I Think We All Could Use a Reality Check on This One… No Matter How Far We’ve Come

Well, this one sort of gets to the point, doesn’t it?

I think over my day-to-day, my thoughts, my habits, patterns, responsibilities… how much of my life is about ME & how much of it do I make about Him Who MADE me?

Temporary gains & goals? Or eternal consequences & hope?

What do I live for? What is more important to me?

And the funny thing about this question about our priorities is that no matter how far we come, no matter how much we improve on this, there is always room to grow. Why? Because living for something outside of ourselves is not natural for our flesh… & it’s not how we’re raised (no matter how true a follower of Jesus your parents were, no one is ever 100% perfect… we’re all human). It’s not what we see exemplified for us out in the world we see every day.

So, no matter how much we may excel at putting God first, it will never be with perfection 100% of the time (that is why we praise God for sending Jesus, AMEN!?). We always have room to grow, to fail forward. And thank God that He sent His Holy Spirit to help us as we yield (die to) ourselves & as we aim to live ever more fully for Him.

I will ALWAYS be a work-in-progress, & I hope you will be, too.

Those Darn Nagging Little Convictions

For example, I was really convicted yesterday by what a friend said in our Bible study chat. She said something to the effect of: “Praying for gospel opportunities through this storm.”

You see, we just got hit with what was gearing up to be our THIRD SUPER typhoon last night. Now, God did bless us by sending it further south & having it lessen before it hit (PRAISE GOD!)… & He had it move fairly quickly versus at a snail’s pace like the last one that just seemed to keep hitting & hitting us forever with no end… but it was posturing to be just as strong.

My thoughts on this? Can I say, with honesty, mirrored her expressed thoughts about Gospel opportunities? Nope. They were FAR closer to something more like: “Please, God, NO! Not ANOTHER one. PLEEEEAAAASE!!! And RIGHT before we MOVE & we’re already dealing with so much?? WHY!!???”

Real God-pleasing, huh? You can tell the Gospel was my main thought priority leading up to this, no? Yeah, NO. It wasn’t.

And boy did her little comment snap me back & insert that nagging, annoying little conviction. So, I prayed about it & asked God to change my mind to better reflect that in the future: “This should I have been my first thought… but it wasn’t. I have more work to do. I need to grow more. God, please forgive me for not even thinking that ONCE… please help me view hardships & hurts more as opportunities to watch You work… & to share You with others who are scared &/or hurting in them. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

He will help me grow as I continue to yield my falling shorts to Him.

I Crave Comfort More Than I Crave Surrender… Obviously

If you’ve been following my content for any amount of time, you have seen this pattern before. I absolutely CRAVE comfort & without being super intentional about laying it down before God in prayer for help on that, I can pretty easily spiral when the comfort return request is denied for any extended amount of time. It is pretty pathetic & I am very aware of that.

But praying for the end of a struggle is not the same as praying for opportunity in a struggle. (Didn’t I JUST write about this??)

And it is OKAY to admit not enjoying struggle. Even Paul talked about it. It is NOT fun. And we don’t have to pretend it is in order to follow God & represent Him well. In fact, what a TESTIMONY to admit how badly you are struggling WHILE showing you’re willing to obey & trust God ANYWAY. WOW!! Do that. Don’t fake it. Most people can tell you’re faking it anyway & it is NOT good for your mental well-being to get good at faking it until nobody can tell–TRUST me from past personal experience–NOT worth it! Be honest. Be real. Turn to Him IN it!

Is the Gospel More Important to Us Than Our Own Hopes & Dreams?

What am I living for? Who am I living for?

Do I live for a good time, happy memories, family, success, money, the “idyllic life”?

Do I live for me?

All of that is temporary, isn’t it?

I am reminded of pretty much the whole book of Ecclesiastes. It gets bashed as being a super depressing view on everything, but I see the contrary. Solomon was noted as the wisest man to have lived & do you know what he realized? That having all of that wisdom was something that felt like a burden sometimes because he could see the patterns of civilizations, of people turning from God & living for vain things that don’t matter at all once you’ve died—& that all people die!

His cry throughout that book of the Bible is basically: “Vanity of vanities! Everything is vanity!” That we strive & strive our whole lives for things that won’t even really matter one tiny little bit once we die… & we WILL all die… so why are we spending so much of our energy, time, & money striving after what won’t matter when we’re gone?

I ask myself this, too. I am not exempt to getting focused on what won’t last… what won’t even matter anymore once I’m gone… & I am not promised any amount of time.

I Have Come So Far from Where I Once Was… But I Still Have So Far to Go… So I Will Keep Praying & Keeping Asking Him to Work on Me

I don’t naturally wake up thinking every waking moment is a Gospel opportunity—an opportunity to show others that Jesus died to satisfy God’s wrathful judgement of sin so that we could be counted clean before God—not because of any good we have done or could do—but because Jesus was willing to take that wrath upon Himself for us.

I just don’t. I think about basic needs, about what I want to make for breakfast, what outfit I’ll wear, my task list for the day.

Yes, I do talk to God when I am waking up. Mostly whining about how grumpy & tired I am & asking Him to help me with my attitude & energy levels, to help me do well with my day despite how I feel about it in that moment.

I talk to Him throughout my day each day. I praise Him when I see a pretty sky or a cute kitty or a pretty bird fly by or when I drive past the ocean view lined with palm trees here on Guam (I’m going to miss that).

I thank Him when I see Him answer a prayer or grant me wisdom with something I was asking for His help.

I thank Him for His provisions as I think of them—a comfy bed, A/C, protection from the stormy skies, my food, my health.

I ask Him for help when I feel stumped or stressed or stuck or sad.

But I don’t always think about how each inconvenience in my life can turn into a Gospel opportunity. I tend to ask God to make each inconvenience work out &/or go away. (*If you haven’t heard the song “Blessings” by Laura Story, wow… Go listen now.)

It is something I need to work on praying about more. Praying for opportunities. Praying for courage. Praying for wisdom & words. Praying to trust Him more. Not just praying the struggle away… but trusting Him through each one.

Look Beyond How It Makes You Feel

People are oftentimes looking for hope when they’re not acting kind. They’re stressed, worn down, just trying to get by maybe… or maybe someone is regularly unkind to them. I ought to be Jesus to them… to show them graciousness, gentleness, & kindness… to treat them how I would wish people would treat me on a really bad day… words of encouragement or even the Gospel as nudged by the Holy Spirit.

I ought to be open to seeing people not as rude people or inconsiderate people or means-to-an-end people (cashiers, auto repair techs, dentists, neighbors, etc.) but as people for whom Jesus died for… who need the hope of Jesus or they will face the consequences of their sin themselves… get what they deserve… what I deserve—Hell—all while Jesus made a way out possible so they wouldn’t have to.

Am I so concerned with looking odd or making someone uncomfortable or feeling awkward… that I’m okay with them going to Hell to prevent it from happening?

Vanity of vanities for sure! My appearance in saving face over their salvation & eternal hope. Vanity of vanities is right. And not a vanity as in being vain (which it is, technically), but vanity as in “all in vain” aka pointlessness.

Is the Gospel more important to us than our own hopes & dreams? Our own comfort zone? Our appearance?

Do We Live for What Will Matter After We Die?

Do we live a life of “vanity of vanities, everything is vanity” that will all pass away & have been pointless when we die?

Or do we live a life that will tell others there is hope? Even if we risk coming off as weird to them.

Do we live a life that puts Him as our purpose in everything we do?

How we love our family… representing God’s love for them.

How we represent our trust in Him by DOING what His Word says versus just KNOWING a lot of verses?

How we love strangers, even those who are mean to us… representing the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

How we run our home… creating a safe haven for family or friends to return home to.

How we serve others… letting them see they matter to God & God sees their needs.

How we humble ourselves when we want to snap back or demand to get what we feel or even know we deserve… like how Jesus never fought back when He was blasphemed, spat on, whipped, & hung on the cross because we were worth it to Him.

How we love the undeserving… God loves US even in OUR undeserving.

Everything we do, whether we eat or drink or whatever we do…. What are we living for?

What Are YOU Living For?

This isn’t a guilt-you post. No matter how good or bad you are right now… not a single one of us is perfect at this… we ALL need to grow more to live more pleasingly to Him, for Him… through Him. ALL of us. No one is exempt from needing growth in this.

So, ask yourself: “How good would I say I am at having a right perspective on this… right habits…?” And then, you know what, 1-10, whatever you gave yourself… pray right now & ask God to take you one step further. Admit where you fall short to Him, apologize for any fear or insecurity that wins over your trust & obedience. Trust Jesus paid for that falling short. And ask Him to help you know how to improve… to help you practice living it out even more or at all.

God is a gentle teacher. He knows you are human. He knows you are weak & maybe scared. You don’t HAVE to share hope with others to be saved… but you WILL be missing out on the MOST humungous blessing of seeing Him work through your trust in Him to show other people that TRUE HOPE IS POSSIBLE. He will take your hand & gently help you step-by-step grow in this AS you are willing to be led. As you humble yourself before Him & say, “Lord, I am willing… use my life to share HOPE.”

And Shine HOPE by sharing it with others… by making it the priority in your life before all else… by asking God to help 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 42) on my YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @7pm EST/Wednesdays @9am GUAM*) OR come back here to watch it once it has been uploaded!)

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

This blog/website has been running since Summer 2018!! 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!!

Wildwood Set–Handcrafted in the Dominican Republic!

EXCLUSIVE! Only a few available.

Beautifully handcrafted. Meaningfully connected. A story worth sharing.

Add a touch of earthy elegance to your style with this stunning jewelry pairing! The Wildwood Earrings from Trades of Hope feature intricate cream and warm caramel-colored beadwork, creating a beautiful statement piece inspired by natural textures and timeless artisan craftsmanship. Their eye-catching design brings warmth, character, and a touch of bohemian charm to any outfit.

Paired with the earrings is a gorgeous handcrafted beaded bracelet made by artisans in the Dominican Republic who have been rescued from human trafficking. Featuring rich, amber-toned beads, delicate gold accents, and a beautiful piece of larimar as the centerpiece, this bracelet is more than a beautiful accessory—it represents hope, dignity, and the opportunity for a new beginning through meaningful work.

Together, these two pieces are a lovely reminder that what we wear can reflect what we believe in. Whether you’re dressing up a simple everyday look or searching for a thoughtful gift, this pairing celebrates beauty with a deeper purpose.

***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!

More Than “Just” Heaven

I’ve been through some painful stuff in my lifetime… as I am sure you can say for yourself as well. And while I would cling to the fact that “even if it never got better, at least I can look forward to heaven…” well, I was missing one small little detail.

You see, it really has been a comfort to me to consider the fact that even if whatever hard I’m facing never seems to quit, I know that my hope is secured because of what Jesus did for me on the cross, dying to pay for my sins & rising again to conquer them once & for all. But the fact is, there’s more….

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

Psalm 23:4 doesn’t shy away from the concept of suffering. It doesn’t sugar-coat it, hide it, avoid it, pretend to the world it isn’t there… it confronts it with truth IN it.

And why no fear? Not just the hope of eternity in heaven, free from sin, pain, or death because of Jesus… but here NOW IN it with me.

I don’t have to fear the evils of this world or the pain or suffering in this life… not JUST because I have heaven on the horizon, but because He is with me in it, through it… every step of the way.

“For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b)

God Doesn’t Hide from Our Pain

I absolutely love the fact that God doesn’t shy away from our pain or ask us to “just buck up.” He doesn’t want us to pretend. He doesn’t push away from us. He wants us to know where we can find hope where hope seems impossible. Not just waiting on eternity, but finding comfort through the storm NOW.

He doesn’t promise all of our hard away, but He promises to be our enough IN the hard.

It can seem so lonely when we face times of suffering. It can be so isolating when we see the suffering around us but others want to minimize or ignore it. But God sees. God knows. God cares. He wants us to cry out to Him in it. He wants to be what we need in it.

Nothing Else Lastingly Satisfies

My husband & I are reading through Ecclesiastes, one of the most uplifting books of the Bible (sarcasm here), & yet, even with all of the “vanity of vanities, all is vanity” comments throughout, it’s a clear reminder of what we ought to be living for, what will last beyond a temporary pleasure or satisfaction. It’s only in Jesus. Everything else fades or always just falls short of feeling like “enough.” But Jesus SATISFIES.

“Sorrow is better than laughter,
For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.” (Ecclesiastes 7:3-4)

We can chase what makes us feel good, what makes us feel comfortable…. But we will always be chasing, grasping for the wind… a pursuit ever fleeting, ever just out of reach. But God knows that when we face hard things, we learn & we grow… & we see Him more clearly as our sufficiency instead of ourselves. Ignoring all pain & suffering doesn’t make it to stop existing. We NEED Him whether we like to admit it or not.

In His Presence Is Fullness of Joy… So Get into His Presence

I talked in a recent blog post about “In His Presence Is Fullness of Joy” & that I always assumed joy was just a given (or was supposed to be). But I have learned that when the heaviness settles on my heart or I feel overwhelmed or so restless it feels like my skin is uncontrollably squirming with angst, that I literally need to pause the tv, set down the phone, aka not turn to anything else to numb or avoid or comfort… & just sit & ask God for His presence… for His help… for His steadying hand… for His peace… for His calm. And let Him settle me. I need to just sit & BE in His presence.

To worship & praise His name… put everything in perspective of Who He is & what He has done for me.

He is big enough to handle my worst. He doesn’t shy away from it. He doesn’t push away from me in it. He doesn’t ask me to pretty it up to make it more palatable or hide it better so it makes Him more comfortable to be around me. He doesn’t ask me to pretend. He can take it… the worst & ugliest of me. When the pain is raw & not cleaned up yet.

And He sits with me in it. Fully embraces me at my worst. Calm IN the storm. Peace. GRACE.

God Sees Me & He Will Not Waste My Pain

And God ALWAYS has a plan. He is always working. He is never asleep. He is never missing a detail. He hasn’t forgotten you. He sees you. He cares for you. He is with you.

And He is working.

We can take comfort in that NOW.

“In the day of prosperity be joyful,
But in the day of adversity consider:
Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other….” (Ecclesiastes 7:14a)

He knows what we need. We can take comfort in that. He knows that adversity strengthens our character & builds our trust in Him as we turn to & cry out to Him in it. Because He always comes through. Not in praying for the end of the struggle, but in praying to see Him care for us in the struggle.

Unafraid… For I Know He Is with Me

And because I KNOW He is working, I can ask Him, “Lord, I do NOT want to waste this pain or struggle. Please use it to bless others somehow… to be a testimony to others that You are so much beyond sufficient. Show Yourself to BE my strength. Be strong in my weakness. Show the world Your grace through me… through this pain. In Jesus’ name… AMEN.”

The disciples understood this while singing His praises in prison (Acts 16:25). Job understood this when he lost EVERYTHING (Job 1:21). Paul understood this when his life was threatened (Acts 21:13). The 3 men thrown in the furnace understood this (Daniel 3:16-18). Daniel understood this when faced with the lions den (Daniel 6). God is worthy of our all & sufficient for us in ALL circumstances. He is working. We are a living testimony. IN the pain, & when God will eventually call us home–all in His perfect timing. God has a plan & He is at work! Cling to Him!

Unafraid… for I know He is with me. God has a plan. God is working. God will provide. God is in control. God will comfort. God is enough. God is with you.

Shine HOPE by turning to Him when you are afraid, trusting Him as your sufficiency as you go through it, knowing He is with you wherever you go. Not just waiting on eternity as your hope… but right NOW He is with 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 40) on my YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @7pm EST/Wednesdays @9am 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 since Summer 2018!! 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!!

October 2026 “Hope Mail”–Fighting Poverty in India!

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

Enjoy the artisanal design of the Moroccan Tile Earrings when you shop Hope Mail this month! These detailed, hand-beaded statement earrings are handcrafted in a workshop in India that’s committed to fighting child marriage and helping women become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans. Featuring vibrant colors inspired by Moroccan Tile designs, these earrings are not only beautiful but create necessary jobs for women in areas of extreme poverty in India.

Every purchase of this month’s Hope Mail creates safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in India where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops and human traffickers.

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

How 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 to Give God Glory When You Feel Stuck in Life

This week is another adaptation of my lesson prep for prison ministry.

I just felt that, although not prison, we all can have seasons where we feel stuck or trapped… especially like my seasons where I am struggling with depression…. And I have learned that even in those really hard, difficult times… sometimes those are the most prime times to be able to give God the glory because onlookers can more clearly see that it’s not at all because of me.

We’ve all had times in our lives when we feel stuck. Maybe it’s a season of grief or maybe an illness or injury… maybe it’s depression… maybe it’s prison.

When we’re in these seasons, where everything just seems hard & the hard doesn’t seem to ever want to stop… when you have no control… it can all be very discouraging. It can feel disheartening & like life is just beating you up.

And in those moments, we can possibly feel like, when our world feels so dark & grim—how are we supposed to give God glory?

But here I am to tell you that it is oftentimes in these moments where we have the MOST opportunity to give God the glory.

It’s Not about How Great You Look

I always say that when you’re doing something for God, its success does not hinge on everything going perfectly, but often in how you respond when nothing goes right.

You see, it shows more clearly where you end & where He begins. It shows where you humble your weakness to Him & trade it for His help.

Alternatively, when you are strong & everything in your world is going pretty smoothly, & everything seems to just be going according to plan… when you seem strong & capable… who are people going to praise? Who is going to get the glory in that? Oftentimes… you.

But, when everything is seeming to fall apart & you clearly don’t have a backup plan, but you stop & pray over it & see it all work out… who are they going to praise in that situation? More likely Him.

When someone looks at your life, do they see a strong, capable woman? Or do they see a woman who leans upon her Lord?

We’ll Always be a Work in Progress

I am definitely not always a pro at this—although the more times that I realize my need, that I need to stop, admit my limitations, & cry out to God for help in prayer, the more easily that response comes to me in the future.

Now, I’m also not saying to purposely act like a hot mess or drop the ball on every task to show that you trust God is in control—that would be irresponsible stewardship of the task God has put before you & show it doesn’t actually matter much to you at all.

Trust & reliance on GOD is not the same as inaction on your part.

But I am saying that when you do your best & it still all crumbles apart, don’t be scared of the failure… show others Who you turn to when you don’t have all the answers. Show them Who is your strength when you feel you have none.

Who knows, maybe that is the whole reason God granted you the stewardship over that… knowing it would fall apart… SO THAT people could have opportunity to firsthand witness you turning it over to God for help when it starts to fail. Maybe that was the point all along.

Yeah, I Am Weak… I Admit It

That is why I can be so open with struggling with depression pretty badly in some seasons of my life. Does it make me look good? No, not at all. People often judge me & say I am “just being dramatic.”

But does it show others my very real human weaknesses so that they can more clearly that where I succeed must not have been all me? Yes. In many cases, yes.

I want others to know where I fail & fall short. I want people to see where I screwed it up & felt I had no hope left. I want people to see where I end & where He begins…. I want HIM to get the glory in my life, not me.

I want others to see & know that any good from my life is not because I am a success or a strong woman, but because I know from where my help & strength come from–& it’s not of myself, that’s for sure.

And that is why it is entirely possible to give God the glory when you just feel stuck in your life.

What Is Your “Stuck”?

Chronic illness? Bad diagnosis? Injury? Grief? Depression? Prison? What is pushing you down? What is your “stuck”?

Use whatever it is as your opportunity to lean into God as your help & your strength & your wisdom & your comfort. As your platform to show the world where you end & He begins… be a beacon of hope.

Let His help be shown through your stuck.

God sees you. He hasn’t forgotten about you. He will not waste a single ounce of “stuck” in your life, because they are prime opportunities to teach you (& others through you) that He can when ‘can’ feels super impossible.

That He can use even someone like you, even someone with your “stuck.”

Praise Him in the Storm

Think of the followers of Jesus (Paul & Silas) in prison. They understood the assignment. Most were imprisoned wrongly, simply for sharing the gospel, rather than breaking any laws. But did they scream their rights? Did they grumble & complain to everyone around them?

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:25)

No, they sang praises to their God. They lived as a testimony EVEN in prison.

They understood that God was still with them, even in that cell & that God cared just as much for each prisoner they sat beside & every prison guard who watched over them. That Jesus died for them, too.

God Doesn’t Do Anything Without a Purpose

And what about Paul. Did you know his friends kept warning him? “Don’t go there, are you crazy?! They want to KILL you!!!”

But how did Paul respond?

“Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:12-13)

He also understood the assignment. He knew that no matter who God put him in front of, even if they had the power to kill him, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was worth dying for & that those people who fight against it so hard are also ones for whom Jesus died. He was willing to die to get the chance for an audience with those in charge to hear the hope of Jesus.

Sometimes I Just Feel SO Stuck in Life!

In my seasons of dark depression, life is really hard. It feels hopeless, like my mind is under constant oppression & attack. Like I cannot get free no matter how hard I try. Like I am fighting every day just to keep my head above water, so to speak.

I feel weak & pathetic. I feel useless. I feel embarrassed. I feel like I make God look bad.

But on the contrary. I cannot tell you how many times God has used even my darkest days to show me & even others that He can where I very obviously could not.

There’s this little phrase in a verse that I love so much… He lifted my head.

“But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.” (Psalm 3:3)

I don’t know, something about this picture just really shows His gentleness when all seems lost. Like this picture of being so completely limp & weak with nothing to offer, so lacking that even lifting your head off the floor feels too much of a strain, one you can’t bear… & yet… God. His gentle, loving, sovereignly powerful care… & He lifts your head.

I don’t know if you’ve ever felt that low before, but I have. It’s like only the solid, firm floor feels sturdy enough because I feel so limp & frail that the bed or couch cushions don’t feel secure or sturdy enough to hold me steady. I just lay flat on the floor to feel that sturdiness underneath me & I can feel so limp & weak that I can’t even get myself to lift my head. And then this picture of our great, majestic All-powerful God kneeling down beside me to lift my head for me… I don’t know why, but I just get choked up thinking about it because that really is the type of gentle, loving, sees-me care He shows me in my every weakest point in life.

My Weaknesses for His Glory

My weaknesses are not something I am ashamed of anymore, because they have become the canvas on which God shows Himself all the more wonderful & spectacular than I could ever have imagined Him to be.

Every crack in me only serves as crevices for His love & power & faithfulness & grace to shine through even brighter to the world around me.

I used to pray about my depression to the tune of: “but, if You actually loved me, why, oh WHY, would You let me suffer SO MUCH for NO REASON—ie no cause of loss or betrayal or physical pain or ANYTHING to at least justify to others my suffering, but NO, I have to be in such complete, constant pain in some particular seasons, with absolutely nothing to help people be understanding to me IN IT. Why?!”

I didn’t understand how God could simultaneously love me AND let me suffer so much.

But you know what, there came a day when that answer to those prayers finally came: “Michelle, you look around & see lukewarm Christians everywhere who seem to think just going to church or praying before they eat is all I am to them & it grieves your heart. They have an ignorance of Me that keeps them from drawing nearer. But you haven’t had that “luxury.” No, you HAVE suffered… & because you have suffered so much… you have not had the “luxury” of believing the lie that you don’t need Me… no, you have been forced through that suffering to come to Me over & over & over again, learning that I am where your hope is found… learning to rely on Me. It is indeed the greatest blessing, My child… not a curse.”

Wow was I put in my place that day. The humbling realization washed over me & poured out of me as pure gratefulness. What I had always seen as my greatest curse instantly turned into my greatest blessing & benefit.

All of those years where I have suffered so much pushed me ever into His arms as my help & I have seen Him come through for me over & over & over & over & over & OVER again because of those many seasons!

And because of that… on TOP of that… I can share that same exact hope I have personally seen as FACT, through my own suffering, as a display of hope to absolutely everyone who will hear me.

I can be a beacon, a lighthouse that draws others around me to the One Who gives me hope in the most hopeless of places.

Shining As a Beacon of Hope… RIGHT Where You Are

So, no, we are never truly “stuck.” Not really.

God has a purpose in it. God has a plan. God will not ever waste a single ounce of our struggles or suffering or seasons of “stuck.” He knows what He is doing.

We can trust Him. We can proclaim Him. We can point others to where OUR own hope comes from—Jesus Christ our LORD!

So, sing His praises! Of His greatness & power & majesty! His love & grace & faithfulness! His sovereignty, His deity, His longsuffering favor toward us who are even least deserving! That Jesus died so that we may LIVE! PRAISE Him!

Read the Bible & dwell on its words & truth.

Pray & spend time pouring out your struggles & anxieties to Him, asking for His help & thanking Him for being One Who cares for you no matter what you may feel you do or don’t deserve.

Remember your salvation undeserved… & SHARE IT. Be a BEACON for HOPE.

He Is at Work

Are you feeling stuck in life right now because of your current circumstances? What does your “stuck” look like? How does it make you feel right now? Is God too small to help you or to shine through you in this? (No.)

Can you flip the script on it & instead see it as an opportunity to lean into Him, see Him show up for you in it, & live as a beacon to a hurting world?

Ask Him & watch Him shift your heart & renew your mind.

He is working.

Shine HOPE by leaning on Him & living for Him, even on your absolute worst days… & see the wonderful ways that God shows up & makes Himself known to you & to those you allow to look in on your pain… let them see Him in it.

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

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

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

Watch This Week’s Episode on YouTube:

(*TUNE IN to watch this week’s LIVE STREAM (Episode 37) on my YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @7pm EST/Wednesdays @9am 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 since the Summer of 2018! 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!!

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

When you purchase the Pearl Seashell 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 seashell 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!

God Is Walking Me Through It

I am feeling pretty okay right now. God is really helping remind me when I start putting too much of the future on my own shoulders vs. trusting He sees, He knows, & I don’t have to figure it all out on my own… & that it will not, in fact, be the end of the world if everything doesn’t work out exactly the way I think it’s supposed to.

But, because this is a season–in our moving from Guam back stateside to Florida–that has much room for anxiety to come in & take over, I thought it would be great timing to make some reminders to myself, as well as share them with you who are reading this.

This blog post today is taken from my notes that I typed up for Prison Ministry this Thursday. I will be teaching the lesson this week & next, so prayers are much appreciated! God’s wisdom, challenge, & encouragement for them is my goal—all to His glory!

With all the preparations & planning & leaving my home & selling my home & moving & goodbyes & being displaced while we home-search & then home-searching in general… well, there are opportunities galore for anxiety galore.

Whenever I do feel that anxiety creeping in, God has been gracious in reminding me with a little gentle nudge on my heart: “This is showing an area of which you don’t quite trust Me all the way.”

So, let’s talk through some practical ways that we can remind our hearts to stay calm, draw in peace, & look to Him versus feeling the spiral take control.

Read Your Bible

I hope you read last week’s post, & if you didn’t, please take a moment to go do so, because this is one I know seems so incredibly cliché, but is one of THE most important things you can do. (“Reading the Bible Is Way More Important Than We Make It out to Be”)

God’s Word, the Bible, is not just a collection of “wise words” or just a “life instruction manual.” God’s Word is living & active. It interacts with us. It is God-breathed. It is nourishment that our strained, restless souls are often MUCH more starved of than we realize. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 2:2)

Aside from that, reading the Bible allows us to get to know God. He wants us to know Him. Why does that help you? Because it teaches you, word by word, how small you are & how incredibly great & awesome & infinite & eternal & powerful & gracious & kind HE IS.

And the more you know your God, the more you begin to settle into Him & put less pressure on yourself… not to be lazy, but to be at peace in this life. Seeing Him more fully puts all of life in clearer perspective, where it isn’t all up to you, but Him.

You NEED it.

Memorize it, too. You will begin to be surprised when you pray & a verse you memorized years ago floats across your heart as the exact thing you needed to hear or be reminded of right specifically in that moment. It is AMAZING when that happens! (John 14:26)

But you can’t just READ it, deceiving yourself… you must DO it. (James 1:22) Like having an instruction manual for a complicated piece of furniture… just reading the steps doesn’t do anything… you have to actually do what the steps tell you to do.

Examples of Doing Vs. Just Reading/Hearing God’s Word

Ie. Don’t just say, “Praise God!” but take some time to ACTUALLY praise Him—“God, You are so wise, so wonderful. You are in control, You are seated on Your throne. You gave Your all for me through Jesus on that tree! Thank You, God for loving me so much! Thank You that I can rely on You in ANY storm! You are wonderful & so greatly to be praised!” PRAISE HIM!

“Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.” Do you actually take a moment to take stock of what is stressing you out & pray over each one? “God, You are better equipped for this than me. Help me to trust You with this. Please give me the wisdom that I need. Provide me with Your peace. Guide me through. AMEN.” CAST YOUR CARES ON HIM! (1 Peter 5:6-7)

AND, with reading your Bible consistently, you begin to see a pattern. All of these “heroes of the faith” are not heroes because they always knew what to do & did it, never failing… but because through each season, they came back to God for help, let Him lead, trusted His power, & came back to Him when they screwed it all up. God is the Hero in their stories, not them. He is the Hero in our stories as well! Take heart!

If you are determining to live for His Kingdom & His glory, you can trust Him to come through for you. If you are not, it’s as simple as humbling yourself, apologizing for wrong motivations/focus… & asking Him to shift that in you… to live for Him & not for you.

In Everything, PRAY

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God….” (Philippians 4:6)

This verse is not written to shame you for feeling overwhelmed. It is an invitation. There is actually hope, is what it’s saying. It’s a reminder that you indeed are not in control, but there is One Who is.

Take the burden off yourself to solve or fix or come up with a path forward… & ask the One Who already knows how & can help you. Praise Him & thank Him for Who He is… & ask for His help.

“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.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

He wants you to learn the practice of resting in His Godhead… letting Him be God. I heard a quote recently that said, “if God brought you to something, He doesn’t expect you to become God to do it… trust HIM.” Wow & yes & AMEN. PRAY ABOUT IT. Cast those cares on Him!

Sing Praises to our LORD!

“Sing praises to God, sing praises!
Sing praises to our King, sing praises!” (Psalm 47:6)

What will you take time to praise Him for right now?

When we take the time, right in the middle of our chaos & whirlwind, to sing praises to Him, you would be surprised how you can go from feeling like everything is hopeless & falling apart, to remembering Who is seated on His throne right now.

He doesn’t let one little single thing slip through His fingers. Yes, He allows hard, but He doesn’t make us go through it alone or be the one to figure it all out & make it right… He asks us to trust HIM in all of that.

He wants us to learn, without a shadow of a doubt, that He CAN when can feels incredibly impossible. Give Him a chance to show His glory in the midst of your hardest circumstances.

And praise Him in expectation for that glory & that help.

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!” (Psalm 150:1-2)

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6)

“O Lord, You are my God.
I will exalt You,
I will praise Your name,
For You have done wonderful things;
Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” (Isaiah 25:1)

Remember All That the Lord Has Done

There are several instances in the Bible where God encourages the people to set up spaces or memorials that remind them of what God has done for them, & even as a testimony to others who come after them.

When the anxiety seems to swallow you whole, as you pray to & praise God for all He is, take some time to praise Him for all He has done for you in the past… all the ways & times that He has come through for you or has used your hardships faced for your good. He knows what He is doing & we can trust Him… so take some time to remember all that the Lord has done. (Joshua 4:6; 1 Samual 12:24)

Going along with this topic of remembering, God has given me a useful tool that is tangible & helps ground me when I feel unexplainable restlessness or unsettledness… when I just feel ick that I can’t escape because I just feel anxiety enveloping me….

Taking a hot bath or a hot shower is fantastic. No phone, dim the lights, let the warm water soothe your tension away. And in that space, pour your whole heart out to Him, even if you don’t know how to say it or know how to pretty it up, start there: “God, I don’t know why I can’t feel okay. I feel so unsettled & restless & anxious like my mind is going everywhere & I don’t know how to stop it. Please help me!”

Speak Truth over Your Anxieties

And for me, especially having glass on our shower wall, I will write it out in cursive, my concerns or worries or fears & then I will write as if God’s truth is speaking in response to it.

“I don’t know what to do….” “I do know.”

“I can’t do this….” “I can.”

“I feel so alone….” “I am always with you.”

“I can’t figure this out…” “You were never meant to.”

“I am too weak for this….” “I will be your strength.”

“I’m scared of the unknown….” “I am already there.”

“I don’t want to face this….” “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Do you see where I am going with this? Taking time to speak His truth back at my hurting & worrying & weakness & fear. Reminding myself of His presence. Grounding myself in His presence. It works wonders & just letting the water running over me wash over me like a soothing blanket, as if He is holding me steady & comforting me when I feel like I’m falling apart.

(1 Peter 5:6-7; Psalm 63:6; Genesis 16:13; Romans 8:32)

My Worst-Case Scenario Notebook Is Not What You Think

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us….” (Ephesians 3:20)

Sometimes all my mind can see is everything going horribly wrong… sometimes it’s because I have seen it go horribly wrong already & the trauma is rooted in very real memory. And because of this, sometimes I cannot seem to get my mind to see hope.

So, God encouraged me to start a Worst-Case Scenario journal. I treat it like how I see many Psalms, where there is no holding back, no sugar-coating, no trying to sound more okay with it than I am… no faking it to try to sound better than I am in that moment… God already knows.

I pour out every bit of it that scares me or worries me sort of in a chart.

First column is what scares me or what is happening that causes me anxiety.

Second column is the absolute worst that could come of it if everything really did blow up in my face & fall apart. (This could be: loss of a loved one, loss of a job, being betrayed by a loved one, divorce, rumors turning into a ruined reputation or loss of friendships, etc.)

Third column is “But, God” to the tune of, “if that really did happen as the worst it could possibly be, is that beyond the scope of what God can turn beautiful or work through for my good? Is that too much for Him? Is He not capable of walking me through that successfully & sustaining me through it?”

And once I walk through that last column, the reality of Who God is begins to wash away the fears–sort of putting them in their place. Like, ‘right… so why AM I so worried about that?‘ God’s got me & He is not letting go… He is greater & more powerful than anything that can try to knock me down. He’s got me. He sees me. I will be okay. (Proverbs 16:9; Psalm 139:16; Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11)

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us….” (Ephesians 3:20)

Dealing with Anxiety–Practical Ways to Live Biblical Truths When Anxiety Hits /Hard

Are you dealing with anxiety as I often do? Do you fear it doesn’t honor God, so you try to stuff it, cover it up, pretend it isn’t there, or sugar coat what you’re actually going through because you don’t want to offend Him? God sees it. He already knows. He offers you a way out of it–His presence.

Basically, what it all boils down to is this… in God’s presence is fullness of joy. If you want to get out of your anxiety chaotic whirlwind, you need to step into His presence. Read your Bible, pray/talk to Him, sing praises to Him, remember all He has done for you & in eternity past when all hope seemed gone—He always made a way.

“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)

What are you struggling with right now? What is helping you? What ways has God taught you to help you remember to look to Him & to step into His presence through His Word, prayer, praise, & remembering?

He’s got you. He’s got me. And because of that, come what may, even in the hard… we’re going to be okay. God will turn into something beautiful & He will not waste a single bit of it. What a wonderful God we serve!

Shine HOPE by drawing close to Him when the world seems to scream threats in your face that everything is going to crumble down around you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He’s got you! (Hebrews 13:5)

“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 36) on my YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @7pm EST/Wednesdays @9am 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!!

Mosaic Jewelry Set-Golden-Handmade in India!

The stunning, Mosaic Necklace & Bracelet handcrafted in India will give you the fun, colorful look your summer wardrobe needs! These pieces are beautifully beaded with multicolored dyed quartz beads, featuring gold accent beads. Wear alone or style with other necklaces & bracelets for a layered look! 

Create dignified jobs for women in India when you shop the Wave Hoops in gold, a modern pair of statement hoops. Each hoop has a minimalist look and are perfect for everyday wear or can be dressed up to fit any occasion, featuring a hinge closure. Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops. 

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

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

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

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

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

The Countdown Has Begun

Every week that I come on here to write my blog, I am familiar with the countdown it signifies… every blog post means another week closer to our move to Florida from the other side of the world, on Guam.

I don’t like it.

Yes, I feel like God is keeping me steady in the day-to-day as of now. I am recognizing when I need to end the spiral by stepping out of the chaos that is sometimes my world & taking time to pour it all out to God & ask for help.

I am working on the step-by-step process. Trying to stay present with friends & ministries here, while also planning for my future there.

It is a hard balance… but God is helping me walk it.

There Are a Lot of Not-So-Funs about Moving

When I tell you that I dislike house-hunting, I am putting it lightly. I hate it.

I hate living out of a suitcase, living in the in-between, knowing wherever you are isn’t really your home–just where you are at that current moment… no settling in. No homey vibes of comfort.

Then the house-hunting itself is so disheartening. It requires repeatedly falling in love with homes, only to have them snatched away last minute. Letting yourself visualize that space as your home, then starting the search over again.

Or maybe just not even finding anything that matches the feel of what you would like, wondering about compromise… & how much compromise… from your dream home.

The negotiations, the high hopes, the snatched away hopes, the waiting, the not knowing when it will end.

House-hunting is not for the faint of heart–& I am faint of heart. I still have trauma from doing it all here. It was the worst.

It’s painful, to be honest. Call me weak if you want…. But I just don’t like it.

Revealing an Area to Pray About

So that’s obviously where I need to be praying most right now, because it’s the thing giving me the most anxiety right now.

I need to rest in the fact that God already sees where we ought to live for reasons only He can see. It could possibly not look like what I wanted or prayed for after all, but it will be what I needed. I have to trust that. I have to trust He knows better than me, come what may–because He does.

Giving up the dream I have in my head of what I want it to look like or be like… fearing the potential need for giving that up… is what’s the hardest for me right now. I don’t want to give up on it.

But God sees what I don’t. He knows… I only think I do. I need to let Him take the lead, whatever that ends up looking like. I need to be willing to let go. I need to be willing to trust Him to do what I need more than what I think I want.

Surrender.

I hate that word sometimes, don’t you?

I Can Trust Him to Know Better Than I Do

But God knows better than me. God, You know better than me—please help me to remember that every time I try to cling to my dream… every time fear threatens to chokehold me.

You’ve got me covered, God… I can bank on that… no matter what my fears may tell me at any given moment. I can trust that at least… even when I may not be able to see it at all.

So, God, please help me. Guide our steps. Calm my heart. Help me to trust You over what I think I know. You know better. You’ve got me. You see it already. You know without having to guess. Help me trust You more with my fears here… with my hurts that are coming in feeling displaced without a home for however long that takes. You will care for me, even if I’m hurting. I know You see me. You care. Help me to remember that every minute so the fears & hurts don’t have power over me. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

It’s okay to be afraid—we’re human & we don’t see all that God sees… but that fear isn’t from Him—because He already knows & He wants you to trust that fact when you can’t see it yourself. So, remember that fact when the fears come a knockin’. Because, in a life where we can’t see it all—fears will come… but He is still on His throne… He still cares for you.

So, trust Him. (I’m saying all this to myself right now, too, you best believe it.)

Where Is the Fast-Forward Button in Life?

The anticipation is killing me sometimes. I want to know NOW. I want to put the fears to rest by SEEING the RESULTS. Where is the fast-forward button in life? Can God please CC me?

Do you ever feel that way, too? Worried that maybe what you dream is ahead will all come crashing down? That everything you’ve worked so hard towards will just not come through the way you hoped?

But God is on His throne. He knows better than us. Even if it seems we got “jipped,” we can trust that God did it for an excellent big picture reason that we maybe can’t even see. He has a bigger & broader view of the situation than we could ever hope to have. Maybe we move in a less-than-ideal neighborhood because someone there needs Jesus… or because a future very best friend is waiting there.

I don’t know… but I know that He knows.

Shine HOPE by recognizing to fear is human… but it’s not from God… so take that fear to Him… lay it down… & trust He can do far above what you can do with your circumstances & your future. He’s got you. Always. 100%.

“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 34) on my YouTube Channel!! @: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleHydeOnline (*Tuesdays @7pm EST/Wednesdays @9am 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!!

Magnolia Pouch–Handcrafted by & Empowering Women in India out of Areas of Extreme Poverty

Every purchase of the Magnolia Pouch supports women with fair jobs, helps educate girls, fights child marriage, and empowers families leaving slums in India. This stunning green velvet, versatile pouch is handcrafted by women rising above the grip of poverty in India. Each Magnolia Pouch features beautifully embroidered florals to create an adorable look with a convenient zipper closure.

***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!

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!

The Storm Has Finally Passed

Well, here we are on the other side of the storm. The winds have subsided. The rain has slowed. The sunshine is coming out… for some, earlier than they would hope (hot sunshine is not your welcomed friend when you don’t have access to A/C).

Last week, Guam (where we currently live) was swept over alongside a category 5 typhoon—Typhoon Sinlaku. God spared our little island, answering our cries for help by turning it away from us, but the sides of such a large & destructive typhoon is still quite destructive.

Many trees were ripped out of the ground. Some plants were stripped bare. Large trees snapped in half. Massive amounts of sand were washed over our main road. Flooding of homes happened (including our laundry room, which was fortunately recessed with a drain, making much to clean up, but gratefully not any lasting damage).

Some lost water to their homes. Most lost power. Wet flood towels struggle drying & smell up the house. Fridges begin to smell like a city dump. Trash couldn’t be taken anywhere. Laundry couldn’t be done.

Eating out of cans. Or granola bars… anything from the pantry.

Glimmers

But restaurants have begun to open. Some homes have countertop gas stoves they can use to cook. Clean-up efforts began. Gasoline supplies are sufficient. Power crews are working inhuman amounts of hours. Water crews are working to restore well water reserves. Stores are now mostly open. Kids are going back to school today in some schools, while some may not get to return to school at all based on the massive damage. Everyone is doing all they can to restore normalcy to our island home.

We spent the afternoon the other day with me just using the push broom to sweep off all the buildup of mushy mud & leaves from our driveway (it was like walking through a shallow swamp to get to our cars).

My husband climbed the ladder to our flat roof to clear the drains so our rooftop “swimming pool” could drain.

Then he cleared broken branches, massive palm fronds, & small fallen trees from the yard.

Little by little. Step by step.

Normalcy Rebuilds Slowly

Now, after 5.5 days, we finally got our power back! (Much improved from our 2 months without after our last super typhoon!)

Dishes that had merely been rinsed got washed. All mildewy cleaning towels from the flooding got washed with a large splash of vinegar. Floors got mopped. Fridge got cleaned. A/C is ON.

The foul smells are reducing. The fresh (COOL) air in our home is returning. And we can finally drink cold water at home again!

No, living through a major typhoon is not fun, but I will say that God gave me so much grace through this one. And now we watch as the island rebuilds step by step, little by little.

This Time, I Knew Better What to Expect, & I Prayed Up

When Typhoon Mawar hit us 2 years ago (our 1^st of 2 super typhoons to come to Guam in 2 years), I was so ill-prepared. Mainly emotionally ill-prepared.

I had been through SO MANY typhoons, it had begun to feel like, “yeah, yeah, here comes another one.” Except it was NOT “just another one.” It was MASSIVE & DESTRUCTIVE like nothing I thought possible. And it lasted for what felt like FOREVER. And the aftermath was JARRING.

But with this one, I knew how bad it COULD get. I was ready for the worst. I prayed up. I asked others to pray diligently on our behalf as well. (Thank you SO MUCH if you were one of them!!!)

I believe it’s one reason why God allows struggles… it shows us that God is capable of getting us through ANYTHING, even when we have NOTHING… it gives us courage to turn to Him in any future struggle, knowing just how capable He is in the midst of any struggle we may face!

When I Did Feel Afraid… God Encouraged Me to Sing Praises to Him…

And when fear of feeling trapped indoors… of the heat & stuffy prison cell of a house it could become… of what we could lose… of no cool water to drink when I get parched & HOT… no refreshment…. When fear began to wriggle into my heart, I would PRAY.

And most times, when I obeyed & prayed, God encouraged my heart to sing praises to Him… so I did.

And as I sang, sometimes silently in my heart, the fear began to recede, replaced with peace. God was still in control.

Little by little. Step by step. That’s all that was needed from me. God was still in control.

God Hears Us… God Cares for Us

And after the worst had passed, when I was feeling discouraged by our dry/room temperature food… I found myself complaining about it. “How long is THIS going to be reality? How much of this do I have to endure with no options to eat anything else? How long will I have to eat this?!” I felt a little conviction upon my heart in the way of being reminded of the Israelites complaining during THEIR hard journey.

And God gently reminded me of the realization that He has previously taught me… that maybe, if instead of complaining about all they didn’t have… that they actually stopped & asked God to provide… maybe they would have gotten what they complained so hard about. After all, God had already gone above & beyond for them! What’s some meat to Him?!

So, I apologized for complaining vs trusting His care for me… & I prayed for it. I said, “God, I don’t know how this would ever be possible, but if in any way it is, could I please have a warm meal & a drink with ice in it? I am feeling really discouraged. If not, help me trust You through it.”

And guess what? That afternoon, my husband decided we needed to go in search of bags of ice to preserve our food as best as possible in our fridge… so on our search, we noticed the sign for Denny’s was lit… that there was a line to get seated… & before I knew it… we were seated inside with a warm meal & icy cold ice water.

Oh, what a kind God we serve!

After the Storm… When the Dust Settles… Praise GOD!

He saw me through this storm with grace to face each moment, even when my fear slipped in, He gently would remind me to stop & sing praises, & then the fear would melt away, replaced with more grace to face the next moment ahead.

He was sufficient. He cared for me. He reminded me I am not in control & that that is okay… because He IS. He reminded me to lean into Him, to trust His provision & care. He protected us.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow!

So, in follow up to last week’s post: “Where I Find Hope When Facing a Typhoon–Outside or in My Heart,” He provided. He cared for my heart. He gave me the grace to face each moment that I surrendered to Him. He reminded me to rely on Him rather than myself or anything I could or couldn’t control. He allowed me a chance to show others the HOPE He can provide if they put their faith in Him. He will work this for my good AND for His glory, because He is a good God.

He can be counted on. Put your hope on Him.

Shine HOPE by turning to Him through the storms in your life… & by letting Him shine HIS HOPE through YOUR LIFE.

“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)***

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Coming Next Week

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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

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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!!

Lady Slipper Necklace-Golden (silver also available), Handcrafted in India!

Create safe jobs for women in India when you shop the Lady Slipper Necklace, a stunning necklace composed of mauve crystal beads with a gold pendant featuring a botanical design and rose quartz stone. This elegant necklace is dainty and perfect to style for daily wear.

Every purchase creates safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty.

***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!