Have You Ever Stopped to Think about It?

I am going to ruffle some feathers this week, I just know it… & honestly, I’m okay with that. Truth is truth & truth is what will actually bring us true blessing… so, it is absolutely worth it.

I have talked about this before, & like a lot of things I repeat blogs on, it’s worth talking about again… mostly because it is so easy to slip into worship that isn’t actually worship..

How is your worship? Have you ever thought about that?

I know, for most of my life, I honestly never really gave it a second thought.

I sang the songs in church, I prayed before meals, I went to church. OF COURSE I was worshipping… but was I?

You see, there is an important distinction between real worship & well, not real worship.

Just Repeating Words on a Page & Never Really Letting It Reach Your Heart

The first easy mistake is regurgitated worship. I talk about this type of thing when I mention prayer with vain repetitions.

It’s basically when you maybe know all the words to a song or the little prayer poem & you just regurgitate it without ever stopping to think about what you’re singing/saying.

You know the words. You sing/say the words. But your heart just isn’t really in it.

And I don’t mean to say you need to FEEL it… I mean to say–are you actually directing those words TO Him? As if praying them to Him? Telling Him how grateful you are, praising Him? Or just saying the words without actually considering Him listening to you at all?

Is it just regurgitated? Or is it true worship?

Do You Really Have to FEEL It in Order to Feel Like You Can Worship?

The next type of worship I mentioned is emotions-based worship. Now, this is NOT saying that it is wrong to be super emotional when you worship, just that your worship should not be centered around or dependent upon how much you’re “feeling” it. This sort of goes along with my recent post: “True Rejoicing Does Not Have to FEEL Happy.”

I remember I saw a video online recently, where a worship leader mentioned how he often gets asked how he can lead worship on days where he is just not feeling it at all & having a rough day or a bad attitude.

His answer was surprising, but so real. He said that those are actually his favorite days to lead worship, because it forces his perspective to shift in those moments. He goes from feeling grumpy or discouraged to bowing his head & saying, “God, You are worthy & deserving despite however I’m feeling right now.” AMEN.

If you don’t feel pumped up… if you don’t feel joyous… if you don’t feel like it at all… are you willing to stop yourself & pray that same thing? “Lord, You are worthy & deserving no matter how I may be feeling right now”? Are you willing to worship anyway because He deserves your worship?

True Worship Takes HEART

But TRUE worship takes heart. It’s a heart posture that makes it worship… not the words you say, not the songs you sing, but a heart that bows to the King of kings, Lord of lords, no matter your circumstances or feelings.

I remember through many a difficult dark season of my life, coming to these moments where I realized that even though my life wasn’t working out so well, or at least how I would crave it to be… that He is GOD & I am not… that He has a plan… that He knows what He’s doing… that He is always working… that He will never waste my struggles… that He made me… that He sees me… that He alone is worthy to be praised… & that no matter what I was going through or what I was feeling could ever change that about Him… even if I didn’t “get” it.

Is your worship like that?

Do you say the words without ever letting it touch your heart?

Do you withhold it if you’re not in the mood?

Or do you worship Him because He alone is worthy of it, come what may, no matter the circumstances? Bowing your heart to Him & lifting Him up in praise?

Not JUST in word… not just in song… but in all of your LIFE?

How Is Your Worship? Regurgitated, Emotions-Based, or True?

Does your life, your daily moment-by-moment reflect a heart of worship to the One True God, Maker of Heaven & Earth?

He is worthy to be praised! Even on your worst day!

How is your worship? Regurgitated… emotions-based… or TRUE?

Next time you find yourself praising & worshipping Him in song, word, or deed… take a second to think about it… to assess where your heart’s at… to see whether you need to readjust how you approach worship before an Almighty, all-deserving God.

Shine HOPE by thinking about your words & actions of worship, directing them to Him in your heart, not just regurgitating… not just when the feelings feel right… but all the time, everywhere, every day, because it is truly what He deserves.

“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 6) on my NEW YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @5pm 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 7.5 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!!

Moonlit Moss Scarf, Handcrafted in India!

Create safe, fair-paying jobs for women in India when you shop the Moonlit Moss Scarf. This cozy Moonlit Moss Scarf from India has grey-blue hue with shimmering thread woven throughout the design. Each Artisan-made scarf is handcrafted using a soft viscose material.

***Purchase this scarf to help create safe jobs and fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in India.***

***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!

What Gives Prayer Power?

Something I have realized recently is a deeper take on something I have talked about before: Vain repetition vs continued reliance.

(You can read these 3 previous posts on this topic: “What Even Is Prayer?”; “Pray Continually-What Does Prayer Actually Accomplish?”; “Why Do You Pray? Vain Repetitions VS Continued Reliance.”.)

The Bible says to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) & also emphasizes the need to continue asking for something with urgency (Luke 18:1-8). BUT, it also warns against “vain repetitions” (Matthew 6:7-8)—”as if God doesn’t already know” or…

… as if the power of prayer comes in the HOW it’s prayed vs the WHO it’s prayed TO.

Sometimes You Entrust It & Walk Away… Other times You Pray Repeatedly as If Your Very Life Depends on It… What’s the Difference?

When praying, there are certain things we need only ask once for, that God would provide something specific, leaving the how in God’s hands, trusting Him to provide in His timing.

But some things are daily. The grace to get through the day, for example. Mindfulness for outreach & evangelism opportunities, peace, gratefulness for daily provisions, wisdom, strength, the way forward, etc. A continuous reliance upon Him vs self.

Maybe you’d really love something but you’re not sure it’s what’s best. You can pray & say, “God, You know I would really love this. If it pleases You, can You make it happen someday? If not, I trust Your lead.”

But this same scenario can fit both types of prayer, depending on the circumstances.

Say you are still worried about it… pray AGAIN. Say you feel confident that God will work it in His timing & will & leave it with Him—then you really just need to ask Him once to work in His timing & will on it.

The Idea & Prayer Came Long Before This Website Was Birthed

For example, I had the desire for a website/blog back in the early 2000’s, but I had no idea how or what to do, so I had no room to move forward. So, I prayed about it & let it go.

A decade or so later, after my lonely, rage-monster-trapped-in-my-head hard time in Hokkaido, God brought back my long-forgotten request with a felt urgency of “now is the time.”

I still had no idea HOW, so I prayed over any concerns or lack of know-how that popped up at the consideration & entrusted the way forward to Him. Praying regularly over each new concern or lack of know-how as it came up... adding each to my list of concerns that I brought to Him.

Then, I see a course pop up on social media teaching the steps to design, develop, & launch a website… & every single thing I had been praying over was addressed. I knew that was the way forward because I had been taking my new/unsolved concerns to Him on a regular basis as they arose.

Are You Trying to Convince God? Or Are You Entrusting to God?

We need to be careful that our regular prayer does not become a spewed off list, meaningless repetitions, but rather humbled petition brought boldly before an all-capable, all-knowing, all-powerful God… One Who gave His very Son to save us from our sins against Him… in other words, a God Who loves us inexplicably.

Do we pray every night for it because we feel our repeated petitions grant it power? Do we do it thinking if you don’t pray “hard enough” He will not care enough to answer? Or do we do it as a sign of continuous reliance upon Him in the unknowns & requests of life, KNOWING that if there is a place of hope, a way forward, it can ONLY be found in HIM?

Can you think of any good examples of either praying once & trusting God to provide in His own wisdom & timing? OR, needing to daily rely on Him for something, going to Him regularly & consistently, placing your trust repeatedly in Him over yourself?

Shine HOPE by knowing to Whom you pray… & praying accordingly… boldly, humbly, trusting.

“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 on my NEW YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @5pm 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 7.5 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!!

Ellie Bag Charm–Handcrafted in India!

Meet our newest Elephant friend, the Ellie Bag Charm! This adorable charm is created in a workshop committed to fighting child marriage in India by creating fair paying job and shows of the craftmanship of our talented artisan partners in India! Each bead is handsewn onto the charm to create this Elephant image.

–>Every purchase provides 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!

Rejoicing in the Midst of Trials

Something that I misunderstood most of my life was the idea of rejoicing in the midst of trials.

To me, it felt like it implied that I must feel happy while also dealing with intense struggling, & that, if I couldn’t get myself to be (or pretend) to be happy, then I was living as a bad testimony for God… that I wasn’t trusting in Him enough…. That I wasn’t a good enough Christian.

Well, imagine how much shame that has brought on me over the years as a now grown woman who has struggled through seasons of depression for most all of her life. When I am going through an intensely dark season of my life, I feel no happy... I barely feel anything at all….

Constantly feeling like a failure to God, as if I just couldn’t be good enough to fake it or feel it well enough to “prove” I trusted God “enough” through those darkest of seasons was a hugely heavy burden to carry, on top of already feeling like my consistently downcast mental state alone was a hugely heavy burden for everyone else in my life to carry.

But, thankfully, God has taught me a little something about rejoicing in Him through trials over the years.

It Does Not Mean Pretending to be Happy

You see, what a wonderfully freeing thing it is to realize that rejoicing in trials does not mean pretending to be happy at all times in those trials.

But rather, something much sweeter, richer, & more real than that.

God sees me at my worst. I don’t have to ever pretend for Him, because He already sees it all anyway. He knows the real, deep-down ME.

I never have to be fake with God. He can handle my heavy burdens just fine for the both of us.

And implying the supposed falsehood that to be a good testimony for Him, I have to come off as perfect at all times is implying that the focus ought to be on my own perfection in order to somehow prove His sufficiency.

Rather, in those moments of complete & utter weakness, I have found something beautiful.

As I am feeling frail, hurting, barely holding myself together… the rejoicing comes in the form of remembering.

Taking Time to REMEMBER… & to Praise Him for WHO He Is… Despite How I’m Feeling

Sometimes even as I cry, I sit & remember all He has done for me… all He has sustained me through… & I thank Him… I praise Him that He always shows to have a plan, even when I can’t see it at the time… that He never wastes a single hurt, even when I don’t see how He ever could use it… & that He 100% ALWAYS works everything out for BOTH His glory AND my GOOD.

He holds me together when I feel like I’m falling apart.

He infuses peace in my heart when all the pieces fall around me.

He carries me when I can’t carry myself.

He protects me when I feel too weak to stand.

He cares for me when it feels like no one else does or could.

He has compassion for me no matter how little I may deserve it.

He is my strong tower when the winds of life rage around me.

He wraps His arms of love around me, even when I feel too unlovable.

He gives me HOPE in the midst of the most hopeless.

And in all those things, EVEN WHEN the pain doesn’t quit… I can rejoice through my pain. I can praise Him through my hurts.

True Rejoicing Does Not Have to FEEL Happy

I can trust Him.

I can rejoice in Him, even in & through the pain.

I don’t have to pretty up my pain or get over it in order to rejoice genuinely, but rather, I can display even better His glory by rejoicing in Him even in the even if.

I am allowed to both grieve the effects of sin & therefore, brokenness, in this world, while also simultaneously recognizing & rejoicing that God is still on His throne, He cannot & will not ever be thwarted. He will have the final say. He will be magnified. He will get the glory He deserves.

I can feel hurt & sad while also recognizing & rejoicing in the HOPE I have because of what Jesus did for me on the cross for my sins.

What Matters Is How You Choose to Respond to Your Pain… Not That You Pretend You Don’t Feel Pain…

I think where the confusion comes from is instead what we choose to do with the pain & hurts that we feel that scares people into being scared of admitting they are feeling negative feelings.

If you are dwelling only on the pain & intently choosing NOT to rejoice UNLESS it’s all fixed & prettied up… there’s a problem.

If you are allowing your pain to help you justify a root of bitterness springing up within your heart… there’s a problem.

If you are using your hurt as an excuse to slander someone else’s reputation, or to gossip about them behind their back… there’s a problem.

If your hurt tempts you into believing you need to seek elsewhere for hope… & you begin to listen to & obey that little temptation… there’s a problem.

If you refuse to have gratitude because of your hurt… there’s a problem.

If you rebel against God & obedience to Him because of your hurt… there’s a problem.

But the feeling hurt is not the problem… it is a result of the pain brought on by living in a broken world, of grieving things not being the ideal that God originally intended when He created the world… before we allowed sin to enter the picture.

And sometimes, it’s just the consequence of our own sin… a call to come back to the forgiving, gracious, loving arms of Jesus. Not a place to STAY, but a force to push you back to the only place where you will ever find true HOPE.

Let the pain draw you back to Him.

Let the Pain Draw You Ever into the Arms of Jesus

You know, I used to be so frustrated & confused & hurt at how God could allow someone (AKA me) to endure intense seasons of pain that felt source-less & meaningless… pain that sometimes felt like it would never ever end.

But, after years of praying over it, through my many seasons of great darkness… crying while crying out to God for help… I have seen things more clearly….

That because of those many seasons of darkness, where I couldn’t even see a source of it sometimes… only senseless pain… I learned the most unimaginably beautiful truth.

That, because of those many seasons of intensely dark pain, I had been repeatedly & constantly thrown ever into the arms of Jesus. My desperation demanded it. My heart needed it like air to breath. Suicidal thoughts were a regular companion of mine in some dark seasons, but God’s compassionate arms pulled me in over & over & over & over & over again, even when I couldn’t get myself to pick myself back up again.

In ALL Things… In EVERY Season… God Is SUFFICIENT… & in That… I CAN REJOICE!!

I learned that I can count on Him at my absolute worst. I learned that even when I have absolutely NOTHING to contribute… He is sufficient. I learned that I can count on Him EVEN IF nothing ever got better. I learned that I can count on the fact that He never EVER wastes even a single OUNCE of my pain, but ALWAYS uses it for BOTH His glory & my good. I learned that He is consistently sufficient in my every personal lack of sufficiency.

I learned that He is ENOUGH. And that His grace will carry me through even the worst hurts imaginable… even when it feels there is no & could never be any hope… I find that Hope in Him.

And in that… even when I don’t feel happy… I can rejoice.

Shine HOPE by turning every hurt & heartache into an opportunity to seek your sufficiency, your fulfillment, & your HOPE in HIM ALONE… & REJOICE in Him through every bit of 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)***

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

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 7.5 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!!

February 2026 Monthly “Hope Mail” (Made by Artisan Women in INDIA)

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

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

Featured in this month’s Hope Mail is the Carnation Sunset Earrings. These detailed, hand beaded earrings are handcrafted by women in a workshop committed to fighting child marriage and creating dignified jobs for women in India. Each drop earring uses traditional embroidery and hand beading details to show off our Artisan Partners craftmanship and create this stunning carnation design in a gold-tone frame.

Every purchase of this month’s Hope Mail 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 You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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!

Always a Work-in-Progress

I am going to be a little vulnerable with you today in admitting something that I am embarrassed to admit.

In all my many years of trusting on Jesus to pay my debt before God… since I was 5… I have struggled with something that, for a long time, I didn’t even realize was anything to worry about at all.

But recently, as I read my Bible, God has been slowly revealing to me something that I feel a lot of people are actually missing: ministry isn’t ONLY supposed to be something pre-arranged or pre-planned.

What do I mean by that? I mean that ministry is meant to be an all day, every day type of thing. It is not just “I serve in children’s church on Sunday, every other month,” or, “I help with the ladies’ prison ministry once a week,” or, “I run my own website & a weekly blog.”

And while, yes, it does honor God for me to be doing those things… it shouldn’t be where my ministry stops.

AS You Go… Not Just on Sundays

When I read the Bible, I see a lot more examples of what the Bible says: “Go & make disciples…” verse (Matthew 28:19-20) that is really saying, “AS you go… make disciples.” It is not once a destination is reached, but an “on the way” type of command.

I see that sort of ministry demonstrated far more than any organized, pre-arranged type of ministry happening.

Yes, it is good to set regular times, carving out designated time to do ministry consistently throughout the week, but it ought not stop there.

Do I live like that? No, not really.

Look Up… & See PEOPLE

I was taught by life to keep my head down, mind my own business, go in/get out with errand-running, don’t talk to strangers, don’t bother other people, “stranger danger.” It is pretty engrained in me to not engage with strangers, in other words.

And, as one example, in looking at the “Good Samaritan” story, in Luke 10:25-37, it is so easy to be judgy toward those religious leaders who just snub a bloodied, beaten-up dude on the side of the road, dying from his injuries & them just self-righteously refusing to lift a finger to help….

But isn’t that me every single day?

There are broken people all around me. I don’t seek to help a single one.

What Would Jesus Do? What Should WE Do?

If I were to see that man, I would walk as FAR an arc around him as possible. Maybe he got beat up because HE was the perpetrator. Maybe he is dangerous. Maybe the guys who did it are still close by.

I don’t want to risk my life. My safety.

And being a WOMAN on top of all the potential dangers involved? Makes me even MORE vulnerable to attack.

Nuh-uh, no thanks, “I have to be smart about it” is what I tell myself.

“Don’t be stupid.” “God gave us common sense for a reason.” “Don’t put yourself in harms way, you have to protect yourself & stay SAFE…” is what I tell myself.

As if God doesn’t know how to care for me. As if I can’t trust His judgment if He nudges me toward someone in need. As if my safety is more important than someone else’s. As if I wouldn’t be crying & despairing for someone to help ME if that were me in that situation.

What Would You Have Done?

I watched a video the other day of a woman sharing her story. She was in major pageants & was leaving or arriving at some swanky event when she was approached by 5 armed men who tried to abduct her. I don’t remember how she got away, but when she did, she was sure she’d get shot in the back as she fled through BUSY WITH PEOPLE streets. Running up to cars, begging for help… they closed their windows & drove off. No one would dare help this crazed woman who was really running for her LIFE. Until one brave young lady, with a little one in the backseat, opened her door & said, “GET IN.”

Would I have been that brave? I don’t think I would. Especially if I hadn’t seen the abduction attempt & thought maybe she was on drugs or something.

I wouldn’t have helped her.

I would have protected myself first.

I wouldn’t have helped that beaten, bloodied, left-for-dead man, either.

I would have protected myself first.

Seek the Lost, Love the Broken… As Jesus Did for You

Even in less life-threatening examples, I assume the worst could be true, & I turn/look the other way.

And in completely HARMLESS situations, I don’t DARE bother someone but keep my head down & eyes on the task. Blurring everyone around me out of view/thought.

Shame. On. Me.

“They’re busy… they don’t want to be bothered.” “I don’t want to seem annoying.” “What if I sound like a crazy person?” “What if I make someone uncomfortable?” “What if they don’t want my help?”

But God KNOWS their heart, doesn’t He? He doesn’t need to guess.

So, why do I question Him then…?

Organic Ministry–Do You Put Ministry in a Box?

I want to LIVE ministry. I want to keep my eyes on the lookout for every opportunity.

I want my errands to be treated as opportunities. I want to pray for God to help me see people as PEOPLE vs just blurs in my peripheral.

I want to make eye contact smile at people as they pass by. I want people to know they are seen & not forgotten/alone. I want to live as a testimony even to strangers. I want to be kind when kindness is unexpected. I want to be willing to step in to help when I see a struggle. I want to be gentle & gracious when someone is frustrated & rushed. I want to be willing to say “hello.” I want to be willing to speak up when God prompts me to say more.

I want to learn to love more costly… sacrificially… not just when it seems easy or convenient to me.

God Gives Grace in Our Growing

But, I know… God gives me grace in my growing… God knows how imperfect I am… God doesn’t NEED me… God gives grace upon grace upon grace… God can grow me where I lack… I am never too little for Him, because He is great enough for the both of us… God can shape me… God never gives up on me…. God can where I CAN’T.

God knows I would be crushed utterly under the weight of all my imperfections, my faults & failures, my flesh & its forever-temptation to wander & seek SELF above all else.

THANK GOD for His long-suffering patience & grace & sovereignty in the face of ALL my LACK. PRAISE GOD!!!

A Prayer for Growing in Organic Ministry… An “Every Day, Everywhere” Type of Ministry

How grateful I am to Him that I can bring this to Him & say, “God, wow how much I lack. It’s like every day you reveal more & more how much I need You to prune my life & make me more like Jesus. How much I fall short! And yet, Your grace meets me right there. Thank You for NEVER giving up on me. Grow me in this. Teach me how to SEE people. Teach me to follow & trust Your nudges. Help me to put myself on a limb to rescue others. Help me to be bold with Your grace for others. Help me to love other people as You see & love them. Help me to count their salvation & life more valuable than my own life, even. Grow me to be & do ministry more like Jesus. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

What about You?

Do you struggle with this, too? Am I alone in this?

In what ways do you see yourself needing to grow in this area? Are you willing to take it to God & ask Him to grow & shape you to be equipped to do ministry more as an everyday, everywhere type of ministry? Are you courageous enough to ask Him? If not, start there & pray for the courage to ask Him for help.

Has God grown you some in this already? Teach me. Give me tips on where to start, on how to change my perspective & my habits. Teach me to love strangers like Jesus would.

And pray for me in this… & pray for you, too.

Let your ministry be in your home… parenting… how you treat & support your spouse… your jobsite… people you see at the grocery store…. Where else can you think of that can be your ministry field?

Shine HOPE by doing ministry wherever you are, not just on Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, or some other church-orchestrated event. Make your life your ministry field.

“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:

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 7.5 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!!

Love Candy Heart Pouch (Handcrafted in India)

Create dignified jobs for women in India that allow families to leave the slums when you buy this adorable Love Candy Heart Pouch! This adorable, beaded pouch is handcrafted by women earning a fair and dignified wage for her work in India. No detail is left out with this embroidered and hand beaded pouch that showcases the amazing craftsmanship of our Artisan Partners. Featuring “LOVE” spelled out in block letters, every purchase supports families in areas of extreme poverty in India. 

***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 You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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!

Make Sure We Don’t Miss the Whole Point

We are told to pray when we’re worried, to pray before a meal, to go to church, to be good & make right choices & have a good attitude. To serve & give & tithe to our church. How to dress, how to act, how to say all the right things.

We are taught so many things, but so often, I feel we miss the whole point in all of those doing of right things.

This life isn’t about checking all the right boxes nor about being a good person nor about having God as our little helper through life.

YES, we ought to strive for those things—do what you ought to do, live in a way pleasing to God, trust & rely on God’s help throughout life.

BUT, life isn’t about all that. It is for living a life that gives God glory. It’s about living for Him. Not anything else. Doing that in everything we do. THAT IS the point.

Do You Treat God Like Your Little Helper?

Do you live life that way? Do you live like God is a little helper on your shoulder or like He alone is LORD of your LIFE?

Is He your subordinate, your assistant… or your Lord?

Are YOU the one leading things… or is He?

Do you allow Him space to adjust your schedule, your dreams, your attitude, your will & way?

Or do you figure out how it ought to look (your way—even a churchy way) & just ask for Him to “help out”?

Who is really, ACTUALLY in charge of your life?

I Will be the Broken Record… Because I KEEP Needing to Hear It

I know I sound like a broken record talking about this. I know I say it over & over & over again. Maybe you’re feeling it’s getting old….

But if I still struggle remembering this… there’s a chance maybe someone else out there does, too.

I get shown constantly how the world does life. I don’t need to ask or seek it out.

But giving up all the social “norms” to live fully surrendered to a life that gives God glory in all things? I have to SEEK that out with EFFORT… or it just does not happen.

LEGITIMATELY… Reading Your Bible Is FOOD for Your Soul… Are You Malnourished? Do You Even Realize Whether or Not You Are?

I want to present you with a challenge this year… one that I feel will really revolutionize how you pray, what you feel brave enough to pray for, & how you see God show up in your life:

1. Read your Bible every day. FORGET the year plans if they intimidate you–God never specifies how many chapters to read–just that you READ & MEDITATE (dwell) on it. So, do that.
2. AS you read, look for HOW people in the Bible prayed. Watch how God responds to their prayers. Watch the humility, the boldness, the surrender-to-desiring/seeking His will… in their prayers.
3. PRAY that God help you know & love Him better AS you read. Pray to see Him better so that you can love Him better.
4. Watch Him transform your perspective. Not all at once, but you will see it & you won’t ever want to go back. Satan will throw EVERY distraction at you to get you to quit. But remember, this isn’t a year plan. So, after a day missed… pick up that Bible AGAIN. No shame. Just read. God doesn’t NEED you to read… but He tells you to because He knows how well it will help YOU. So trust Him, & READ IT.
5. AND, side note, but you BEST believe, that if God asks you to do something that honors Him… HE WILL help you accomplish it if you stick with it, apologize when your attitude is completely lacking, & ask for you to step forward in it, to show you WHEN, & when you feel the nudge He WILL give, EVEN IF you find every reason WHY THAT TIMING IS TERRIBLE… you will find that He indeed knew better than you EVERY time. Trust the nudge. And READ.

As you read & pray & look for how God is prayed to & for what & how He responds… you will begin to see God how you ought… as LORD. A Lord Who loves you & cares for you & protects you & has your best interest at heart if you would but trust His way over your own.

Talk to Him Like He Cares for You–Because He DOES

Don’t go throughout life tossing prayers up at Him as just your “backup.” Or out of mindless routine.

Talk to Him like He cares about you (because He DOES–He sent Jesus to die for YOUR sin), like He can do so much more than you can ever work out in your own limitations (because He CAN-He made the world & everything in it out of nothing, by His WORD alone), like His will, guidance, & way… obedience to Him daily & moment-by-moment trusting His lead is INFINITELY better than any routine or societal norm could cook up (because it IS-You are not the main character of your story-HE IS).

He will be glorified regardless. He will have the final say no matter what. He cannot be stopped. He cannot be thwarted. He will prevail.

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11)

Do You Treat God Like a Little Angel of Help on Your Shoulder? Or as Lord of Your Life?

Do You Treat God Like a Little Angel of Help on Your Shoulder? Or as Lord of Your Life? Live like HE IS the KING of kings & LORD of lords… Because HE IS.

Shine HOPE by living your life with Him at the helm, letting Him lead, humbly submitting to His will, His interruptions, His purposes for your life… live a life that will matter for the Kingdom of God long after you are dead & gone–our life is but a vapor. TO GOD BE THE GLORY, AMEN!

“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:

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 7.5 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!!

XOXO Candy Heart Pouch, (Handcrafted in INDIA)

Create dignified jobs for women in India that allow families to leave the slums when you carry this adorable XOXO Candy Heart Pouch! This stunning beaded, blue-colored pouch is handcrafted by women earning a fair and dignified wage for her work in India. No detail is left out with this embroidered and hand beaded pouch that showcases the amazing craftsmanship of our Artisan Partners. Featuring “XOXO” spelled out in block letters.

Every purchase supports families in areas of extreme poverty in India.

***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 You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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!

God Sees through It… Others See through It… It’s Not the Same

I grew up understanding the pursuit of holiness a lot differently than I do now after years more of trusting in Jesus to save me from my sins.
You see, I thought holiness was perfection. And, well, it is… but it’s not immediate. It’s not pretending to be holy, either.
Because holiness doesn’t happen overnight. Holiness is something God produces in us the more of our lives we learn we need to surrender to Him.
It is not projecting perfection. It is not trying to act like we’re perfect all the time & that we never make mistakes.
It is not trying to be a good testimony for God by pretending we have it all together.
And that is sort of how I understood it. I was wrong.

Forever a Work in Progress=ALL of Us

A great resource for better understanding this topic is a little book by Jerry Bridges “The Pursuit of Holiness.” (*You can find the link to it on the “Recommended by Michelle” page of my website, alphabetically, under “Books,” here.) I love how gracious he is about the topic, yet unyielding from truth. He doesn’t make excuses for sin but also doesn’t pretend he has it all figured out, either.
Let’s get it out there right now: We will NEVER reach perfect holiness this side of heaven. Our righteousness–our holiness–was bought by the blood of Jesus–HIS holiness is accounted to US because of our faith in HIM. We don’t automatically BECOME perfect but are ACCOUNTED as without blemish because of the blood of Jesus.
But, we strive for holiness all the same, because it is what God asks of us… it’s how we honor Him… obey Him… love Him.

Pretending Perfection Is Not the Same as Holiness

Be careful, though, that you do not fall into the trap of thinking that means you have to PRETEND holiness in order to please God.

It does NOT honor God to dress up on Sunday, wear a bright smile around others, while you all just screamed at each other on the way to church. Simply looking or pretending the part does not please God. God sees behind the masks.
Look to the MANY repeated examples in the Bible. These authors, inspired by God, did not sugarcoat their messy ministries & mistakes. They failed SO MUCH & it is recorded FOR US.
Because the point is not that we look to their perfection, but to the perfection of Christ as our example… as our hope.
When we plaster a smile, pretend pleasantries, & hide all of our faults from the world around us… we are being like the white-washed tombs Jesus calls out during His ministry on earth. It’s FAKE. That does not honor God. It MOCKS Him, because it gives US the credit… not Him.
It points to US… not Him.

And because it’s quite frankly… a lie. None of us are actually perfect.

A Forever Pursuit of Holiness

Now, this doesn’t mean to be as messy as you feel like because we ought to be “authentic.”
We ought to live with restraint, taking every thought captive & MAKING it obedient to Christ. We need to be working to bow our insufficiencies, mistakes, failures, etc. to His help.
We ought to be seeking His Word, the Bible, meditating on its Truth. Talking with Him without ceasing, leaning on Him & His wisdom & strength in every circumstance.
We ought to be honest with ourselves & with Him about our many weaknesses, ever surrendering those to His pruning & perfecting, to be made more like Jesus Christ.
But this is not a pretending process.
It is a pointing to Him through every bit of it. Revealing your weaknesses as one ever submitting them to the King of kings, Lord of lords… His authority, His Word, His help… for His glory.

Let People See

Letting people see the process.
Letting people see where your hope is found–not in your goodness, but in His.
I will be the first to tell you that I don’t deserve one bit of God’s grace, but that is the very reason it is called grace… the very nature of grace is the fact that it is completely & utterly undeserved. And not a single one of us deserve it!
A speaker came to our church during one particular conference, & while I cannot recall his name, I will forever remember his words, something to the tune of: “The funny thing about holiness is that the holier you become, the more wretched you realize that you are.” How very, very true.

Ever Surrendered

We can never hope to be “enough” for God. Our hiding of sins or sinful attitudes or thoughts behind a smile does nothing to convince God of anything. He knows our heart better than we ever could. He sees the intent even.

I believe that a healthy balance of authenticity & a striving for holiness involves being honest about your struggling, your process, your needs, your strongholds… bringing them to light, supporting one another in them, speaking truth to one another, praying for one another, encouraging one another toward a life that pleases Him.

Not pretending holiness, but an open & honest pursuit of it… together, in prayer, with God’s help.

Shine HOPE by not pretending holiness… but by pursuing it alongside one another, honestly, sometimes raw & vulnerable… seeking to please God together through all of our struggles & weaknesses. Forever a work in progress–submitted to gracious, loving God for help.

“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:

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 7.5 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!!

Malachite Drop Earrings (Made by Our Artisans in India!)

These stunning Malachite Drop Earrings are handmade in India by women earning fair wages for their work. These earrings feature an organic gold-tone shape with a dangle malachite stone charm, to create a sophisticated fair-trade fashion statement.

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 You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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!

How Much Does God Actually Want to Interact with Our Lives?

Growing up, I really didn’t think of God much beyond the fact that Jesus had died for my sins so that I could go to heaven someday.

I knew I *ought* to read the Bible & pray, but not why. Just felt it was what a “good Christian person” does… not much beyond that.

I also understood that I was supposed to live in a way that pleased God, so… try to be a nice person, try not to break His laws/commandments, & make good choices that would make Him happy.

Then there’s tithe, to support my local church… go to church on Sundays… pray before a meal… serve somehow, some way… pray when I’m scared of the dark or of a nightmare (I used to have chronic nightmares).

Other than that… well, I didn’t really think God was much involved in my life. More like a distant overseer who would let me into heaven someday because of what Jesus did for me.

What Can Prayer Actually Do?

I also REALLY didn’t understand the purpose of prayer, or even the point of it sometimes (I mean, He already knows my thoughts anyway).

(***You can read 3 previous blog posts on the topic of prayer, here: “What Even Is Prayer?” “What Is Prayer & Why Does It Matter?” “‘Pray Continually’–What Does Prayer Actually Accomplish?” ***)

So, thinking about God as a part of my daily life just seemed sort of not really a thing.

But, the more I read the Bible, the more I pray, & the more years that pass as someone seeking to know Him more & more… the more I have realized just how personal & involved God wants to be in our lives… if we but let Him.

Think of the verses in the Bible about “pray without ceasing,” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) this isn’t some sort of “stay knelt at the edge of your bed with your hands clasped & your eyes closed… & never EVER leave there.” This is a “instead of just inner dialogue, recognize God hears every thought & turn those thoughts toward conversation with Him.”

Learn from Those in the Bible Who Turned to God in Prayer about EVERYTHING… Vs Those Who Didn’t… (Sometimes the Same Person Did Both)

My husband & I read a chapter of the Bible together every night before bed, followed by our thoughts on what we’d read & then we take turns praying over our next day & thanking Him… & we just finished 2 Chronicles.

Just reading about all of the kings throughout Israel’s history during that time period, you see the good, the bad, & the UGLY (like burning your children alive to “appease” false “gods” UGH).

But what these chapters show over & over again is what God can do with a life willing to go to Him with every thought, every question, every struggle… willing to humble yourself before God with everything… & when they didn’t, like near the end of 2 Chronicles (2 Chronicles 35) (also, see David’s story), even when warned that it was God’s leading & to not try to stop it… instead of stopping to confirm with God, Josiah got himself killed. Every decision should go before the King of kings… not just doing what seems right to us.

The Patterns of the World?

Or how about the many repeated times where the phrase “& the people did what was right in their own eyes” shows up? (Judges 21:25) I always pictured it talking about orgies & other despicable things… but it quite literally is just what it says, they were “doing what was right in their own eyes.” That is seen as a bad thing, & goes along also with the phrase of the “vain patterns of their fathers,” doing what’s always been modeled to us versus checking it against what God says & how God leads.

“Don’t conform yourself to the patterns of this world, but BE transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2)

We are not here on this earth to just live & then die. We were born, KNIT TOGETHER, (Psalm 139:13) our days numbered before even one began… to WORSHIP OUR KING. To live for the SPIRITUAL Kingdom of GOD. NOT this world!

How often do we live like that is actually true? How often do we just follow the patterns of the world we live in? The way we grew up?

How often do we stop & say to ourselves, “wait, everything else will just die with me when I go… ONLY living for God’s kingdom will last beyond my lifetime”? How often?

Who Do I Act Like I Am I REALLY Living For?

I grew up thinking to try to live a good life, “with a little dash of Jesus for good measure.” But who am I living for? Me? Or Him?

Even praying before meals had become a mindless ritual in many cases, while Jesus demonstrates it solely as a sign of humble respect, thanking God for His provisions, recognizing it as all from Him, before eating it. (Luke 22:19; John 6:11)

Do you know how much RICHER your life will become when it is fully, completely, & entirely submitted to THE eternal, all-powerful, all-wise, gracious, loving KING of kings? Because EVERYTHING you do will hold ETERNAL significance!

Don’t you want a life like that??? Don’t you CRAVE that???

What Would That Life Look Like?

A life where even menial, thankless, ever-needing-to-be-done tasks (like laundry, dishes, cleaning, bill-paying) become opportunities to thank God for all He has supplied, to honor Him by stewarding the resources well, to honor Him by working hard & allowing it to become a safe haven space for you & your family to come home to?

Work becomes a space where you can shine a light of hope to a world who does not know Hope, to pray for co-workers, to offer encouragement or grounding truth from God’s Word, to serve them, to find ways to make their EVERY day a little brighter & easier to show up for?

Where screw ups & failures & weaknesses never get wasted, because you pray & ask God to teach you to better trust & rely on Him through them & they become examples to the world of how great & gracious our God truly is. That He can do anything… He has no limitations.

Where peace enters your life when chaos still lingers because you have humbled yourself before Him to hold you through it. A peace not reliant upon peaceful circumstances returning.

Where bad attitudes, stress, & short tempers are met with a lowered head & a silent prayer of asking God for forgiveness & the grace to face that moment in a way that honors Him vs. just how it’s making you feel.

Parenting becomes discipleship. Marriage becomes a display of His grace. Friendships become fellowship. Church becomes humble worship… LIFE becomes humble worship.

Isn’t that what you want? Don’t you crave that?

How Much of Your Life Do You Let God Be a Part Of? … & How Much Do You Keep Back from Him?

Really think about it: How much of your life do you let God be a part of? … & how much do you keep back from Him?

Do you follow the patterns of people that live “with a dash of Jesus”? Or do you seek to let God help you forge a life fully surrendered to His Kingdom?

As I heard in a video recently, “Pretend that every time you walk into a room—God sent you there. How would that change how you act/live?”

We are here for a purpose: to worship & glorify God through all that we live, say, think, & do… are you living that way? Or are you just satisfied with your “dash” of Him?

Shine HOPE by letting God be your ALWAYS focus in your EVERY moment… not just the “dash of Jesus” ones.

“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)***

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 7.5 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!!

January 2026 “Hope Mail” INDIA

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

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

Featured in this month’s Hope Mail is the Love Letter Necklace. This adorable golden necklace features an envelope pendant and is creating dignified jobs for women in India. Each gold-tone envelope pendant looks like it’s sealed with a heart.

Every purchase of this month’s Hope Mail 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 You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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!

Short Answer? No

How do you become someone who is ALL IN for God? Is it only certain people who are exceptionally passionate people? Extra spiritual somehow? The right personality for it?

How can you go from just your average person to someone with a ministry like Paul’s? Like authors/speakers/pastors you admire? Is that even possible?

Sometimes it seems tempting to “leave that up to the ones who are “called” to it… those who seem to know what they’re doing… who seem to be naturals at it.” The problem with that line of thinking is literally every example of flawed human beings we read about in the Bible (aka everyone)… that the wonder, power, greatness, wisdom, miracles, etc. did not come from them being great at all… but because they trusted God over themselves.

I’m Never Going to be Good Enough…

I grew up a Christian. But I wasn’t always as I am now: designing/running my own website & blog, leading Bible studies, prayer groups, Sunday school classes, accountability groups, etc. I never thought I was good enough for ANY of that… & I wasn’t… & I still am not.

When I was just 5 years old, God got my attention. The sermon the pastor had preached in church started illuminating, as if it just all started suddenly coming into clear focus. That the sin he preached about was about ME TOO. I lied to my parents, argued, disobeyed, was mean to my little sister… all those things were SIN. I WAS WHY JESUS HAD TO DIE. ME.

I realized that my sin angered God & separated me from Him & made me worthy of Hell. I realized Jesus loved ME enough to die for MY sins. That Jesus was the ONLY way, because I was not good enough.

My parents asked me questions & walked me through how I could lay down my life & trust in Jesus to save me from my sins, that His death & resurrection alone was sufficient.

God, in His infinite grace, through His love for us that compelled Him… saw fit to pay my debts.

I Thought God Was Pretty Hands Off in the Day-to-Day… That His Saving Me Applied Only After Death… I Was Wrong

But, although I knew eternal peace from that young age &, in hindsight saw His fingerprints all throughout my life… I didn’t know much beyond that. I had to LEARN it.

You see, I thought He gave us His Word (the Bible) as good pointers/wisdom & that was that… it was up to me to figure out the rest from there. I didn’t know how He could help illuminate His Word to me through the Holy Spirit, as He had when the pastor had preached about heaven & hell all those years ago. I thought it was up to me to figure it all out.

I also wrongly felt pressures to always be good enough to “deserve” Jesus. As if I felt I needed to add more onto it as my life went on, more clearly recognizing my unworthiness the older I got… & I wanted to balance the scales a bit so I could maybe feel worthy of Jesus saving me… constantly worried that if I didn’t do enough, maybe my salvation was fake because I knew I was so flawed.

I also wrongly believed that God didn’t have much to do with my day-to-day life, other than me trying to read the Bible & live in a way that honored Him. Like… that GOD was pretty much hands-off other than that.

Everything We Say or Do Will All Pass Away… Except for What We Do for HIS KINGDOM

I ALSO wrongly believed that life was just life. You follow the flow of society… go to school, graduate, go to college, get a job, get married, have kids, etc. & that life was just about trying to do your best to live for God by praying before meals, going to church, not cussing, & just trying to be a good person, etc. through all of it.

I didn’t really truly understand the purpose of prayer beyond thanking Him for things, asking for things, or whatever.

Maybe all this describes you right now. That you believe that’s that & there’s nothing more to it.

But can I challenge you to wonder if there could be more?

That the fruit of prayer can be so incredibly richer than you currently believe it to be?

Even in the Quiet, Unappreciated, Unnoticed Parts of Life… They Can be Used to Glorify & Worship God, Too

I am not talking about a “going viral” type of ministry. I am not talking about being an author or speaker recognized nationally. Or even being really popular.

Sometimes it’s in the quiet things & seems to go quite unnoticed (like my little blog—or even like parenting or tending to your home/family). Sometimes it’s so small, but yet so rich.

This is why I write this blog, or at least a huge part of it. I desperately want you to see that going more & more ALL IN for Him is not reserved for the super spiritual type people. It’s for the average, even less than average. I want you to experience the richness of a life full, brimming, & overflowing with purpose, a joy that goes beyond circumstances… a life mission that lives long after you. A life of bringing honor & glory & worship to the One True King of kings, Lord of Heaven & Earth, Savior of our souls.

Even in the mundane. Even in just surrendering your sour attitude on a hard morning. Even in remembering to pray when you feel weak or even when you feel strong, relying on Him over self. Even on caring for others in the quiet, unnoticed things. Living a life surrendered to His purposes & His Will & His provision & His Love. A life that puts Him first in EVERYTHING, praying for His help to do so at every turn, even & especially when you REALLY don’t FEEL like it.

He Can Use the Weakest of the Weak, if They Are But Willing to Surrender Their Meager Self to His Infinite Power & Purpose

I was no one special. I was just some girl growing up thinking it was all up to me to be a good person to please God “enough.” I didn’t know He would help me in doing that better if I but asked Him & relied upon His help.

I prayed only when I needed something, not when I truly believed nothing could change anyway. Now I see the evidence again & again in the Bible of WHY we OUGHT TO TURN TO HIM WHEN THERE IS NO HOPE… because God can do what I can’t. He can make happen what I can’t.

Not vain repetitions, as if He doesn’t already know… but repeatedly & consistently because you know He’s where your hope will be found & nowhere else.

Praying for HIS peace when peace is impossible.

Praying for HIS strength when you are absolutely depleted of it.

Praying for HIS wisdom when you’ve exhausted all options.

Praying for forgiveness when you have fallen short for the millionth time already, knowing His grace has no limits.

Praying for help to make the right choice, to have the right attitude… for even a desire to WANT to make the right choice or have the right attitude (that’s usually where I have to start anyway).

Does Your Personality Determine How “All In” You Can be with God?

You aren’t BORN WANTING to please God, but SELF.

Going ALL IN with God takes a surrendered heart, a surrendered will.

It takes a willingness over & over & over again, not giving up on what God can do with a willing heart, saying, “God, I am unworthy, make me more like Your Son… make me more like Jesus. Help me to honor You better, to love You better, to please You better in EVERY area of my life, big or small. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

I promise you, it is 100% worth it.

I am still a work-in-progress & forever will be. But I have a God Who is so far beyond my limitations. And in Him is where my trust is rooted... not myself.

…. Not myself….

What Are You Willing to Surrender? What Are You Willing to Trust God Can Change in You?

If you want an ALL IN faith, an ALL IN life (one that you can look back on while on your death bed & be proud of), you have to be repeatedly willing to lay yourself, your way, your will, your wisdom, your all… down at His feet as a sacrifice. For Him to redeem it into something more beautiful, more eternally significant. For His Kingdom.

It’s not an overnight thing. I spent YEARS in tumultuous doubts from the clashes of culture vs. God’s Word in my youth, years I never thought could ever end. He ended it by leading me through one of the darkest valleys I’ve ever known. But on the other side, I walked out in full assurance of Who my God is. That I never had to doubt ever again–& for that, I only WISH I could lead everyone I know to that same terrible valley I thought I could only hate & fear. Because it led to TRUE LIGHT of HOPE.

I have a long ways to go, but it’s a journey well worth the pursuit. Everything else is just filler before death… death that leads to me being forgotten completely within just a few generations.

But what I do for Jesus Christ will have eternal value. Shining a light of hope into this world, letting my broken pieces be where His light shines through… showing the world the way to HOPE.

Let Your Brokenness & Flaws Shine His Glory & Grace through the Cracks

My mistakes & my flaws & my failures are no longer mine to keep… they are the cracks & crevices that allow others to see what God can do with our brokenness & our flawed humanity. His redemption. His healing. His grace. His love. His HOPE.

So, the level of your being ALL IN with God, living as a true light for Him in all areas of your life, has very little to do with you or your personality… & it has ALL to do with your willingness to continue laying yourself down to His help & His will over your own.

So… SHINE for Him. Shine HOPE. But first, be willing to start with repeated-throughout-the-years moments of surrender that say, “God, I want to live ALL IN for You, but I have no idea where to begin… or if I have the personality for it… so change me, shape me into someone who lives to live a life that shines hope, found only in Your Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ worthy, holy name, AMEN.”

~It is a journey well worth it.

***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)***

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 7.5 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!!

Moon Earrings (Handcrafted in INDIA)

Showcase detailed Artisanal craftmanship when you style these unique Moon Earrings! These gorgeous, beaded earrings are handcrafted in a workshop in India that’s committed to fighting child marriage and helping women become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans. Featuring white beads in a gold moon shape and finished with a freshwater pearl, the Moon Earrings are intricately crafted to create a subtle, beautiful iridescent design. Not only are the Moon Earrings stunning, but they also create necessary jobs for women in areas of extreme poverty in India. 

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 You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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!

It’s So Much More

The story of Christmas goes beyond sparkling lights & beautiful presents under a beautiful tree. It’s more than the upbeat, cheerful melodies of the Christmas carols or the delectable smells drifting throughout the house from cookies baking in the oven or a Christmas scented candle lit nearby.

The story of Christmas is a story of HOPE… & not just hope for those whose lives seem outwardly to have earned it. No… hope for the weary & broken. Hope for the hurting & lonely. Hope for the one who feels all hope is gone.

It is a story of the God Who created the world & everyone in it, Who sits on His heavenly throne, being worshipped & praised night & day, Who is deserving of all honor & praise & submission… stepping down from Heaven, to be born in human flesh… so that He could humble Himself for us… even to death on a cross.

It is a story of our long-suffering type of patient God, demonstrating, through His actions… His sacrifice… His love for His created.

It is a story of HOPE.

God Sees You, He Knows Your Heart

I don’t know where you’re at in life right now, sitting on the other side of this screen, reading this. Whether you feel joyful or sorrowful, strong or depleted, together or falling apart… hopeful or hopeless.

But I do know that God sees you where you are. He knows the deepest depths of your heart, even the hurts you hide behind your smile. He sees it all.

And He saw it before you were even born. He knew this feeling would come. He saw you here, now… back then.

And He prepared for you a plan of HOPE against all odds… HOPE even in the even if… HOPE even when nothing works out okay & nothing seems to be getting better & no one seems to care you even exist. He made you. He died for you. To offer you hope.

With Him, there is no hopeless.

The Gift Is Given Freely… But It Has to be Received

Maybe you’re reading this & feeling offended. Reared up. Ready to spew all the reasons you project that mean you’re doing just fine.

But late at night… when you have nothing to prove… when you’re all alone in the dark… do you feel the same way?

Are you willing to admit to yourself, that if you’re really honest with yourself… you too are looking for some HOPE?

Into His Loving Arms

I have failed God more times than I could ever keep track of in my 37 years of being His child. I don’t deserve one OUNCE of His grace. He, more than ANYONE knows this about me. And yet, by some great miracle, whenever I humble myself before Him & turn to Him… I am not met with a stern gaze & a pointed finger… but with open arms & a warm smile, as if to say, “Come home, My child. I will never give up on you. Never have, never will. I love you too much to leave you, Michelle.”

Through my seasons of raging doubts that tossed me to & fro & left me ever unstable & constantly seeking just-in-cases over Him… to seasons where I thought I could find happiness better, more assuredly, if I sought it anywhere else but Him… to seasons where I was trying so hard to be good enough to earn His favor versus trusting it’s based on His love, not my efforts… to seasons of defiance & rebellion that led to disaster… to seasons where I shut Him out because the season of suffering I was in never seemed to end & praying for help only left me angry with Him & the guilt of that anger made me stop coming to Him altogether….

I have failed Him an embarrassing number of times…. And let me emphasize here that I don’t like just learning my lessons once… I tend to need to learn it repeatedly before it really sticks—I am really thick-headed that way.

And yet… grace. Every time… grace.

You Cannot Out-Sin His Love for You

It used to make me feel guilty coming back… as if I had called in one too many lifelines… that I had used up all my second chances. But not so with God… oh how His grace only seems to ever multiply…. Not to excuse my sin, but to show me that I cannot out-sin His love for me… His grace offered to me. Jesus paid it ALL… ALL to Him I owe.

I cannot out-sin His grace. You don’t have to pretend with God… You don’t have to be fake with Him… He already knows.

YOU cannot out-sin His grace… His LOVE for you.

Not having it all together, but coming broken, sad, without it all together, failing, pitiful, undeserving, wretched, disgusting, flawed, feeling worthless.

But all God sees when He looks down at you… is His love for you… His desire to welcome you back home to His warm embrace.

He is the ultimate HOME.

So COME all ye unfaithful… COME.

Where Hope Meets Us

Let this Christmas be a reminder of the Hope we have because God came as man, to dwell among us… to give His life as a ransom for many… to save us from our sins.

Let the lights remind you of His GLORY. Let the shape of the tree remind you to look up to Him. Let the decorations be a reminder of His splendor. Let the gifts be a reminder of the greatest gift ever given—JESUS, God with us.

Shine HOPE this Christmas by finding your HOPE in Emmanuel, God with us… JESUS. And by giving Him all the honor & praise He deserves this Christmas.

“Oh Come All You Unfaithful” song, by Sovereign Grace Music

O come, all you unfaithful
Come, weak and unstable
Come, know you are not alone
O come, barren and waiting ones
Weary of praying, come
See what your God has done
Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you
O come, bitter and broken
Come with fears unspoken
Come, taste of His perfect love
O come, guilty and hiding ones
There is no need to run
See what your God has done
Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you
He’s the Lamb who was given
Slain for our pardon
His promise is peace
For those who believe
He’s the Lamb who was given
Slain for our pardon
His promise is peace
For those who believe
So come, though you have nothing
Come, He is the offering
Come, see what your God has done
Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you
Christ is born, Christ is born
Christ is born for you
(Songwriters: Bob Kauflin, Lisa Clow–Watch it on YouTube, here: “Oh Come All Ye Unfaithful.”

***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)***

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 7.5 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!!

Malachite Unity Bracelet–India

Artisans in India handcraft this beautiful Malachite Unity Bracelet while earning a fair wage for their work. Each bracelet features gold-tone beads on one side and malachite beads on the other, creating a beautiful blocked look, perfect for the holidays or everyday wear. Every purchase of the Malachite Unity Bracelet helps to end poverty cycles and keep families out of the slums of India!

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 You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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!

Any Job, with ZERO Obstacles to It…? What Would You Choose?

My friend asked me something like this in the past year or so: “If you could have ANY job, with ZERO obstacles to get it… what would it be? Meaning, no budget constraints for schooling, you automatically gain all the skills you need to do it… no job too big or too small, dream big… what would that dream job be?”

I don’t have to think about that one too hard. I know exactly what I would choose.

Growing up, this wasn’t the case. I was told I was smart, that I could be whatever I wanted. I was told I could dream big—even a CEO or lawyer… that I had what it took to think big.

But… for what? Nothing seemed quite right to me….

I Never Knew “What I Wanted to be When I Grew Up”

That question, though… boy did I dislike it: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Why did I loathe it so much? Because I never had a clue. It made me feel like I was SUPPOSED to have it all figured out, but for some reason could not grasp any idea of it.

I never really knew what job/career stood out to me. I tried so many different things, sort of just shooting in the dark to try to find something that would stick… became a “jack of all trades,” if you will.

I was a bank teller, a bridal gown consultant, acting bridal manager, real estate office receptionist, post office clerk, party store employee, nanny, housecleaner, technical school receptionist, temp, pet sitter, file room worker, call center employee for J Crew, church secretary, backup ESL Teacher in Japan, K5 teacher for a year before moving overseas, cashier for a school cafeteria, substitute teacher, sold knives for Cutco, worked with Trades of Hope (still do)…. But it all just felt like I was trying to force something that was just not mean to be for the long haul. Doing well at it but just feeling like it wasn’t the end goal.

God Always Has a Plan… & Sometimes What We Need Is to be Taken Off Course

Cue getting married & moving overseas. I could NOT seem to get a job. It was so discouraging. But I started doing more ministry related things… eventually designing & launching my website back in 2018.

But God never works without a purpose. He always has a plan we don’t see. He is working!

Eventually, through the study “Breaking Free,” by Beth Moore (you can find a link to this resource on the Resources & Recommendations page of my website, found: here), God showed me that although it was okay to mourn what never was–contrary to how it had sometimes felt–it was also not a punishment that I was childless, but rather a beautiful opportunity to pour into others.

(***You can read about that discovery in more detail in my previous post about it: “To the Barren Woman.”***)

God’s Plan Is Better Than What I Can See

You see, I was never huge with maternal instinct vibes, but I wanted kids just simply so I could pour into & disciple them to serve God long after I was gone. To leave behind a legacy for Christ.

And Beth Moore brought up that exact thing. That a mother’s main role is pouring into their children, but as a childless woman, I could pour into THEM, to strengthen & encourage THEM to then pour that overflow into THEIR children.

I bawled my eyes out when God showed me that because I realized in that moment that it was what I wanted more than anything in the world… to share His hope with those who need that reminder. And we all could use that reminder.

If I Could Have My Dream Job

My dream job?

Picture this: a small, quaint office, with a simple desk, a few chairs, a lamp, a bookcase, & a cozy rug. The bookcase has games, coloring supplies, & puzzles on its lower shelves… & books of authors who have led me, inspired me, & encouraged me closer to Jesus on the upper shelves. If a mom with kids, she could bring them to sit & play or color. We could talk. A revolving door for women of all ages: kids to elderly. Accountability, discipleship, prayer meetings. Talking about what the Bible says… talking about life… pointing to Him & His Word to help us navigate it all… prayer… sharing testimonies of His work… tears… laughter… openness… edifying (building up), encouraging (lifting up), & exhorting (urging forward) (AKA what I call “3E conversations”)… walking alongside one another… urging one another to seek Him in all things… all things for His glory.

That’s it. That is my dream job. If I could do ANYTHING, no obstacles…. To talk about Him all day to anyone who will listen. To point to Him in all things… to model praying through it all, seeking His wisdom above the world’s, seeking His face & His glory over anything this temporary world has to offer.

To Live All for the Glory of God

That’s what I want more than anything. To spend my life talking about Him with others.

To spend my life urging others to live life in full surrender, to be their prayer backup when Satan’s lies twist around them, to encourage them through hurts & struggles & pain. To point to GOD, through Christ, as our hope & our purpose in ALL THINGS.

It lights a fire in me. It invigorates me. It inspires me to remember the real reason we were put on this earth, to live for & bring glory to the One true, eternal King, Jesus our LORD.

And guess what? You don’t need to have my dream job to live your life for Him & for His glory… so how can you be doing that right where you are, in the job that you have… wherever God has placed you?

Shine HOPE by serving Him & giving Him glory wherever He may plant you. even if you never get your dream job….

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 7 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!!

Enhanced Ruby Earrings–INDIA

Create safe jobs for women in India when you shop the Enhanced Ruby Earrings! These stunning drop-style earrings feature an enhanced ruby stone deepening the color of the ruby. Each earring is handmade by women in India earning fair wages for their work. Dress the Enhanced Ruby Studs up for the holidays or wear them as an everyday staple with jeans!

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 You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#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!