This Girl Likes to be “in the Know”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I want to KNOW! Now!

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

Stepping into the Unknown with a God Who Knows

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

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

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

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

—God’s got me.—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We Miss This Sometimes

You are so loved, did you know that?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All because He loves you.

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

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

What a gracious gift!! For YOU!!

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

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

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

GOD. LOVES. YOU.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For God SO Loved YOU… God IS Love!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He Makes Us New

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

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

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

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

But yet, Jesus verbally welcomed him into heaven.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But I challenge them on the power of the Gospel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

So sin still very much matters.

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

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

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

But by Christ alone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ought we warn people about their sin? YES.

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

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

He must be heeded.

We must obey His Word over our desires.

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

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

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

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

BE CAREFUL.

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

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

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

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

God Cleans Us Up–Come to Him First

God’s Word brings LIFE. Sin DESTROYS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He Wants Even Better Than That for You

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The “God Just Wants You to be Happy” Lie

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am Unworthy

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

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

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

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

It’s Not About Me as the Hope Anyone Needs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I just want to be in heaven so badly sometimes.

There’s the Solution Staring Me Straight in the Face

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

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

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

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

The Unworthy Are Still Called to Magnify Him

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Solenne Earrings–Providing Jobs for Women in India!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Can I Have That?

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

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

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

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

How to Make Really Hard Decisions When Either Answer Feels Wrong

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Presence… That’s the Key…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HE IS where we meet fullness of joy.

“IN His Presence Is Fullness of Joy”

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

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

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

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

You need Him, too.

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

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

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

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

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grief Is Hard…

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

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

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

It Comes in Waves

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

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

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

I just want him back.

So Busy… Getting Overwhelmed by It All

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

The emptiness in that reality hurts me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Praising Him IN the Storm

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

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

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

“Worship Me.” “Praise Me.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Marina Bloom Earrings, Handcrafted in India!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Because He Lives, I Can Face Tomorrow!

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

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

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

And that gives me something to praise Him for.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have We Stopped Caring Whether We Neglect/Dishonor God? Living OUR Way Instead of HIS?

As I have seen our culture in America become bolder & bolder in “living their truth” or living their way—living their sin out loud—I wonder if our culture today is lacking a fear of God.

It honestly seems so.

God’s Word—the Bible—informs us that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10)

An understanding that God is GOD & I am NOT is where true wisdom begins.

What Does It Mean to “Fear God”?

I have often had a fear of God described to me as–for those who do not trust Jesus to pay for their sins, often referred to as “unbelievers”—this “fear of God” is a trembling fear that they will meet the wrath of God for their actions if they do not humble themselves & trust Jesus to cover their sin, submitting themselves to God….

While, for believers on Jesus, it is a mere “reverence.” An “awe.” Not really FEAR, fear anymore.

But, I think we need to be careful saying that. Of toning down how we ought to behave toward God. How we ought to surrender our lives to Him as our Heavenly KING.

Not of His Wrath, But of His Eternal Deserving

No, we who trust on Jesus do not need to fear the WRATH of God, because we know that we could never hope to pay in full what we owe… we know we are ONLY able to be made righteous because of JESUS, not ourselves.

But it is more accurate to consider FEARing Him vs just “being in awe” of Him.

Because we need to take sin very seriously. We need to understand that God is GOD. He is not to be ignored or trifled with. He is not to be ignored or “tossed in for good measure when we need something.” We ought to treat Him as our Master & our Commander… our KING of kings.

Not that we need to be living in constant anxiety-driven fear, because we know we have the blood of Jesus covering our sins, but also not taking advantage of the cost that was paid for us.

Living, rather, as worthy of it. Living in HONOR of the One Who paid to set us free.

NOT mocking His sacrifice by living by what seems right to us, but surrendering to–& trusting in—how HE says we ought to live.

Are You Living as a Slave to Sin? Or of Righteousness?

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered [the GOSPEL, trusting Jesus to cover your sins because of His death on the cross & conquering sin AND death]. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:15-23)

It Is ALWAYS One or the Other

The Bible says we are either slaves to sin or to righteousness. Either we live to the whims of the heart, tossed to & fro, facing the fine print painful consequences of living according to our fleshly, sinful nature….

OR, living as a servant of Jesus Christ, living under His redemption, the cost paid by Him… slaves to righteousness, living to please our great God, Who gave His all so that we could be called sons & daughters of the King vs. merely as slaves, abused & used.

What Kind of Master Would You Rather Serve?

Imagine with me a tyrant boss who counts you as just a number, worthless–who doesn’t care how poorly they treat you or anything for your well-being. You feel used & like you don’t matter to anyone. You hate going to work because of how you are treated.

That is like living as a slave to your sin. It will wreck you, destroy you, chip away at you. It cares nothing for you or the consequences you will pay as a result of your choices.

But then, imagine with me a boss who uplifts you, treats you respectfully, even sacrifices their own time to make sure you are adequately supported, taking care to treat you with consideration & kindness. Bonuses, little treats, & kind words to help you get through your day feeling seen, appreciated, & that your work matters.

This is what it is like being a slave to righteousness. Sure, the work isn’t always easy, but the more you learn to turn to your “boss” aka God Almighty, the more He supports you & helps you. He never manipulates or shames you, but steps in to be quick to forgive & to help you over your hurdles. It’s a pleasure to serve Him & work for Him because He actually cares about you as a person.

How Would You Rather be Treated?

Both slaves, but each treated very differently, with very different treatment & outcomes.

One makes you loathe going to work, the other makes you eager to start each day.

One boss doesn’t care one bit about you. The other sacrificed His life so you could be forgiven & given a clean slate when you terribly screwed it all up.

One hates you. One loves you beyond what any words could express.

One leads to your destruction. The other leads to your freedom & a full, fulfilling life.

Treat Him with the Respect, Honor, Reverence, Submission & Humility That He Deserves as Your King Who Gave His ALL for You

No, as a believer on Jesus for covering our sin payment for us, we don’t have to fear God’s wrath, but we should still live as if He is worthy of that fear, as if He is deserving of that kind of respect & reverence, knowing that Jesus died a very brutally gruesome death on your behalf… as if we wouldn’t DARE making a mockery of that sacrifice just so you can live YOUR way over HIS.

So, how is your fear of Him? How do you treat God? Do you treat Him as worthy of that kind of fear & respect? Or do you just sort of toss a thanks His way, while living the way that pleases YOU first & foremost each day?

How are you treating Him? Do you FEAR Him in that way? Honoring His sacrifice on your behalf?

Is Our Culture Today Lacking a Fear of God?

How can you change? Start by asking His forgiveness if you have been taking His Word less seriously than it deserves… if you have been living mainly by your agenda rather than His.

And ask Him to continue to shape you to be more respectful & honoring to Him as KING of kings.

And read His Word—the Bible—to know better how to please & honor Him with your life, your time, your resources, your beliefs, your desires, your thoughts, your friendships... your EVERYTHING.

And PRAY. Talk to Him.

Honor His sacrifice for you by how you live for Him.

Turn to Him & FIND LIFE

(And, if you don’t believe on Him & you are still an abused slave to your sin, your dishonoring behaviors & thoughts, not submitted to Jesus to pay for your sins…. Start there. Ask God for forgiveness of your sins, agreeing with God that they are sinful, & humbly ask Jesus to cover your sins, trusting on Him to pay for it all… becoming a slave to righteousness instead from here on out.)

“He who finds his life [lives for self, pleasure-seeking] will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake [lives instead as a slave to the will of God] will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)

No more living for US with a dash of Jesus thrown in there for good measure.

Shine HOPE, by fearing God–treating Him the way He deserves, & by honoring His Word with obedience above your desires, even when you don’t feel like it, knowing He WILL help you as you ask Him for it. So, ASK.

“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 21) on my NEW YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @6pm EST/Wednesdays @8am GUAM*)

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Golden Wave Hoops, Handcrafted in INDIA! Purchase These Below!

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable women in sweatshops.

Purchase these beauties below to provide these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, and care for elderly family members. Purchase these earrings and empower an Artisan 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!

How Is Your View of God? Is It Accurate? How Do You Know?

How often do you view God as less than He is? How often do you underestimate Him? How often do you think it’s not worth praying because you don’t feel He could help because you see how all of your efforts have fallen flat? How often do you see how He did not answer you in a clear way before, so you stopped asking?

When I talk about “praying through it,” I often get responses that reveal more about their true underlying faith—that they really don’t quite believe God can or will do anything for them… so why bother?

Like, “yeah, yeah, I get it—God is GOD & I am supposed to pray about it more.”

Sometimes they seem to feel more pressure at the suggestion, as if I am asking them to believe harder than they are—as if they are not good enough at believing Him & need to just try harder at it, but really don’t feel like they can do any more than they’re doing already, so it just discourages them when I mention it to them.

As if God is punishing them for not believing Him enough. (He isn’t, by the way.)

Sometimes We May Believe, “Well, of Course He CAN… But That Doesn’t Mean He Will…” How Can We Pray with Any Confidence, Then?

Well, if you have believed any of that, you are in good company because this was me a majority of my life. I understood that God didn’t always give me what I asked, so I always had the mindset that “OF COURSE God CAN… but that does NOT mean He WILL.”

Honestly, I don’t feel that way anymore. All of those mentionings above, where I talked about how much added pressure of just not believing hard enough to get answers were how I once felt… but I don’t ever feel that way anymore.

So, what has changed? Well, if you read my post last week (“You Give & You Serve, But Are You Nourished? “Abide in Me,””) you already have an idea….

Are You Abiding in Him… or Just Calling on Him When You Need Something? Do You Know Him Well Enough to Recognize His Voice & Receive His Peace?

I have learned that the very pivotal piece I was missing was the ABIDING in Him.

Sure, I went to church, I prayed before meals or when I was really stressed. I attended Bible Studies & Sunday School before church… sometimes did a devotional at home… but that was about it for my time with Him.

Now, I am NOT implying that it is a give & take reward, as if God will not care about you UNLESS you do “enough” for Him.

But I AM saying that the more you abide in Him, the more you begin to see the heart of God, to know where you can have confidence in your prayers, how to ask, what to ask, how to believe He will answer. You begin to see His heart.

How to Know When You Can Pray with Confidence

That is why I recommend SO STRONGLY to:

1. Read the Bible ALL THE WAY through… not just snippets that sound encouraging, or snippets from devotionals, Bible studies, or church sermons. ALL of it.
2. AS you read, look for what it tells you about Who God is, what He cares about, what He hates, what He defends, how He shows up. Look for what it tells you about HIM.
3. PRAY for clarity & understanding, as well as asking for His help overcoming your many obstacles preventing you from reading.

The more you get to know God’s nature & eternal character, the easier it is to know when God will honor your request, or whether you’re missing the bigger picture, in which, through humility, He may teach you better to rely on Him instead of your plans or desires, replacing your ache/desperation with His peace.

Sometimes It Is Simply Just Quick, Regular Prayers

I also think, when I point out someone’s need to pray, they have this picture in their head where they think to get an answer, that they may feel burdened by a supposed “necessity” of needing to get down on their knees & do a long, drawn out, dramatic prayer. God hears your every thought, so when you think something wrong or fearful… or you mess something up… just stop & throw out a quick “I’m sorry God. Help me to trust You better in this.” That’s it sometimes.

Yes, there are times where you ought to set aside time & just pour out your heart & lay before Him your needs & requests, hurts & struggles… to praise & thank Him while you’re at it… but we’re called to “pray without ceasing,” (1 Thessalonians 5:15-19) & to “take every thought captive & MAKE it obedient to Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) so sometimes that means just stopping in mid-thought to turn it over to Him. Nothing elaborate or fancy. Flowery words don’t make a difference to God. He gets it.

Sometimes you may not even have the words to express what you need & so you just lift your eyes up & whisper, “Lord, help.”

Because it’s not about the words. It’s not about using enough words or being flowery or dramatic enough with your words or the amount of words you use or how long you pray. It’s about knowing where your help comes from, that it doesn’t come from you & it sure doesn’t come from the world.

It comes only from Him.

Trust Him More Than You Trust Your Perception of Him

He made the world & everything in it, including you… without your help.

You can trust Him with your concerns big & small.

You can trust He holds your future & He is in full control.

You can trust He has a plan for you & He sees you & He knows you by name.

You can trust He cares for you… He sent Jesus to die for your sins, so how could we ever doubt His love for us? He could have just as well left us to bear the burden & punishment & blame of our own lack of measuring up. But He didn’t….

It’s okay to doubt Him. He knows He is so far above what we could ever fully understand. His is GOD, not fellow man. He is SO far above us. The point is that we don’t turn away from in our doubts, but that we turn to Him in it still.

We don’t have to prove we trust Him “enough.” We can have our doubts… but let those doubts turn into prayers.

What to Do When You Feel Like Praying Isn’t Doing Any Good…

Be willing to pray in your disbelief: “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:23-24)

“God, I don’t know how to believe You have my best interest in this. I have prayed & gotten nowhere. I feel like You don’t care. I know I ought to believe You more. Please help me with that. Help me grow in my love for & trust in You. Don’t let me go. Don’t give up on me. I want to know You more. I want to love You more. I want to trust You more… I just don’t know how. Please help me see You better. Help me learn to rely on You more & to see that You are the best place to place my trust. You are worthy. Help me see it. I’m sorry for my doubts. Forgive me & help me. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

God knows anyway. You don’t have to flower it up or mask it from Him. Be honest. Be raw & real with Him. Let Him see your heart in all of its doubts, because He already sees it. Trust Him with those doubts. Just cry out to Him to help you change it vs. trying to do everything on your own instead.

Start there: “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.”

I prayed that for years as I began to read my Bible little by little every day & now I do read it every day automatically because I have learned that the Bible & His presence are a VERY REAL sustenance for my soul.

I was living soul-malnourished for so long… now I’m not & boy is it a HUGE difference.

He Shall Direct Your Paths

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8)

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

“I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)

Feed your soul -> abide in Him.

Shine Hope. PRAY.

“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 20) on my NEW YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @6pm EST/Wednesdays @8am GUAM*)

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

This blog/website has been running for 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!!

Sunburst Amate Art, Handcrafted in Southern Mexico!

*Frame is not included. Includes 1 piece of amate art and 1 coordinating mat.

This unique square Amate Art features natural textures and patterns inspired by the Artisans’ ancient Aztec heritage. Each piece of amate art has variations that are unique to the Artisan who created it. The neutral colors and natural textures of this Amate Art coordinates beautifully with almost any wall decor!

Once used as a primary form of communication, record keeping, and religious ceremonies in many villages in Mexico, amate art is traditionally handcrafted using paper pulp made from sustainable and eco-friendly tree bark. Each piece of amate paper often takes one Artisan several days to complete.

Every purchase supports families living in areas of extreme poverty in Mexico.

***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!