going forward. He was already at the end, time was up.

But yet, Jesus verbally welcomed him into heaven.

… Not based on this sinner’s deserving (he had none)… not on his work to make up for it or change (his time was already up)… but based on his belief on Jesus as the One Whom he needed to save him from his deserved wrath.

I know a lot of us know this, & yet, we can get so caught up in judging someone else’s faith or place in heaven based on their weaknesses & past. God cleans us up through our faith on Jesus Christ to pay for our sins–we don’t do the cleaning up–He does.

I STILL Don’t Deserve Heaven Sans Jesus Covering My Sins, Even All These Years Later

I don’t know about you, but I, being saved now for almost 40 years, understand very clearly how undeserving I STILL am.

God is a faithful Vinedresser. (John 15:1-8) He is still weeding those things out of me. He is still cutting off things that distract me from getting properly nourished through Him & from being the most fruitful I can be.

God is faithful in tending to how my heart needs to change, how I need to be renewed & molded to be more in the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. Infinitely being gently corrected & changed, beyond what I deserve.

I see this a lot with sins that are embedded in a person’s perceived “identity.” I have heard people say that those who struggle presently with it cannot be a Christian while still believing those things or living in them.

But I challenge them on the power of the Gospel.

I still have seasons where I am foolish & allow myself to be deceived, where I have excused circles around my sin habit. But God is always gentle, forgiving, & faithful to continue pruning my heart, just as God got David’s attention through a prophet He sent to confront David near a year of David having deceived circles around his own quite major sins. (2 Samuel 12:1-8)

Despite our facing of the natural consequences of our wrong choices, how merciful God is to us.

We Are Naturally Often Afraid of Seeming Like It Means We Are Excusing Our Sin in Mentioning God’s Ever-Gracious, Merciful Nature

The fear we may face of talking about the possibility of being saved while living in sin is usually wrapped around the thought of it being an EXCUSING of sin, as if, “well, it IS paid for, so stop making a big deal about their sin… stop making that a deal-breaker.”

There is no way I am saying that. Sin matters. Your choices matter. Your obedience to God MATTERS.

Sin still causes damage. Sin still hurts us, others, AND God. Sin still tests & angers God, because God knows the damage & hurt it causes & tells us not to engage with it… & when we instead trust OURSELVES—we are then putting our own limited “wisdom” above the God Who made us & the world & everything in it. It is severely insulting to Him. It still has a cost. And sin still makes a mockery of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on that cross for our sin.

So sin still very much matters.

We Still NEED to be Seeking God WHILE Letting Him Prune & Change Us from the Inside Out

Pursuing holiness & obedience to God, living as a testimony of His truth & living FOR HIS glory—STILL MATTERS.

There are so many verses that attest to the opposite of living apart from regular, repeated sin is what allows you to be truly saved.

But by Christ alone.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 4:3; Romans 10:9)

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2)

“… for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13)

Even the prodigal SON passage displays this. (Luke 15:11-32) This story is not one of a stranger becoming a son, but rather a son making a mockery of his Father’s great generosity, WASTING it, & the welcoming grace that awaited him upon his humbled return.

I Didn’t Get Cleaned Up All at Once… But I am Failing Forward with God’s Working in Me

And then, there’s my life. Almost 40 years of mistakes, of failures, of wrong beliefs that were not called out or righted right away. Living sinfully because I was convinced I was doing nothing wrong, or that it “wasn’t really that bad.”

The gentle guiding, teaching, convicting of my heart throughout my life.

I was deceived. I let myself be led astray. I was foolish.

God kept weeding things out of me that shouldn’t be there. Ever faithful, ever working on my heart, ever making me more like Jesus.

God kept leading me & bringing sin to mind so I could lay it down. Sometimes I fought Him, but He kept working on me until I finally obeyed Him over trusting myself. It wasn’t all it once, it wasn’t always a willingness, but knowing it was a necessity, that God knew better than me, even when I didn’t want to believe that.

Only God Knows–Speak Truth, in Love–Warn of the Consequences–But Mostly, PRAY for Them

Is it hard to watch someone proclaiming Christ to be living in sin? Yes.

Does it make it seem like they’re not really saved because they’re not CURRENTLY living like it in this season? Yes.

Will that sin harm them & bring them destruction? Yes.

Does God still HATE our sin while still loving us? Yes.

Ought we warn people about their sin? YES.

Ought we turn away from our sin, even if we enjoy it, believe in it, & have been deceived over it, understanding that God ALWAYS knows better than we do & because obedience to Him still matters more than getting to live the way we want to live? YES.

If what we desires contradicts God’s Word—we’re the ones who are wrong, not Him.

He must be heeded.

We must obey His Word over our desires.

He is in charge, He knows everything—NOT us.

Sin (Doing Opposite of What God Commands or Says Is Right) Destroys. PERIOD. Don’t be Fooled!

But when we see someone proclaiming Christ while living in sin that they have convinced themselves is just fine, we need to warn them not to choose themselves over Christ… of the destruction, deception, & dishonor to God that it brings… while loving them anyway.

“But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)

BE CAREFUL.

God says that if we don’t HATE everyone that matters to us compared to our LOVE for HIM–in other words that we need to make Him FIRST above ALL ELSE in our lives–that we’re not worthy to be His disciples. (Luke 14:26) If you are choosing yourself or anyone/anything more than you are willing to love & obey Him, you are living in a way that dishonors Him. You are living in sin.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2)

If you even have an INKLING of a thought that maybe you are wrong about what others call sin… AND you proclaim to trust in Christ… you MUST be willing to defer to Him & His Word over yourself. You must be willing to ask God to examine your life & weed out what He wishes.

Your sin may be your security blanket, but that particular security blanket it eroding away at you, eating at you from the inside out, destroying you. DON’T TRUST IT.

God Cleans Us Up–Come to Him First

God’s Word brings LIFE. Sin DESTROYS.

Every time. Every SINGLE time. Do not trust it.

Lay it down. Let Him have it. Turn it over to Him.

If you are living in sin, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are not saved, but it does mean you are actively making a mockery of the sacrifice that was offered in the life & death of Jesus Christ our Lord…. GOD FORBID we mock His sacrifice for our lives & our forgiveness before God!

Shine HOPE by not determining FOR God the eternal standing of anyone… by refusing to inaccurately represent the need for our goodness to accompany the grace of God in being allowed admittance into Heaven, by warning against the destruction brought on by trusting self over God Almighty, by refusing to make a mockery of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ by living our way over His… by living ALL you do for the glory of GOD.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

***He is waiting for you… will you come?:***

***(Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6)***

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

(*TUNE IN to watch this week’s LIVE STREAM (Episode 27) on my YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @6pm EST/Wednesdays @8am GUAM*)

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for EIGHT years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

July 2026 “Hope Mail”-Empowering Women out of Poverty in India!

FOR A LIMITED TIME – Only available during the month of July! Enjoy free shipping and 10% off your Hope Mail package when you subscribe every month!    

Your purchase of July Hope Mail provides one day of school for a girl in an area of extreme poverty. 

July hope mail includes the beautiful Brisa Hoops, perfect for summer styling! Each handmade earring is crafted with a gold-tone hoop and beaded fringe details.

Every purchase of this month’s Hope Mail creates safe jobs for women to become financially independent in areas of extreme poverty in India and helps fight child marriage.      

***SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!***

How Can You Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support MichelleHydeOnline.com?

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

He Wants Even Better Than That for You

I need to warn you about a pattern I see growing in many church cultures—the “God just wants me to be happy” lie.

Does He care about your well-being? Yes, of course He does.

Does God love you with a love purer than any human being could try to muster? As displayed on the cross of Christ, & of God creating us despite knowing the many ways we would fall short or reject Him, YES.

Does God want the very best for you? Also, yes.

But God also is wiser than we can comprehend. He knows that good does not equal easy & that hard is not always bad.

He lets us face really hard things because He knows He is infinitely capable. He knows how readily we want to trust in ourselves instead of on Him. He wants us to put our trust in HIM more than we put it in ourselves.

And if we never face hardship or pain, we will forever live in the anxiety of our own insufficiencies & live forever afraid of where our sufficiency will end or not prove to be enough.

But when hard things happen… when we are forced to look beyond ourselves… we learn that He HAS us. He IS God. He CAN be trusted… that He infinitely CAN where we absolutely cannot.

Facing Trials & Hardships… As Hard as it Sometimes Is… Is Actually for Our Good

Facing hardships & the uncomfortable grows our peace because it grows our understanding of God’s faithfulness, goodness, & infinite power… His immeasurable grace & love towards us.

He never wastes a SINGLE tear. He NEVER quits on us. He has a plan that goes beyond what we see.

His goal is our holiness, our wholeness, our being fulfilled in Him… more than on our temporary, fleeting, unreliable happiness. PEACE.

I would know. I chased happiness for years & ended up dryer & dryer as time went on… it ended up emptying me instead of fulfilling me.

But when I humbled myself at His feet & trusted Him over my own pursuit of happiness… well, I found joy that the trials of life couldn’t touch. Because I was no longer relying on that temporary, fleeting, unreliable thing… but on the eternal, steadfast, faithfully reliable GOD.

The “God Just Wants You to be Happy” Lie

My life isn’t always happy. Some days really hurt. But even in those, I have hope because I know Who has me. I know He’s using it to shape me. I know He won’t waste it. I know He will use even the most painful of circumstances to teach me more to lean on Him instead of myself, to show better compassion, to be more gracious… to have more peace come what may, because it’s more rested in Him vs. myself.

Don’t chase a lie. Don’t chase happiness as your pursuit. Chase truth. Chase HIM.

Shine HOPE by living like you know where your hope comes from—not in the endless & fruitless pursuit of happiness… but in the God Who made you & Who gave His life for you through the sacrifice & resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ!

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

***He is waiting for you… will you come?:***

***(Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6)***

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

(*TUNE IN to watch this week’s LIVE STREAM (Episode 26) on my YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @6pm EST/Wednesdays @8am GUAM*)

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for EIGHT years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Champagne Seashell Pouch, Handmade in India, Empowering Women Out of Poverty!

Create fair-paying jobs for women in India when you purchase the hand-beaded Champagne Seashell Pouch, handmade in India! This stunning mini pouch features a beautifully detailed, shell design.

Every purchase of the Champagne Seashell Pouch creates safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in India where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops and human traffickers.

***SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!***

How Can You Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support MichelleHydeOnline.com?

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

I am Unworthy

If you know me personally, you most likely already know this… but I am not the ministry “leader” anyone needs me to be.

Even with all the different things I help out with & the teams I serve alongside… even with the website & blog & YouTube channel… I am not the ministry “leader” you need me to be.

I would run out of hours in a day trying to tell you about all my many insecurities & insufficiencies & failures… all the times I trust myself more than I should… all the times I trusted in God’s blessings more than I actually trusted Him… all the times I trusted His gifting in me more than Him as the One Who imparted the gifting.

No, I am not the “leader” you need me to be at all.

It’s Not About Me as the Hope Anyone Needs

In fact, this website almost never happened in the first place because I understood all that about myself. I mean, who am I to be sharing on any sort of platform at all?

And yes, God helped me see that this all isn’t about anyone seeing ME as worthy of praise, but HIM… that it’s about pointing to HIM as the hope people need—NOT me… so it’s okay that I am imperfect & a work-in-progress just like anyone else, sure.

But guys, you don’t understand. I have seasons where I really struggle… like really struggle. I have seasons where my comfort zone actually becomes the strong aching in my heart… it becomes the familiar… it becomes my safe space, as if the hurts in the world (or in my world around me) are happening AT me… & I expect it to. As if I’m justified in moping & despairing & hurting & maybe even some bitterness being allowed to creep in there.

That’s been happening to me a lot in the last few years. I’ve talked about it before: “Sometimes I Think About Dying.”

And no, it’s not an all the time thing… like now, I am not feeling it… but I did just 30 minutes ago.

It’s a Simmer I am Becoming Far Too Familiar With

Slight rage… bitterness… hurt… beating myself up emotionally & endlessly for never feeling like I can ever be good enough… for being too needy… too sensitive… too insufficient. “If I could just be more _____________________, then maybe ___________________.” If I could just be LESS _____________________, then maybe _____________________,”

I beat myself up. I feel alone sometimes. I feel like it’s my fault when I feel alone.

I feel like if I just cared less, then it maybe wouldn’t hurt so much. If I was less needy or sensitive… then maybe it wouldn’t hurt so much.

I resent feeling that way, or having situations or circumstances that make me feel like that.

I fantasize about dying. A heart attack that straight shots me straight to heaven—where pain no longer exists. (I know that is dark… I’m sorry.)

I feel tired. I feel like nothing is going to change & I’m tired of trying… of believing it ever will.

It makes me want to throw in the towel & just check out… quit. Not in an ending it myself type of thing (which I have definitely been there in my 20s & in my teens, but not for a while since then).

I just want to be in heaven so badly sometimes.

There’s the Solution Staring Me Straight in the Face

And then I see it… the solution staring me right in the face… the one I am always encouraging you toward… abiding in Him… praising Him… coming before Him with a heart that seeks gratitude toward God for all that He is & all that He has done for me… remembering that He is still in control & He still has me.

But I honestly feel so beat up… it’s become my gut response to respond in bitter anger & then resentment toward myself. I don’t want to reach out to Him. I want to wallow in my bitter pool of resigning to it. And I know that’s wrong & I know that will only end up hurting me worse & I know that it won’t solve anything. I know that emotions are just indicators–not facts, not determined outcomes.

Pray for me, please. I need to remember to praise Him when I feel the hurt hit me in the face unexpectedly. I need to remember Who He is. I need to lean into Him when I feel I can’t stand. I need to trust He can where I can’t. I need to keep praying & not stop just because I’m not seeing the results I want as fast as I want, the way that I want them.

I need to put my trust in Him alone… not in reaching the end of hurtings, not in things going the way I want them to, not in people all treating me the way I wish they would… but in Him alone.

The Unworthy Are Still Called to Magnify Him

So, yes… I am so humbled, so glad that the unworthy are still called to magnify Him. I don’t deserve to have my name attached to Him. I am so unworthy of the righteousness I can claim not because of me, but because of Christ… but I guess that is kind of the point isn’t it? The lavishing of grace? More blessing than I deserve because of Jesus being willing to die for all of my sin. What great reasons we have to praise Him, even when life hurts a little or a lot.

He is King of kings, LORD of lords, Alpha, Omega, Beginning & End, my Maker, Sustainer, Redeemer, Almighty God of Heaven & Earth. He is my God. He is my friend. He cares for me, made me, died for me, & is seated on His throne. He will have the final say. He will use every hurt for His glory & my good. He never wastes any hard thing, any tear. He is GOOD. He is my Father. He is My God.

He is worth living for… when things are going so well, & even when my heart is heavy & hurting.

He is worthy of my all–even though I am so incredibly unworthy of Him.

Shine HOPE by recognizing that even in all the ways you fall short, He is still worthy & we are still made to give Him glory.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

***He is waiting for you… will you come?:***

***(Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6)***

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

(*TUNE IN to watch this week’s LIVE STREAM (Episode 25) on my YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @6pm EST/Wednesdays @8am GUAM*)

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for EIGHT years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Solenne Earrings–Providing Jobs for Women in India!

These stunning cascading Solenne Earrings feature white glass beads and embroidered gold seed beads to create the design. Make a fair-trade fashion statement with these beautiful earrings perfect for summer or any season and handcrafted in a workshop in India committed to fighting child marriage and helping women become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans.

***SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!***

How Can You Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support MichelleHydeOnline.com?

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

How Can I Have That?

I think maybe one of the reasons I can tend to doubt these sorts of promises, is because I just don’t always feel it & maybe sometimes I really don’t even understand what it means.

We know we have God’s presence with us always, as He promises “He will never leave us nor forsake us.” (Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:8) So, combining this verse & that, we should always be experiencing this “fullness of joy,” correct? Well, sort of….

I am for sure wearing out this point/topic, but here we go again… chances are, we’re probably missing a VERY key point… abiding in Him.

The POTENTIAL for this “fullness of joy” is for sure always there, but to access it… to experience it… to benefit from it… we need to be spending time IN His PRESENCE.

How to Make Really Hard Decisions When Either Answer Feels Wrong

Similarly, I had an experience a few months ago where I was feeling super over-encumbered by my to-do list. Lots of plans/activities going on, trying to plan for a big trip, coordinating details, booking tickets, making reservations… all ON TOP OF my regular schedule of work & various ministries I participate in… & then I got asked to come in to work to help with something outside of my normal schedule… & they were desperate for help.

Now, this is an especially sticky, hard situation for me, honestly… I knew how busy I already was, but then I felt like I’d be the “bad guy” if I said “no,” because I knew they really needed me.

And the help they asked for was over TWO days, not just one.

Oh, cue the inner turmoil between “I don’t want to look like I don’t care,” & “but I am already way in over my head!” “What do I DO!?!?”

I kept praying about it throughout the morning & emailed back saying as such, to give me time to look over my schedule. I desperately wanted to just say no, but I really didn’t want to leave them hanging in their need.

When the Answer Still Didn’t Come… No Peace Either Way… What Do I Do??

And the answer wasn’t coming. I kept praying. Still nothing. No certainty. No fog lifted to reveal an answer to my dilemma of which I felt absolute peace. No reassurance to turn it down. None to take it & add more to my already busy plate. Just nothing. And I KEPT PRAYING… getting a little more worried with each passing hour before I needed to make a final decision, feeling the pressure increasing.

So, I started praying to that effect, “God, You know I have a deadline… that I need to make a decision… You are the only One Who knows whether I can feasibly accommodate it or whether I would sacrifice my necessary trip preparation responsibilities to do so. PLEASE help me.… Why aren’t You answering me? Why can’t I find peace either way? What should I do?”

Then God Answered… Not My Question… But Where I Needed to Find My Answer

Then it came… this urgency that I needed to STOP my busyness. I needed to STOP scuttering around. I needed to STOP & sit with Him for a minute so I could more clearly hear from Him.

I needed to stop treating Him like my secretary, tossing out a request & carrying on with my tasks while I await His getting back with me. I needed time to just BE in His presence so I could more clearly sense His leading.

So, I did that. I stopped working on my list. I stopped my scuttering around the house. And I went in my room & I knelt down & said, “Ok, God, I hear You. I’m sorry for not taking a minute with You about this, expecting You to answer on MY schedule. Please help me know what to do. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.” And I just STAYED there in silence & awaited in His presence until I could clearly tell what He was trying to tell me.

And you know what happened? All of a sudden, things came into focus & I knew what I needed to do… that I could replace some unnecessary regular plans with instead working some extra hours so that I didn’t need to compromise my responsibilities & I could help them as well. Like a solution that came to mind clear as day. A solution that traded versus added. A solution that hadn’t occurred to me before then. God gave me the wisdom I requested in that still quietness in His presence.

In His Presence… That’s the Key…

I think this “fullness of joy” that He promises us is in the same vein as this. We need to allow ourselves to just BE in His presence.

It is realized when we STOP. When we decide to put aside all else & just take time to be in His presence… to talk to Him like our best friend Who cares about ever single little mundane detail of our lives like nobody else ever could.

It is when we determine to JUST BE with Him… nothing else in that moment… just you & Him.

It refills your cup somehow. It satisfies something in your soul you didn’t realize could be filled or satisfied… those little “that’s just how life feels… stressful & rushed,” that it doesn’t need to feel that way.

Extra time, but time that seems to fill you up.

Extra effort, but effort that seems to settle everything else.

Abiding in Him is an EXTRA in life… but it’s an extra that repays more than you could ever spend.

He sustains. He nurtures. He listens. He cares. He satisfies. He fills. He strengthens. He encourages. He emboldens….

HE IS where we meet fullness of joy.

“IN His Presence Is Fullness of Joy”

So, if you’re not feeling it… this “fullness of joy” mentioned in Psalm 16… are you taking time to BE in His presence? Or are you just flippantly tossing a prayer His way, thinking that ought to be enough?

Not a genie. A Friend. A God Who made you & loves you more than anything… He gave His Son, Jesus, to pay your sin debt to Him. He LOVES you. He CARES about you. He wants you to be in His presence. He wants to fill you with joy even in the midst of the worst of circumstances.

I have seen it. I have experienced it. I have felt it. And I still sometimes forget I need to set aside time for it.

Easily distracted… easily convinced it’s all up to me & I’m too busy… but I NEED it. I NEED Him.

You need Him, too.

Shine HOPE by spending time with Him, abiding in Him, gleaning from Him, turning to Him… being in His presence.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

***He is waiting for you… will you come?:***

***(Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6)***

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

(*TUNE IN to watch this week’s LIVE STREAM (Episode 24) on my YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @6pm EST/Wednesdays @8am GUAM*)

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for EIGHT years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

June 2026 “Hope Mail” (Handcrafted & Supporting Women in GUATEMALA)

FOR A LIMITED TIME – Only available during the month of June! Enjoy free shipping and 10% off your Hope Mail package when you subscribe every month!    

Your purchase of June Hope Mail provides one day of school for a girl in an area of extreme poverty. 

June hope mail includes the Antigua Horizons Pouch, perfect for carrying summer essentials! Each handmade pouch features genuine leather and upcycled traditional fabrics to create a beautiful and functional zippered pouch.  

Every purchase of this month’s Hope Mail creates safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in Guatemala and allows mothers to send their children to school.   

***SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!***

How Can You Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support MichelleHydeOnline.com?

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

Grief Is Hard…

Today has been a rough day, if I’m completely honest. Our kitty cat of almost 13 years, Cisco, passed away April 30, on a Thursday morning.

That Thursday held a lot of tears & grief. Friday was hard, too, because I work with kids & they who often lack tact were constantly asking about him… (way too much for a mere 24 hours after losing him). I also tried cleaning up his stuff & had to stop because by the first room done, I felt like I had just erased him from that space entirely. Too soon.

By Saturday, I recognized my fear of praying for help through the grief. I was afraid of just picking myself up, brushing myself off, & moving on as if he no longer mattered, as if forgetting he ever existed & moving on without him. But I expressed that to God. God helped me find a balance between reminiscing versus crumbling whenever I missed him. Honoring his long-lasting presence in our home… while letting it bring a smile versus hurt & heaviness.

It Comes in Waves

But a couple times since then, something has really triggered a memory of him & I just lose it.

Today, it was me facing the stress of an upcoming thing for which I would usually just scoop him up & keep him near me as motivation, & just it really hitting me that I will be facing it without him this time. I really didn’t want to.

The hardness of the realization just really hurt hard today. He has been so woven into our schedule & home that it just doesn’t feel normal with him no longer apart of any of it.

I just want him back.

So Busy… Getting Overwhelmed by It All

And I don’t feel great. The stress has been real… more things to do than I have time for… external pressures coming in strong. Feeling overwhelmed, too much to do… too little time… no kitty snuggles to bolster me through it.

The emptiness in that reality hurts me.

Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes it hurts really, really bad. And yes, maybe you don’t get the pain of losing a pet, getting to know their personalities & them wanting to be in your presence at all times, living as your furry unconditionally-loving shadow, sleeping alongside you whenever they can, all that… but I am sure you can, in some form, relate to the pain grief brings.

Are You Willing to Worship God Because Things Are Going Well… Or Because He Is Worthy?

And here is the question: “Are you willing to worship God when things are going well? Or because He is worthy?”

On a Sunday morning, on a good day, it is easy to sing along with the praise team. On an especially great day, worship just seems to flow effortlessly from our heart, lifting up to Him….

But what about on the hard days? What about when your heart is crumbling, defeat overwhelms you… you feel hurts hurdling at you from every side.

Do you praise Him then? Or do you struggle to understand how you could possibly praise Him?

Do you praise Him every day, even on the mundane days? Even when you’re not at church? Every day because He is worthy of your praise?

Or only when it flows easily? Only when things are going well & you feel like you’re on the mountaintop rather than the dark valleys?

Praising Him IN the Storm

I am reminded of God’s response when crying out to Him after being attacked by an animal back in early 2022, I believe it was.

I am reminded of God’s repeated response when I kept asking him for courage in facing the super typhoon that “brushed by” Guam & seemed to never leave… leaving destruction & discomfort & the unknown in its wake.

The same response He gives me every time I feel like I am drowning in life & I cry out to Him for help.

“Worship Me.” “Praise Me.”

God is still on the throne. God is still in control. God will not waste a single tear. God is enough even when we are nothing & have nothing. God is worthy to be praised even when we feel like we have nothing left & like the world is falling apart around us… no matter the cause of it.

God is in control. God is worthy to be praised.

Where Is Your Heart on This Topic? Do You Need to “Pray & Repent & Be Humbled in [Your] Worship…” of Him?

I have mentioned this before & this will likely not be the last time I mention this, but I remember hearing an interview with a worship pastor at a church, who was asked, “Is it hard to lead praise & worship on your hard days, when you’re struggling with having a right attitude?” His response was something to the tune of:

“No, those are actually my favorite days to lead… because I am forced to recognize how unworthy I am to sing His praises, how unworthy I am to worship our great King… how much I need His help every single day… how undeserving I really am to be in His presence. I pray & repent & am the most humbled in my worship on those days.”

What an encouragement. What a realness, as we all struggle with right attitudes some days. What a conviction.

Humble Your Heart before Him, Even on Your Terrible Days… & Lift Your Voice in Praise to Our God Who Is Worthy… Regardless of Any Circumstance in Which You May Find Yourself

Do you need to adjust your mindset about worship? Do you need to learn the habit of moving it even outside the walls of your church building, into your every day?

Do you need to repent? Do you need to be reminded of His great worthiness, despite your circumstances?

Are you willing to worship God because things are going well… or because He Is worthy?

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

***He is waiting for you… will you come?:***

***(Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6)***

NEW!! Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

(*TUNE IN to watch this week’s LIVE STREAM (Episode 23) on my NEW YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @6pm EST/Wednesdays @8am GUAM*)

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for EIGHT years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Marina Bloom Earrings, Handcrafted in India!

These stunning hand-beaded Marina Bloom Earrings are handcrafted in a workshop in India committed to fighting child marriage and helping women become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans!

Each earring features a stunning soft blue and white embroidered design to make a fair-trade fashion statement. These earrings are perfect to style every day to dress up any occasion! 

***SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!***

How Can You Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support MichelleHydeOnline.com?

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

Come What May, No Matter How Dark This World May Feel

Especially in my last season struggling through depression, in my 20s, I really couldn’t ever want to imagine having kids because of how dark this world could be, & how things like seasons of depression could feel so incredibly dark for seemingly no reason at all.

I felt fear at the thought, because “how could I bring my child into a world of so much suffering & darkness.”

But since then, God has been able to begin shifting my perspective over time.

It is true that God has not provided us with children, & honestly, that I would be more terrified of the idea of having children but for completely different reasons—namely my 40-something age, bad hip/back, & lack of energy that I once enjoyed 10-20 years ago….

But I also know that God would help me if that were to happen & that He would subsequently teach me a deeper reliance upon Him that would deepen my faith in Him & would end up being a great sanctifying tool for my good & His glory.

No longer, though, is that fear based on the evil of this world, though.

Because He Lives, I Can Face Tomorrow!

Because, as dark as this world may seem at any given time, with our sin more prevalently showing…. I know Who is REALLY in charge, Who holds absolute control & whose plans cannot be thwarted despite how hard it may get.

God is still on His throne. God will still have the final say. God will still use it for our good & His glory as we submit each hardship under Him.

We don’t have to be afraid of whatever may come.

And that gives me something to praise Him for.

He is in control. He is on His throne. AMEN. Praise GOD!

Shine HOPE by not living in fear of the darkness in this world, but rather by lifting your eyes to heaven, praising God that He is still on His throne & He can still use whatever may come for our Good AND His glory! Praise Him!!

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

***He is waiting for you… will you come?:***

***(Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6)***

NEW!! Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

(*TUNE IN to watch this week’s LIVE STREAM (Episode 22) on my NEW YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @6pm EST/Wednesdays @8am GUAM*)

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for EIGHT years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Conch Brooch, Handcrafted & Empowering Women in India Out of Poverty!!

When you purchase the Conch Brooch you create safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops.

This adorable pin shows off the craftsmanship of our talented artisan partners in India! Each bead is hand-sewn onto the pin to create this conch image. This is the perfect addition to any blazer, coat, or canvas bag to instantly give you a unique look!

***SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!***

How Can You Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support MichelleHydeOnline.com?

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!