A Shocking Realization

I was recently convicted by the Holy Spirit in an area I hadn’t really considered previously. Those moments are always great, aren’t they? We get lulled into thinking we’re doing pretty well as a human being & then BAM, you realize you haven’t been doing quite as well as you previously imagined.

Now, this isn’t something He does to push us down with guilt & shame, but to lift us up, putting away the old me & replacing that with better habits that honor & love both God & others better & more intentionally.

So, I had one of those moments when I came across Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Emphasis mine.)

Only What Is Edifying

Now, because I had seen improvement on the first half of that command, watching my mouth to not accidentally slander or gossip, & cleaning up my vocabulary from the unwholesome talk of my youth, I thought I was doing pretty well here.

But when I read that verse this time, the second half seemed to lift off the page & present itself upon my heart, “… only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” ONLY what is edifying to others.

Wow, now THAT is a tall order.

Much Improvement Needed

I have much improved, with God’s help through the Holy Spirit, on the “what NOT to do” in that verse’s first half, but often I wildly neglect the responsibility given for me TO DO in the second half.

ONLY what helps build others up according to their needs… ONLY what edifies them.

I promise you that is not something I live up to currently.

Social Anxiety Wins Too Often

You may see my blog’s (hopeful) encouragement & my social media presence of mostly (hopeful) encouragement, but in person? Social awkwardness & social anxiety of just trying to get through the conversation without looking &/or feeling like an idiot is my main & usually ONLY focus.

Now, I try to be kind & caring & all that… but I don’t intentionally pray for God to help me find words that will build them up… that will leave them encouraged… that will do lasting good in their hearts.

I just get in & get out, hoping to not look a fool.

And then that little verse.

Be His Light in the World

I realized I have been more concerned with being liked (or at least accepted) instead of being a LIGHT of hope & encouragement… intentional in building others up whom God places in my path.

I have been looking out for ME, instead of trusting GOD to do that, while looking out for those around me.

How convicting.

How selfish I am & how untrusting of God that reveals my heart to be.

A Prayer of Repentance & for Growth

“LORD, I see this reminder… this Truth. I see the call in it to trust You with my image or worth while seeking how I can be intentionally blessing others with my words… building them up… encouraging them… nourishing them with Your call of hope, Your LOVE, & Your Truth. I have been an unwilling messenger. Please forgive me. Help me to be bold in speaking Your Truth in love, in shining hope into the lives of those I interact with every day. Help me to stop trying to save face or to stop fading into the background, & help me to realize people are worth it. You DIED for them. Your Truth is for them & WILL help them whether they get that or not. Your ways are good. Help me be a voice for that Goodness & HOPE. Help me not self-protect, but to SHINE FOR YOU. Your glory, their blessing. Your glory, not mine. Help me grow here. Please help me. They’re worth it. You’re worth it. You’ve got me. They’re worth it to You, God, so they should be worth it to me. Help me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.”

Not Easy, But God’s Got You

I get that it’s not easy. I feel you. (Or maybe this is an area you thrive in already?) But God can help you improve. He can bolster your confidence & give you the words. He can be your ENOUGH.

Every person is seen by God & known intimately by God. He sees their hurts & their struggles & their hearts. And He may be sending you as His messenger to show them He sees & cares for them. Shine for Him, through Him–for them.

Shine hope by determining to ONLY speak what is helpful in building others up according to their needs, willing yourself to lean into God for help when you want to freeze up or flee the scene.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for a new blog post with more encouragement.

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, 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, 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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Zoya Earrings (India)

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

Artisan Story (Dulal)

“When I was 19 years old, I wasn’t interested in further studies. My life was just sad. I was not aware of my abilities & was just in search of some work. I was depressed due to economic conditions. Then my friend introduced me to this work. My previous boss used to treat me very badly.

Now, I enjoy my work! It’s helping my family & me. I’m capable enough to fulfill my needs, & I’m making all types of handmade jewelry. So overall, it’s a big achievement for me! I’m happy to be an Artisan. I have hope for a good life in the future!”

How You Can Help:

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

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

Blue in the Face

This is something I feel like I need to talk about until I am “blue in the face” mainly because it’s something I wrestle with almost every single day.

I like knowing what is right & wrong & where to draw the line. I like being sure that what I believe is true before acting on it. I like feeling like I understand & agree before I endorse or move forward with it.

And, while the Bible does tell us to “test the spirits” aka make sure it’s God instructing & leading you versus a ploy of the devil that almost seems about right… there is a difference in having discernment & making excuses.

I Know It’s God & I’m Still Not Sure I Want to Do It

You see, the areas I am talking about are not things I need to figure out whether it’s God’s leading or not… no, they are things I already know full well that God instructs, but I’m not sure I have wrapped my head around the why or the value in it.

In other words, it is me seeing if I agree with God before I obey God.

And that is dangerous territory, my friend.

God Is ALWAYS Right

Why? Because God is always ALWAYS 100% right in EVERYTHING & has ALMIGHTY power & understanding in all things.

So, when I hear what He says, don’t get it or think I know better, so I don’t do it… it’s foolish… it’s arrogant… & let’s call it for what it is—sinful.

Ways I’ve Done This

Maybe you’re wondering what I mean when I say I do this far too frequently… what are my examples of this….

I could name so many off the top of my head, but I will name a few to help you get the picture.

God says not to lust & not to practice sexual immorality (aka anything outside of you with your husband), yet, for years, because I struggled with this area of temptation & me not having been married until I was 28, justified my fantasies by saying, “BUuuuut, I have these temptations & I don’t have a husband, so God, Your law here doesn’t make sense to me, so I will fantasize because at least then I am not having sex technically.”

But just because I didn’t get WHY, doesn’t justify my disobedience here.

I didn’t agree or understand, so I chose MY way instead.

Healing After MY WAY

And it built up SO MANY scars in this area that when I HAD God’s way, I had to have His help healing through all of the resulting scars before I could enjoy the way God had designed it to be enjoyed—with my husband.

And that’s why God told me NO. Because He KNEW those scars were a result of going outside where He said to stay. But I didn’t listen because I thought little ol me knew better than Him.

More Subtle Examples of Having Faith in Myself

And here is a more subtle, yet EQUALLY powerful example… reading my Bible & praying (aka turning to God in all areas of life & giving Him thanksgiving & praise).

He tells us to meditate on His Word (the Bible) day & night. He tells us COUNTLESS times to PRAY… but I didn’t want to feel like I was checking off a to-do list… I didn’t think I understood what I was reading anyway… I thought I understood the basics, the “gist” of it & that was “enough”… I thought going to church was my solution for that… I thought it was too boring… I thought I was just too busy… I thought I was too easily distracted to do it….

AKA I thought I knew better than God.

Obedience Does Not Add to God… He Tells Us to Do it for US

But, hear me on this… GOD DOES NOT NEED YOU TO READ YOUR BIBLE AND/OR PRAY.

You might be like, now wait one minute!! You just said He commands us to do those things!

But re-read that bold statement again… HE doesn’t need it… He tells us to do those things because He knows WE need them!

So, for me to be too busy, too distracted, too bored, etc…. is the same as saying, “God, I know better than You on this one.”

But ya don’t… & I don’t either, no matter how often I am convinced that I do.

Check Yo’self Before You Wreck Yo’self

And there are SO MANY examples of this type of subtle little arrogance in my life, where my actions are basically telling God, “No, I know better than You on this one.”

OUCH.

This should not be so! How ARROGANT of me! How FOOLISH! How shameful.

God is helping me to see this pride. He is helping me see that I don’t have to trust Him first on something or see the ‘why’ behind it or put all the pieces of it together first to see how it will or will not turn out in my favor.

What I NEED to do is OBEY.

Because, get this, WHEN we OBEY… TRUST GROWS.

Naturally.

Trust Is a Natural Fruit of Obedience

Trust is a natural fruit of obedience. Because the more we obey, even when it doesn’t make any sense to us at all, the more we learn to realize that His wisdom far surpasses our own… the more it grows our confidence in HIM.

And the more we obey & the more we grow in trust in Him as a result, the more ready we are to say, “Well God, I don’t get it, but I know You do, so lead the way!”

Knowing He is big enough to handle the obstacles in your path.

Knowing He is strong enough to bolster your strength, too.

Knowing He can handle what you can’t.

Knowing He knows what you don’t.

Knowing He sees what you can’t.

Knowing He is GOD & you are not.

Want to Trust God? Obey Him

This is what the Bible talks about fearing God as the beginning of wisdom… it’s saying, “Oh wow, You are obviously greater than I, so I know I can trust Your judgement much more reliably than I can EVER trust my own.”

Obedience nurtures, grows, cultivates, & strengthens faith because He never gets it wrong… EVER.

Want to grow in faith? Want to trust God more?…

Then OBEY Him. (And trust me, I am talking to myself on this one because BOY am I WEAK in this area!)

Shine HOPE through obeying God & showing yourself more that EVERY time GOD CAN BE TRUSTED.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, 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, 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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Sea Glass Necklace (Jordan)

Artisans recreate the look & feel of sea glass by upcycling glass bottles from local hotels and restaurants that would otherwise be discarded, & tumble it with water & sand from the Red Sea until it is smooth & resembles the beautiful pieces found in nature. Sizes & colors may vary.

Artisan Story

Manal’s Story of Hope:

I love being an Artisan in Jordan. It’s given me the opportunity to learn new things. Working with the other women gives me a reason to get up in the morning. We’re a family, not colleagues. Since partnering with Trades of Hope, I’ve become stronger as a person and more confident. Your purchase helps me pay for my daughters’ university. I’m proud that my daughters will earn degrees. Thank you!

How You Can Help:

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

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

I Thought I Was Exercising Faith… I Was Wrong

God has really been emphasizing this point to me over the last year or so that what I was considering as my faith gauge was not in fact an accurate measure of my faith.

I feel like this word, “faith” gets thrown about pretty freely today. Do you get that sense? Like, “keep the faith,” “just have faith,” etc.?

But I am noticing that where I thought I had faith, because I was surely praying about stuff… I was actually just having faith in how I thought things should be or what I thought should happen… & then asking God to make it happen.

My faith was actually in myself, but I was calling it “FAITH” because I was turning to God to make it happen for me.

God Doesn’t Do Our Bidding… He Fulfills His Promises

Faith does not control God. Faith does not make God subject to us as our genie to do our bidding.

And God does not NEED us to pray. He does not NEED us to read our Bible even… He tells us to do those things because He knows perfectly that WE need them.

No, faith is turning to God for what He has already promised to us, asking Him to carry out His promise to us & asking for His help in walking obediently to what He has called us to do, BY FAITH… in HIM.

What Is Faith?

Faith gives substance to things unseen. Faith shows that someone other than us (GOD) should be calling the shots & should be consulted for Truth & wisdom & direction in our lives.

Faith is OBEDIENCE.

So, if you want to check your TRUE “Faith” gauge, check your life.

It’s easy to quote Scripture & memorize verses & pray… but unless we actually act on what we say we believe is true… can we really say we’re sincere in our faith?

Faith Is Obedience… Even When We Don’t Understand It First

Because faith is not equated to wishful/hopeful thinking.

Faith is not believing God is real (the Bible says even the demons believe & TREMBLE!-James 2:19)

Faith is not believing God CAN & so asking Him to do it OUR way.

Faith is surrender. Faith is submission. Faith is OBEDIENCE.

Because if we really believe that God is all-knowing, all-wise, Creator, Redeemer LORD Almighty… wouldn’t we obey because we know He ALWAYS knows best anyway?

How Can We Have Faith If We Don’t Get It?

I have done a post before about obedience not being a bad word… & the reason for that is because God LOVES us SO MUCH that because we are selfish & rebellious & prone to wander from Him, He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay our debt FOR us. And ALL we have to do is trust that payment on our behalf! WOW.

So, He loves us THAT much, that He came, not to condemn the world, but to SAVE it.

AND He knows literally everything.

Perfectly loving & perfectly wise…. & perfectly deserving of authority over everything in our lives.

Check Your Faith Gauge

Because, when we act in faith… aka OBEY… life just seems to work better because we’re living the design it was meant to have versus forcing the way we think it should be. It’s submitting to God as being worthy of the final say in literally everything.

So, if you want to claim to have faith in God… stop just praying for your way to happen… & start walking in trust for HIS way.

And it’s okay to struggle. We naturally cling to what we think we know & understand… it’s okay to struggle… but we need to be asking for His help to walk in faithful obedience.

Have Faith… Live Faith

We can’t appreciate the blessings that come from living God’s Truth in our lives unless we ACTUALLY live out God’s Truth in our lives… Imagine that!

God is faithful, even when we are not. (2 Timothy 2:13) But let’s strive to lay down our life our way & ask Him to help you exchange every part of it for His way.

Shine HOPE through OBEDIENCE to God’s Truth. It’s 100% ALWAYS worth it EVERY time.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, 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, 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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Moonstone Hoops (India)

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

Meet the Artisan:

Poonam grew up in poverty. Her father was a laborer & did his best to provide for Poonam & her two brothers. Finances were always tight, but Poonam’s family somehow made ends meet. Poonam was fortunate to have studied until 12th standard but could not study any further because her family did not have the money to pay for her to go to university.

So, Poonam moved to the city to search for work. In the city, she learned that she had a talent for Meenakari, the art of coloring & embellishing metal. Sharpening her craft, Poonam began looking for better opportunities when she discovered this Artisan community. Poonam hopes to one day start a family with her husband, who is working toward his degree.

How You Can Help:

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

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

I Wanted to be Cool

I don’t know about you, but growing up, I had the driving force of wanting desperately to fit in as my motivation for most areas of my life.

Growing up homeschooled for six of my schooling years, I always saw public-school kids as the standard for cool.

Being stereotyped as under-socialized (even though we had a lot of activities with other homeschool groups) & also teased as having my mom as my only/best friend (now, not as much of an insult, but back then… phew!), I wanted to fit in with what those public-school kids deemed as “COOL.”

And since I got a late start, I felt I was scrambling to catch up.

It Didn’t Stop There

But it didn’t end in those early years. No, I kept feeling I was behind & that if I just adjusted one more part of myself, I would finally achieve this standard of cool that I chased after so awkwardly.

Now, I have mentioned before that I became a Christian (AKA recognized I was a sinner & couldn’t save myself from my wrongs & that I needed Jesus’ payment on my behalf to cover it) when I was around 5 years old, but I thought that meant, “Now I am saved from Hell & I should try to be a good person until I go to Heaven.”

And while that is partially true, it was definitely lacking. I didn’t understand that accepting Jesus doesn’t end with “just” going to Heaven… NO, it is SO much more!

God Calls for Obedience… & He Offers His Help

I didn’t understand that He interacted with me on earth through the Holy Spirit & that I could realize so many more blessings in my life if I aligned my actions with God’s way of doing things.

In my hunger for acceptance & popularity, I neglected the only true thing that would breathe life into my very existence… obedience to God.

In trying to find my life, I was losing it. (Matthew 10:39 & Luke 17:33)

In my quest to fit in, I was compromising what God tells me is true & living by my very limited understanding vs. referring to His infinite understanding.

A Life Defined by Compromising Truth for Popularity

My life was defined by compromise… carefully constructed compromise… compromise that you could easily mistake for living right by God.

So much of life my life was often dictated by popular opinion.

I looked around to see what everyone else seemed to deem as the right normal or the “right level” of being a “good person.”

But God makes it easy for us. Obey HIM.

Look to HIM & NOT to the shifting cultures & shifting ideas of “AHA!” moments where others feel they have finally figured out the trick to life.

God’s Truth is Timeless

God is unchanging. His Truth is timeless. It always works, 100% of the time, based on the infinite, perfect wisdom, knowledge, & understanding of the One who made it all!

Don’t compromise on obedience. Don’t look to what others define as a “pretty good life,” because if it doesn’t line up with God’s Word & what He says, it’s automatically wrong, by default.

I used to read God’s Word, cross something that didn’t line up with my understanding of “real life” or “life nowadays,” & I thought His Word was outdated or that “times have changed.”

More recently, I am learning to read God’s Word & when I come across something like that, I stop & think, “Hmm… that doesn’t line up with my experience of it… God, You say this is true or that it’s what I need to do in this situation, but it doesn’t seem to work, so what am I missing? I know You’re right, obviously, because You literally know EVERYTHING, so help me understand & help correct my view to Yours. I am wrong here & I need help learning the right way, Your way. AMEN.”

God Is the Standard

Not based on culture… but based on God.

Not based on popular opinion… but based on God’s Word.

Not based on what you grew up hearing & believing… but based on what God says is true.

Not based on your experiences… but based on God’s TRUTH.

I don’t want to compromise anymore. I don’t want to strive to fit in with the shifting, unstable standard of culture… I want to stand on what God says & trust/obey HIM above anything anyone else says.

Because they are fallible… I am fallible…

But GOD is Infallible.

Being Popular vs Being Obedient

Seeking to fit in with culture will leave you tired & exhausted & empty & unfulfilled, like something is always missing… like something is never quite right.

But seeking to live by God’s Word, in obedience to it, will cultivate & blossom that LIFE you have been craving… EVERY time, 100%.

So, shine HOPE into this world by determining to live GOD’S way & leave that fruitless popularity contest in the past where it belongs.

Only then will you find LIFE.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, 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, 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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Crystal Spring Earrings (India)

Made from genuine sterling silver & chalcedony stone, these 1″ drop earrings are an easy addition to elevate your outfit.

Artisan Information:

The women we partner with in India do so much more than just create beautiful products. With every purchase, another woman is empowered out of poverty to be self-reliant! Women have the opportunity to earn an income, attend financial management classes, & receive education & healthcare. These women are now able to give their family a promising future because of your purchase!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

How You Can Help:

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

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

We Learn Right Behaviors

If you’re anything like a lot of America, maybe you grew up learning & believing in morality.

As children, considering that most of us don’t like discipline, we can sometimes learn quickly how to say the right things & do the right things, all in efforts of avoiding discipline.

Now, discipline is not a bad thing—far from it! God even says that He disciplines those He loves, because He knows that a lack of discipline can lead to unsatisfying & even harmful consequences.

BUT, morality is not the end all, be all in life.

Right Behaviors Aren’t Enough

Morality can’t save us, first of all, from what is owed because of our sin.

Only the payment made by Jesus Christ, on the cross, once for all mankind who believe in Him… only HE can save us from the punishment we rightly deserve for rejecting & rebelling against our Creator God.

BUT, there’s more… Morality alone doesn’t please God.

God cares about the intentions. God cares about the motivations. God cares about having a right heart, too.

“First Clean the Inside” -Jesus

Matthew 23:25-28 illustrates this very point, by calling out the Pharisees on being clean on the inside, but filthy on the inside… reminding them also that God sees their hearts for what they are… sinful.

This is tricky business for me because I grew up as a people pleaser. (I am NOT saying I didn’t get into trouble as a kid… but I AM saying I REALLY cared about looking like a good kid, even when I messed up.)

Because of this, I cared DEEPLY about at least seeming to get it right. I wanted to know what made something wrong so I would know when to not do it. I wanted to know where the lines were so I wouldn’t cross them.

And as Priscilla Shirer puts it, in her Armor of God study of Ephesians 6, “… we sometimes obey God on the outside, while simmering in disobedience on the inside.” (p. 84)

This defined my growing up years.

I Was Deceived

Did I accept Jesus to save me & to cover my sins before God at a young age? Yes.

Did I have the maturity to distinguish then the difference between doing right & having a right heart in God’s eyes? No.

So, my life was defined by moments of tirelessly trying to look like a good person & “technically” doing right on the outside (going to church, listening to Christian music sometimes, & talking about God), but on the inside, I was too often compromising on my flimsy hold to God’s Truth.

In other words, I was those Pharisees Jesus was talking to in Matthew 23. I worked to seem so perfect on the outside, while my inside was teeming with ways to ALMOST obey aka obey just enough to seem good, while still living how I thought was best & thought made me happiest, versus relentlessly choosing to reject everything else (aka my way) in exchange for HIS way in EVERYTHING.

God Cares About the Inside, Too

We can go to church, serve in church, help the homeless, give generously, pray before meals, talk about Jesus, & say/quote Scripture… but until we choose to receive God’s Word as TRUTH & be willing to turn EVERY area of our life to reflect & live that Truth by opening our hearts to be changed from the inside out (by the Holy Spirit working in us)… until then, we’re just living out Matthew 23:25-28.

We can look great on the outside, but reek of a sin-torn, self-led heart on the inside.

And don’t get me wrong, those deeds are good, but they need to come with a changed heart & a renewed mind… a consistent drawing near to God & a willingness to let Him grow you from the inside out.

Because God cares about the inside, too.

Perfect Makes Practice

We can also swing the pendulum the other damaging way & try to be perfect in & of ourselves. What it really requires, in order to work properly, is a surrendered heart. A heart that is willing to say, “Okay God. Your will over mine.”

This week, in this Priscilla Shirer’s Armor of God Study that I am working through, she is talking about the breastplate piece of the armor… RIGHTEOUSNESS… & she points out this beautiful Truth of “Perfect Makes Practice”… That GOD’S Perfection works out righteousness in us, which allows us to practice living righteously.

And a beautiful thing she echoes throughout this week of the study is the fact that we are ONLY made righteous by accepting for ourselves, personally, what Jesus Christ did by paying our debt on the cross.

That trusting in Him is accounted to us as righteousness.

And that because of that trust in HIS work FOR us, it allows us to put on this breastplate that protects our most vulnerable organs for sustaining our life.

And through that, we can submit areas of our life, as we grow closer to Him in prayer & studying the Bible, to let the Holy Spirit grow us closer to God’s way & further away from our own way.

Determine to Draw Close to God & Let Him Clean Up Your Life from the Inside Out

Don’t be content to just look “Christiany.” Determine to surrender.

Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26!) because if we really believed that God ALONE really knows what He is talking about, as LORD, then we need to adjust & seek Him & His way above our own… in EVERY area of life. And to seek Him to help you have the attitude of, “& if not” (like in Daniel 3).

That, if you pray & don’t feel immediate ease in following Him, that you seek to trust Him so much that you ABSOLUTELY REFUSE to bow to your own way! That you say, “& if He, for whatever reason, doesn’t seem to be making this easier for me, I will choose to obey anyway, because if He says it, it must be true, & if it’s true, I MUST obey & do it His way.”

WHEN It’s Hard… Pray for His Help

“God, I am so weak. I quit so easily. One jab from Satan, one THREAT of a jab from Satan, & I cave. Help this not be so. Help me to DETERMINE to live Your way, NO MATTER WHAT. Anything else is a lie… a trap… that leads to joyless, empty life. Help me to stop fighting You. Help me surrender. Soften my heart to trust You above EVERYTHING ELSE that I convince myself I know better. How can I compare to YOU? GOD Almighty… LORD… Creator? HOW? I cannot. And yet, I still fight You. How fruitless & frustrating & harmful! Help me to be a doer of Your Word, as in James 1:21-24 & not just a hearer only, deceiving myself. Help me not just tirelessly work to be a perfect Christian either, fooling myself again with good works to replace a renewed heart. Help me surrender to You… to submit to You in everything. You are the only source of true LIFE. You even warn us that in seeking LIFE, we lose it… but in giving up that quest to trust & obey You instead, we FIND it. So, help me stop trying to live my way & help me exchange every “my way” area for Your way. I can’t do it without Your help because my heart begs to rebel. I need Your strength & Truth & wisdom. Help me to submit to Your way… aka LIFE as it was always meant to be: blessed & full of abundant life! AMEN.”

Shine Hope

Shine HOPE by determining not just to live “morally” or to appear “Christian-y,” but to allow the Holy Spirit to renew Your heart & mind (notice that this verse says BE transformed… NOT transform–it’s the work of the Holy Spirit, but you have to be willing to do life His way & allow Him transform you from the inside out) as you determine to die to yourself & finally find what it means to LIVE… in HIM.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, 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, 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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Truth Earrings

These incredibly light earrings are made with genuine local capiz shell.

Artisan Information:

In the Philippines, finding employment as a woman in poverty can be extremely difficult. Poor working conditions, lack of job security, & unfair pay are often the realities. Through your purchase, these women are receiving an income, health care, & social development programs. This allows these women to realize their potential & pursue their dreams in a safe environment. You have the opportunity to change lives!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in the Philippines!

How You Can Help:

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

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

It Starts with Truth for a Reason

Lately, I have been learning more deeply about the armor of God, as mentioned in Ephesians 6.

And with this armor, comes a call to remember the importance of Truth.

Not “my truth” or “your truth”, but THE Truth.

Makes Sense

In today’s culture, this idea of a steady & sure Truth is often rejected & mocked.

Well, if you consider how much importance the Bible expresses that Truth really has in our lives, while also considering that the devil’s main goal is to discredit God & destroy us, it makes sense that this idea of a firm TRUTH that we can count on & stand firm upon is so greatly attacked.

The Bible Is the Standard for ALL Truth

I grew up being taught the Bible is true, but never really grasped that it is THE standard of ALL Truth.

That God’s Word is TRUE, for both believers AND unbelievers in Jesus &/or God’s Word. Its validity is not dependent on the reader’s understanding of it or belief in it. It just IS.

The more I read through God’s Word, the Bible, the more I see its truth coming to light, shining reality over what I grew up believing was reality based on what I understood to be true.

God’s Word is a filter by which we can determine if anything else is true.

He Is the Only Reasonable Determinant of What Constitutes as Actual Truth

Because God made us. He made this world. He knows how it works.

So, it stands to reason that He would be the only real determinant of what constitutes as actual Truth.

He is also eternal & unchanging. He existed before time & will exist after it. He sees all & knows all.

So, again, it stands to reason that He alone would be the only real determinant of what constitutes as actual, real TRUTH.

And yet, too often, based on my childhood & upbringing, formed through the eyes of a child’s immaturity & inexperience, I think I could determine for myself what Truth could be & have it hold up to every circumstance in life.

No. Only God.

God Made Sure We Had It & Having It Offers Us SO MUCH

And in His infinite richness of blessings to us, He made sure we had His Word given to us, inspired by Him & written by humans.

2 Timothy 3:16 concisely sums it up with, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God & is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

I heard it described this way, “God’s Word is good then for teaching us what is right, what is wrong, how to correct what is wrong, & how to do what is right.”

What an amazing description!

But I Want It MY Way… I Think I’M Right…

My selfish, self-centered heart wants everything to be about me: my understanding, my determining of what should be right or wrong based on what I want or how I feel about something, my wisdom, my desires, etc….

But there is only one Truth & that is God’s Word.

Truth Stays Truth Over Time

Truth does not fluctuate based on our feelings… it stands strong & firm.

Truth does not deteriorate because we discover something new… it stands firm & strong throughout history.

Truth is not dependent on us believing it… it stands firm & strong.

God’s Truth just IS.

And THANK GOD for THAT!

Truth Is Our Defense & Steady Footing

When we lean into & stand on God’s Word for Truth, we are no longer as susceptible to believing the devil’s deception…

We’re no longer so easily offended or hurt…

We’re no longer so easily distracted into giving in to our evil desires…

We’re no longer as gullible or easily controlled…

We’re able to stand firm & when all is said & done, to stand.

God’s Word…

God’s Word gives us steady footing that doesn’t shake when culture shifts.

God’s Word gives us a firm foundation when our world seems to crumble around us.

God’s Word gives us ammunition against our struggle with anxiety & depression.

God’s Word helps us know what pleases God & what doesn’t.

God’s Word tells us our purpose & our calling in life.

God’s Word POINTS US TO THE ONLY SOURCE OF TRUE HOPE—JESUS CHRIST.

Information We Can Count on & Live By

It tells us we’re made by Him, loved by Him, rescued by Him, & blessed by Him.

It warns us of the Enemy & tells us how to combat & defeat Him.

It brings healing, counsel, comfort, confidence, courage, & strength.

It applies to every area of life.

Read It for Yourself!

THIS is why I URGE you… DON’T rely on a pastor’s teaching… DON’T rely on what a devotional or book says… DON’T look to the ideologies, philosophies, & beliefs of your culture.

MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD DAY & NIGHT.

Know it. Read it. Study it. Do it. And PRAY OVER IT.

He didn’t make a point to have many people carefully record His Truth to pass down through the generations, to reach you… so it could sit in the drawer of your nightstand.

This is not a Christian ACCESSORY; it is a Christian NECESSITY.

God’s Word/TRUTH Is Helpful & Life-Giving to Us in Every Area of Life

God’s Word is helpful in every area of life… & the more & more you pour over it by reading it or studying it or memorizing it, the more it will come into focus for you.

But reading it is not enough for it to change your life.

You have to DO WHAT IT SAYS.

Hearing the Truth & not doing what it says is true is worthless, like looking in a mirror & then walking away & forgetting what you look like (James 1:23-24).

And if you don’t know how… good news… the Holy Spirit is ready & able to help illuminate the Truth in your heart as you ask Him to help you live His way.

It All Starts with JESUS

But it all starts with Jesus. You have to be willing to accept you’re a sinner, you’ve messed up, you’ve rebelled against God, you’ve sinned… ask God to forgive you of those sins, trust Jesus as Your LORD & trust that He has paid your debt in full… & turn away from that sin & rebellion with God’s help as you live for Him.

And when you do that, you are gifted with everything you need to live for Him, His way, with His help. (2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 1:3)

Trade It All In

And that is when you begin to bow your ideals & ideas & emotions & beliefs & understanding & passions to trade your shadows for God’s LIGHT.

Trade deception for Truth.

Trade darkness for Light.

Trade despair for HOPE.

God’s Word is a necessity. Ask Him to help you be diligent.

Allow God Room to Help You in the Struggle… Determine to LET HIM HELP YOU

If you struggle against it, know that Satan will have made it his mission to do whatever it takes to convince you to put that Bible back down & disregard it, because he TOO knows just HOW POWERFUL GOD’S WORD really is!

So, when you feel the resistance, that headache, that tiredness, that distraction, that whatever-it-is… PRAY & READ ANYWAY.

Say a similar prayer to the one I have said to God SO MANY times in the past, “God, I know I should do this, but [I really don’t want to… I really don’t feel like it… I feel too tired, though… I am so busy… I am so distracted… I can’t concentrate…], please HELP ME obey because I know it HONORS You AND it BLESSES me! Help me fight back!”

And then… START READING & trust that God will help you fight back as you determine to read the Truth you need to steady your life… to know what is right & what is wrong & how to correct what is wrong & how to do what is right.

The Importance of Truth

I hope, by now, you see even just a GLIMPSE of the importance of Truth.

***Again, your Bible is not a Christian accessory; your Bible is a Christian NECESSITY.***

Shine Hope by learning God’s Word, doing God’s Word, & sharing God’s Word (in LOVE) & don’t let Satan consider you as “gullible & easy to control” anymore!

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, 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, 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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Truth Earrings

These incredibly light earrings are made with genuine local capiz shell.

Artisan Information:

In the Philippines, finding employment as a woman in poverty can be extremely difficult. Poor working conditions, lack of job security, & unfair pay are often the realities. Through your purchase, these women are receiving an income, health care, & social development programs. This allows these women to realize their potential & pursue their dreams in a safe environment. You have the opportunity to change lives!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in the Philippines!

How You Can Help:

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

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

We’ve Been Talking About Sex

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been talking about lust & sex.

If you have any struggles in these areas, when it comes to going outside of God’s boundaries, you are not alone. It’s an area where I have many scars & bad habits that I have had since childhood, where God is helping to restore me & help me see the beautiful gift that sex was always meant to be for us.

God made sex AND He made us… & He alone knows exactly what will hurt us or bless us, so it’s SO important to seek to live His design in these areas, versus our own.

But, God forgives, God heals, & God redeems where we have already failed or missed the mark. He can help us rebuild back to His beautiful treasure of a design that He meant for our blessing in life. So, turn to Him always!

Breaking Harmful Family Cycles

This week, I want to talk about overcoming harmful family cycles & while this may seem unrelated, for many women, it is not.

When we’re little, we absorb so much information, & unfortunately, we absorb the good with the bad, the unintentional with the intentional.

Our parents are human, (ie. they’re imperfect)… just like you are… & just like every other person that has or will ever exist is.

As humans, we may have good intentions, but we fail often. We want to be intentional, but we get tired & sometimes just do what we need to survive through to the next day. And we all make mistakes daily, no matter what social media will lead us to believe.

Because of this reality about humanness, our also parents made mistakes, despite maybe their every effort to do their best for us. And, even if subconsciously, we often absorbed those mistakes as our reality.

“Lord, Search Me & Know Me… See If There Be Any Wicked Way in Me”

That is why it is monumentally important for us to pray this simple prayer that we can see in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, & know my heart; test me & know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, & lead me in the way everlasting.” (emphasis mine)

We need to be praying this prayer, as modeled for us in the Psalms, because we are ALL imperfect! AND, we were ALL raised by imperfect people, in an imperfect culture.

Too often, because we adopt the ways of our parents as our own, we live our lives & raise our children based on our personal upbringing as truth, never stopping to consider if it should be done any differently.

In other words, we do what is expressed in Judges 17:6 & Judges 21:25, “… Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (emphasis mine) How convicting this is for me!

Or, in Proverbs 21:2, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.” (emphasis mine)

What We Think VS What He KNOWS

We need to be turning to God to help us know the line between what we THINK is true, based on how we were raised, & what is ACTUALLY TRUE based on the full knowledge, understanding, & wisdom of our Sovereign, Eternal, LOVING LORD.

There are so many things in my life that I had taken as truth, even unintentionally taught to me just by my immature young eyes observing my parents in their own human weaknesses. I was too young to distinguish between acting in humanness versus acting in Truth.

Parents will never be perfect. They CAN’T be perfect.

But God IS perfect… in literally EVERYTHING… & He offers His help to us.

Intentionally Feeding Myself Truth

So, I have learned some things around this fact:

1. I need to be learning God’s Word, so that I am training my heart & mind with discernment about Truth.
2. I need to be praying that God help me not rely on my own understanding, but to turn to Him in & for & through everything.
3. I need to give grace to myself & others, because we were not made to be perfect… we were made to need God’s help

Parenting with Purpose, Grace, & a Whole Lot of God’s Help

These realizations are things I am tucking away in my heart, in case God blesses us with children someday. A reminder to not act on emotions or fears/anxieties, but to lean into Him in everything & to demonstrate that necessity to my children.

I would want them to know I am not perfect & that I am not their answer… I would want to teach them how to go to Him for the real Truth.

All That He Is

Because I will fail, but He cannot fail.

Because I am weak, but He is strong.

Because I don’t know everything, even in the areas I think I do, but He does know everything & has infallible wisdom & understanding in all things.

Because I won’t always be able to be there for them, but He will never leave them nor forsake them.

And the same goes for a life without children: I won’t always get it right, I fail sometimes, I am weak, I don’t know everything (even when I think I do in some areas), & someone won’t always be around when I need them (But God will be).

Cling to Him

I need to learn to not rely on my own understanding, but to ask Him to reveal to me where I am believing in & living based on lies or even human understanding.

He never fails.

He is always strong.

He never gets it wrong.

He alone knows EVERYTHING with perfect understanding & wisdom.

He is always with me (& you) as our Comforter, Healer, Friend, Counselor, Father, & Almighty, Loving GOD.

God Sees Our Blind Spots

You & I may not see where we have misinterpreted truth based on our upbringing. We may not recognize where we’re believing wrongly about something.

But God sees & God knows.

And God has the power & wisdom to help us recognize it, to redirect us to truth, & to help us move forward the way He designed.

So, turn to Him in the big & small, turn to Him when emotions threaten to make your decisions & guide your actions for you, & turn to Him to help you see where you’re stuck believing wrongly.

He holds the answers that you seek… ALL of them… So, shine HOPE by going to Him for EVERYTHING… & break harmful family cycles for the generation to come.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, 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, 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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Amie Bracelet (Haiti)

This elegant charm bracelet from Haiti will add a splash of color to any outfit with its multicolored hand-rolled paper beads dangling from an adjustable chain.

Artisan Information:

Haiti is home to almost 500,000 orphans. Many children are “poverty orphans” with loving parents who want to keep them. Your purchase provides sustainable income, so mothers can keep their babies.

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in Haiti!

Also Shown: Sunrise Bracelet (pinkish-Thailand), Rani Bracelet (blue/orange-India), & Moonstone Hoops (India)

How You Can Help:

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

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

The Chains of Lust

Last week, I talked about lust… the silent, secret destroyer.

I mentioned my own battle with it, my justifications of it, & the damage I saw it cause in my own relationship with my husband… & why we really should trust God when He says to avoid it.

It’s easy for me to find the “loophole” of good moral behavior on the outside, with good intentions on the inside, while still seeking to please myself, my way… & thus hurting myself.

When we try to find “loopholes” in God’s laws, we’re not just hurting Him, but ourselves AND others, even if we’ve convinced ourselves, &/or others, of our innocence.

Let’s Talk About Sex

But let’s be clear… God made sex.

God designed sex to be ENJOYED between a husband AND wife (aka it’s not just for the man).

God even had a whole chapter in the Bible written about sex.

In other words, God cares about sex.

Sex Is Also Meant for the Wife

Through my journey with temptation to lust or fantasize, I have noticed also the cry/lie that sex is not meant for women, but to keep the husband happy.

This often leads women to seek satisfaction from other means, like erotica, pornography, romance novels, fantasizing, or stuffing down their desires, leaving them bitter & cold to their husband’s desires.

But what if we, as women, stopped turning to our own “solutions” as seen above, & started trusting that if God made it for husband & wife to enjoy together, that God can help repair & restore that design the way He meant it to be?

What if we stopped settling for sin &/or accepting our own dissatisfaction?

What if we trusted God’s design instead?

A Treasured Joy between Man & His Wife

Media & culture often presents sex as careless, reckless, meaningless, passionate, too-perfect, easy, empty pleasure.

God designed sex to bring a husband & wife close with intimacy, enjoyment, oneness, as meaningful, connected, & fulfilling pleasure.

I used to believe the presentation of sex in movies, that it didn’t mean much & that if you felt off or yucky or cheap or used or dirty afterwards, that was the exception, not the rule.

But sex was never meant to be carelessly thrown about. It was meant to be a treasured joy for a husband & wife to share.

Not Meant to Leave You Feeling “Icky”

I didn’t have sex before marriage, but even with the “messing around” that I did, I was left feeling icky. I felt used & cheap, even though I encouraged it to happen.

I kept thinking that if I just toughed up, I would finally achieve the joy from it that everyone else seemed to have, but I was always left feeling empty & gross.

God’s Design Vs Our Design for Desires

A friend of mine did not wait until marriage to have sex & she shared this with me to share with you:

“On sex before marriage—my experience—I didn’t understand sex. My view of sex was distorted & perverted [from God’s design for it]. I did not know what God’s design for sex really looked like. On top of that, I was rebellious & I gave in to all of my lusts & desires. In the end, all I was left with was heartbreak & an emptiness. The culture wants you to believe—Satan wants you to believe—sex before marriage, casual sex, is more satisfying, but Satan is a liar & he wants to deceive us.”

Sin Never Delivers What It Promises Us

Sin NEVER delivers what it promises. It NEVER satisfies truly. It leaves you feeling empty & gross, because it’s sin.

That’s why God tells us to avoid it, because He made us & knows exactly how we’re wired, no matter what culture (or Satan) tries to tell you that contradicts God’s Word.

God knows what will bless us & what will hurt us.

We need to fear God in the sense that He is SO FAR ABOVE us & MADE us & KNOWS literally EVERYTHING… & His Word should be trusted & obeyed, even if we’ve convinced ourselves that the world’s way (or our way) is better.

Because the world’s way will always leave you wanting… empty… searching… looking for more….

But God’s way satisfies completely.

Not Without Temptations

That doesn’t mean we won’t be tempted. It doesn’t mean our flesh won’t scream for instant gratification & beg us to believe the world’s view on sex because it seems easier to access… but knowing it won’t actually fulfill us & thus turning it away to ask for ONLY God’s way is the first step to finding healing & TRUE satisfaction.

I have been fighting this fight for two plus years now (against the temptation of turning to fantasies) & struggled with it for years before I realized how much damage it was causing me… & when I look back at myself, then addicted to fantasies & lust, always going to that versus my husband, how empty & unsatisfied & even bitter I felt… to now seeing breakthroughs of healing, trust, satisfaction & contentment…. I would never want to go back to my old views because they left me so bitter & empty.

God Made Sex

Again, God made sex.

God designed sex to be enjoyed between husband AND wife.

God even had a whole chapter in the Bible written about sex.

In other words, God cares about sex!

Only God’s Way Truly Satisfies

If you are unmarried & seeking satisfaction via sex or fantasies or lust or erotica or pornography or romance novels, etc., I will tell you right now that the longer you seek to find satisfaction there, the emptier you will feel over time.

If you are married & feel unsatisfied in the bedroom & therefore seek pleasure via sex elsewhere, or fantasies or lust or erotica or pornography or romance novels, etc., I will tell you right now that the longer you seek to find satisfaction there, the emptier you will feel over time.

Ask for Mercy… Receive Mercy… Do It God’s Way

Turn to God. Surrender your chains. Ask forgiveness of your sin.

God is slow to anger & quick to mercy.

God’s mercies are new every morning.

God is quick to forgive us our sins.

God is able to do immeasurably more than you can ask or even imagine.

God made you. Turn to Him. Trust His design & turn away from your own.

Only Jesus can satisfy you & everything else is but a cheap imitation… a mirage of false hope.

Shine HOPE by taking any sexual sin to God & by no longer conceding to give in to seeking out satisfaction your own way.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, 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, 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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Northern Lights Studs (from India)

These studs hold labradorite stone, displaying multiple captivating colors that vary in different exposures to light, just like the Northern Lights themselves. Flash-plated posts.

Artisan Information:

The women we partner with in India do so much more than just create beautiful products. With every purchase, another woman is empowered out of poverty to be self-reliant! Women have the opportunity to earn an income, attend financial management classes, & receive education & healthcare. These women are now able to give their family a promising future because of your purchase!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

How You Can Help:

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

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

The Poison of Lust

Since I have recently been sharing specific chains I wrestle with in my life, I thought it would be a good time to focus in on one of them that I struggled with a majority of my life, (yes, even as a pre-teen): LUST.

I was taught in church early on that sex was meant for marriage & was taught this in such a way that it strongly discouraged me from considering sex as a youth.

While I appreciate not having had that particular baggage going into my marriage, I wish this topic had been expanded on a little better, because it left some loopholes that set me up for some addictions I have struggled to shake off my whole life.

Scars of Addiction

Because sex before/outside of marriage was so strongly discouraged at church, as is God’s design, I experienced little of the scars that inevitably arise as a result of disregarding God’s design… scars that so many of my friends have since confided in me about.

But I was not immune to scars from a different source: the growing addiction to fantasies & lust.

I, as human, struggle with a sin nature. I may have accepted Jesus saving me when I was pretty young, but I still struggled: spirit against flesh.

The Righteous Façade

And because I misunderstood God’s character to be all about rules as a Christian, versus His handing us His DESIGNED Truth in the Bible, I grew up pretty “moral” (on the outside).

I learned quickly how to appease parents & Sunday school teachers & church friends by adapting to what was considering “right” behavior… & as long as I felt I displayed that “right” character well enough, I thought my inner thoughts didn’t matter too much.

God says otherwise.

The Secret Struggle

Lust has always been a weak point for me & Satan knew it. He also knew that I incorrectly viewed righteousness by God’s design as “acting like a good person”, making me vulnerable to other attacks of temptation to do things that seemed “less wrong.”

Much like many American women, I secretly struggled against lust.

Many women indulge in pornography & erotica, but little is talked about it.

That was not my particular battle, since both were strongly warned against by my parents at a young age, but instead, I created my own in my mind, using imaginary people in my imaginings… thinking that made it completely okay & following all the right rules before God.

I was wrong.

Matthew 5:27-28 may have been addressing men, but it applies to women as well when it says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

God Knows. God Loves. God Commands–For Our Good

I had been wanting a loophole & Satan gladly provided me with one.

But this “loophole” wasn’t really a loophole at all, because God is not a God of, “JUST MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW ALL MY RULES IF YOU WANT ME TO ACCEPT YOU!!!” But rather, “I gave you these rules because I know literally EVERYTHING, because I designed EVERYTHING & I know perfectly the best design for how EVERYTHING works best. AND I LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN EVER COMPREHEND.”

In other words, did my loophole hurt God’s heart? Yes. Was it a sin against Him? Yes.

It hurts Him because He gave the command FOR MY GOOD & when I don’t trust Him & obey it, I will always end up getting hurt AND hurting others, & He knows it!

How “Innocent” Lust Hurt Me

So, that “loophole” I had roped myself into of not sleeping around & not lusting after actual people… that “loophole” I thought would protect me… DIDN’T. I still got hurt.

It taught & gave me unhealthy standards of love.

It made me think sex was all about the physical & not SO MUCH MORE.

It made me think it was a means to an end, versus an intimacy-growing experience with my husband.

It made me insecure, like maybe my own husband just saw me as a means to an end, versus a wife he cherished & adored.

It made me unable to relax because it wasn’t fake AKA perfectly catered directly to everything I wanted in every way & at every moment.

It left me dissatisfied & disappointed when I had the real thing available with my husband.

It left me addicted. I realized later that because of that 25+ year addiction, I really did struggle not viewing my husband as a means to an end in that area of our marriage, versus the one I truly cherish & adore.

It was a thorn in our marriage that lasted for a big chunk of it so far & I didn’t even realize it was the cause!

God Knew. God Forgave. God Healed.

And God knew all that. He knew the effects of some sin was so subtle that I may not even notice how it was hurting me, but that it WOULD hurt me. So He, in His all-knowing wisdom, TOLD ME (us) NOT TO DO IT.

I wrongly thought it was innocent.

I thought my thoughts were just my thoughts & therefore harmless.

I thought I was alone with my thoughts & that they couldn’t hurt anyone else.

But God knew they were hurting me & as extension, hurting my husband, even if I couldn’t see that they were.

Don’t Turn a Blind Eye to Sin

God had told me “NO.” And I did it anyway because I thought I had found a loophole.

Ladies, the “loophole” is not worth it.

The romance novels… the pornography… the erotica… the fantasies you make up in your own mind… even if they’re not real people… whatever it is you go to… it’s NOT worth it.

It may be easy to justify that “but it’s not sex,” but God doesn’t just warn us about & tell us not to indulge in sex outside of marriage, but also SEXUAL IMMORALITY.

God Can Help You Find Victory to Break the Chains & to HEAL

God also tells us He can help us escape temptation if we are willing to submit & turn to Him for help rather than clinging to our sin & pushing His help aside.

His way is best. Always. 100%.

It’s not about Him trying to be right. He just IS right.

He is not puffed up & trying to show you He’s a know-it-all. He just IS. He literally DOES know it ALL.

So, when He says His THOU SHALT NOTs in the Bible, it’s REALLY Him saying, “I designed & created this world. I know your weaknesses & your vulnerabilities. I know what will hurt you or benefit you. I know EVERYTHING because I existed before time itself. And knowing everything, I sent My Word to be written by men, but inspired by Me, so that YOU would ALSO know how to rest in my loving guidance in all things. All you have to do is trust Me… & obey.”

Why do we fight it? Why do I fight it?

He is always right.

He always knows & He always knows best.

My Prayer Over LUST

“Lord, thank You for revealing this sin in my heart through these past couple of years. Thank You for shining light on it & exposing my actions for what they are: SIN. Please forgive me. Forgive me for excusing it away & justifying it through my “good intentions” & desire to display “good moral behavior.” I didn’t want to listen to You starting back all those years ago as a pre-teen. I was selfish. I was arrogant to think You didn’t know my heart’s true condition. You knew I was just searching for a way to look like a good person while still getting away with whatever I wanted. And now I am wounded & have needed Your healing power & wisdom to heal the wounds on my marriage from this cancer growing within it. Thank You for all of the progress You have made happen as I walk with You through it these last couple of years. Thank You for the healing You have given me in this area undoing the damage I inflicted on myself by choosing my way versus Yours for so many years. Help me keep fighting with Your strength. Break those chains. Thank You for the victory You have been giving me in this area over the last year, as You’ve been exposing my sin to me & helping me weed it out of my life. I know I still fail at times, but I see You working in me to build a defense against it the more & more I lean into You through it. Thank You that You care about my marriage & the intimacy that is unique within a marriage. You are a beautiful Master Designer. Help me cling to that masterpiece of a design & to reject anything else that threatens it. Your way or bust. Thank You for helping me & for being so loving & patient with me every step of the way. I love You, always, because You first loved me. AMEN.”

Shine HOPE by kicking the excuses out, (kung fu style), & by clinging to God’s design instead, receiving His help & healing every step of the way!

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, 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, 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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Crystal Spring Earrings (from India)

Made from genuine sterling silver & chalcedony stone, these 1″ drop earrings are an easy addition to elevate your outfit.

Artisan Information:

The women we partner with in India do so much more than just create beautiful products. With every purchase, another woman is empowered out of poverty to be self-reliant! Women have the opportunity to earn an income, attend financial management classes, & receive education & healthcare. These women are now able to give their family a promising future because of your purchase!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

How You Can Help:

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

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

A Faith Displayed by Action

I have heard a lot of different sermons about the verse in James 2,”Faith without works is dead.”

I understand that if we claim to really trust God, we have to be willing to do what He says, trusting that He always knows best.

I also understand that if we’re NOT willing to do what He says, it speaks very little of any faith we might have or claim to have in Him.

Faith Without Obedience Is a Dead End

But it never actually clicked for me that this simple phrase of, “faith without works is dead,” also denotes this idea I have been wrestling with so much lately, that if I have faith enough to ASK God for help overcoming something, it does absolutely nothing for me if I am not also willing to OBEY & follow through with the solution He provides.

With my FAITH, I need to also be willing to OBEY & faith WITHOUT obedience is a dead end.

I can believe in my heart that God is my only true source of hope for healing, wisdom, & power to help in any given situation, but UNLESS I ACT on that faith, it does me absolutely NO good.

That has been my story.

My Story

I have learned, “Wow, okay… God really DOES know everything & has the power to overcome ANYTHING. HE is the source of hope I have been searching for in this!”… to, “So, I need to learn to pray about EVERYTHING! JUST like He tells us to do!” … to, “God PLEASE help me in this!” … to hearing His gentle nudge, an offering to provide me the wisdom or solution I seek, but I hold up my hand & say, “NOPE!”

WHY?!

Why do I resist Him? And why does it seem insurmountable NOT to resist Him?

My Own Roadblock

I am allowing myself to keep on my chains because those chains are all I have known & I crave them like an idol in my life… & removing them means leaving my comfort zone… even if that comfort zone has been hurting me for so long.

(It sort of reminds me of the Israelites, spoken about in Exodus, complaining as they wandered in the desert, wishing they could go back to being SLAVES in Egypt, versus now-FREE men who COULD ask God for help in ANYTHING, but just spent their days merely complaining instead.)

And it’s like in Proverbs 26:11, where it says, “as a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly”…

I am that dog always returning to my vomit.

I stay trapped because I refuse to OBEY in my faith in God.

Hear me on this, I AM MY OWN ROADBLOCK.

Climbing Uphill Through Molasses

And yet, it feels like I’m climbing uphill through molasses when I try to change.

And that’s where surrender comes in… I need to SURRENDER my chains to His help.

• Whether it’s addictions to eating out or eating convenience…
• Whether it’s skipping exercise because going from stop to go feels so hard…
• Whether it’s filling in every bit of free time versus sitting in stillness with God…
• Whether it’s fantasizing for a quick fix versus growing in intimacy with my husband, the way God intended it…
•  Whether it’s skipping caring for my home because my tv or phone is more entertaining & easier…
• Whether it’s missing out on a FULLER LIFE because of all of these chains versus TRUSTING GOD TO HELP ME OVERCOME THEM.

I have so many chains around my neck, dragging me down & keeping me STUCK.

I Know I Need Him… Now I Just Need to Let Go & Take His Hand…

I have learned to pray about my chains… I have learned that just like the disciples in the boat, as told about in Matthew 8, with the waves crashing around them, fear over-taking them, & Jesus reminding them that He was still in control & a reminder to trust Him… I have learned I NEED to go to Him.

But I also have learned that I NEED to be willing to SURRENDER to His help instead of clinging so tightly to those chains that keep hurting me when He offers His help.

I need to OBEY His call on my heart to leave those chains behind, to take His hand, & to step away from them with His help.

Surrendering to God Is Not Defeat… It’s VICTORY!

I need to SURRENDER.

Surrender seems a word associated with defeat, but with God, surrender leads to the VICTORY we cry out for so desperately… because we aren’t surrendering to a malevolent invader, but to a benevolent & Almighty KING Who counts us as one of His dearest children… exchanging our chains for His riches & goodness.

SURRENDER is VICTORY.

Crying Out to God for a Heart Change–My Chains in Exchange for True Satisfaction in Him

“Lord, I feel trapped. I can try to blame addiction, but I am the real obstacle. My flesh is weak. I want those things I am chained by. I know they hurt me, but I long for them because they’re easy. But they never satisfy me long. And then I search for them again. Like the woman at the well, in John 4, whom You told that anyone who drinks from You will never thirst again… YOU are the ONLY thing that can truly satisfy me. Everything else is empty & fleeting & comes with hidden thorns. Help me trust You enough to not just call out to You for help, but to CLING to You & SURRENDER to Your help. Even if I have to slump to the floor in defeat to keep myself from running to the chains I always cling to & BEG You to keep me from going back to them, HELP ME PLEASE. I don’t want to live in these chains forever. You are the true Overcomer. Help me cling to You & be willing to leave everything else behind. Help me. AMEN.”

Shine Hope by SURRENDERING to His help in breaking your chains.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, 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, 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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Anika Earrings

These silver-plated hammered Anika Earrings are made in India where they get their name from an ancient Sanskrit word meaning “grace & favor”. Add some fun to your wardrobe with these lightweight statement earrings!

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

How You Can Help:

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

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