Self-Surrender Vs. Self-Empowerment

Last week, I talked about our need to urge self-surrender over self-empowerment.

In other words, the reminder that we don’t need to convince ourselves “we are enough” but that despite NOT being enough, God IS & He loves us AS IS.

This idea that to accomplish more of what matters in this life—God’s will & purposes—we need to surrender more of ourselves to HIS “enoughness,” rather than convincing ourselves &/or each other that WE are capable & enough.

The Dangers of Trusting God’s SOLUTIONS More Than We Trust GOD

I like to feel in control… In control of my own happiness, comfort, & life. I want to know I can rely on things working out my way & be able to grasp some means of making that happen predictably.

But God calls me to rely on Him & not on myself… to build my house on Him—our Rock—by walking in obedience & reliance on Him, rather than the sands of unreliable crutches/strongholds that I tend to cling to. (Matthew 7:24-27)

This flows into another topic worth discussing: The dangers of trusting God’s SOLUTIONS more than we trust GOD.

Do I Continue to Turn to Him As My Help?

Have you ever had God answer a prayer so clearly that you could not question it was from Him? And what happens when we get that answer from God? Do we continue to go to Him as our source in every circumstance? Or do we begin to place our hope in that answer?

For example, as I have mentioned recently, when God told Naaman, through the prophet Elisha, to go wash in the Jordan, in 2 Kings 5:10, was the power in that specific body of water? Or was the power in Naaman’s obedience to God?

Or, when Jesus instructed the disciples to catch a fish, find a coin in its mouth, & use that coin to pay their taxes, in Matthew 17:24-27, was the power in that specific type of fish? Or was it in their obedience to Jesus?

Those may sound like silly examples & maybe you’re thinking, “Duh, it’s God. The power is from God,” but how quickly I disprove this supposed trust when I am faced with similar situations.

How Deep Does My Trust in God Really Go?

Lately, I have been working on body stewardship—of not abusing, but rather learning to care for, the body God has made for me.

Well, when we lived in Guam, I used to create my own fitness challenges, with prizes, to help me stay on track & motivate myself forward in better caring for my health–& it worked!

Fast forward over 6 years later, in trying to get back those good habits that I abandoned during a great time of stress for me, & what did I go to as my solution? Those fitness challenges.

It’s not that anything is wrong with those fitness challenges, but that they were what I turned to in my struggle to re-form good habits in my life… versus going to God for His wisdom, guidance, & help.

Did God provide the idea for those fitness challenges back on Guam, to help me overcome some personal hurdles? I believe so, yes. But they were not the source of my help–HE was.

My Resources to You Are Not to Trump PRAYER to GOD for HIS Solution for You

This is why I stress in whatever resources I provide for you—no matter how much they have helped me personally—your ultimate resource is PRAYER.

Maybe my resources can offer help & maybe God will use them to help you overcome a hurdle, just as He used them in my life to do the same… But maybe God knows you need something else instead.

God knows your situation better than I do. God knows your reasons for hesitation, resistance, anxiety, etc. specifically. He also knows what will help your personal hang-ups specifically.

No matter how good a resource & no matter how much it has helped others, the fact remains that ONLY GOD KNOWS what exactly you need.

Where Does My Help Come From? My Help Is from the LORD, The Maker of Heaven & Earth

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven & earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

What or who do you look to for your help? Do you look to your wits or charm? Your “wisdom” or logic? Past successes? The support of others? Your bank account?

Where does YOUR help come from? Where do you look for it?

Shine HOPE by demonstrating that our help is not in past successes, but in relying on & leaning into GOD as our help… by inquiring of Him EVERY time versus assuming we know what’s best… by walking in obedience to HIS lead over our logic. Shine HOPE by always turning to Him in ALL things Big OR Small.

“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, & He shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6) (emphasis mine)

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

This blog/website has been running for over THREE 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!!

Zoya Earrings (India)

Zoya means “shining, life” in Hindi. These stylishly stunning gold-toned earrings are handcrafted in India, featuring genuine freshwater pearls on a delicate linked-chain design.

Every purchase provides fair-trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India. In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable Artisans in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.

Purchase these earrings & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

It’s Not Always Best to “Go with the Flow”

I have found that this topic is not a popular one. I can almost see hair bristling when I talk about it. And that reaction has been my own as well.

Who doesn’t like to feel they have some manner of control in their life?

I’ve talked about this topic before, in “The Tale of Two Cakes,” (that post being from the perspective of how we decide to encourage others–toward self or God), but it’s a concern I see slowly seeping into mainstream Western Christianity, so I feel compelled to revisit this topic, in hopes that you & I both take it to heart.

We need to discuss the very important distinction between self-empowerment & self-surrender.

I Want to Feel in Control of Things

There are so many areas of life, where I mess up regularly, that stem from this innate need I feel to have some control over my own life.

This need manifests itself in many ways, from eating out to soothe anxiety, to questioning God’s direction in my life by testing out my way 700 times first.

I want a say. I want to try. I want to do it myself. (I sort of sound like the typical toddler, don’t I?) But if you evaluated your own life, could you detect this same inner voice? Maybe sugar-coated & justified, but with the same telltale undertones ringing true of your personal need for control?

It’s Even Being Taught by Well-Meaning Christian Leadership

Sadly, this message of SELF-empowerment is spreading like wildfire in many Christian circles—even Christian conferences & sermons.

How can WE get OUR life back on track? How can WE get the most out of OUR life? How can WE feel good?

But the joy (& peace) is not in having more or accomplishing more, but in surrendering more. It’s not in having more control, but by giving Him more control.

The more that we look up & say, “God, I am sorry for clinging to or coveting such-&-such. Help me know how to find that joy in YOU,” the more we actually find what we’re looking for.

I feel saddened by Christian mantras that echo self-empowerment sentiments of “YOU’ve got this!” “YOU’re ENOUGH!” “YOU can handle it!”

Because, the truth is, you don’t, you’re not, & you can’t.

You Were Designed to NEED HIM

You’re not meant to be self-capable, self-sufficient, or self-empowered.

You were designed to NEED HIM.

And until we figure that out & live like that is true, because it is, then we will always feel like we, compared to everyone else around us, just can’t seem to get a handle on things.

You don’t need to believe that you’ve got this. You need to recognize that HE DOES.

You don’t need to be told you’re enough. You need to realize that HE IS.

You don’t need to think that you can handle it. You need to see that HE CAN.

We need to learn how to surrender more. To take our “I can’ts” to His throne & say, “God, be my enough. Supply my needs. Direct me. Guide me. Show me how to obey You & to honor You & to please You with my everything. Make me decrease so You may increase.” (John 3:30-36)

This life is not about a rat race of trying to feel capable & strong & get the most out of it. It’s about learning more & more that His plans are higher & better than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) & that He can enable us in our MANY weaknesses every step along the way.

By Him. For Him. Through Him. (Romans 11:36)

What Do You Cling to for Control That You Need to Entrust to Him?

I am convicted of how little I am willing to give up control in my own life… I love feeling self-capable & self-empowered more than most anything.

I give, but only from excess or leftovers: time, resources, money.

I help, but only if/when it’s convenient/comfortable.

I edify intentionally & am friendly, but only if I feel it will be received well.

I support others, but only if there’s little cost to me & I can “protect my mental health” (aka feel no stress from it).

I sacrifice, but only if I can see the reward.

I obey, but often only if I can see the benefit of it up front.

This should not be! I NEED to SURRENDER MORE to Him. I need to trust His work & His Truth & His sufficiency more than my own!

I am not enough. I am weak to temptations. I am selfish. I am prideful. I am prone to wander. I am prone to choose ME. I am disobedient in my inaction & sometimes in my actions. I am too me-focused in life–MY comfort, ME well-being, MY desires, MY needs, MY wants, MY plans, MY control.

God Says…. We Ought to Trust HIS Way

God says when someone demands your tunic, give them also your cloak. (Luke 6:27-36)

God says when someone demands you go a mile, go with them two.

God says that Whatever we do to the least of these, we do also to Him. And whatever we don’t do, we also don’t do to Him. (Matthew 25:31-46)

God says to test Him with our giving sacrificially, that all things come from Him & we can trust Him to provide as we provide for others. (Malachi 3:10)

God says that in all our ways we ought to acknowledge Him (not OUR wants/needs/perception/logic) & He will make our paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-7)

God says that in our weaknesses, that is when His power is made known to us & we realize it really is enough for us. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Self-Surrender.

Self-Empowerment or Self-Surrender?

The more you give for Him, the more you seem to gain. It’s never not worth it.

Shine HOPE—Instead of seeking to feel more capable, strong, & worthy… seek HIM.

Self-Empowerment or Self-Surrender—which will you choose?

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

This blog/website has been running for over THREE 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!!

Long Chain Necklace (Golden) (India)

Love long chain necklaces? This is the necklace for you! This gold-tone link-chain design is handcrafted in India & is totally on-trend! Wear alone, double up, or layer together with other chain necklaces from our One World Collection, like our Long Chain Necklace – Silver. (Shown with the Darling Charms Set.)

Every purchase provides fair trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India. In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable Artisans in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.

Purchase this necklace & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

My Prone-to-Rebellion Heart

I have been honest lately about specific sin areas that I wrestle with, & while I have seen God move mountains from where I once was, I still have so much work to do on my stubborn, prone-to-rebellion heart.

It’s not that I don’t want to please God, but I oftentimes want both—to find a way to please Him AND still have what I want.

Like with lust, as I talked about in “Lust, the Secret Sin”, I look for loopholes where I can “technically” still obey, but still indulge in what I want. I justify & try to fool myself & others until I can keep my façade that I don’t mean to be a façade.

My heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), as the Bible says, & I am pretty good at fooling even myself when I want to. But the Bible, God, also says that my heart is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9), as is true for every other human being.

Paul even laments this in saying that he does what he does not want to do & doesn’t do what he wants to do. (Romans 7:15)

Our lustful flesh is constantly tugging at us to just take a bite & all will be well. And I am no exception with this pull.

Getting My Way (Over God’s) Never Pays Off

Satan’s tactics haven’t changed much since his, “but did God reaaally say that?” (Genesis 3:1) Satan still does this to us every day, creeping in little doubts & little, “but maybe you should try YOUR way… just in case God is wrong this time.”

But God is NEVER wrong, is He?

And I know this. I have seen it firsthand, in my life. I have seen me wrestle & “win,” getting my way & then seeing all the cards inevitably fall. My way never works & then His way always does.

But still I resist. STILL.

So Defeating… & Yet, Met with So Much Grace upon GRACE

If you are feeling beat up by Satan for making the same bad choice or disobeying God the same way for the hundredth time & Satan is whispering to you that you must not be a Christian, you must be lying to yourself, & not to come crawling back to God AGAIN… I get it, I REALLY get it.

Satan is very good at deception & lies… in fact, God, in the Bible, describes him as “the father of lies.” (John 8:44) His whole business is lying to us… & seeking whom he may devour, kill, & destroy (1 Peter 5:8; John 10:10) . And he is good at it.

But God is bigger still.

God’s Grace ABOUNDS

There’s a little nugget of Truth God has been reminding me of lately—besides the story of the prodigal son’s return (Luke 15:11-31), where the son was rehearsing his speech after all his wrongs against his father, but he could barely get a word out before the grand, warm, happiest of welcome homes by his father—but besides that story, is the little nugget where Paul is talking about how awesome God’s grace is, how much we NEED it & how powerful & all-covering it really is, before saying, “but does that mean we should let sin abound because God’s grace abounds? Certainly not!” (Romans 5:1-6:2; 2 Corinthians 9:8)

But read that again. “Because God’s grace ABOUNDS.”

And again, “WHILE we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (emphasis mine-Romans 5:8)

In other words, it’s not based on my goodness or willpower of lack of mistakes… my standing before God, once my faith is placed on Jesus, is based solely on my faith in HIS goodness, HIS obedience to God on the cross, HIS perfection & holiness! NOT mine.

Hallelujah! Praise God!

But Still… The Sin That So Easily Ensnares Me

But still….

The sin that so easily ensnares…. (Hebrews 12:1b-2)

I am so easily deceived. The lusts of my flesh still scream for attention sometimes, wanting what I know is not good for me… wanting what God commands me to avoid. (& if He commands ANYTHING, it’s because He knows better what will damage/harm me & what will bless/fulfill me. His Truth is the ONLY standard I can 100% rely on 100% of the time!)

But still….

The sin that so easily ensnares….

Why?

How Do I Move Forward When I Don’t Want To?

So, knowing all of this:

1. God is always right
2. God’s grace ABOUNDS, DESPITE my undeserving
3. My heart, in its lusts is deceitful & desperately wicked
4. Satan is always whispering doubts in God so I get ensnared by those lusts of the flesh
5. AND God can help me, where it is impossible for me, nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26; Ephesians 3:20-21)

But what do I do, knowing all of that, when I don’t WANT to change?

Asking Me to Give Up My Idol Feels Like a Threat…

I recently signed up for a new health program & I find myself stressed because I feel like the meal plan is asking me to give up my nonexistent firstborn child.

I have, with God’s unwavering support, guidance, & help, grown leaps & bounds from old me & old habits… I walk daily, make more well-rounded breakfasts every morning, cook a Whole30 Fast & Easy recipe every week (I LOVE their recipes & it focuses on whole, clean foods–it’s been a lifesaver of delicious, easy recipes that help me learn to eat better & enjoy it! (I don’t get commissions for advertising, I just really love it), etc….

BUT, I love to eat out. I love to treat myself with FOOD. When I am restless, stressed, bored, etc., I want food as my burst of joy. I turn to food as a dopamine fix to help me feel excited about my day. It makes me happy.

BUT, I turn to food to numb over hard things vs. turning to God for wisdom/direction in those moments.

I have made food an idol that I worship & adore, that I turn to in times of distress or anxiety, that I turn to to feel good & be excited for my day.

And asking me to give up eating out or eating whenever I feel like it… feels like a threat. I tense up & look for my loopholes to reassure me into staying just as I am.

Obeying in Part… Is Disobedience Still

But I had all the loopholes. I convinced myself that the SOME was good enough. SOME good habits, but keep some bad ones. Do SOME good for my body, while still getting to hurt it sometimes (too often).

I’m not saying I can’t ever enjoy food, but as my friend Jackie says, “God wants us to enjoy PURE pleasures—pleasures that don’t have negative side effects that hurt us.”

And eating out 5 times a week is not exactly a PURE pleasure. It has side effects on my insides: headaches, tummy aches, fatigue, etc. & indulging so often is definitely NOT a pure pleasure.

But I don’t want to change. I don’t want to give up my over-indulgences. I LIKE going to food when I am tired, sad, bored, restless, anxious, or as something to look forward to when out shopping or out on a date with my hubs or vacationing.

And telling me no feels like a threat to my happiness.

I feel like I don’t even want to pray about it because I don’t want to feel MORE like I should stop.

HOW to Move Forward When You Don’t Want To

So, here goes… How to move forward when you don’t want to:

Pray.

I know, I know… prayer does little without me being willing to ACT ON what God directs me to do.

But I need to repent. I need to be honest with myself AND with God. I need to be willing to accept that no matter how WELL I can justify it or sugar-coat it, I am abusing the body God made for me when I shut Him out & rebel.

I am dishonoring Him with my choices in how I treat His creation—ME.

I need to confess that to Him. I need to be willing to accept it as wrong, EVEN IF I have NO desire to do ANYTHING about it.

And then I need to ask for His help even in the WANT.

My Prayer in Stubbornness

“God, I am sorry I have mistreated Your creation—ME. I’m sorry that I abuse it in my abundance of wrong choices. I’m sorry I am so rebellious & stubborn & selfish, no matter the COST. Please forgive me. And forgive me for my attitude of rebellion, of not even wanting to change, KNOWING I need to. I have an addiction that feels impossible to break free from. I relied on food in Hokkaido in my darkest times because it was the ONLY thing about my life that made me feel any NORMALCY, but in that, I created a pattern, a harmful, destructive pattern, of turning to food over You. I’m sorry, LORD. Please forgive me for relying on my “need” for a fix more than on You. I’m sorry for how hard-headed I am, how much I resist Your good judgements. Forgive me. Please help change my heart. Renew me. Help me see that I can hand this addiction over to You. Help me see I can trust You with it. Help me let go. Guide me to learn PURE pleasures that honor You with how I treat my body AND are things I heartily enjoy. Thank You for starting that spark with the Whole30 Fast & Easy cookbook. Continue to work that out in me & change me. Make me want what You want for me. Help me let go of food & turn to You as my hope & joy instead. Help me know HOW. Thank You for Your ever-persistent faithfulness, love, & goodness… & GRACE that ABOUNDS… toward me. Thank You for never giving up on me… or on any of us. You are so patient & kind & gentle… & powerful to do the “impossible.” Thank You, Lord, forgive me… & help me. AMEN.”

It Feels IMPOSSIBLE, But WITH God, It Is NOT

“With man [humanity/willpower], it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful & just & will forgive us our sins & purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

“Have no other ‘gods’ before Me.” (Exodus 20:3)

Shine HOPE, by not letting your deceitful heart rule your decisions, but rather the Truth of God, with His help every step of the way… even when you don’t want it.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

This blog/website has been running for over THREE 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!!

Silver Medallion Necklace

This textured silver-tone chain from India can be worn separately or layered with other necklaces from our One World Collection. The uniquely textured pendant adds the perfect artistic touch. Three length options allow you to choose your comfort & style. Every purchase provides fair-trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable Artisans in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.

Purchase this necklace & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Apologies Aren’t Easy

I am a stubborn person. I am also proud.

I struggle admitting wrongs…. And I justify this to myself because my wrongs are usually not intentional.

Maybe I’m tired & feeling overall just more critical of others.

Maybe I’m emotional & someone triggers a hurt or an insecurity tucked deep inside.

Maybe I am having a day filled with a series of unfortunate events & you are the last straw & therefore receive my pent-up frustration & anger that had been mounting throughout my day.

But I fool myself in the aftermath… “they know I’m tired, they get it…,” “they shouldn’t have said that to me to trigger that response…,” “they knew my day was rough, why did they have to make it even harder for me?”

… “They should have known better.”

Wronged or Not… I Choose How I Respond (or React)

But here’s the thing.

Maybe they did make my day worse somehow. Maybe they were being careless with their words & not mindful of how they would hurt me. Maybe they were having a bad day too & shouldn’t have taken it out on me…. But…

But, I still have a choice in how I respond.

I should have taken that hurt to God & asked for Him to help me respond in grace, trusting Him with my burdens & with help in my response… but I didn’t… And that’s on me.

Maybe it’s unpracticed to go to God when emotions rise & so I react without much thought, but that’s on me to practice patience, to practice leaning into God instead of taking it into my own hands, responding out of emotion versus God’s help.

Taking Ownership for My Part

Recognizing my part in it doesn’t justify the other person’s actions, but it DOES take personal responsibility for my OWN actions.

I have seen a post floating around the internet saying that we need to stop apologizing & instead THANK the other person, for example: Instead of, “I’m so sorry I’m late,” to say, “Thank you so much for waiting!”

Now, I get it. I understand what they’re trying to say… to show gratitude for the grace given instead of highlighting the negative in the situation.

BUT this needs to be used with discernment because there is a time for both.

If being late, for example, was entirely avoidable & yet I practiced poor time management or just wasn’t making any effort to prevent any wait on their part, an apology… an ownership of that wrong… is necessary. If it was unavoidable, I can maybe stick with the “thank you” since it was not of my own fault, but again… use discernment.

Words DO Hurt

I get it. There are some days that I feel I am at the end of myself & I just CAN’T with my day… & I’m sure it’s that much harder for moms who often don’t get a break & have to keep being a mom despite being at the end of their patience with that day (or that child).

But please hear me on this—ESPECIALLY with small children—THEY WILL REMEMBER YOUR WORDS. And for small children, those words are often internalized & help form their personal identity… & those words will echo in their mind every time they make a mistake, every time someone says something negative to or about them… “Mom said it first & if even my own mother feels that way about me deep down & wasn’t shy about saying it when she was upset, it makes sense that everyone else probably secretly feels that way about me, too….” those words will echo long into adulthood.

When someone reacts harshly & acts unkindly in times of emotional distress, it comes across as what they’ve been thinking all along.

And for children, oftentimes those words become their own inner dialogue, the measure they use to determine if they’re even worth being loved or wanted by others. “If I annoy my own mom enough for her to say those things, it’s only a matter of time before others realize it, too… what can I do to make people like me more & overshadow my bad qualities so they think I’m worth it & won’t leave me or be annoyed with me?”

And oftentimes, those words create a hole that they try to fill in all sorts of ways, trying to prove to themselves that those words weren’t true (or distract from it if they were true). Maybe they compliment or give gifts. Maybe they flirt & show more skin. Maybe they drink & try drugs. It’s all to cover the flaws & be wanted.

Be careful with your words. Bow your raging/swirling emotions to God. Respond with grace. And APOLOGIZE where needed. Because I promise your words DO matter.

Repent, Pray, Apologize

When I refuse to apologize I dishonor & hurt God.

When words hurt others, it causes division, unrest, & pain. And when my pride keeps me from owning up to my part, I am letting the other person hurt, hoping they’ll just forget about it so I can move on freely… just to save face.

But they know. They remember (even if they’ve forgiven you). And so does God.

So please, PLEASE, apologize to your spouse, your child, your friend, & anyone else. Practice turning to God in your distress, anger, frustration, & exhaustion versus lashing out or taking out your frustrations on others.

Make a POINT to apologize. Don’t just move on & hope they understand you were just misbehaving because of a bad mood… because oftentimes it seems more that the truth finally came out & everything else you say could have its sincerity measured by the words you spoke in those times of anger, frustration, or exhaustion.

Repent. Pray. Apologize.

Who Do You Need to Apologize To?

Does anyone come to mind as you read this?

Maybe you’re thinking of your own inner dialogue & hurts & insecurities that you’re trying to parse through yourself because someone you love never took ownership & apologized to you.

Maybe you feel a pang of guilt because you know you’ve done this to someone else…. & you never said “I’m sorry I hurt you because I was hurting. That was wrong & I’m sorry. I should have taken it to God in prayer, but instead, I took it out on you. That was my fault & not yours & I’m sorry.”

Pray about it. Be honest with yourself. Own your part, even if they also played a part. Own your part.

And apologize. Restore the brokenness caused by your carelessness &/or pride.

It’s Never Too Late… Until It Is… Don’t Allow Satan a Foothold in Someone Else

Don’t allow Satan to exploit those reckless words in the heart of the receiver.

Apologize to God & ask Him for the words & courage & the opportunity to restore the wrong you made.

And it’s never too late. Maybe years have passed & you feel it’s too late to go back & resurface that situation. But if they are rehearsing those words in their own heart, you most likely will NEVER know it. They may not even recognize that they are still holding on to it.

So, no matter how long it has been or how justified you feel it was… if you did not respond kindly, with patience, in a God-honoring way… take ownership for your part & apologize for that.

*Oh, the freedom it brings when you apologize! It sets that captive free! It smashes that hurtful, damaging inner dialogue to pieces & prevents Satan from using it any longer in their heart! It sets the captive free!*

The Power of an Apology

I know it’s hard & painful & maybe even embarrassing. It feels icky & doesn’t make us look so great.

It’s humbling.

But honor God by apologizing for your part.

Shine HOPE by recognizing the power of an apology & by releasing the chains you may have unknowingly shackled onto someone else’s heart in your own time of hurting or distress.

Shine HOPE by saying, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that, no matter how mad or frustrated I was, it wasn’t right & I’m sorry for taking it out on you instead of taking it to God. Please forgive me.” Restore. Rebuild. Apologize.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

This blog/website has been running for over THREE 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!!

Darling Charms Set (India)

This set of six pairs (yellow tassels & circular, hammered golden plates shown) of versatile & colorful ethically collected bone, clay, & metal charms (pearls not included) are handcrafted in India by Artisans who are committed to fighting child marriage & providing opportunities for women to become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans. Designed to mix & match, create a new look each time you wear them with our Customizable Gold Hoops (shown in photo) or your favorite bracelets and necklaces (Shown: Long Chain Necklace-golden)!

Every purchase supports vulnerable women in areas of extreme poverty in India.

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Taking Time to Reflect

Since Christmas was only a few days ago, I wanted to reflect on some thoughts that roll around at this time of year: Why does Christmas matter? What is the point of Christmas?

Now, the Sunday School answer is “Why Jesus, of course!”

Others may say, “It’s all about family & being together with the ones you love.”

Kids are often quick to chime in with their yearly wish list & excitement of Santa.

But, while the Sunday School answer may be quick to jump into our minds, especially if we grew up in church or are a Christian… do our hearts really reflect that it’s about Him?

Excited for (Distracted by?) Traditions

This thought is something that has been lingering through my last few Christmases, myself being excited about getting things on my wish list, driving to see everyone’s decorations & lights, preparing delicious, specially-reserved-for-Christmas foods… Christmas cookies, carols, & maybe even a white Christmas (as long as I don’t have to be out in it).

I am quick to claim the meaning of Christmas as being Jesus. I am quick with the right answer of why Christmas matters, but I often feel like my heart tells that it’s mainly about me.

I have even been guilty of feeling & saying, “I just don’t feel in the “Christmas spirit” this year,” as if Christmas is about me feeling festive, with childlike excitement.

Why does Christmas matter? What really is my focus?

Am I Being Intentional in My Why?

How can I make it REALLY be about HIM? It is HIS birthday, after all (or at least the day we celebrate it).

So it’s something I have been trying to intentionally dwell on… that when I open my presents I remember that they are a mere shadow of the greatest gift ever given, when God sent Jesus to pay my price to make me right before God Almighty when I could never earn or deserve it.

That when I eat the foods, I recognize that God made my tastebuds to appreciate the flavors & created spice & variety of flavors & textures of food for me to enjoy.

That when I look at the lights, I remember He is the light in my times of darkness, that He shone His grace into the darkness of my sin, that His light guides me through His Word & the Holy Spirit’s help.

That friends & family are His treasures, made in His image, whom He also died for, to live humbly & graciously, serving those I care about knowing God cares for them all the more.

I have been trying to make Christmas a day of praise & thanksgiving to God, turning my heart in all the things I look forward to about Christmas into opportunities to recognize God’s presence & love & grace in my life.

Jesus, the Light of the World

Before God even made me, before time even began, God knew I would rebel against Him & think & act like I know better than Him. He knew I would want my own way over His. He knew my stubborn heart would kick & fight to have her own way.

And He knew I could never do enough to pay Him back.

He says that the punishment for my sin is eternal death in Hell. That’s what I deserve. That is what I have earned.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

And He knew all that before He even made me… before time began.

He knew HE would have to pay my price for me if I were to be reconciled to Him, forgiven & restored.

And He was willing.

And He sent Jesus.

Why Does Christmas Matter?

Christmas is not just a celebration of Jesus’ birthday, but of Jesus being willing to humble Himself, as God, in the flesh of weak humanity, serving & loving & teaching & healing all who came to Him… until He was rejected by the very people He came to save, dying willingly on the cross for me… for you.

So why does Christmas matter? It’s okay, go ahead & say it: it matters because of JESUS.

Jesus-Emmanuel-God with Us

So, during this season, take some time to praise Him & thank Him for His goodness & love & mercy & power… His foresight & His plan to redeem. For Jesus.

Jesus is why Christmas matters… & let us not forget that fact in the hustle & bustle of traditions & well-meaning distracted chaos.

Jesus, God with us. Emmanuel.

Thank You, Jesus. THANK YOU.

Shine Hope by proclaiming the Good News: Jesus came to save all who accept Him & believe on Him! Hallelujah indeed! Praise Jesus!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one & only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:16-17)

Amen.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

This blog/website has been running for over THREE 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!!

Darling Charms Set (2 of 6 shown) (India)

This set of six pairs of versatile & colorful ethically collected bone, clay, & metal charms are handcrafted in India by Artisans who are committed to fighting child marriage & providing opportunities for women to become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans. Designed to mix & match, create a new look each time you wear them with our Customizable Gold Hoops or your favorite bracelets & necklaces! Every purchase supports vulnerable women in areas of extreme poverty in India.

India is home to one-fourth of the world’s poorest people. Vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops. Your purchase provides them with safe jobs, fair wages, healthcare, literacy programs, & more!

Purchase this charm set & empower a woman in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Post #200! Thank You!

First of all, I want to thank you, whether you are new to my blog or a long-time supporter & encourager of this journey. Today marks blog post #200!

It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 3 years since I launched this website & blog & God has for sure helped me tweak & improve every step along the way (& I have much growing yet to do). I am blown away by His faithfulness & the love I have seen in your support. Thank you!

Lust: The Secret Sin

This topic is one that’s hard for me to talk about… Probably because it makes me feel vulnerable to attack & the comfort of hiding it is much easier.

But, as in most things, God always seems to prompt me to share the things that aren’t so pretty to help you see our collective & very real need of HIM.

God tells us in Matthew 5:27-30 that even looking at someone with lust in your heart is the same as cheating on your spouse (& YES, this includes doing so before you have even MET your spouse). God even goes so far as to say that it is more beneficial to you to cut off your hand or pluck out your eyes if it keeps you from doing so. That’s a pretty bold statement against lust!

Well, despite its secrecy, this has probably been a lifelong wrestle for me. I don’t know how it started, but curiosity led to addiction & addiction caused destruction & a prison that seemed impossible to escape. Lust was my secret sin.

“Checking All the Right Boxes”

I used to justify it that if I didn’t think of anyone I actually KNEW… just made up people in my head… that it was okay.

Hey, I wasn’t having sex CHECK & I wasn’t lusting after anyone real CHECK. I thought I had all the right boxes checked to be a good Christian while still indulging in my addiction.

I was wrong.

I Don’t Even Remember Where It Began

This addiction is one that started probably in pre-teen years for me… maybe sooner? I can’t remember, but it was definitely young.

I don’t remember how it started, whether I came across a tv program that clearly was inappropriate for me depicting a couple under a blanket, bare shoulders only, but plenty implied. I DO have a memory of such an occurrence back when I was little & we had only about 5 tv channels growing up.

Or maybe I heard people talking crudely & I was intrigued, not knowing the addiction that would soon lead me down a dark path.

But whatever it was, I made the choice. Something in me felt off about it, but then again, I thought I had checked all the right boxes, so I justified the heck out of it.

That became my vice & a lifetime of scars on my heart, distorting my perception & understanding of the real thing with a damaging substitute. And it all started when I was just a child.

Seems So Innocent, But It’s Laced with Poison Meant to Kill

Now, even as a 38-year-old woman, I struggle sometimes more than I feel okay admitting. What started as “innocent” curiosity, justified & smoothed over as just “Christian-y” enough, has been a prison quite difficult to escape.

Now, maybe you read romance novels or have some other seemingly “innocent” way that you lust. Maybe you justify it & run through the check boxes as I did. Maybe it’s not a problem for you at all.

Maybe you’re reading this & thinking I AM justified. No sex, no problem. Not actual men, so who cares. It’s all pretend. No harm, no foul… right?

That’s what I have told myself anyway.

Again, I was wrong.

A Pattern of Addiction Is Hard to Escape

I didn’t trust God to know what was best for me. His rules were meant to guide me away from things I thought I knew so well but was so wrong. I should have trusted HIM over ME.

Now married, I have a pattern of addiction that maybe you feel is harmless & no big deal. But God only commands us to flee things He KNOWS will hurt us. And we should listen!

It’s a big deal because lust keeps me distanced from my husband! It keeps me at arms length from him… The very man God gave me to enjoy those things with. It is trading the REAL for the FAKE.

Instead of having only a connection with my husband, I am constantly tempted to go somewhere else in my mind, disconnecting from him & trading him for a fake substitute, because of the patterns of lifelong addiction.

What a hurtful thing to something meant to be so beautiful a connection between spouses.

There’s no way around it anymore: It is SIN. When I decide to lust or fantasize, I am hurting my own love-life with a cheap, fake substitute. And a lifelong pattern of addiction is hard to escape.

The Lie, the Trap

I know fantasizing seems easier. It requires less vulnerability to lean into a fantasy. You can dream yourself to be a beautiful princess when you feel like a sloppy blob or a nuisance. You can “have” a man that does whatever your fantasy dictates exactly how you deem it, with no mistakes or flaws.

But, although the real has flaws… so do you. And PRETENDING avoids accepting & EMBRACING the REAL (& also prevents someone from accepting & embracing YOU as is)... wanting to enjoy connection, but never letting it happen.

The real thing is not as “perfect” as a fantasy, but it’s the REAL THING.

I have come to understand that though I ran circles tirelessly defending my check-marked list, lust IS sin & it DOES cause harm. It’s a lie. It’s a trap.

It’s NOT worth it.

Lust Often Becomes Addiction

It is addiction. It is destructive. It saps real connection & intimacy. It blocks out the person wanting to love you. It is divisive. It is selfish. It is unkind.

It exploits the image of God’s created, whom Jesus died to save.

It’s wrong however you justify it. It’s wrong.

And although it can start small, supplemental, a curiosity… it often numbs you to where you no longer get anything from it… unless you take it further & it gets darker & harder to escape. It’s a path that leads to a prison... to death (death inside).

The Secret Sin Plague

Maybe this isn’t your fight, but I can promise you that it is a secret battle for many others around you. Your sibling, parent, friend, spouse, & ministry leaders… who battle this in secret, trying to convince themselves that their prison hurts no one, checking all of the boxes, but living in addiction (in sin) that subtly tears apart at their marriages & their relationship with God… Living a lie… As I did.

In secret.

And just because it is “secret”, I promise it WILL hurt those around you, even in the divisive nature of the lie….

And it’s no secret to God.

FLEE! Run from It! Kick Fantasies in the Face!

But this is my call to you. Confess it as is: SIN. Ask for God’s forgiveness. Determine to do life HIS way. “If we confess our sins[to God], He is faithful & just to forgive us our sins & to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Flee the temptation! Actually FLEE! Not just resist & beg God to stop it & wrestle it… RUN FROM IT.

“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)

I have found that when those patterns arise & my prison beckons me to return, tempting images prance across my mind & I feel the allure… that I legit PUNCH them & ROUNDHOUSE KICK those images in my head & then RUN away in the fantasy to GET OUT OF THERE. It helps me yell “NO!” in my head & determine not to fall for its lies anymore!

Do I still fail? Yes. Is it far less often? YES. It’s a process of re-writing lifelong patterns & habits, where when my mind wants to kick into auto-pilot, I am learning to turn & RUN in my imaginings.

Be willing to FAIL FORWARD versus accepting defeat in continuing a pattern of disobedience to God & destruction for yourself & your relationships. RUN. Like your life depends on it. RUN.

God ALWAYS Provides a Way Out

Yes, I have struggled my whole life with this. I got married close to 30. I get it… wondering if God would EVER help, taking my satisfaction into my own control.

But I promise it’s not worth it. It may be subtle… you may feel “that’s just how life is” & strive to just “learn to live with it,” but it’s NOT meant to be that way. Healing IS possible. A healthy & blooming relationship with God & your {even future) husband is WORTH IT.

God knows & He knows our battle with it. That’s why He makes a point to command us against it, knowing we’ll want to. He is trying to help us not get ourselves locked in a prison we feel is impossible to escape.

And He promises His help if we ask. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, & He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

He provides the way out, but we have to be willing to walk in obedience & trust… & take the way out… to RUN through it!

FLEE.

Jesus Came to Set the Captives FREE! (Luke 4:18)

Trust God to Know Better Than You

Repent. Trust God to know better than you.

The Bible repeatedly echoes the phrase: “Fear God,” even going as far as to say that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This, as I covered in my post: “Fearing God Is the Beginning of Wisdom” means recognizing that no matter HOW MUCH you THINK you know or how MUCH you want something… even if you’re not sure you have faith in God… Trust that GOD ALMIGHTY knows better than you do… & DO what HE says.

Shine hope by determining to let God lead your decisions in this area of lust, determining that He DOES know better than you, no matter HOW MUCH you may feel you want it-the desire to sin is a lie & WILL bring destruction. Trust GOD.

Flee lust & kick it in the face if you have to.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

This blog/website has been running for over THREE 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!!

Moonstone Hoops

Artisans from India cut & frame moonstones on these gold-toned elliptical hoops. Moonstones are prized in India for the unique way they reflect light.

Women in India still face widespread discrimination that often leads to poverty & exploitation. Your purchase provides opportunities for women to earn sustainable income through creative expression as fair-trade Artisans.

Purchase these hoops & empower a woman in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Does Prayer Even Work?

Have you ever felt like, “Prayer? What’s the point?”

Or maybe, when someone tells you to “pray about it,” you scoff & think, “Well, thanks, that is about zero percent helpful to me right now”?

Maybe prayer seems too “spiritual” or maybe you do it but you don’t really see it help anything.

Maybe you feel you do it because you grew up hearing you should do it, but you don’t really see prayer accomplish anything.

I have probably felt all of those & more growing up as a Christian.

Ask God… The HOW Matters

I get it. I used to feel like prayer was just something you do because it’s “churchy” or because I’m supposed to. I didn’t really see how prayer helped me in any real way.

But, I did, through the years, ask God to help me understand why I should pray… to show me what I didn’t seem to get… to reveal how maybe I wasn’t praying right.

I know I say all the time that there are no magic words to prayer, that there is no magic formula, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t matter at all HOW you should pray.

Besides, why would God tell us, in the Bible—His Word to us, to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) if prayer was pointless?

I think the biggest reason I was struggling with prayer is that I was completely missing the whole point of prayer. I was praying wrong.

Why Do You Pray?

If I am praying to “get something” from God, as if He is my personal genie, then I am not getting the point. He doesn’t exist to carry out our every whim.

If I am praying as if I’m the ringleader, coming up with the plans, & then asking Him to carry them out for me, then I am not getting the point. He doesn’t exist to make my plans happen for me.

Prayer is not vain repetitions of, “If I say it enough times, maybe God will answer me.”

Prayer is not a magic formula of, “if I say it the ‘right’ way, maybe God will answer me.”

Prayer is not just empty, meaningless words to put “good vibes” out there because, well, “it couldn’t hurt.”

Prayer is not meant to be a “backup plan” to throw out there while you try to fix it yourself, your way, in your strength & plan.

Prayer is not the magical fairy dust to make your plan take flight.

Prayer is not saying, “God, help me to grow in my faith,” while not ever taking any steps of obedience of what God already tells us will bolster & strengthen us in our faith in Him.

Prayer Puts HIM As LORD

Prayer is a posture of the heart.

Prayer is acknowledging that HE is God & you are not.

Prayer is recognizing that “many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the will of God that will prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21)

Prayer is a heart posture of stepping back from ME being in charge, & recognizing that He alone holds that position. His kingdom, where He rules, is heaven AND earth. (Deuteronomy 10:14; Matthew 6:9-10)

Prayer is putting Him in the driver’s seat of your life & letting Him run it.

Prayer is releasing control of YOUR WAY, & letting Him have HIS WAY.

Prayer is relying on His strength instead of your own… His power, His wisdom, His comfort, His peace… instead of leaning on anything else, including yourself, for those things.

Prayer is saying, “I am weak, but You are strong. I am not enough, but You are.”

Prayer is saying, “not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Prayer Relies on Him AS We Walk in OBEDIENCE to Him

Prayer is not reliant on “believing ‘enough,’” but believing rightly (Matthew 17:20) that if anyone can, He can… if anyone is able, He is (Matthew 19:26)… if anyone loves & cares for you, it’s Him (1 Peter 5:6-7), & praying accordingly.

Prayer is saying, “God, I know that no matter how much I want to believe it, I DON’T know what’s best, because my perspective is limited. But I know that Yours is not & You DO know, so please help me see what to do.”

Prayer is saying, “I am not the solution, You are, so God, please help me do it Your way, even if it’s not the way I pictured it.”

Prayer is saying, “God, I don’t feel like it, AT ALL, & I’m sorry for my bad attitude, but please help me do it anyway as I step forward. I want to do it because it honors You, so please help me! Change my heart & enable me!”

Instead of Praying __________, Pray ____________________

Instead of, “God, help me to do this,” & then stepping away from it until He makes you feel like doing it “enough,” Instead, pray, & DO IT, trusting that if it indeed honors Him, He WILL help AS you do it.

Prayer is standing on His promises as if they are factual vs wishful thinking (because if He says it, it is factual), versus a hopeful begging for what He has already promised to give or provide.

Instead of, “God, please be with them in their hurting,” when He already promises to be with us… pray: “God, give them peace. Fill them with Your comfort. Let them feel Your presence of comfort in this difficult time. Help them see You move. Give them wisdom on how to best move forward through this storm. Show me how I can help lighten their burden.”

Jesus’ Model Prayer

A great place to start, in learning HOW to pray, is Jesus’ model prayer, in Matthew 6:

Jesus said, “In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom & the power & the glory forever. Amen.

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

To better understand this prayer, please listen to the sermon series recordings by a pastor I very much respect as someone who preaches God’s Word as is, without fluffing it, but with grace to edify his listeners (found on gracehome.org, starting June 6, 2021, by Pastor Tim Perrin–HIGHLY recommend this series, even for those who have maybe heard this passage preached a billion times).

How to Know If You’re Praying Wrong

So, how to know if you’re praying wrong? To sum all of this up, prayer is a heart posture that says, “God, You ALONE are God. Enable me AS I obey YOU. Help me to trust You to enable me when I know I am NOT enough &/or feel I have nothing left to give. Be my comfort & give me Your peace. Lead me in YOUR plans, not mine. Teach me Your Truth & show me how to LIVE IT. Help me to walk in obedience to You, even when I don’t feel like it or feel like I care, changing my perspective & will to Yours vs. insisting You see & do mine. You always know best. You keep Your promises. Thank You, God, for Your faithful, generous, long-suffering daily grace for me! Amen.”

There is no magic formula for prayer, but it IS possible to pray incorrectly or ineffectively.

Shine HOPE by asking God to teach you how to pray in a way that gives Him the glory & credit He deserves WHILE you walk in obedience to what He already tells you in His Word.

Amen & amen. Let it be so.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

This blog/website has been running for over THREE 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!!

Darling Charms Set (India)

This set of six pairs of versatile & colorful ethically collected bone, clay, & metal charms are handcrafted in India by Artisans who are committed to fighting child marriage & providing opportunities for women to become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans. Designed to mix & match, create a new look each time you wear them with our Customizable Gold Hoops or your favorite bracelets & necklaces!

Every purchase supports vulnerable women in areas of extreme poverty in India.

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

“I Want to, But I Just Don’t See How to Make It Work…”

Have you ever felt like you just can’t do it all?

You know you ought to read your Bible every day (Joshua 1:8), but you just don’t have an hour to sit & read/study your Bible every day… or read enough chapters to read through it in a year… or have already missed so many days that it would take days of straight reading to catch up.

You know you’re supposed to “pray without ceasing,” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) & go to God in prayer about everything (Philippians 4:6-7), spending time talking with Him & listening for Him to guide your heart & thoughts (Proverbs 3:6)… but you just don’t have the concentration to sit for an hour every day… & you’re not even sure if you know whether it’s Him moving you or not, so honestly it just feels like a waste of time.

You know you are called to serve widows & orphans (James 1:27) & those who are weak (Acts 20:35) but you are ALREADY serving your family & church, & maybe you have a job & young kids on top of everything & you just don’t have that much time left for everyone ELSE. (John 15:12)

You know you are commanded to be generous (Proverbs 19:17; Psalm 37:21) & that giving is better to receive & we’re supposed to trust God as our Provider, NOT ourselves (Luke 12)… but you’re already strapped for cash & the idea of being generous when YOU don’t even seem to have enough seems ludicrous!

Remember… Holiness Doesn’t Necessarily Mean DO MORE, But Rather, Do the RIGHT Things (What God Directs)

The Christian life seems to have so many demands.

And then, to hear a call to BE Holy (1 Peter 1:16), it just feels so exhausting & straining & leaves you feeling icky because nothing ever seems to be enough!

Well, last week would be a great post to start with if you’re feeling this way, because there is a whole lot of GOOD NEWS to counter these oppressively guilt-laden thoughts. Check out “The Difference Between Acting Holy & Being Holy.”

The “All or Nothing” Scam

But there’s something more I want to talk about with you today: the “All or Nothing” Scam.

Satan wants us to set our standards of God’s commands in these areas based on what we see displayed or suggested by others.

And while those encouragements: to spend more time in the Bible & in prayer with God & in serving those who need it & in giving more… are all worthy pursuits & commanded by God, I might add, the Bible doesn’t map out reading the Bible in a year as God’s standard, & so on.

Maybe it’s just being faithful to GET IN THE BIBLE… making it a HABIT… a DAILY habit… more than making sure you read “enough.”

Don’t Let Excuses Lead to Disobedience

Now don’t get me wrong, reading the Bible & taking time to pray consistently & intentionally WILL influence & impact your life ALL the MORE, the MORE you spend doing them. The MORE you read His Truth, the MORE you will begin to notice it influencing your decisions & mood. The MORE you pray, the MORE you will see His hand in your life & the MORE you will find your rest in Him in or out of storms.

But when we refuse to obey because we can’t do it ALL, we are being fooled at best & being disobedient (while trying to justify it) at worst.

Have a burden for the poor, but feel any help is a drop in an earth-sized bucket, so you just don’t try, working to block the ache out of your heart? STOP it. And pray. You may not be capable of ending world hunger (or maybe God WILL use you in that way), but He can direct you on how to make a difference for a human being wondering if they are insignificant & invisible, to show they are loved by God.

God Sees Through It… So Be Honest with Him… & with Yourself

I mentioned this in my video last week that sometimes, honestly, it comes down to just being honest with God (& yourself) knowing God already knows & sees your rebellious, stubborn heart.

“God, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I resist doing what honors You. I let myself be fooled that because I can’t do it all, I should just not do any of it. I am making excuses versus turning to You for help in taking steps of obedience. Please forgive me. I am selfish & arrogant to think it’s a waste of time to feed my heart with Your Truth & to spend time with You. Please forgive me. Help me change my perspective. Give me a hunger & an unquenchable thirst for YOU. Help me see & recognize my NEED for You. Help direct me. Show me pockets of time & direct my steps, bring it to my attention. And EVEN WHEN I DO NOT FEEL LIKE IT, help me to determine to DO IT ANYWAY, knowing that it 1. Honors You & 2. Is for my GOOD if You have commanded it. Help me trust You better & help me to obey EVEN WHEN I am feeling stubborn & rude towards You. Thank You for Your inexhaustible daily grace & Your long-suffering patience with me. I could never deserve Your love & MERCY. Forgive me & help me determine to DO BETTER, Not perfection, but progress. Not ALL, but to START & to DO IT. Help me not buy into Satan’s “All or Nothing” Scam. Help me obey You. AMEN.”

Do you need to pray that prayer today?

I have prayed something akin to that prayer SO MANY TIMES that it’s shameful & embarrassing, but God keeps beckoning me to get up, dust off that shame through the filter of Jesus’ grace, & to try again (with His help).

Determine to Obey Anyway… Even If You Start with Baby Steps

Don’t buy the “All or Nothing” Scam. It’s a life-sapping LIE.

God is patient & gentle. He makes you aware of pockets of time. His Truth is meant to be the refreshment & bolstering you need. He guides & enables. Determine to obey anyway, even if you start with baby steps.

Determine to obey. Determine, when all the weight of it all seems overwhelming, to stop & say, “God, I know You don’t ask me to do it ALL, but don’t let that stop me from doing SOMETHING. What can I do right now, in this moment, to walk in obedience to You… to honor You?”

Don’t let the “impossible” ALL scare you away from asking God how to do the SOME.

God has a plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11); … with Good works HE has planned IN ADVANCE for you to do (Ephesians 2:10). You only need to ask for His guidance on what… & determine to draw from His help every step of it.

He’s got you.

Shine HOPE by determining to do the SOME, even if you don’t feel you can do the ALL.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

This blog/website has been running for over THREE 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!!

Ellora Necklace (India)

This set of two adjustable gold-toned necklaces (golden coin charm strand not shown) can be worn separately or together. Mixing classic styles together by layering freshwater pearl and golden coin pendants make these delicate necklaces on-trend.

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable women in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.

Purchase this necklace & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Looking Good… On the Outside

How easy it is, especially when raised in the church & taught good, moral behavior as a child, to confuse these two very different ideas: acting holy & being holy.

I was that kid. I grew up in a Christian home, going to church a few times a week, growing up in Christian culture, knowing all the dos & don’ts & all the right answers in Sunday School (“Jesus” or “the Bible”).

I KNEW it, but although I became a Christian at a pretty young age, trusting that I needed Jesus to save me from my sins, I still had to learn to go from accepting these taught behaviors to moving them down to my heart as a conscious act of worship to God, consciously striving to please HIM, vs. just knowing the right answer when asked.

It can be easy to live the life of a Pharisee when you grow up in the church–looking pretty good… on the outside.

What’s Beneath the Surface?

You learn to wear the “right” clothes, put on that Christian smile that says, “No really, I’m fine, everything in my life is going just fine” (even if it isn’t), & know all the “right” answers at church.

It can even be taken a step further… joining the choir or band or worship team, leading a Sunday School class or Bible Study, attend every service & event & conference, checking off your “Christian to-do list” of serving in the church, serving your community, reading the Bible & praying before meals & before bedtime… becoming a pastor or a missionary because it just seems like the “right” Christian thing to do.

Now, nothing is wrong with those activities, don’t get me wrong! But, what are our motives? Are we striving to live a life pleasing to the Lord, honoring Him in obedience? Or because it’s the “Christian thing to do.”

Motive Check!

We need a motives check on our lives, maybe even DAILY, because it can be so easy to just slip into going with the motions, versus consciously stopping to say, “God, I may not feel earnest in this right now, but I know it honors You, so I want to keep doing it. Please change my heart & my perspective to seek to please You more than just doing ‘Christian things.’”

I honestly flip flop between these two every day. Some days I GET it & realize I need to live in obedience to Him whether I feel like it or not because He DESERVES it AND because it’s ultimately FOR MY GOOD…. While other days, I just go through the motions to get it done so I can move onto something I’d rather be doing (big mood today).

Do You REALLY Live for HIM?

It’s a struggle, this constant battle between flesh & spirit. Bad habits are easily formed, leading to addictions of idols that we put before Almighty God.

And although they seem shiny & appealing & just what we’re craving… they somehow always slowly & steadily sap our joy… & harden our hearts.

No, it’s not enough to just APPEAR holy while we choose SELF on the inside.

We don’t want to “wash the outside of the cup” while the inside is just gross (or, “full of self indulgence.”) (Matthew 23:25-26)

We don’t want to become “white-washed tombs,” clean on the outside, but full of death on the inside. (Matthew 23:27-28)

Man looks on the outward appearance, it’s true… but God looks at the heart. We can’t fool Him. (1 Samuel 16:7)

Who Do You Glorify When You ACT Holy vs Being Holy? Yourself… or God?

When we ACT holy, it never reaching our heart as an outpour of worship & obedience to God, our behaviors & actions only serve to put the spotlight on YOURSELF as someone who “does everything right,” versus shining a light for HIM Who ALONE is Good.

Acting holy will exhaust you. You will always feel like you never quite measure up, wondering if every other Christian has it together while somehow you just seem to struggle behind your smile.

Acting holy will leave you empty & fruitless, wondering how you can do SO MUCH & still feel like nothing is ever enough.

Striving to BE holy, to live a life that pleases God means recognizing you CAN’T do it alone & that you NEED God’s help guiding you, strengthening you, & enabling you.

Apart from Him, I Can Do NOTHING (John 15:5)

When we seek only His will vs trying to be the end-all, be-all, “best Christian ever”, it takes out the hamster wheel of fruitless pursuit & brings you satisfaction & contentment of quitting the “I can (or should) do it all,” for a life that begins to only go where God leads & leaves the rest up to Him, relying on His help for everything He does lead you to.

Living holiness doesn’t mean adding things to your to-do list. Remember Mary at Jesus’ feet, while Martha exhausted herself trying to be a good hostess? Jesus commended Mary in that scenario. (Luke 10:38-42)

Holiness doesn’t mean MORE WORK, it means only doing HIS work for you, with HIS help… & leaving the rest to Him.

WE NEED HIS HELP EVERY STEP… & He Will Give It AS You Seek Him for It!

We are weak. We are limited. We are prone to wander. We are prideful. We are easily distracted. We are in a constant battle with flesh. We seek SELF.

But God is forgiving. God is All-Powerful & Almighty. God is limitless. God is faithful. God is humble & kind & LOVE. God is patient. God is Enough. God is Victorious. God seeks us. God alone is GOOD.

He DESERVES our ALL. And He gives HIS ALL.

The Difference Between Acting Holy & Being Holy

The difference between acting holy & being holy is a matter of the heart... your motivations. Are you doing it out of obedience to God, to honor Him, to spend time with Him, to shine a light for others to see Him?

Or are you doing it to be a “Good Christian”?

Open your heart for Him to reveal your true motives, repenting over any self-glory, Pharisee-like behaviors you might be having, & ask Him to renew your heart & mind as you seek Him through His Word & prayer.

Shine Hope by determining that Acting holy is not enough. BE holy, for HE is holy. (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

This blog/website has been running for THREE 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!!

Luminous Studs (North Asia)

These 14k gold-plated mask-friendly studs are mesmerizing, as they sparkle in the light, creating iridescent shades that change with your every move.

Every purchase helps support a sex trafficking survivor in North Asia with safe housing, health care, trauma counseling, job skills training, & dignified income.

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Pride Shows Up in Our Little, Small, Seemingly Insignificant Decisions

While I am on the topic of my of a prideful heart (See last week’s post: “The Subtlety of Pride”), I want to dig a little deeper here into what motivations are revealed by the actions we take.

You see, pride, as we talked about last week, isn’t always super obvious. Sometimes, it’s not directly manifested in a “Nah, God, I don’t wanna.” Sometimes, it’s just displayed in the actions we take on our day-to-day, the little choices that say, “I trust my judgement of what’s best for me more than I trust God’s.”

For me, as one example of many, it’s displayed in my addiction to comfort & ease. I like quick food, pajamas all day, & will look for any & every reason to kill several hours playing a video game or binging a show, rather than ever asking God how I might best feel refreshed while asking HIM how I best ought to use my time.

This repetitive striving after comfort, like most bad habits, is indicative of pride.

What Do I Hold Most Dear?

It’s pride when I want to seek comfort & ease more than I am willing to drop all of that to: 1. Honor God with the choices on how I treat the body He made for me, 2. Treat the day as something I can use to give God glory, & 3. Turn to Him for guidance on how to best use that day vs vegging out on the couch for hours on end…

That takes a humility & surrender to say, “Not my will, but Thine be done.”

When my actions are self-focused throughout each day, catering to my own whims & whimsies, or even small pockets of free time that I automatically dub as “DESERVED” ME-time, it reveals that my motivations are focused on ME.

And not even saying that you can’t ever rest, as I mentioned last week, because God created the Sabbath knowing we NEED regular rest (Mark 2:27)… BUT, when we don’t trust that He KNOWS just how much rest we do need & so we take it upon ourselves to determine that (& the how) ourselves, clinging to “our” time… that’s pride.

What Determines Where You Spend Your Time?

How are your priorities? Where do you spend your free time? Do you ever ask God how to spend your time?

If someone were to watch your daily goings on, what motivations would your actions reveal? Who or what would they determine to mean the most to you or be the most important part of your life? For me, sadly, they would probably think quick food, pajamas, & video games are my top priorities, if they were to observe how I use my free time.

It’s a constant wrestling match for me because it’s one thing to KNOW I should ask God & it’s a whole other thing to place my faith in Him knowing better than me & acting on that FACT.

An unwillingness to sit & pray for more than a few quick moments… a resistance to read the Bible or even to go beyond a quick read to studying, dwelling on, & memorizing it… choosing how we spend our free time vs asking God how it ought best be used…. Those are ALL things with which I either HAVE struggled with, or currently STILL struggle.

It’s pride manifested in how I use my time.

A Prayer of Hope & Change & Grateful Humility

“Lord, I know that You see the true state of my heart. The rearing up at the thought that maybe You might not want me to use “MY” free time the way I want to & instead keeping that from You so I can cling to it…. The distrust & unwillingness to surrender fully to You… Please forgive me. I have such a selfish, prideful heart that believes & acts as if You don’t know infinitely better than me what I might need at any given moment… as if You can’t supply where I lack when You direct me toward a specific task for Your glory & honor. I am sorry. I don’t deserve Your faithfulness & goodness. I don’t deserve Your relentless, gentle pursuit of my heart. If I were You, I would have just shook my head, thrown my hands up, & walked away, thinking, “This one’s case is useless. I give up.” But You don’t. EVER. Thank You God for Your amazing, pursuing love of me, of all of us. You ARE Love. Forgive me, Lord. Help loosen my white-knuckled grip on the pointless things I seem to value far above their actual worth, knowing only You can really satisfy me the way my restless heart craves. You know what I need best & You are my supply. THANK YOU. I love You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, AMEN.”

What Motivations Do Your Actions Reveal?

What are you holding back from Him? What do you think He can’t handle or supply to your preference? Where do you tend to take the reins from Him for control? What motivations do your actions reveal?

Take some time to pray right now & ask Him for forgiveness over those areas.

Thank Him for His long-suffering, patient mercy & grace… His faithfulness.

Ask Him to help you become more aware of these self-seeking, distrusting decisions & for help in laying them at His feet for His answer/solution/lead.

He loves you. More than you could EVER get from any other human being… from ALL human beings combined. He DIED FOR YOU to reconcile you to Himself (Ephesians 2:1-7).

He knows you. He made you & knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). He knows what you need better than you do.

Trust Him. Surrender to Him. Experience HIS living water where you won’t need to thirst for anything else (John 4:14).

Shine HOPE by determining to lay down your pride in EVERYthing & seek to live a life that pleases Him, honors Him, & gives Him glory. Be holy, for He is holy (1 Peter 1:16).

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

This blog/website has been running for THREE 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!!

Long Chain Necklace (India)

Love long chain necklaces? This is the necklace for you! This silver-tone link-chain design is handcrafted in India & is totally on-trend! Wear alone, double up, or layer together with other chain necklaces from our One World Collection, like our Long Chain Necklace – Gold. Or even check out our Charms Sets to add a little flare to match your every look! Every purchase provides fair trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable Artisans in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.

Purchase this necklace & empower an Artisan in India!

How You Can Help:

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!

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!