Gaining a Sure Foundation

And there it was: I had surrendered my life to Jesus when I was just 5 (“Chapter 1“), gone through a whirlwind of doubts that sent my life into a tailspin, starting in middle school (“Chapter 2“), faced 2 of the darkest years of my life, only to discover that those dark years were a significant & sufficient display of God’s mercy & His truth (“Chapter 3“). All of my doubts on Who the true God were… were squashed. I now KNEW that I knew that I knew that HE was the right & only true choice for hope & heaven.

God had used that dark time to show me that if I had absolutely nothing, but I had Him… I had everything.

Hope was solidified. I was set free from my prison/whirlwind chaos of doubts. I was praising God for the darkness that had revealed Him as the one & only true light of hope. I now had a sure foundation on which to build my life.

A Forever Work in Progress

BUT, even though I had been a Christian (a believer on Jesus Christ as my HOPE from my sin debt to God, for heaven) since I was 5 years old & even though I had now had this magnificent display of God’s sufficiency, authority, & grace through the 2 years of depression being what squashed my years of unstable doubtings… I didn’t become perfect along with it.

I was still human (still am), which means I still made mistakes & had wrong thinking (still do).

Sanctification, the weeding out (by God’s Holy Spirit working in us) of the human nature/fleshly will, actions, thoughts, etc. & replacing them with that which honors & pleases God, is something that will not be completed in its entirety this side of Heaven. I will forever be a work in progress.

And although I strive to lay down or put away from me those things that dishonor or displease God, I am never going to be perfect at it. And the more I grow, the more I see my very real need for Jesus.

Failing Forward

We grow up observing the world around us & drawing conclusions & forming patterns of thinking that we don’t always think to stop & question whether they entirely line up with God’s will & way. That’s why we need His help working in & through us.

There are many instances throughout my life that I could very clearly see that while I would be tempted to drown in the ocean of my recognized inadequacies, God so graciously takes me one step at a time, in His patient, kind, gentle timing.

Sometimes, He didn’t even address the main thing that, looking back on, I would call the more important issue. He knew I am human & am flawed & have flawed human thinking. He took me one step at a time, patiently, kindly, gently. They weren’t the end-all-be-all for Him.

I think at times that I am more pushy with myself than He is with me. It’s as if He has this overarching understanding that “Jesus paid for & sufficient in that inadequacy, too,” that I forget sometimes. It’s just me failing forward.

Not Used as an Excuse When We Know What Is Right or Wrong, Though

Now, do not misunderstand me on this. I am not saying He excuses wrong thinking/actions as “not that bad” or that I ought to not take it seriously in my seeking to honor & please Him with my life because of Jesus covering it.

I am saying: If it is not directly a sin or an act of disobedience against Him, but merely skewed understanding or an immaturity in an issue that I still need to grow in… He is patient in leading & growing me versus, “YOU MUST UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING RIGHTLY RIGHT NOW, OR ELSE!” Sanctification will take a lifetime+ & He very well knows that.

He knows those things don’t change my status of rightness before Him because Jesus’ perfection & sacrifice on the cross covers ALL of my imperfections & inadequacies & lacking. He is my Sufficiency.

But it ought never be used as an excuse to continue on in what He does call disobedience or sin… because that is very obviously NOT honoring or pleasing to Him. It’s disrespectful & mockery to the gift for which He gave His all through Jesus.

Learning to Trust Him Every Day

So, in the months that followed my release from my spiraled depression prison, He spent time building my trust in Him in the day-to-day versus just counting on Him for someday Heaven.

I remember so many little things of this nature, but obviously, even a book series could not cover all the ways He showed up in my life, teaching & guiding me in His perfectly loving, gentle, PATIENT way. Seriously, emphasis on PATIENT because sometimes I feel like God thinks to Himself, “Michelle, how many times do you need to learn this lesson to not have to learn it again?”

I was learning to trust Him every day, not just relying on Him for Heaven someday.

God Wants Us to Know His Character & His Love for Us

Yes, God cares about our obedience. Yes, God cares about our sin. Yes, God calls us to love Him with all we have. Yes, God calls us to honor Him with our choices & do all we do for His glory. Yes, God says to avoid certain things because He knows it will harm us.

BUT, God also cares that we know His character & His love for us just as equally as all of that.

The problem is, sometimes it’s just really hard to marry the two. The tendency is to either focus so much on His call for obedience & holiness that we see God as a bossy, controlling Master, OR, we focus so much on His love that we excuse away our slack choices & wrong behavior/thoughts “because God loves us.”

BOTH are wrong on their own. We need both TOGETHER.

God Wants Me to Know HIM, Not Just One Side of Him

So, after He made it irrefutably clear to me, through those 2 years of dark depression, that He alone is the One, True God, squashing my doubts about His authority, His offered salvation, & His love for me once & for all… He then began to reveal more of Himself to me as I sought to know Him more.

I wanted to KNOW Him, not just casually, but personally. It didn’t happen overnight… it takes a lifetime+ of learning to obey Him & trust Him. (Hint: Obedience Grows Faith.)

And little by little, as I called out to know & love Him more… He lovingly revealed Himself as trustworthy, caring, & kind through small acts of love. Nothing extraordinary… except to me.

A Small Display of His Kindness

There was one instance in particular that stands out to me & it happened more than once.

I would be out shopping, come across a DVD I had been wanting ON SALE, would get excited… & then feel a complete void of peace about buying it.

I would scoff & think, “Oh, what, is this not good enough? Am I supposed to only buy boring movies now? Is this wrong? Nothing in it is really bad because there’s no inappropriateness in it, but I guess it’s not good enough? (I automatically always assumed God was a dictator guilting me away from any & all fun to “prove myself worthy”–the whole problem that led to my depression spiral–can you see how I never seem to learn my lessons the first 10 times?) Maybe I’m just imagining it because it’s not a Christian movie or something. Maybe it’s all in my head. Maybe God doesn’t care. I’ll just get it. No, I can’t… something feels off & I can’t get over it. I’ll just keep shopping, keep it in my cart, & pray about it until checkout time. Then, I’ll decide.”

I would get in checkout, pray one last time, & still feel this wall of “don’t pass” aka a complete lack of peace about it & I would take a deep breath of resignation & say, “Ok, God. You win. I don’t get it, but I know You’re pushing back on this for whatever reason & I don’t want to risk disobedience if that really is the case here, so I won’t get it, okay? I won’t get it.” And I would tell the cashier I changed my mind on the DVD & move on.

God Is GOD. I am NOT… &, He Loves US

A week later? I would find that exact DVD at a thrift store for 50 cents OR a friend would have gotten an extra as a birthday gift & decided to give me the spare–like I said, this happened more than once & this was my thought process each & every time. I’m dense sometimes, I know.

God knew. I didn’t. I accused Him left & right when all He was doing was saying to me, “Michelle, I know everything. You don’t. I see everything in advance. You don’t. PLUS, I care about you. You can trust me, Michelle. I love you more than you know.”

He didn’t address the “whether I should get it” or the “whether it really was the best choice….” To look back & think, “wow, that was not the best choice for me to be making, but He let me make it knowing He is big enough to work through even my less-than-best choices.” God doesn’t jump to guilt trips, manipulation, shaming, etc. He gently, lovingly, & PATIENTLY guides us.

And oh how humbling that is!

He Is Not My Accuser; He Is My Redeemer

He is not shoving all of my shortcomings in my face, but rather, He is gently bringing attention to them one-by-one & walking me through them hand-in-hand, gently & lovingly sanctifying me, even then, all those years ago.

He knows it’s not a matter of my salvation—Jesus paid for that & I already accepted that free gift. Nothing I can do will ever earn & repay that. I am not enough. Period.

He knows it is not a matter of direct disobedience to His Word—AKA “I know the Bible says NOT to do this, but I found a loophole to enjoy it & ‘get away with it.’” That would make a mockery of His gift, a spitting in His face action.

But He is also not at all satisfied leaving me in my brokenness & He will always be diligent in fighting for me through His working in my heart, thoughts, & life. Because He cares too much for me not to.

Same goes for you, too.

Choose Him Today & Every Day After

If you have been rejecting or “putting off” accepting His gift, please stop it. You’re only hurting yourself. He’s worth it.

If you think you would be “missing out” by accepting His gift or living His way, that is a huge, fat LIE. He IS our fulfillment.

Our heart is so deceitful & wicked. We are bent toward sin nature, so it feels natural—because it is! But God is worth our surrendered hearts. He CARES for us & KNOWS what’s best for us. He can be trusted every time.

This was only the beginning.

Seek to Know & Love Him More… & He Will Reveal Himself to You

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) He longs for you to know Him.

If you struggle to see Him in small moments such as my DVD instances, ask Him. Say to Him, “God, I want to know You like that. I want to trust You more. I want to live through Your help & guidance more so I can please & honor You more. And please help me to do my best to please & honor You even if I struggle. I believe, Lord, help my unbelief. (Mark 9:24) In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Doubting is not an excuse to sin or to live your way over His. Seek Him & You WILL find Him–He wants to be found by you.

Shine HOPE by being a living testimony to the fact that God CAN be trusted & He LOVES us so much more than anyone else ever could.

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 FIVE 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!!

Festive Card Set (HAITI)

LIMITED EDITION – While Supplies Last! Send cheerful and unique Christmas wishes to all your loved ones with this set of four festive cards from Haiti with colorful hand-embroidered and printed designs on the front.

*****Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in Haiti.*****

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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 in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

A Living Testimony

I have done this before, in a previous series I did years ago, but I am going to attempt a fresh take on the story of my life. (See the previous series, starting here: “Pivot, Pivot! #1: The Simplicity of Grace.”)

My purpose in doing this is not so that you will look over my life & think that I am deserving of praise, but so that no matter what stage of life you happen to be in, you can see the very clear blessing it is to surrender your life to the loving, almighty God who made you… NOW.

May this serve as a testimony of how much of a blessing it is to grow up a Christian… to surrender NOW (no matter how old you are) & not wait… to live a grace-filled life. A testimony of the beautiful grace of GOD ALMIGHTY.

Made to Give God Glory

We were made to bring God glory. All of us, whether we accept Him or reject Him. It is our purpose in life. Now, as God showed through the Pharoah in the retelling of Moses’ life (Romans 9:17), even those who reject God until death will serve as a highlight to God’s glory, to show others what NOT to do, essentially, & to show that no matter how much we fight God, He will win every time & that no matter how WISE & PROGRESSIVE we feel we’re becoming, our wisdom is NO match for that of God Almighty (1 Corinthians 3:19; Isaiah 55:9) & that no matter how much we reject God, He will pursue us with an opportunity for HOPE until the day we die (the day we meet our judgment before Him) (Hebrews 9:27) because that’s how much He loves even those who reject Him.

He desires that no one should perish but that all should come to eternal life in Him. (2 Peter 3:9)

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

But whether or not you get to personally experience the HOPE He offers, or whether you will bring Him glory through your rejection & missing out of that hope… God will be glorified.

I choose surrender. Not an “I give up” surrender, but an “I choose HIM over me” surrender.

The Sin Displayed in a Child

When I was a little kid, even from the beginning… maybe because I was the firstborn & felt pressure to be this way?… I wanted to please my parents & not get in trouble. But, I was still (& still am) human & I did act accordingly.

I begged at the grocery store, long after my mom’s nerves were shot, to be allowed a treat in the checkout aisle. I did the same when we were at any store, really… I wanted a toy or a new whatever. I think I saw my mom getting stuff & I wanted to feel grownup, too. But, nonetheless, I was no doubt headache-inducingly annoying sometimes about it.

I also have a sister 2 years younger than me, & we would get in all-out brawls. Slammed doors & “I hate you!!!” screaming & everything. The WORST was when Mom would make us HUG & say “I love you” “until we sounded like we meant it.” UGH. She would say, “friends come & go, but sisters are forever, so you guys have to make up & be good to each other.” (So, SO grateful for that now because I love having my sister as a best friend of mine. (This was long before my other sister-also a best friend of mine-was born.)

Sometimes I wouldn’t listen when asked to do something, because something else seemed far more important to me in that moment. Maybe I was styling my yard sale Barbie’s hair or coloring… any of which seemed more important than chores or helping my mom with something boring.

If you have kids, you are probably well aware of the fact that we are born sinners & my parents could probably list a LOT more things than I came up with here. As humans, we want what WE want. We want to serve SELF above anything else. It’s our innate nature.

I was no different as a kid.

Younger Years

I grew up going to church with my family. I don’t really remember too much about it from my preschool years, other than the nice people we went to church with, learning Bible verses for pieces of candy, or things like that.

But I do remember I owned an illustrated children’s Bible. I was curious about things I heard in church sometimes, although I didn’t always understand what it meant. I remembered hearing that God loved me & that Jesus died for my sins because it was often talked about… but I hadn’t really grasped on to what it meant.

It Clicked… I Was a Sinner… I Needed Jesus

Then there was one evening when I was sitting in bed looking at my children’s Bible around 5 years old & I remember seeing something about Jesus & asking God about it because I didn’t understand.

And at that moment, it clicked. Sin = things that made God angry? Sin = doing things God says not to do? Sin = why Jesus had to die for me?

And sin = not listening to & obeying my parents when they ask for my help with something? Choosing me first?

And sin = being mean to my little sister?

And sin = lying to my parents?

And sin = thinking mean things in my head?

I sinned. I was a sinner (still am). I make God angry. I do things God says not to do. I do things that made Jesus die for me.

And all of a sudden, I realized I was who that was talking about. (Well, not just me—but I certainly was not the exception to it!) I was the one needing Jesus to forgive my sins!

5 Years Old… Asking Jesus to Cover My Sins

It all seems so clear a memory looking back on it even right now, 35 years later. The weight I felt in my little kid heart. The need I felt for Jesus to forgive me so God would forgive me. I needed Him!

And so, I ran to my parents & asked them how Jesus could forgive me, too.

I remember sitting on the couch in our living room & my parents asked me questions about where this idea came from & what made me think I needed Jesus’ forgiveness. They wanted to make sure, no doubt, that I wasn’t just regurgitating words I heard from someone, but that my little child heart understood what I was asking.

And I told them it all. And I felt desperate that God please forgive me.

So, they walked me through it.

Jesus Saves! God Forgives!

God says, in Romans 10:9-10: “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (emphasis added)

So simple, even a child can understand, & yet so profound & life-changing!

“Repent [turn from your sin to God] therefore and be converted [let Him begin to change you to His ways over your own], that your sins may be blotted out [forgiven by God & washed away], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19) (brackets & emphasis added)

“I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

5-Year Old Me Was Saved from the Eternal, Deserved Consequences of My Sins That Day!

So my parents helped me to confess my sins to God & to ask Jesus to cover that sin for me so that I could have forgiveness & eternal life in Jesus Christ. Not because of what I did or did not do… but because of what HE did on my behalf.

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

And from that day on, my life was changed forever. I was set free from the consequences of my sin FOREVER… because of JESUS, not me.

More on that to come….

Growing Up a Christian–A Grace-Filled Life

I don’t know if maybe you’re tempted to believe kids are too young to get it… too young to hear about Jesus DYING for them. But let me tell you, they absorb much more than we often give them credit for & they need those words floating around in their brain as early as possible. Because, while God can meet you at any age… what a blessing it is to know Him early as I did.

Don’t EVER underestimate a child’s ability to understand their need for the Gospel… nor God’s power to reach into the heart of a little child & lead them to Him.

Shine HOPE by sharing the hope we have, through Jesus’ death & rising again, conquering sin & death on our behalf… even with the little children…. They’re listening.

“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” (Luke 18:17) (Not that you have to BE a child, but to have a childLIKE faith. And if it requires us to have a childlike faith, then by all means… a child can have faith “worthy” of salvation, through faith in Jesus.)

My Prayer

God, many in my family are trying to live life their way, on their terms… & deep down, they know full well it isn’t working as they’d hoped. Open the eyes of their heart. Show them they need YOU. Break down their walls & bring them to their knees to humbly accept Your love & Your grace. You are enough. Break through & help them to have the faith of a child–not having to have it all figured out… but trusting You are full enough to fill in the gaps. Break their pride & lead them to the way everlasting…. And for those who struggle to preach the gospel to children, open their eyes through my testimony that You can reach into young hearts sometimes easier than the jaded adult hearts. Let us remember to be a light for You to any & every age. You can work where we see it impossible! In Jesus’ glorious, life-giving, gracious name, AMEN.”

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 FIVE 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!!

October 2023 Hope Mail (NEPAL & KENYA)

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

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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 in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

So Many Opinions

I get a lot of differing responses to the fact that I run a blog & my own website.

Some have expressed that I (just by the very fact that I write a weekly blog) seem smug or as if my reasoning behind doing so is because I think I am somehow better than everyone else. (Ha! As if.) Some seem to think I have NO business doing this because of how obvious a mess I am. Some put me on a pedestal I don’t deserve to be on. Some think I do this because I am a “good person.” Some think I just want the spotlight all on me. Some seem to physically be struggling to hold back an eye roll to my face.

I don’t know what your opinion is, & honestly, to risk being rude, it really shouldn’t matter at all... because NONE of that should determine why I do this.

What Motivates Me?

In fact, if it were completely my choice, I probably would NOT be doing this. I don’t think my writing is good enough. I oftentimes don’t think my post has anything “inspirational” to say. I feel weak & inadequate & honestly, it really highlights so many areas of weakness in me that I would much rather sugarcoat, brush over, & move on from in private.

I really needed to establish early on what exactly motivates me on this blog journey. The opinion of others? Or honoring what God has put in front of me to do–to consistently be a presence that points repeatedly to God, through Jesus Christ, as my only true hope–good mood, bad mood, good attitude, bad one… whatever. All to Him. All for Him. All through Him. To God be the glory, Amen.

ALL struggles, pain, & weaknesses have the potential to point someone else who is struggling similarly to the only place I have found true hope—God, through Jesus Christ.

Keeping My Dignity or Letting Everything Shine for Christ?

I used to wonder why I struggle with emotions so much. Why it can be so easy for me to get so low out of nowhere.

If you have not personally experienced a situation or depression symptoms or a particular flaw/weakness, it can be quite easy to raise an eyebrow, roll your eyes, & think to yourself, “Well isn’t she begging for attention at every turn?” or, “How has she not figured this out yet?”

Trust me, I am sometimes tempted to keep my mouth shut because SOMEtimes negative reactions from people are more common than prayerful, patient, gracious responses. And, let’s be honest… I want to keep some form of dignity intact.

God Has Me… No Matter the “Even If”

I used to cry & ask God, “WHY?!” Why do I have to drop so low out of seemingly nowhere sometimes? Why do things that seem normal to so many people have to feel like an all-out battle for me? Why does the darkness keep trying to take me under it?

And guess what, sometimes I still feel that way when going through a dark day. Truly.

But, as I was reading one of Paul’s letters, inspired of God in God’s Word (the Bible), he was talking about prison & going places where he was wanted as dead… & yet he faced them with joy & hope, because He knew God NEVER wastes our pain. He ALWAYS has a plan. He’s completely sufficient IN them. And in those places, Paul KNEW he could have a rare & beautiful opportunity to shine HOPE to people who would otherwise never come near him or bother to listen. He could share the hope of Jesus where few dared to go… & come what may, because of Jesus… he had Heaven to look forward to, knowing God had him no matter the “even if.”

And it dawned on me. When we go through hard things in life that bring us incredibly low, we have that same rare, beautiful opportunity to shine HOPE to people who would otherwise never care to listen about Jesus.

Even Here, God CAN… Even Here… There Is HOPE in JESUS

When you are brought to low places, other people in those same low places can get a glimpse that “EVEN HERE” God CAN. Even HERE, there is HOPE in Jesus.

Do I like having all of these hard situations, emotions, failures, weaknesses? Definitely no. But I can glory in the LORD & PRAISE Him for them because they take me to places where people can relate & can clearly see that EVEN IF… God is enough… JESUS’ sacrifice offers HOPE… REAL, I-CAN-COUNT-ON-IT HOPE.

Is it more comfortable to save face? Oh, yes. But is it worth it to save face? No, not at all. I don’t ever want to waste one of those rare, beautiful opportunities.

No matter what I face, even if it’s where I got to myself… I want everything to point back to Him.

Sometimes I Have to Pray for the Right Mindset to Bring God Glory Versus My Natural Wanting to Crawl in a Hole & Hide

I do not always have a good attitude about it right away, either. Sometimes, I’m like, “NOPE, this one is being kept to myself…” but then I realize: then what is the point of the hard experience if God won’t be glorified in it? I don’t want to waste it! Because, no matter how HARD something may be, He is ALWAYS sufficient in it. And not a just enough sufficient, but an overflowing sufficient.

Listen. I have been in some dark places. I’m sure many have been through way worse than me, though.

But in those darkest of places, even if mine seem trivial in comparison to your own… let my life be a constant reminder that you can look to Him & you can find HOPE there & only there.

Where Does My Hope Come From… from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven & Earth!

Sure, it may feel that hope is accessible in many different places & forms… but LASTING, no-strings-attached, covers ALL… HOPE… is ONLY found in Jesus. Periodt.

And no matter how weak it may make me look, or how pathetic, or whiney, or sad, or annoying, or “show-off-y.” I don’t care. I want everything in my life to remind you that HE IS WHERE YOUR HOPE COMES FROM.

Verse Reminders AKA Truth Reminders

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

“My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalm 62:5-8)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son [Jesus}, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, [or face suffering/trials], or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) (brackets added)

My Prayer

 “God, I know I have the tendency to want to be what people want… to save face… to be liked… to appear strong & put together… to not make a scene & to stay in the shadows when I feel less-than… to not seem whiney… to not put all of my less-than”ness” on display. Forgive me for wanting to make it only about me… about my comfort… about my reputation… about people accepting/liking me. Please continue to remind me that my pain, my failures, my weaknesses, my struggles are all rare, beautiful opportunities to be brought low so that I can point to You as my only true HOPE in ANY & every situation in life. Use my weaknesses & failures to glorify Your name. THANK YOU for sending Jesus for us. We don’t deserve You. We don’t deserve our wrongs against You living for ourselves & by our own way, to be covered by & through Jesus. THANK YOU for not leaving our forgiveness up to us. THANK YOU for MAKING a way, through Jesus. HELP ME to be a light for You NO MATTER the circumstances. You are beyond worth it. BE my strength. BE my comfort. BE my refuge…. COME WHAT MAY. In Jesus’ Almighty name, AMEN.”

Rare, Beautiful Opportunities… In the Midst of Our Deepest Hurts & Struggles

What are you struggling with right now?

What weakness seems to creep up on you too many times to comfortably admit?

What hurts you?

Where do you feel alone?

What brings you low?

And how can those areas become rare, beautiful opportunities to rely on & point to hope in Jesus?

Will you let those hurts/struggles be wasted? Or will you use them to point to God as your truest sufficiency come what may?

Where can you use those areas to shine a light of hope in Jesus to the world watching around you?

SHINE HOPE by determining to not let your human struggle to go wasted… to use it all as rare, beautiful opportunities to give God glory.

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 FIVE 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!!

Hand-Carved Acorn Set (INDIA)

LIMITED EDITION – while supplies last! This adorable set of three wooden acorns is meticulously hand-carved in India by women earning fair wages for their work. Each acorn features a hand-carved tag tied with satin ribbons that say: “gather,” “grateful,” and “blessed”. Made of eco-friendly mango wood, a fast-growing, sustainable byproduct of India’s mango fruit industry and the acorn stem at the top is made from antiqued aluminum.

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

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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 in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

When Trials in Life Hit Hard

I posted about this on social media last night, but I’ve been having a rough time. I’m not sure if it’s my depression playing tricks on my mind, hormones, lack of restful sleep this week, or even spiritual warfare (or maybe a combination of any of those), but I’ve been experiencing pockets of deep sadness… the kind of sadness that sticks in your throat like a lump… the kind of sadness that feels too heavy & makes me want to slump to the floor in tears from the weight of it.

AND I have been having anxiety pretty frequently—not worrying anxiety, but more like overstimulation causing my brain & body to sort of short circuit, like the room gets hot & feels like it’s closing in on me & my breathing & heartrate quicken & I feel jittery & numb & it just feels very weird & unsettling when it happens. My guess is all the quarantine & social distancing rewired my brain to where now it can’t handle stimulation like it used to & just gets overwhelmed far too easily.

And on top of all that, I am battling a huge migraine right now & sort of feel like throwing up.

So, that’s my reality at the moment—glamorous, I know.

I Have Heaven to Look Forward to, But I Have Work to Do While I’m Still Here on Earth

But even though I feel weak on so many levels right now, I have also seen God show up in my lacking. I have determined to stay faithful to my responsibilities today despite it all & have felt God helping me make it happen. I may not feel good, but I feel sustained.

Sometimes the inconvenience of my anxiety (aka stop everything & head to the nearest dressing room or bathroom stall at the mall so I can take a moment to take some deep breaths) & the deep pockets of sadness that hit me & other things like this impossibly annoying migraine I’m currently experiencing… & it makes me cry & say, “God, can I just go to heaven now? I’m so over this,” because I don’t like suffering.

But I have to be so careful not to let despair creep in & take over. If I am still here, it’s because there’s work left to do to bring God glory… & because God knows that He is more than enough for me… even on my worst days.

I have to be intentional in clinging to truth & clinging to Him.

Jesus Gave It All, And God Continues to Offer Me His All–He Is the Vine & I am the Branch

Yes, it’s true, because of what Jesus did for me—condescending Himself as God become man, dying the death I deserve for my wrongs against God, & being raised again, conquering both death & my debt to God, my sin against God—because of that, because I have put my trust in that grace that saved me, in Jesus—I can count on Heaven. I have that assurance to rest in when things feel so hard. Not because I’m enough, but because He is.

But God has work for me to do while I am here, to serve & love others, to be an encouragement, to edify & build up others by pointing to Him as my source of HOPE & reminding others where to run in every life situation—Him… To share JESUS.

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

My Purpose (& Yours) Is to Bring God Glory

As long as He has me here, it’s because He has good works He has planned in advance for me to do. My life has a purpose—to glorify Him, to make Him known.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

When Life Is Hard-Cling to Truth & Cling to God

And that’s why I must choose in the darkest of moments, whether it be a truly difficult circumstance or whether Satan is exploiting a situation to make me focus on how big the problem is & forget how much bigger my God is… when life is hard, I must choose to cling to truth & cling to God.

I must choose to trust that God is enough for me even when I am not enough for myself.

I must choose to let Him be my strength even if He doesn’t give me any of my strength back.

I must accept my frailty & cling to His almighty-ness.

I must let Him be GOD in my life.

Hard Doesn’t Have to Equal Bad Because You Can Rest It in God’s Almighty Hands

So, yes, days have felt pockets of hard times this past week, made worse today with my migraine… but God is enough for me in it & I will choose to cling to that truth & cling to Him.

I will choose to still live to give Him glory… because He deserves it… no matter what happens, good or bad. May it all lead back to His glory.

Maybe you’re feeling similarly. Maybe not. Maybe even worse than me. Choose to cling to truth, GOD’s truth. Choose to serve & live for Him anyway. Choose to cling to Him as your sufficiency & hope in all things. Choose to give God the glory.

Shine HOPE, even on your darker, harder days. Always.

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 FIVE 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!!

Celestial Blue Handbag Strap (India)

This genuine leather Celestial Blue Handbag Strap has a stunning twisted design and is reversible, featuring cobalt blue on one side with white stitching and black on the other. Perfect to pair with the Eclipse Handbag and our Raven Belt Bag! This comfortable strap can be worn as a shoulder strap or could be worn as a crossbody.

*****Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in India.*****

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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 in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

The Hurt That Bleeds Out

We all have been hurt at some point in our lives—I feel pretty confident in that claim—but have you ever recognized ways that those hurts effect your reactions to others?

Does your insecurity rear up? Do you feel immediately offended? Do you withdraw? Do you go on the offensive?

I think for me, it sometimes depends how my hormones/sleep is going, but I have felt & reacted in all of the above for sure.

My Way or God’s Will?

But the more time I spend getting to know God & His heart through His Word & spending time talking with Him, the Holy Spirit convicts my heart about those things… that those reactions don’t line up with how God instructs us to react… no matter how natural those responses may feel in the moment.

So, if they feel so natural yet don’t line up with God’s instructions… which is wrong–I ask that rhetorically of course, because anything that contradicts God’s Word is, by default, wrong.

And yet, it feels so “it’s just how it is” & “well, I can’t help it—that’s just my personality.”

Nope. Cop out alert right there. If a pattern in my heart contradicts God’s instruction, I should not so easily accept the contradiction… I should seek to correct it through prayer with God, time in His Word (the Bible), & counsel from mature believers in Jesus to help me get to the root of the disconnect & cooperate with the Holy Spirit in His weeding it OUT of my natural patterns.

A surrender to His will versus my wrong patterns. God’s will over my way.

Trading My Learned Path for His

I think a lot of my wrong reactions stem from my brokenness in this sin-torn world.

It’s easy to learn patterns that maybe help me protect myself, put up walls, save face, act like “who cares about you anyway?” But a more Jesus-like response would be staying soft, with tenderness, grace, kindness, & patient, longsuffering love toward one another come what may.

Strength coming from HIM & NOT my learned defense mechanisms.

I may be tempted to start up with, “But they…..!!!”

But then I remember: “But, He….”

Keeping My Mouth Shut Is Not the Same as Having a Right Reaction

It is quite true that God has worked a number on this area of my life already, in that I usually can at least keep my mouth shut, but He hears my thoughts & my real heart about things… & He cares about that, too.

So, how do I take my natural, gut reactions & turn them over to allow the Holy Spirit to produce in me His fruit? (Galatians 5:22-23) How do I learn to respond only in a way that honors, pleases, & gives God the glory?

Well, it goes back to my favorite little word—surrender.

It Takes Surrender

I have to be willing to yield my way that feels so right… for His help to do it His way.

To say, “God, ooooh how I hate the way they said that just now & boy do I want to be snarky right now….! But… please forgive me. Jesus died for that, too. Help me to have Your patient, GRACIOUS (by definition: undeserving) LOVE toward them. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7; 1 John 4:16; John 3:16-17) Help me to pray for them (Matthew 5:43-44) versus rehearsing their words or behavior all day. Help me entrust my hurt to You. Be my comfort & heal my heart & help me to forgive & let You handle it. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

The Triggers Come in Many Forms

Sometimes it’s just an unexpected, raised eyebrow from someone (like: “really, Michelle? That was dumb.”). Sometimes it’s criticism when you expected praise. Sometimes it’s an unkind word that felt like a complete slap to your face. Sometimes it’s rudeness in exchange for your intended kindness. Sometimes it’s a careless response to a sensitive topic. Sometimes it’s a lack of understanding or a misunderstanding or a total unwillingness to even try to be understanding.

There are many triggers that can catch me off guard & cause my walls SPRING UP, where I feel attacked & on the defense & I’m insecure & hurt & I think, “how can they even THINK that way!”

But, I come back to that prayer of… surrender.

How Does God Respond to ME?

Oh, how many times have I offended God? How many times has He tried to communicate a truth to me & I did the opposite because His way didn’t make me feel good? How many times have I dared question the Almighty God who sent Jesus to die for my debt to Him? (Romans 5:8; John 3:16-17)

And yet, how does He respond to me? With tenderness. With grace. With patience. With love. With forgiveness. With hope.

Responding from a heart of brokenness versus God’s grace is the most natural thing I can do. But boy does it spit on all God offers me in exchange for all of my deep unworthiness.

Responding from a Heart of Brokenness Versus God’s Grace

Take some time to do a mental assessment next time you rear up in response to something, or want to hit back with your words, or think nasty thoughts toward someone else because of what they said or did or how they acted toward you.

Accept responsibility if your response may not exactly line up with God’s response to you & take a minute to confess that to God right away. Jesus paid for that stray thought or outburst of anger & hurt. Confess it to God & ask His forgiveness. He will forgive. (1 John 1:9)

And be willing to surrender that very real gut feeling to God’s gracious way instead.

Pray for God’s perspective to grow in your heart… a perspective of His grace… when all you may want to do is respond from your heart of brokenness.

Shine HOPE by letting God’s grace trump how you feel when you are wronged &/or hurt by someone else & by praying for them versus attacking, withdrawing, or slandering their name to others for validation. Shine HOPE, through Him & for Him.

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 FIVE 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!!

Soleil Earrings (INDIA)

Make a fair-trade fashion statement with the Soleil Earrings! These gorgeous earrings feature a rectangle chalcedony stud with a hammered brass rectangle accent and colorful beaded fringe in shades of blue, gold, teal, and light pink. These unique artisanal 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.

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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 in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Because the Distinction Matters

“…  because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools….” (Romans 1:21-22)

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—” (Romans 5:12)

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27)

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” (John 16:13)

“Then Jesus said… The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)

“For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:2-4)

Not My Words Today, but His

Who do you say God is? Do you glorify God AS God? There is a clear distinction made between knowing God & glorifying Him AS God.

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man….” (Romans 1:20-23)

Today, nothing I wrote felt right. All that felt right was stripping it down to these God-inspired Bible verses compiled by our pastor for yesterday’s church sermon. God is not meant to just be known as God–even demons know He is God & tremble… but to be glorified AS GOD in our day-to-day lives.

How well can you say that you do that?

“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” (James 2:19)

Knowing God Versus Glorifying Him AS God

There’s only one way to heaven & it’s not tradition, family name, good works, or anything else… it’s Jesus.

There’s only one fully reliable truth & it’s not our opinions, the world’s knowledge, or “progressive thinking”… it’s the Word of God.

There’s only one true, fulfilling LIFE & it’s not parties, wealth, success, reputation, sex, alcohol, being “loved”, being honored, etc…. it’s a life surrendered to God, led by His Spirit.

It’s not enough to just KNOW God, but we must strive to live our life to GLORIFY Him AS GOD in all & everything, righting our perspective back to Him through consistently, intentionally giving thanks to Him in all circumstances.

“… in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Shine HOPE by determining not just to know God, but to glorify His as such in your day-to-day all day, every day everywhere you are.

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 FIVE 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!!

Iris Gift Set (India)

While Supplies Last! Beautiful, artisanal gift set perfect for the influential woman in your life!

Purchase this artisanal gift set that creates safe jobs for women in India. The Iris Gift Set pairs the Raven Belt Bag with the Iris Bag Strap to create a gorgeous fair-trade look to gift!

Raven Belt Bag – This genuine leather Raven Belt Bag from India is both practical and stylish with its adjustable removable strap, interior zipper pocket, and zipper closure. Keep all your essentials safe and secure anytime you’re on the go.

Iris Bag Strap – Add an elegant touch of artisanal style to your favorite bag with this embroidered floral bag strap from India. Handcrafted by differently abled women who are overcoming discrimination and abuse, our Embroidered Iris Bag Strap features a traditional black, purple, and green iris pattern.

***Every purchase of this gift set provides safe jobs with fair wages for marginalized and differently abled women in India.***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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 in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Such Feelings

If you know me, or have been following my blog any time over the last 5 years (how has it been 5 years?!), then you probably have gathered that I have big feelings. For good or for bad, whether people enjoy it or hate it… I have big feelings.

Sometimes I love it, because it infuses my good days with so much zest, but the bad days are rough because I feel things so deeply it seems to sometimes affect me in a physical way with overwhelm & zoning out & feeling crushed beneath the weight of them.

And of course then you add in the depression. Now, this isn’t wallowing in despair depression—feeling depressed is not the same as having depression… although, if I allow it to consume me, it can very well lead to feeling & BEING depressed. But, on its own, it’s just a general sense of feeling numb & checked out of life… like everything just feels like a meaningless blur. And when I say, “I just don’t care,” it’s not in an obstinate, rolling my eyes type of thing, but rather just literally not caring about much of anything because I just feel numb as if I am just existing through my day.

But whether it’s my depression symptoms dragging me down to the dust, like a ball & chain clasped to my ankles as I try to walk through mud & haze… or whether it’s an emotional high where I just want to live life with fullness & vibrancy feeling free from the haze… or whether some thing or another knocks me to the ground with unexpected hurt or overwhelm that halts me in my tracks… no matter what it is that my feelings are feeling… it should not affect my obedience to God.

Chasing Happy Highs

Not allowing feelings to affect my obedience to God is a hard one for me. Our bodies are meant to release “happy hormones” when we accomplish tasks… there is a natural reward system built into our brains… & when that malfunctions & life feels empty & numb & void of feeling… well, I want to zone out & avoid at all costs how trapped & stuck that makes me feel. I want to chase “happy highs” however possible—tv, food, games, shopping trip, etc.

And what I DON’T feel like doing is to buckle down & DO IT ANYWAY.

I heard a quote today from the pastor at church this morning from Augustine maybe? The quote went something like: “God made us for Himself & we will remain restless until we seek our rest in Him.” Something like that. And isn’t that so true?

I can chase “happy highs” all I want, but until I seek my rest in Him, I will always be restless. I NEED Him.

Obeying God Is for My Good

Part of resting in God is realizing that I NEED to obey HIM rather than my feelings, recognizing that obedience to God is for my own good because all of what God commands is for my good.

I mean, think about it… just even looking at the basic 10 Commandments given to Moses for the people, by God, you can see it. (Genesis 20:1-17) Don’t steal, don’t commit adultery, love your neighbor as yourself, etc. His commands are basically—treat each other WELL! (Luke 6:31; Matthew 7:12) God even goes so far as to say that all the commands can be summed up under “love God with your all & the second being like it to love your neighbor as yourself.” (Paraphrase) (Matthew 22:36-40)

We were made to love God. We are designed to worship, honor, & glorify Him… & to love others.

Of course, we can’t be SAVED from our SIN against God by obeying these very good God-given commands (they are given as law to reveal our need for Him) (Romans 3:20; Romans 7:7) … because we will never ever get it spot on 24/7–that’s why God sent Jesus to pay our debt so if we repent or turn from our sin, ask for forgiveness, & turn to God, through Jesus, as your hope… you are saved… through your faith in Him. (Romans 3:23-24; Romans 10:9-11)

BUT, those 10 commandments, although they can’t save our souls, are still commands worthy of obedience… as are all of God’s teaching in the Bible… because it honors Him & it’s for our good.

We NEED to Obey… We NEED His Truth & Way of Life because It’s What We Were MADE to NEED

Obedience to God, though, is not just avoiding doing the “thou shalt nots” of the Bible… it’s a living out a life of seeking to know & love Him more… bowing how I want to respond for what honors & glorifies HIM (through asking for His wisdom & help doing it)… a determining to represent Him well & intentionally in your interactions with others & in how you express love for others. Obedience, at its core, means a life lived for HIM, through Him.

God knows we need it. We NEED Him. We NEED prayer (a plugging into HIM & HIS resources) (Proverbs 3:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), We NEED to feed our souls on His Word (the Bible). God tells us to even CRAVE His Word as newborn babies crave milk & NEED it to survive. (1 Peter 2:2-3)

Obedience isn’t some super religious thing we do to prove how religious we are.

Obedience is NECESSARY for a full & abundant & victorious LIFE. (John 10:9-10) Obedience is necessary to please, honor, & glorify God—for which purpose we were created! (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Revelation 4:11; Romans 11:36)

Checking My Motivations in My Obedience to God—Time in His Word, the Bible

We read our Bibles, not because we feel like a “terrible Christian” if we don’t, guilted into keeping up with it & shame-building as we miss day after day throughout the year…. We read our Bibles because 1. It honors God to seek to know & love Him better/more, & 2. We are influenced & impacted by the world every moment of our life & we NEED to be INTENTIONAL in feeding our soul with TRUTH to ground us in this crazy world we live in.

God isn’t keeping track with hand on hip & a raised, judgy eyebrow, making note of: “still waiting to see if they prove their love for me ENOUGH.” Jesus paid for that missed day, week, year, or even lifetime—it’s in the past & if you have repented of it, God has forgiven it. God isn’t expecting a “read through the Bible in a year” OR ELSE:  “BAM—Bad Christian alert!”

But God is honored every time we DO pick up our Bibles & commit to reading it, thinking on it, dwelling on it, & referring back to it when we face circumstances that come up in life, preparing ourselves with His Word that He made sure we would have access to because He made sure it was written all those many years ago.

Why Do I Pray?

We pray, not just before meals & before bed “because it’s what a good Christian person does.” We don’t do it to seem pious or religious. We do it because we NEED HIM EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY.

It’s not about repeating special words or making sure we say, “Father” enough times in our prayer. It’s not about praying “enough times” to get God to act. It’s not about getting God to give you everything you want your way as if He’s your personal enforcer while you sit in the seat of authority.

Prayer is about submission to an Almighty God Who is HOLY & deserving of all & holds ALL authority in heaven AND earth & yet keeps His throne-room door open at all times for all requests & pleas.

Prayer is about recognizing it’s all about Him, all FOR Him, all THROUGH Him. Prayer is about recognizing that God is GOD, & I am NOT.

Prayer is about plugging in to our Vine. (John 15:1-17) What can a branch bring forth without being connected to its life-giving Vine? What can we produce of worth without plugging into Him as our life-giving source? He is the source of our being. He is our nourishment. He is our peace. He is our enabling strength, even when we ourselves are depleted.

Prayer is about both recognizing & expressing our need, as well as turning to the One where our need may be met, even beyond what we imagine Him capable. (Ephesians 3:20-21; Luke 1:37)

To Feel Like a “Good Person” or to Honor, Please, & Glorify God?

And living for God isn’t about getting in “enough” service hours each week to prove how dedicated we are to serving God. It’s not about proving to or earning anything from God. It’s not about “being a good person.” (Romans 3:10-12; Ephesians 2:8-10)

Living in obedience to serve Him & love others, seeking to honor & please & glorify Him in every thought, reaction, & interaction is simply for that reason—to honor, please, & glorify HIM—because He is deserving of it. Not because I feel like it, & neither should I avoid it because I DON’T feel like it.

Feelings & Obedience Shouldn’t Affect Each Other

So, yes, sometimes my depression symptoms mean that I am zoned out, feel nothing, get no “happy hormone” reward for doing it… & yet I say a little prayer:  “God, please forgive me for how badly I want to avoid this right now because I DO NOT FEEL LIKE IT… please forgive me & help me do it anyway, because I want to honor You & I know I need You whether or not I feel like it will help at all right now. Please forgive my attitude & help me to honor You anyway. In Jesus’ name, I pray—AMEN.” And then I open my Bible & my current study, turn to the right page, click on my pen & begin my study each morning… whether I FEEL like it or not.

Feelings & obedience shouldn’t affect each other. Bad feelings too bad? Good feelings too distracting? Numbness clouding over any desire to do anything? Do it anyway—with God’s help.

We’re Meant to Need & Ask for His Help to Obey

Through Andrew Murray’s book on Prayer, a compilation of his works, I learned that so many Christians burn out either by guilt-driven obedience or self-driven obedience… or they just give up because they feel they just can’t (both were me at different points in my life)—too busy, too distracted, too numb, too tired, too sick, etc.—but that so many of commands given in the Bible are either followed by or preceded by “by God, through God, by faith, or through faith.” In other words? We’re not meant to be ABLE to obey Him… ON OUR OWN WITHOUT HIS HELP. We are MEANT to need His help & to turn to Him for that help in our walk of obedience.

So, if you feel you can’t obey Him for WHATEVER reason, you’re in good company! Take that to God & be honest with Him & ask for His help: “God, please forgive me for my lack… help me know when to fit it in & help me to LISTEN when You give the nudge in that time… help me to focus… help me to concentrate… help my WANT.” RELY ON & COUNT ON His help.

And when emotions are running wild or feel non-existent… remember that feelings & obedience shouldn’t affect each other. God can help if you are willing to let Him. Let Him help.

Shine HOPE by determining to honor, please, & glorify God through obedience, whether you feel like it or not… by making sure to turn to Him diligently & consistently for His help.

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 FIVE 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!!

Tranquility Ring Set (India)

This set of 2 adjustable rings can be worn stacked together or separately! A silver-toned plated brass ring with a simple twist perfectly complements the gorgeous chalcedony ring.  This small oval-shaped, faceted chalcedony stone is set in silver-toned plated brass featuring a design on the silver band.

***Every purchase empowers women to earn fair wages for their work and to end cycles of poverty for her family.***

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!

As a Child…

Thank You, Lord, for never leaving me… for never giving up on me. Thank You for the family You gave me who took me to church & taught me about Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for the children’s Bible I was given that helped in my curiosity of learning about You & for helping me connect the dots that my bad attitude toward my parents or even my sister was counted as sin in Your eyes & helping me realize I needed saving even at such a young age.

Thank You for not giving up on me when I entered middle school & heard all about differing religious ideas… when I began to doubt You… when I wondered if maybe You weren’t real, I could be living MY way instead of worrying about Your law. Thank You for not just crushing me then in my stubborn self-will to live MY way over Your Good way.

Through My Depression…

Thank You for my spiral of depression for two years in early high school once my doubting & questions & desires to live my way began to numb & empty me of life… thank You for stripping so much from me: my reputation, my good academic standing, many of my friendships, much of my bond with my sisters, my confidence… thank You for the suffering I felt… the emptiness & despair… thank You that it showed me that NO MATTER what I tried to fill it with that wasn’t You just made it all the worse in the end… that I couldn’t fully rely on ANYTHING at ALL times… except for You. Thank You that You took away every crutch or stronghold I was counting on so I could see that YOU were the ONLY One Who could not & would not ever fail.

Thank You for squashing every doubt I had through that pain, showing me that if I had nothing, but I had You… I had EVERYTHING.

In My Growing… & in My Failing…

Thank You that You didn’t stop there. Thank You for continuing to weed things from my life & my behavior & my thought patterns, shaping me to better honor You. Thank You for the confidence You instilled in me through that, beginning to understand that it wasn’t about me being enough, but that You will always be my Enough. Thank You for Your gentle, wise, never-giving-up-on-me pruning.

In My Withouts…

Thank You for teaching me through singleness into my late twenties & then now childlessness that Your plan is always better than mine, no matter how much I think I want something. Thank You that Your timing is always perfect. Thank You that You love me enough to not settle for my less-than timeline &/or plan.

Thank You for the comfortable times of rest. Thank You for the difficult hard times that teach me that YOU can BE my rest. Thank You for when I have plenty, reminding me of Your provision. Thank You for times of little, reminding me that You are my provision.

Thank You for Your peace that when I ask for it fills me even as the world crashes around me. It’s indescribable & impossible peace—& yet, it is. Thank You that You are so much bigger & greater than I can even imagine. And that impossible is never impossible for You.

In My Questions… In My Lacking…

Thank You that You love me enough to let me doubt & wonder & question… that You don’t turn me away, but that as I seek Your wisdom to better trust & live by You, You are a patient & gentle Leader & Father to me. You don’t rush or hurry. You are kind even when I’m rude & impatient & complaining. You are too loving to let me have my way, even if it would be easier to just give in… You lovingly determine only what is best for me. Thank You.

Thank You that I can always come back to You… that even if I give into the blistering disease that is bitterness & stop praying because I am too hurt to have You not answer my way AGAIN—rather than trusting You IN the hard, always only complaining for the end of the hard—You always are quick to forgive, patient, kind, loving, long-suffering… Thank You that You = LOVE.

In All of Creation…

Thank You God, for it all. Thank You for life. Thank You for all of the beautiful & cuddly & awe-inspiring animals You have made in all the diversity of colors, shapes, sizes. Thank You for all the shades of green when passing a highway surrounded by trees & trees. Thank You for the dancing of the wind through the trees & the grass & even my hair. Thank You for all of the beautiful plants & flowers. Thank You for the cool of water & it’s ability to refresh or soothe. Thank You for the sounds of rushing or babbling water. Thank You for the smell of fresh, crisp air & the warmth of sunshine glow. Thank You for hills & valleys & mountains & oceans. Thank You for mountain trails & beach chill. Thank You for Your ever-new paintings in the skies.

Thank You for laughter & dancing & the ability to praise You for all that You are.

For Who You Are…

Thank You for Your kindness. Thank You for Your love & Your grace & mercy & for HOPE. Thank You that I can always count on You… always come to You… always talk to You. Thank You that You are faithful… even if I am not. Thank You that You are kind… even when I am rude. Thank You that You never give up on me. Thank You that You care so much for me even though I don’t deserve it. Thank You that when I fail, You forgive. Thank You that You are KING of ALL & yet have time for me. Thank You for Your vast POWER & authority in both heaven & on earth, but yet Your gentle disposition toward Your rebellious creation. Thank You for Your GRACE.

For Jesus… For Forgiveness… For Your Grace…

Thank You for Jesus. Thank You Jesus for being willing to condescend Yourself from Your throne in Heaven to become a man in flesh, with all of the same human struggles, but living a sinless life so that You could become our once-and-for-all spotless lamb sacrifice to God for our sins. Thank You that no matter WHAT wrong we’ve done, no matter how terrible & undeserving we know we are… that if we confess to You those things & turn from those things to life in You, asking Your forgiveness, that You FORGIVE.

Thank You for new life, for a fresh start, for Your patience & love & pursuit of us no matter how many times we may figuratively spit at Your face. You wait willingly & ever so patiently, not wanting ANY of us to go without Your grace, forgiveness, hope, life, & LOVE. THANK YOU.

Thank You that You don’t make us jump through hoops, “prove” it, do “enough” good, earn it, or anything else… we just have to recognize our need of You… confess our wrongs against You… ask Your forgiveness for those wrongs… & accept You as Savior for our sins against God. THANK YOU.

Thank You, LORD.

Thank You for sending us the Holy Spirit once we have turned our lives to Jesus. That we then ALWAYS have Him as our Guide, a Comforter, a giver of Wisdom, a Companion Who never leaves us nor forsakes us.

Thank You God for all of the things I take for granted every single day: kitty snuggles, hugs, a laugh, a yummy bite of food, the ability to heat or chill food, laundry capability, a dry home, a job, friends, a family who introduced me to You, a husband, Your sacrifice & the blessings You offer me every day. Your peace. Your love. Your never-giving-up-on-me grace. Thank YOU. Thank You. THANK YOU!

Praise be to God, the Maker of Heaven & Earth! AMEN!

Shine HOPE by determining to look for all the reasons you have to PRAISE God for everything big & small, in the good times & the bad. Because no matter what the circumstances or your feelings may be—He is worthy to be praised! Thank You, LORD!

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 FIVE 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!!

Lotus Coasters (India)

Create a beautiful tablescape with nature-inspired decor that empowers families in India out of poverty. This set of four eco-friendly Lotus Coasters are made from sustainable natural mango wood with carved whitewashed accents. Complete your summer look with our Lotus Trivet.

***Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for women 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!

Our Tokyo Anniversary

I’m going to be honest with you—I don’t really know where this week’s blog topic is going. I’m just sort of going to write what’s on my heart as if we’re just chatting comfortably in my living room & see where it goes.

This has been a crazy last several weeks—from working, to Tokyo/Disney for a week, to typhoon prep, to living through a super typhoon & it’s aftermath. It’s been a roller coaster.

I wasn’t feeling well when we were in Tokyo. I got a cold, plus the added enjoyment of “that time of the month” & there were times during that week where I felt my feet were just dragging because although Tokyo Disney is a fun place to be… I felt like poop. I was tired, sluggish, achy, & like all I wanted to do was crawl back into bed & sleep it off.

But each day, I had to take those grumps to God, understanding tickets were already bought & we had already flown there & it was our anniversary week & I didn’t want to ruin it for my hubs either. No pressure, right?

I had to apologize to God for my grumpies many, many times & ask Him to forgive me for only wanting a solution my way (no matter how natural my way felt at the time) & instead trust Him enough to ask Him to be sufficient in my lack… & to help me have a good attitude/make the most of our trip.

God showed up, of course, in giving me enough strength for each day. It was still hard & it was still easy to have a bad attitude because it was hard… but God held my hand through it & just took me step by step in His care.

The Much-Talked-About Typhoon

And then we come home & all this talk of the typhoon was actually revving up versus slowing down—we get typhoon warnings a lot on Guam & a lot of them end up veering off & never reaching us other than some residual rain from its edges, so it’s not often I even feel concerned.

But this one was looking like a hit.

So, we began to prepare just like we would for any other typhoon… but I already talked about all that last week. (You can catch up, here, if you want: “Living through a Super Typhoon.”)

And I am so grateful to Him for so many reasons through all of that mess.

Overwhelmed & Drowning in Shock

It’s true… I didn’t feel I had any right to ask of God when He provided so much in our home’s protection through that, but God loves to give… not always in the way we THINK we want, but better.

When the worst of the aftermath shock & sticky, thick humidity kicked in, while I was sitting in pitch black darkness, unable to turn a light on or a fan or anything to get relief… knowing of how many people were suffering across the island from damage to their homes… I felt so overwhelmed by grief… like it threatened to just swallow me whole.

You know that feeling when you feel you have a frog in your throat & your eyes are burning, all because the sobs are just trying to force their way to the surface?

Have you ever been in total darkness & just felt consumed by it like they were dark walls closing in around you in your grief & you just needed to see the light of day trickle through it–any sign of hope–desperate for it even?

I begged… literally BEGGED… God to turn the power back on that night because I felt like I was falling apart. I was overwhelmed. Hope seemed a far ways off.

I Sometimes Feel Too Unworthy to Ask God for More

God had already provided in SO MANY ways. And so many others had it MUCH worse. How could I even imagine I was deserving of any more than all I already had been given?

I knew I didn’t deserve His answer to be yes—far from it.

But I also knew that HE was where my help comes from (Psalm 121:1-2) & that if ANYONE can give me some sort of relief where there seemed no available relief… it was going to be Him EVERY time.

And I ALSO knew that if God gave His only Son, JESUS, to pay the debt of all of our sins (John 3:16-17)… how much He MUST LOVE US & WANT to give us good things. (Romans 8:32)

So, I prayed anyway. I trusted Him more than how worthy or unworthy I felt I was. I trusted that He WANTED to provide for me & give me HOPE.

I’m Not Good Enough of My Own Merit

God doesn’t withhold goodness even from people who hate or reject Him… THAT’S how good He is! He rains on the just AND the unjust. (Matthew 5:44-45)

BUT, God also says that the prayers of a righteous person availeth much. (James 5:16)

On my own merit, I’m nowhere near righteous. God says even my righteousness is like dirty rags to Him. (Isaiah 64:6) He also says that we ALL fall short (Romans 3:23)

But I am declared righteous because of Whom my faith is planted in—Jesus. (Galatians 3:6); 2 Corinthians 5:21)

HIS righteousness is accounted to ME as MY righteousness because I hope in HIM.

So, when I pray to God for help, He is not looking down at me through the lens of my undeserving unworthiness… but through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus on my behalf. Jesus’ sacrifice MAKES me worthy even though on my own merit I am not.

Do You Trust God Enough to Ask?

It blows my mind how an Almighty HOLY God would love me so much.

God answered my prayer—not in the way I pictured it, but so much more in giving me a friend to go through the aftermath with me.

Do you trust that God cares enough for you to want to care for you in your dark moments?

Do you dare to ask? To believe He wants to? To believe you’re deserving enough not because of what you’re worth on your own… but based on the worth you have through all JESUS gave FOR YOU?

Do you trust that if God gave you His Son that He also wants your needs met? Even if not the way you pictured?

Do you convince yourself not to bother Him? Do you trust God enough to ask? Do you believe that to Him it’s NEVER a bother for His children to ask of His infinite, never-depleting resources? That He actually ENJOYS caring for you?

You’re Not Enough… And He Loves You Anyway

If you’re counting on you being enough… you’re not… none of us are.

But don’t miss the biggest thing ever—having the righteousness of Jesus accounted to you because of your believing on Him (rather than yourself) to cover your debt to God.

Don’t miss out on letting that HOPE flood your heart that come what may here on earth… THIS is your temporary home & if you trust JESUS, well, you have a MUCH BETTER place to look forward to than here!

Jesus is the light of the world, so if you feel darkness clouding your life… you need to look to Him & ask for His light to come into your life.

Shine HOPE by being willing to ASK God when you need help… without convincing yourself you don’t deserve it enough or that others have more of a right to it or that God doesn’t want to be bothered. Trust Him enough to ASK!

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 almost FIVE 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!!

Eucalyptus Mint Soap (India)

Artisans in India meticulously craft irresistibly fragrant natural soaps using traditional cold process techniques and ancient blends of moisturizing oils, herbs, and essential oils.

The invigorating and refreshing signature fragrance of the Eucalyptus Mint Soap is a natural blend of moisturizing and healing shea butter and pure oils, including coconut and olive oil with essential oils of eucalyptus and peppermint, which are well known for their soothing anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, and decongestant benefits.

***Every purchase helps empower marginalized and differently abled women in India.***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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 in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

How Often I Take It for Granted…

I was fortunate enough to grow up in a Christian home. I have been going to church since before I was born.

I accepted Jesus at 5 years old & I have had the influence, comfort, direction, & hope of the Holy Spirit with me ever since.

Sometimes I take all of that for granted… sometimes it’s easy for me to think that because I didn’t have years of living in sinful revelry beforehand that maybe the cost for my redemption wasn’t all too large.

But I’d be wrong… SO wrong.

And the older that I get, the more I can accurately see just how wrong that is.

Not Because of Me…

I am a sinner, saved by the GRACE of God, through Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:8; Isaiah 53:5; John 3:16-17; Romans 10:13)

How? Not by my efforts, but because God loved me (“the world”) so much that He sent Jesus to pay the debt penalty I owe God for my sin. (John 3:16-17)

When I was just 5 years old, as I was thinking about what I had heard in Sunday School & reading the simplified words of my children’s Bible, it dawned on me… I was mean to my sister sometimes… & God calls that sin. I didn’t always listen to my parents… God calls that sin….

And sin… hurts God… it makes Him angry… it makes me an enemy with God. (Romans 8:6-7)

Which means I was God’s enemy. I was going to go to Hell because I was not in fact good because I hurt God with my sin.

And it was at that moment all the pieces came together in my little child heart—THAT is WHY I NEED Jesus!

Set FREE!

So, I ran to my parents’ bedroom & asked how Jesus can save me, too, because I don’t want to make God mad at me & I don’t want to go to Hell.

And because my parents helped me understand that God loved me (and the whole world) so much that He knew I could not be good enough, so He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay my penalty before God, taking the punishment of my sin on His own shoulders & dying on the cross to pay my debt so I could be debt-free before God… I accepted the covering of my sin through the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice that very night at 5 years old.

I am a sinner, saved by the GRACE of God, through Jesus Christ! (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:8; Isaiah 53:5; John 3:16-17; Romans 10:13)

GOD Condescended HIMSELF for US!

Jesus was not stopped by death. He rose again (Luke 24:6-7) as He was both fully man (aka He felt all the pain of His sacrifice both in His body & His heart) (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:34) AND fully God, conquering death, as well as the sins of the world, so that ANYONE who believes on Him through the admission of their guilt before God & a turning away of their way for God’s, calling on Jesus as their Savior… they will be saved. (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:8; Isaiah 53:5; John 3:16-17; Romans 10:13) God condescended Himself for US!

Because Jesus did not come to the world to condemn the world, but that through Him all might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

I take all that for granted somehow. I forget the weightiness of it. The sacrifice. The fact that GOD was willing to condescend HIMSELF for ME. GOD! LORD of ALL! For ME.

For you.

If GOD Saved Us… Why Give Us the Law in the First Place?

You know what it’s so easy to get hung up on? The law. Love. How they can possibly go together.

I’ve been talking a lot lately about my sin of silence… of how the truth sets us free… so shouldn’t we be bold in sharing it? Is it really loving to keep quiet about sin? To try to downplay it?

Do you know why God gave us His law?

Not to control us… He offers us everything when we come to Him.

Not to earn anything… His grace, through Jesus, is a free GIFT.

So, why?

Because, as His Word—the Bible—says, to make us aware of our NEED for HIM. (Romans 7:7; Romans 3:20)

How Do YOU Justify Sin?

Do you live in a way that God calls sin? Do you justify it & stuff it & say, “it’s only uncomfortable because people try to make me feel bad about it”?

Do you recognize the fact that if God calls it sin then He didn’t MAKE you so you CAN’T sin. It is something you CHOOSE… to have your desire met your way as your ultimate priority over pleasing or honoring your Creator, Savior, Almighty GOD.

The fact of the matter is that God tells us the beginning of wisdom is fear of Him because it’s saying we ought to ultimately recognize God as GOD… & that we are not. (Proverbs 9:10)

Did you know that God says He wrote His Law on ALL OUR HEARTS so that we are WITHOUT EXCUSE? (Romans 2:14-15; Romans 1:18-20)

That nagging little doubt… that question in your spirit… that ick you try to cover & hide & pretend isn’t there… it’s because your spirit KNOWS it’s wrong. It KNOWS because it KNOWS who is really in control & whether the WHOLE WORLD approves your sin or not, you will still have to fight that ick because it won’t go away. It can’t ever go away.

Without Jesus.

“Living Your Best Life”

Don’t be fooled into complacency, into the lie of “living your best life.”

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:25-26)

“The heart is deceitful above all things.” (Jeremiah 17:9)

“The heart is desperately wicked.” (Jeremiah 17:9)

“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)

God showed us His love in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

Without Jesus, there is no real hope, my friend. There just isn’t.

Judgment Day Will Come-But Grace Is Offered Now

And judgment day will come, whether or not you want to BELIEVE with all your heart that it won’t… it will.

And you will have all of your sins laid out before you, not a single secret one hidden from the all-seeing, all-knowing eyes of God. (Romans 2:16)

And you will have to give an account. (Romans 14:12)

You can try to hand Him all of your good deeds, but God already said it’s not based on anything you can do & that the wages of your sin is DEATH. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 6:23)

Judgment day will come… but grace is offered now.

Repent & call on Jesus & be saved. (Acts 3:19; Romans 10:9-13)

When Will be Your Judgment Day? Are You Ready?

Will you have until you’re 92, lying in a nursing home, finally surrendering your heart to Jesus, being welcomed into heaven on your dying breath…?

Or will you die suddenly in a car crash on your way home & you thought you had more time to decide… but it’s too late?

When will your judgment day come?

Will you be ready?

The Good News

But, my friend, the very Good News is that while judgment day WILL come… GRACE is offered NOW.

God says that believing on Jesus is accounted to us as righteousness (Romans 4:5; Genesis 15:6). That means our debt account, where even our best is counted as dirty rags to God (because it can never outweigh our sin)… (Isaiah 64:6) when we accept Jesus’ debt-covering, our account overflows instead with HIS righteousness now counted as our OWN.

Will we automatically be perfect with never a sinful thought or screw up? Nope. You will be a work in progress until the day you die (that’s why we can’t ever trust our own goodness because we can never be acceptable aside from Christ)… but your sin will be covered.

God’s Law Is GOOD!

Why do I take this for granted?

Why do I shy away from sharing God’s law, in calling out sin as it is—wretchedness that God hates, wretchedness that has a death sentence attached to it?

God gave us His law so we would recognize how much we need Him… not because we’re expected to follow it to the letter IN ORDER TO be saved… but that we follow it to HONOR, PLEASE, & GLORIFY Him as GOD & because His law is Truth & Goodness.

So, when someone calls something sin (that the Bible calls sin), know it’s because they want you to KNOW your need, too… not because they, in contrast, are perfect… but because they know the One who IS.

I am writing this because I care about you knowing this. I want this for you. I want you to know the depth of God’s forgiveness, grace, & love! I want you to know that He makes all things new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Don’t Shy Away from TRUTH–The Truth Shall Set You Free

“Jesus said unto Him: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

What sins are you okay with? How much are you okay with in risking hurting God?

Where do you draw the line?

Judgment day will come… but grace is offered NOW.

Shine HOPE by not shying away from calling sin, sin (IN LOVE) (Ephesians 4:15) & by being willing to share the HOPE we have in God’s grace, through Jesus, that is offered NOW, so when judgment day is here we will be ready & know we did our best & told all we could so they would be ready, too.

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 almost FIVE 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!!

Bisa Tote (India)

Woven jute, dyed rope, and artisanal expertise make the Bisa Tote the perfect tote for any summer excursion! The earthy brown tones of the natural jute and leather mixed with the blue color block pattern are absolutely stunning and give this tote a modern coastal look. The ethically made Bisa Tote is handcrafted in India with an unlined interior, magnetic closure, and leather shoulder straps.

(PS. I want this bag! Isn’t it so beachy & cute?!)

***Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in India!***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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 in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!