Not Always Easy

I will be honest with you: staying faithful to God is not always an easy feat for me. I am stubborn & selfish & often automatically think I have things figured out already my way.

And when I am distracted by something “shiny” or feel the least bit tired, the willingness to be faithful in my submission to God drops quite a bit.

I often forget to pray for help & instead either quit or try my own way until I wear myself down & want to quit because I like instant gratification.

… Let’s just say that God has had to show me a lot of grace & exercise much patience with me.

An Opening for Sin

Whenever I have a need, I immediately want to see it fixed to my satisfaction—emphasis on immediately.

It is pretty common for me to face temptation or face some sort of hardship, pray for help, not see it made easy for me to resist (by removing it altogether, because I don’t want to have to choose to obey when temptation is calling me), & then blame God when I give in.

Or, I go to God for help but then go to my own Plan B or Plan C pretty quickly, not trusting God enough to wait on Him & rest in Him.

This is also why sin is such a temptation for me, because Satan always seems to package it as the shiny quick fix to all of my problems.

Make Sure to Read the Fine Print

But there is always fine print to sin. That’s why God commands us to avoid it, because while it seems justifiable & safe & the perfect answer… it always comes back to bite you… it always has consequences you’re not always aware of when you dive into those sins.

So, being aware of this fact, I know even more how important it is to stay faithful & submit to God’s commands (aka God’s way).

And, you would think this would be motivation enough to stick to God’s ways, but that instant gratification addiction is strong with me. I want it to be made easy for me to follow & obey God.

I Want It Easy

It takes a lot for me to go from knowing what I need to do, seeing an obstacle that makes it less than appealing to follow through, to stopping to pray for help from God versus quitting & running the opposite direction toward something easier or more appealing.

I get stuck in the lazy &/or anxiety trap way too often.

I get paralyzed with overwhelm or with a pull toward an easier-seeming way & head straight there.

And I often turn to the television, or a tablet, or something else where I can engulf my mind into something that doesn’t cause me anxiety, numbing everything else out because it just seems easier… versus asking God to help me push through it—trusting Him for victory.

Our Good God Is a God of VICTORY

But, what I need to learn to do is to realize that no matter how strong the pull to something else may seem & no matter how appealing that instant gratification promises (lies) to be… I need to stop giving in… I need to fall to my knees if need be. And I need to cry out to God for help.

And so, this has been something I have been trying to intentionally be aware of lately, asking God to help me see when I am coveting instant gratification over trusting in Him—because God is Good & God is a God of VICTORY.

My Prayers Against Giving In

I have been praying something like this, “God, please help me! I don’t know how to handle this or how to follow through on this, so I just want to run toward whatever feels easier & more instantly gratifying. And I know You have an answer & You always have a plan & I can always trust You in everything, but I often fold & turn to whatever seems quicker, shinier, or easier. Please help me to stop compromising at every other turn. Help me lean into You more. Help me to be aware of the times I am seeking ease more than a peace in You. Help me know when I am compromising for something less than what You have to offer me out of Your lavishing love for me. I want to honor You. You deserve my full honor & respect. You are faithful even when I am not. Thank You for continuing with me, for giving me grace, for showing me patience…. Thank You for never giving up on me. You are so Good… all the time. I love You because You loved me first. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.”

Staying Faithful-Without Instant Gratification

So, if you’re with me on this… struggling to stay faithful when instant gratification seems to sparkle & shine for your time & attention, determine to stop & ask God for help trusting Him in everything big & small.

Shine hope by turning to God every time it’s hard to stay faithful to His way & by asking for His help in saying, “NO” to those shiny instant gratification opportunities. Staying faithful-without instant gratification-can seem impossibly hard sometimes, but with God, nothing is impossible.

“Jesus looked at them & said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”(Matthew 19:26)

He’s always worth it, 100%.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Silver Medallion Necklace

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

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

How You Can Help:

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

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

Knowledge of the Holy Is Understanding

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10) (Emphasis mine.)

I have heard this verse fluffed up so much that from what I have been taught, I think it has mostly lost a huge part of what makes this fact so phenomenal.

This idea of “fearing God” has been often taught as an idea of awe… that God is so great that we think, “Wow, God! You’re great!” And that fearing God as wisdom basically means it’s wise to think He’s pretty great.

But the more that I learn about who God is, the deeper my understanding of this phrase becomes.

All That God Is… & He Is So Much More

You see, God is SO far above & beyond what we can even IMAGINE (Isaiah 55:8-9).

He created the world & everything in it EX NIHILO, meaning out of or from NOTHING (Nehemiah 9:6; Genesis 1).

He existed before time & exists out of time, knowing everything past, present, & future simultaneously & how every aspect interacts throughout the existence of time (Psalm 139:13-16).

Even the wind & the waves obey Him (Mark 4:41).

Even the demons know God & shudder (James 2:19).

The name of God holds more power than anything else (Luke 10:17).

“For by Him all things were created, in heaven & on earth, visible & invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him & for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)

God can do immeasurably above what we can ask or even imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21).

He is the great I AM (Exodus 3:14).

God Is the Great “I AM”

We don’t have to believe in Him for Him to exist & for His laws to stand according to what He says.

And THAT is just the beginning behind the WHY we ought to fear God… & why the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

It’s a clear understanding that HE is God & I am NOT.

It’s an understanding that HE will prevail & He WILL get the glory & His plans will NOT be thwarted.

It is an understanding that only God holds the final say & will have the final word.

… That His judgements will stand, whether you agree or not.

Fearing God Is the Beginning of Wisdom

And so, having this fear (reverence, awe, & understanding that ONLY HE is GOD) & understanding that what He determines will stand… & living with that understanding… is the beginning of wisdom.

It’s a deferring to Him in everything, whether you agree with it or understand it… or not.

It’s an obedience to Him in everything, whether you think it should be done differently or believe otherwise… or not.

It’s a laying down your course of life for His will & plan.

And here is the beautiful thing… looking at the verse that follows Proverbs 9:10…

Proverbs 9:11 tells us, “For by Me, thy days shall be multiplied, & the years of thy life shall be increased.”

We Can ALWAYS Trust Him in ALL Things

In other words, fearing God is the beginning of wisdom BECAUSE God ALWAYS knows what He is talking about.

He knows EVERYTHING.

He SEES everything.

He UNDERSTANDS everything.

And His laws are perfect.

His will is perfect.

For He Cares for Us

By living for Him, we FIND LIFE (Matthew 16:25).

He came that we may have life, & to have it abundantly (John 10:10).

He came to save us from our sin (John 3:16-17).

He paid our debts for us, that if we just believe on Him, we are saved (Acts 2:21).

He does the work within us (Ephesians 3:20; Philippians 1:6).

He cleanses us (Revelation 21:5), heals us (Psalm 30:2), comforts us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), binds up the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1), & is our loving Father (1 Corinthians 8:6), a Father to the fatherless & a Defender of widows (Psalm 68:5).

Stepping Out in Faith… A Prayer of HOPE

Sometimes it may feel like real FEAR… that we feel like, “I don’t know God. This doesn’t make sense, because life seems to be this way instead or culture says it’s this way instead. I don’t know how to believe what You say… BUT You are God & I am not, so no matter how scary it is to step out of what seems logical to me, I will obey You as the ultimate authority above my own logic, because You alone are God. Help me to obey, even when I don’t get it. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.”

God Is a God of PROMISE

And the same goes with God’s promises. His promises are not “this could happen” or Him saying, “I can do this” but rather, “This WILL happen & I WILL do this.”

So, when we pray, we don’t have to beg or plead or petition for God to go through with a promise… we need to CLAIM it as FACT.

Don’t pray from a position of assumed defeat, but from an understood VICTORY, when you pray God’s promises.

If anything, say, “God, please help me to REST in this PROMISE.” Or, “God, help me to see how to move forward, knowing this is Your promise.”

CLAIM His promises as FACT.

God IS Who He says He is. God DOES what He says He will.

Shine HOPE by fearing God as the the beginning of wisdom.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Pearl Drop Hoops (India)

Removable freshwater pearl drops & classic gold-toned hoops make these Pearl Drop Hoops from India stunning enough to dress up any evening outfit, yet comfortable enough to wear every day. (Pearl shown on Long Chain Necklace-Golden (India) with Darling Charms Set charms.)

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

How You Can Help:

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

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

My Misunderstandings About Christianity

This week, I want to talk about something that I never really understood growing up as a Christian.

Aside from misunderstanding that Christianity was just a bunch of rules, versus the Truth that Jesus paid our debt to fulfill God’s laws & that obedience to Him is not to PROVE our faith to God, but as a way to live our faith in God. We believe, so we trust & obey….

But aside from that misunderstanding, I also mistakenly believed that Christianity had mostly to do with after death, in whether or not you will go to Heaven (eternal contentment & joy) or Hell (eternal restlessness & agony). I didn’t think God had much to do with our life before death, other than trying to “be a good person” as I believed it.

But I was wrong.

SO wrong.

There’s More to Life

And there are so many verses that point to this fact, including …… where it tells us that Jesus “came, not to condemn the world, but to save it” (John 3:17)… & “that we may have life & have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Also, consider the other, lesser talked about brother in the story of the Prodigal Son, how his father told him, in essence, “you had all of this the whole time.” (Luke 15:31)

Do we really live like we believe that God wants for us more than just to “get through life” so we can experience Heaven when we die?

His Beautiful Design

Think about how God designed & created us with our senses & then extravagantly designed & created this world with so much unique beauty for our senses to appreciate, where every one of the same flower is recognizable as that type of flower, but comes in many shades & height & sizes & colors. Everything is unique & beautiful to behold. (Genesis 1)

Or, remember that God created in advance good works for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

HE planned them. HE arranged them.

And HE provides what we need when we need it & lean into Him for it. (2 Peter 1:3)

Be Being Filled

In Ephesians 5:18, God tells us to “BE FILLED with the Spirit.” (emphasis mine)

And to clarify, the Holy Spirit is with every single person who has submitted their life to God through accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior, but this verb of “Be Filled” has a deeper meaning.

This verb actually has the understanding of “be BEING filled.”

In other words, while the Holy Spirit is WITH us & is made available to every single person who has accepted Jesus Christ, we are called to this “BE BEING FILLED” idea.

We are called to submit to His lead in every relationship, in every conversation, in every task, in every decision, in every day.

We are called to lean into Him in EVERYTHING.

We Are But a Branch

This is why we are told to PRAY WITHOUT CEASING (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) & to ABIDE (stay, continue) IN CHRIST as a branch to our Vine (John 15:4).

The Bible even warns us about living as “wise in our own eyes.” (Isaiah 5:21)

Submit every preconception, every “way I grew up/was raised”, every assumption, every ideal, etc. under God’s authority & say-so, because where we can err, He will never.

Tuck everything you think you know into His unchanging, infallible Truth.

He Can

And where we drain & deplete & come up as insufficient, He does not.

He can provide peace where only chaos reigns.

He can redirect our misunderstandings to the truth.

He can see the thoughts & intentions we cannot.

He can see how this will ripple effect a future beyond our lifespan.

He knows it all.

And He is infinite. Powerful. Almighty.

He alone is Good (Mark 10:18). He is Love (1 John 4:8). He is faithful even when we are not (2 Timothy 2:13).

“Now to Him [God] who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church & in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever & ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

We need to submit to this command of be BEING filled, a continual filling, a continual leading, & a continual submission to His Lordship.

God Is All-Sufficient for Our Needs

I cannot even tell you how many times I thought I “needed” something other than God to fulfill me… something not quite in line with the impossible standard God commanded. (Impossible because I was trying to live it in my own wisdom, power, & understanding… aka without His help.)

I missed the mark (sinned). I chose my way, my solution, my “wisdom.”

And there were always unforeseen consequences… fine print.

What I yearned after never fulfilled me, but left me always searching for more… I felt like something was empty & off in my life… I felt restless & discontented.

Until it dawned on me, “Wait. If God made me… & He knows literally everything… Wouldn’t He KNOW what’s best for me in this? Shouldn’t I drop my way & try His? Doesn’t that make sense?”

Sins –> Harmful Fine Print –> Turning to His Way –> Blessings

And guess what, this has always worked in every area where I was compromising to get what I thought I was missing from God, getting hurt by the consequences of a wrong solution, to turning to God’s way & realizing the blessings His way brought me.

… with flirting to gain approval & to “end” my insecurities (only to be left feeling trapped that if I don’t keep playing the game, I lose)… with turning to fantasies because it felt less vulnerable than dealing with assault trauma from my past… with turning to tv/games/numbing myself vs turning to God in my despairing moments, including fights with depression…

With all of those above examples, when I had that realization that “God made me… knows everything… would know what I need…” & I STOPPED my “wisdom” for HIS… I found the hope I was so desperately searching for.

We need to submit to Him because only He actually knows what we need.

We Need to Submit to Him–Continually

We need to submit to Him because only He knows what we were designed & created for (because we were designed & created BY GOD.)

We need to submit to Him because ONLY He has any real authority over anything in life.

He alone is King.

He alone is GOD ALMIGHTY.

And only He loves you infinitely/unconditionally, sent Jesus to willingly pay your debts to Him, & knows you better than you could ever know yourself.

Be BEING Filled. Submit to Him in EVERYTHING.

Our Part in Life… Letting HIM Shine

Because 100% He knows better & already has a plan in place.

You just have to be willing to follow His lead, with His help.

That’s it. That’s your part.

You shine Hope by letting HIM shine through YOU.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Moonstone Hoops (India)

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

How You Can Help:

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

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

A Time for Celebration

This week will mark NINE years of marriage to my loving husband, Jamie.

To celebrate, we had a lovely weekend visit to Morioka, Japan over this past weekend, complete with a trip to the zoo, a stroll through a beautifully landscaped castle ruins park, Mario Kart face offs at a giant arcade, enjoying (twice!) the best brunch I have had in Japan (@ Brunch Morioka), & lots of shopping.

It was a great trip made even greater by the company I shared with my best friend AKA my husband.

Not a Façade, But We’re Not Perfect

Many people have told me that me & my husband seem like newlyweds at times, laughing & teasing each other, being flirtatious, & just being good friends with one another.

But we’re not perfect. Neither one of us is.

We have our days in the grumps, we argue sometimes when we disagree, & we don’t always agree on everything.

But we have a secret weapon. We know the Truth… We know the Way-Maker.

Every Relationship… We Are All Imperfect

Satan would have married couples believe that one disagreement or fight (or maybe many) means your marriage is a sham… that “maybe you’re not meant for each other after all.”

But isn’t difficulty & challenge present with every close friendship? Even every family relationship (aka sister cat fight, haha)?

When one imperfect person marries another imperfect person, it is only logical that you will imperfectly relate to one another.

That doesn’t make your marriage broken… just human. And Satan likes to twist that to cause even more damage, sorrow, & anxiety.

Growing Up with a Sister

One of my sisters is just two years younger than me, so we grew up together. And there were days where we would “hate” each other so much that we would yell as much while running to our room, followed by a door slam that echoed throughout the house.

Of course, typically, my mom would FORCE us to hug it out & tell each other, “I’m sorry” & “I love you” (but made us repeat those words until we said it “like we mean it”).

It was the WORST. But I am super grateful for it now.

What I once had to say to her with a rolled eye & a squeaked out “I love you” (full of disdain), has ended up developing a bond in us that cannot be easily broken.

My mom always said to us, “She is your sister. She is your lifelong friend. Where other friends come & go, you will always have your sister. So, make it work!”

Such wise words & ones I have clung to throughout my life.

And the same goes for marriage.

We’re not perfect. But he is my lifelong friend. And where other friends may come & go from my life, I will always have him.

A Husband Can’t Replace God

Early on in our marriage, I put a lot more pressure on my husband than I should have. He was working long hours & came home ready to be a vegetable for a while, but I was lonely & put that weight on his shoulders.

This created a lot of strain on our friendship because he wanted to help but couldn’t & I felt unloved if he didn’t.

(I hesitate to say, “it put strain on our marriage” vs “on our friendship” because God says two become one flesh (Mark 10:8-9) when you commit yourself to marriage (just as my mom mentioned about sisters… my sister & I will always be sisters, even if we were to stop associating with one another), so we’re in it regardless… but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.)

In other words, I was looking to the wrong one to fulfill me. My husband was never meant to be that missing piece. He is meant to be my partner in this life… my friend… the other half of a marriage meant to give God glory.

And through my tearful prayers, God revealed Himself as our Way-Maker.

God Is Our Way-Maker

When I felt alone & depression threatened to flood my heart, putting full weight of it on my husband’s already tired back, God encouraged the both of us to turn to HIM instead of pressuring or pushing away each other.

Instead of being pit against each other, debating against each other for our right solution or even growing numb & giving up on the solution altogether, God encouraged us to rejoin as ONE team, turning to GOD for the solution against the problem.

God reminded me that we do not wrestle against flesh & blood. That yes, we may have disagreements or misunderstandings, but that God can bring a solution… while Satan wants to twist & aggravate the situation until the relationship is “damaged beyond repair.”

God brought us back to the same side so we could fight the problem (vs each other) together under God’s direction, wisdom, & peace.

God was our glue… our bridge… our Way-Maker.

God Always Knows How

And through our prayers, tensions waned & our friendship grew.

God helped fulfill me & see the little ways that my husband expressed his “I love yous” & He helped me to be a better support to the stress my husband faced with his long hours.

And over the years, this has become our pattern: have a human moment of grumpiness or disagreement, maybe not handle it right at first, but remember & turn to God for wisdom, peace, & a solution.

This has helped us cultivate TEAM HYDE.

We are not impervious to Satan’s jabs & attacks. We fall for them sometimes.

But we know the way back.

We have to turn to God & stick together, unified against the threats of Satan’s attempts to attack our marriage & friendship.

Pray Over Close Relationships with Family & Friends–You Better Believe Satan Wants Them OVER

And the same goes for other family members or even friends.

Anything that has potential to give God glory is for sure a target Satan will attack.

Remember that fact when faced with disagreements & arguments… especially for those relationships that encourage you to look to God as your hope & source of solution. Those who edify & encourage you… or those for whom you edify & encourage.

Turn to God. Ask Him to help you cut through any lies or misunderstandings.

Ask God

Ask Him to put a hedge of protection around your close friendships.

Ask Him to keep you alert to Satan’s tricks, schemes, & lies when it comes to those close relationships.

Ask Him for His wisdom, peace, & help.

And always turn to God in all things big or small….

Because GOD is our WAY-MAKER.

Shine Hope by always turning to Him as the Bridge back together, the Glue to keep you together, & the Way-Maker when things seem impossible.

Because God is in the business of doing the impossible EVERY DAY.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Andean Earrings (Peru)

Handcrafted by our newest Artisan partners in Peru, these unique statement earrings are showstoppers with 24k gold-plated oval studs & framed teardrop chrysocolla stones. Designed to pair with our Andean Ring, hammered metal & natural variations of swirling green chrysocolla add “Old World” charm to these ethically made earrings.

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

How You Can Help:

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

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

The Two-Fold Answer

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17) (Emphasis mine.)

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test & approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing & perfect will.” (Romans 12:2) (Emphasis mine.)

So, what is God’s will? That’s what I would like to talk about today & it’s a two-fold answer.

First: God’s Law Is Perfect

On one hand, you have the more obvious answer of how to know what God’s perfect will is, & that is His Word… His law.

Now, I have talked about this many times, but the word “law” should not evoke feelings of recoil or indignation, but, as shown all throughout the longest chapter in the Bible—Psalm 119, God’s law is so beautiful & wonderful & something to be highly treasured & valued!

You may be thinking as I did through the many times of running across the many verses of Psalm 119—“People can’t actually ENJOY & TREASURE God’s law… Because laws are constricting & limiting. The writers of these psalms are just saying what they think He wants to hear because it makes them look ‘spiritual’.”

I get that, if that’s you… I totally get that because that was me for most of my life.

But, as I get to know & love God more… the more I seek after Him… the more I am proven completely wrong on that front. God’s laws ARE amazing.

As 2 Timothy 3:16 puts it, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, & is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness….” Or, as many a pastor has put it, “the Bible is good for knowing what is right, what is wrong, how to get right, & how to stay right.”

God’s Law Is Perfect in Knowledge, Understanding, Wisdom, & LOVE

Why? Because God literally knows EVERYTHING & has PERFECT understanding…. AND He made sure we had that information available to us.

What a wonderful, loving God indeed!

And so, knowing everything, understanding everything perfectly, AND making sure we have that information available to us… it only stands to reason that HIS WILL stems primarily from HIS WORD.

To KNOW His perfect will, we need to get to know God’s Word—that’s where reading & meditating on & studying His Word comes in as SO IMPORTANT, nay, even the MOST important way we can spend our time.

And the most VALUABLE way we can spend our time on earth.

Knowing Is Not Enough

But KNOWING is not enough.

Now, before the recoil comes bubbling up again as it would have once done to me… this is NOT a guilt trip post. This is NOT a post to say “YOU’RE NOT DOING ENOUGH, WOMAN!”

NO.

This is to say that just knowing is not going to do very much good at all. Just like faith (in God) holds little value unless we ACT on what we claim to believe & live it out. It’s like knowing the cure & not taking it.

As my earlier post pointed out, if you want to grow in your faith… you need to DO what God says aka OBEY His Word. (Check out that post, here: “Want to Trust God? Obey Him.”)

James 1:22-25 has something to say about this, too. That knowing without doing is like a man (or woman) who looks in the mirror & then immediately forgets what they look like… aka it’s worthless, pointless, & doesn’t do you any good. It’s wasted.

Second: Letting God Be in Charge of You

And here’s where the two-fold part comes in… we can have book-knowledge of God’s perfect will, through His Word… BUT, we also need to ABIDE.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain [abide] in Me & I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing,” is what Jesus tells us in John 15:5.

God tells us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:16-18) & to be as branches on Him as the vine for a reason… we NEED to constantly be drawing FROM HIM.

ABIDE in Him.

We need to get used to telling Him everything, asking Him for every need, turning to Him in every situation, & drawing from Him for all things big & small.

And the more we learn to ABIDE IN HIM, the more we will know His good & perfect will for EACH MOMENT.–Not just knowing His Word on a general basis of loving others, forgiving as God forgave us, praying for those who persecute us, etc….

… but help in knowing how to apply His Word at any given moment.

Let God Interrupt Your Plans

AND, being open to let God change your schedule to work out His plans… His good works that He has prepared in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:10).

And how better to redeem our time, as Ephesians 5:15-17 tells us, than to offer our schedule to God & be willing to let Him change it according to His perfect will for that day?

God instructs us, in James 4:13-15, not to hold too tightly to our own plans, but to be willing to stay open to GOD’S PLANS.

Be willing to let Him have the reins of your day & to guide your hands & feet as you go about it.

To know God’s perfect will… to redeem the time for what has lasting value in this world… you need to be leaning into Him consistently & saying, “God, I have this planned for my day, but if someone needs You, help me to be sensitive to it…. If You have a good work set out for me today, help me to be willing to sidestep my schedule to be available for Your plan for today. Help me make myself available to You over my routines, habits, & plans. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.”

Because, only when you are willing to have God shake up your schedule & let Him work out His own perfect plans will you begin to see His good & perfect will fleshed out in your life.

Personal Example

I promise that letting God interrupt you is 100% always better than what you had planned.

In college, I was on the spiritual leadership team on our dorm (Go LU!) & there were many times where I had tests to study for or papers to finish or speeches to memorize… & then a young lady would knock on my door, asking for counsel, a listening ear, or prayer support.

I wish I could say I was immediately willing, but I have a hard time tossing my schedule to the wind, so every time I would stop & pray silently where only God & I knew & I would say, “God, I know she is more valuable to You than whatever grade I may get on this assignment, so if you want this to consume my time in place of my task, please give me peace, give me compassion, & help me love her on Your behalf. I trust You with the rest. Amen.”

And she & I would talk & she would share her woes & we would pray together. We would both leave the conversation refreshed, edified, & reminded of God’s goodness, power, & love.

And EVERY time, God would either give me the strength to study way past my old self felt capable (I went to college later in life & late nights were not a thing for me, haha)… or the test/paper/speech would be postponed… or the assignment would be easier than I was believing it would be & that extra study time would have been a wasted effort.

God always took care of the rest when I surrendered my schedule to His plans.

What Is the Perfect Will of God

So, what IS the perfect will of God?

To understand the answer to this, you have to learn to seek to 1—KNOW His Word, & 2—LEAN INTO HIM moment-by-moment.

Only then will you begin to redeem your time in a fulfilling way, the way God designed it to be.

Consistent in His Word, consistent in time talking with Him & made available to His lead for each day.

It’s not easy.

I go on auto-pilot… I set my plans & have a hard time with impromptu plans….

But, I want to be used by God. I want my time to mean more than getting through the week.

Shine Hope Through God’s Good & Perfect Will

God sees the hurting hearts. He sees you if you’re reading this with a broken heart. He knows our struggles & tears & hurts & trauma & fears….

But He also knows His plans for you. He knit you together in your mother’s womb. He understands your thoughts from afar off.

He sees EVERY individual even better than they see themselves. And He knows their needs on an intimate & deep level. AND He cares so SO much for them all.

So, be a vessel of hope. Because we may not see a need, but He does. He knows. And He knows how to help. All we have to do is be willing to trust His lead.

Redeem your time.

Don’t live as unwise, but as wise.

Understand what is the perfect will of God.

And be a light of HOPE for Him, through Him.

Shine Hope by knowing what is the perfect will of GOD.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Silver Medallion Necklace (India)

This textured silver-tone chain from India can be worn separately or layered with other necklaces from our One World Collection. The uniquely textured pendant adds the perfect artistic touch. Three length options allow you to choose your comfort & style.

Every necklace has variations as a part of the Artisan-made charm! And every purchase provides fair-trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.

How You Can Help:

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

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

A Shocking Realization

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

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

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

Only What Is Edifying

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

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

Wow, now THAT is a tall order.

Much Improvement Needed

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

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

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

Social Anxiety Wins Too Often

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

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

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

And then that little verse.

Be His Light in the World

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

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

How convicting.

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

A Prayer of Repentance & for Growth

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

Not Easy, But God’s Got You

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

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

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Zoya Earrings (India)

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

Artisan Story (Dulal)

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

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

How You Can Help:

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

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

I Wanted to be Cool

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

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

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

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

It Didn’t Stop There

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

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

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

God Calls for Obedience… & He Offers His Help

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

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

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

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

A Life Defined by Compromising Truth for Popularity

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

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

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

But God makes it easy for us. Obey HIM.

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

God’s Truth is Timeless

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

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

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

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

God Is the Standard

Not based on culture… but based on God.

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

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

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

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

Because they are fallible… I am fallible…

But GOD is Infallible.

Being Popular vs Being Obedient

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

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

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

Only then will you find LIFE.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Crystal Spring Earrings (India)

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

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

How You Can Help:

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

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

We Learn Right Behaviors

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

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

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

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

Right Behaviors Aren’t Enough

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

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

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

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

“First Clean the Inside” -Jesus

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

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

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

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

This defined my growing up years.

I Was Deceived

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

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

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

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

God Cares About the Inside, Too

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

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

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

Because God cares about the inside, too.

Perfect Makes Practice

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

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

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

That trusting in Him is accounted to us as righteousness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHEN It’s Hard… Pray for His Help

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

Shine Hope

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Truth Earrings

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

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in the Philippines!

How You Can Help:

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

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

We’ve Been Talking About Sex

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

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

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

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

Breaking Harmful Family Cycles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What We Think VS What He KNOWS

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

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

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

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

Intentionally Feeding Myself Truth

So, I have learned some things around this fact:

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

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

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

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

All That He Is

Because I will fail, but He cannot fail.

Because I am weak, but He is strong.

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

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

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

Cling to Him

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

He never fails.

He is always strong.

He never gets it wrong.

He alone knows EVERYTHING with perfect understanding & wisdom.

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

God Sees Our Blind Spots

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

But God sees & God knows.

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

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

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Amie Bracelet (Haiti)

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

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in Haiti!

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

How You Can Help:

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

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

The Poison of Lust

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

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

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

Scars of Addiction

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

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

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

The Righteous Façade

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

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

God says otherwise.

The Secret Struggle

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

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

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

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

I was wrong.

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

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

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

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

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

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

How “Innocent” Lust Hurt Me

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

It taught & gave me unhealthy standards of love.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Knew. God Forgave. God Healed.

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

I wrongly thought it was innocent.

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

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

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

Don’t Turn a Blind Eye to Sin

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

Ladies, the “loophole” is not worth it.

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

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

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

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

His way is best. Always. 100%.

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

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

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

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

He is always right.

He always knows & He always knows best.

My Prayer Over LUST

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

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

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Crystal Spring Earrings (from India)

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

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

How You Can Help:

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

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