What Is Our Motive in Doing Good?

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) (emphasis added)

What a freeing command that is right there.

Basically, don’t do something to measure up to someone else’s expectations, don’t do it to “be good enough” or to do “enough” to be considered a “good” Christian… & don’t do it as a means of striving for praise &/or recognition (aka chasing your “identity” from a job well done)…

… but do anything & everything simply & solely to give God the glory.

That Little, Powerful Word: FOR

This idea of doing everything for God’s glory may seem to come with the territory of trying to live God’s way, as He instructs in the Bible, but that is only part of it. Otherwise, that verse would say to do it BECAUSE it glorifies God.

Let’s be careful that we don’t mistakenly assume that just because we’re doing the doing, that we’re also doing it FOR His glory.

I always assumed this little verse of 1 Corinthians 10:31 was reminding us that in all we do, we ought to do it the way that God instructs, but the more I grow, the more emphasis I am seeing in that little (yet powerful) word “FOR.”

The Dangers of Any Other Motivation

So, even if I do all the right things, I can still be doing it to look like a good person/Christian, or because I “want to do what’s right all the time,” or basically other motivations that stem from me being a good person versus striving to let God have the glory.

You can do all the right things & still be doing them with all the wrong motivations.

The danger in just keeping God’s Word & doing as He says ONLY, without this proper motivation of “for His glory,” is that it can easily puff us up or make us feel self-righteous, like we somehow deserve His grace because of our good behavior… as if we deserve Jesus’ sacrifice… because really, who doesn’t want to try to pay Jesus back somehow or let Him know we “really mean it” when we accept His free gift? It’s natural, but it again, is missing the point.

So How Do I Do Everything FOR His Glory?

One way that comes to mind is instead of trying to sheer willpower your way into doing the right thing because you know it’s the right thing, even though you sure don’t FEEL like doing the right thing then… to instead surrender your honest feelings in the moment & asking for God’s help in them versus trying to power through & pretend they’re not there.

God isn’t fooled & eventually you are going to wear yourself thin trying to be everything God asks of you in your own strength, wisdom, & power.

A Surrendered Prayer to Live Each Situation for His Glory

But when I choose to take those very real, very human natural responses to Him & say, “God, I know You see clearly how I don’t want this [to be loving to someone cruel, to serve even when it doesn’t come easy, to read my Bible even when I’m tired, to do what’s right even when I am tempted the opposite direction]. You’re not fooled. I’m sorry I feel this way. Help change my heart here & to see the perspective of Your unending grace. I’m sorry I feel so pulled to act on these feelings & that I feel like I have to FORCE myself to do otherwise sometimes… but Lord, You don’t have to force it because it’s Who You are. You are loving & kind, merciful & gentle, gracious & majestic. You are infinite & sufficient. So, help me respond for Your glory. Let others see Your goodness, grace, & love, despite my fleshly feelings. Help them to see You in this [love, act of service, obedience, overcoming of temptations, etc.]. Let those around me see YOU & not me. I am NOT good, but You are. I am NOT always patient, but You are. I am not always feeling like showing love, but You ARE love. So help me display Your glory & do this thing for that reason alone… not to show myself worthy or righteous, but to show that those words describe YOU ALONE. In Jesus’ ALL-powerful name, AMEN.”

Your Motive Matters-All for His Glory

Don’t just do something because it’s “the right thing to do” or because you don’t want to look like a “bad Christian.”

Do it always & only FOR HIS GLORY.

To put Him on display.

To point to Him.

To show Him as your HOPE & sufficiency.

To let others see that you’re not sufficient & you’re not always willing… but that HE IS.

To say it’s His grace, not your goodness.

To make it all always about Him.

What a beautiful reminder that it’s not about ME being “good enough” or “deserving,” but that I can put those things aside, knowing I’m not & never will be, but that God is my goodness, through Jesus, & that ONLY HE is deserving of any praise. And that He gives me His grace just the same.

Shine HOPE by watching your motives & doing ALL *for* HIS glory! 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 newly added FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts”!***)

This blog/website has been running for over FOUR 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!!

Leaf Coaster Set (India)

Create the ultimate autumn tablescape with nature-inspired decor that empowers families in India out of poverty. These coasters are made from sustainable natural acacia wood with carved whitewashed accents and are designed for you to enjoy your favorite hot comfort drinks without worrying about heat damaging your furniture. Complete your fall look with our Harvest Napkin Set, Harvest Placemat Set, and Pumpkin Trivet.

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!

We Have a King Eternal

Reading through the Bible, you can find this phrase: “and the people did what was right in their own eyes” repeated quite often & when this phrase was used, it was often in direct correlation to their kingdom lacking a king. (Judges 17:6; 21:25; & find list of other mentions throughout the Bible, here.)

But our kingdom, the kingdom of God, is never lacking a King. Our King eternal is God Almighty. Despite this fact, I find myself living as if it weren’t true quite often, living as the Israelites did during the time periods talked about in Judges when they were without a king—doing what seems right in my own eyes.

This is not to say that I am indulging in sin, but rather the fact that I often forget, “oh yeah, I should probably ask God what His opinion or direction is here.”

Even If, He Should Still be Consulted

As I have talked a lot about recently, I like feeling capable. I like feeling like I am able to find a solution to whatever problem arises & ask God to help me do just that. In other words, I like to be in the driver seat (in control), with God acting as my assist when I “need” it.

But even when I DO feel capable, DO figure out a solution, & DO feel confident in my ability to carry it through, I need to stop & consider whether I am simply doing that which seems right to me… in my own eyes… or whether I am turning to my King for direction & wisdom.

There is so much I could unpack with this particular topic, but let’s touch on a few key points today in regards to “gray” areas in the Bible, allowing God to disrupt our plans, & letting God direct how we confront situations… rather than doing what seems right in our own eyes.

1. “What about the ‘gray’ areas in the Bible, where it doesn’t specifically call something a sin? Is that my call to make?”

The answer to this seemingly innocent & obvious question is: no—just because something is not clearly forbidden or called sin in the Bible, does not mean it is then up to you to do what seems right in your own eyes. It could be a concern of a weaker brother or sister (someone in your friend circle who struggles (openly or secretly) with it as a gateway to sin), or it could be that for you personally, (whether or not you willingly admit it). Either way… God knows better than even you in making those decisions.

When Jesus ascended to Heaven after He rose from the dead, after dying to pay our sin debt to God, He sent to us the Holy Spirit to act as our Helper & Counselor. (John 16:5-7)

Whenever a situation is questionable on whether or not something not specifically forbidden in the Bible is okay, whether it is based on a rule from a particular church or pastor, or whether it was just how you grew up, we always ought to defer to God, through the Holy Spirit, for His guidance in your situation & circumstances particularly.

Conflicted Feelings Is Often a Sign to Avoid Something

If you feel conflicted about engaging in whatever it is, I highly discourage you from participating, as this could be a clear sign that the Holy Spirit is sending your heart a warning signal… & the Bible does tell us that if we are unsure whether something is a sin & yet we indulge in it, to us it IS a sin because in the indulgence we are making a decision that even if we aren’t sure if it is okay with God, we’re willing to risk dishonoring Him for our own gratification. (Romans 14:23)

A personal example of this would be my second ear piercing. I grew up believing that it was sinful to have more than one piercing, but couldn’t find evidence of this & I really wanted one. And, knowing my intentions were because I thought it looked cute versus a way to show off, I felt it was okay… but wasn’t quite sure if it was sin… & I got that piercing anyway. God reminded me that because I wasn’t sure & did it anyway, that it was a sin for me to have done it… so I asked for forgiveness, removed the earring, let it grow back, & asked for Him to give me a clear answer, determining to give it up if that clear answer never came. For me, it was a sin because I chose to do it not knowing whether it was a sin, showing I cared more about my desire for it than honoring God with it.

The Holy Spirit will give you peace if you determine to turn to Him rather than doing what seems right to you. It may not be immediate & it may not be the answer you were hoping for, but keeping that determination to wait on His response will ensure that you do not dishonor God with your choices.

2. “What about my day-to-day living in the little moments/routines? As long as I try to do good & not sin, is it okay to make my own judgement calls?”

This one is a little trickier. It is both a “yes” & a “no.”

I would say, if you are living your life with the goal to please God with your thoughts, words, & actions (even if you mess up sometimes & have to turn to that daily repentance to clear your conscience & move forward in His grace), then you are living in a way that honors Him.

BUT, the big but in this instance is the willingness to let God interrupt your plans & also making sure to bow your fleshly instinct for His lead & wisdom to win in every situation–this is a lifelong learning process.

It can be so easy to have a schedule, a routine, & the little ways you like to do things or how to spend your free time to relax (aka your “me-time”), but we always must bow those routines, habits, way of doing things & me-time moments to Him, being willing to let Him interrupt it with His own plans, wisdom, & way.

I Like Knowing What’s Coming & Having a Plan

I don’t like having my plans interrupted. If you read my post about “What If I Ruin My Children,” you’ll see that one of my concerns for having children was my own selfish fears of having my schedule & free time interrupted daily. That is a sinful fear because I want control of my own life versus letting God take the reins & guide my moments.

We need to be willing to lay down “the way we do things” to His will & plan for any given day, knowing He sees past, present, AND future, as well as the innermost thoughts of every person. We need to learn to have a heart that is willing to say, “God, these are my plans for today, but help me be willing to let You interrupt them if You so desire… & help me to ask for Your help in following Your detour versus clinging to my design for my day. AMEN.”

So, you can be living in a way that overall brings God honor & glory, while still making small choices to do what seems right in your own eyes by grasping to Your plans & being unwilling to be interrupted by letting Him lead with His plans, wisdom, & way.

3. “What if I am taking a stand against something that displeases & dishonors God? Isn’t it enough that I am DOING something, when so many people, even Christians, seem to only sit & watch it happen?”

Oh, this one gets many a Christian & I have most likely fallen into this very trap myself on occasion.

We can be doing godly THINGS with the right HEART, but still completely miss the mark because we are doing it in such a way that makes sense to US.

God sees beyond what we see. I can be as determined as ever to create change in something, but if I am doing it in a way that makes sense to me, without bowing that urgent, desperate desire to fix things to HIM, then my attempts are not going to be as effective as I would hope them to be.

I need to be willing to see a wrong, take a deep breath, & PRAY as my first instinct… taking that concern to Him for a solution: “God, this really makes me angry & I really want to speak out about it… but give me the words… help them be bold, full of Your Truth, grace, & love… & give me the timing & place that is appropriate, so the right ears may hear & change may occur. Show me & guide me on how I may help!”

We can easily get drawn into self-righteousness when He is the only One Who can create any real & lasting change on others’ hearts. So, instead of blaring your agenda, no matter how noble & biblical it may be, make sure you take that concern to God first for guidance & wisdom rather than reacting in a way that seems right in your own eyes.

Is Life a Big “Choose Your Own Adventure” Story?

So, is life a big “choose your own adventure” story? This topic is such a deep one. There are so many areas of our lives that it touches & so often, because oftentimes something just seems right to us, there are circumstances where we can be completely clueless to the fact that we are indeed living in a way that simply seems right in our own eyes & may not be what God desires in a given situation.

But we must always remember that we are NEVER without a King who can guide us & strengthen us, & Who gives us wisdom as we seek Him.

So, go to your King every day, in every decision big or small, in everything.

Shine HOPE by letting your King be KING in your life, in matters of discernment, in letting God interrupt your plans for His, & in fighting concerns you have in life.

Our King is worthy of praise! 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 newly added FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts”!***)

This blog/website has been running for over FOUR 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!!

Merry Mice Ornament Trio (Nepal)

LIMITED EDITION – WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! This set of three whimsical Merry Mice Ornaments will add some playful charm to your holiday decor with their cheerful smiles, fluffy tutus, and festive gifts! Each adorable wool felt mouse is handcrafted by a woman in an area of extreme poverty in Nepal. Every purchase of our Merry Mice Ornament Trio empowers a woman in Nepal with dignified income and education.

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!

Let’s Take It a Step Further…

Stemming off of last week’s topic: “Overcoming Stubbornness: More Willpower or More Surrender?”, where I fleshed out the important distinction between more willpower versus more surrender when trying to overcome personal stubbornness or hard-heartedness is this very important need for daily repentance.

Now, this is not repentance unto salvation, as in when we recognize we are personally sinful & have personally wronged God & are deserving of His wrath & so also recognize & admit our need for Jesus Christ to cover that sin & make us right before God unto our forgiveness by God once & for all, by admitting our wrongs to Him, asking His forgiveness, & turning away from indulging in those sins….

This is not the repentance I am referring to in this post, but rather committing to a consistent heart-posture of laying my daily pride or selfish thoughts or thinking I know better or doubting God or complaining versus praising… this is a repentance of continually being willing to admit to God that I am wrong & He is right & asking Him to restore & grow me in His will & way, putting my trust fully in Jesus’ FINISHED work on my behalf.

What Is Sanctification & When Is It Complete?

Sanctification is a work that God does in you through the Holy Spirit. It is not immediate. It is not instant. It is a lifelong process of renewal & growth, weeding out the sinful patterns we grow up with & exchanging those for God’s will, way, & perspective in all things.

Because my sanctification is lifelong, I will continue to make mistakes & get it wrong along the way as I learn & grow. I do make mistakes… & sometimes intentionally, out of pride or hard-heartedness & selfishness of wanting to cling to His blessings & comforts more than I cling to Him as the One Who blesses & comforts.

And my mistakes are seen in having those little thoughts of praying & then acting versus praying & then waiting on Him or clinging to comforts He provides over clinging to Him or any number of ways that I get it wrong.

It is so easy to see my balance sheet of life, if you will, begin to pile up with my wrongs… & if I am not quick to trust on the grace of Jesus, holding in those wrongs & trying to just ignore them &/or move past them, because they continue to pile as I continue to make mistakes, Satan will undoubtedly begin to exploit that & tempt me to believe that my mistakes are too great for the grace of Jesus.

Don’t Let Satan’s Cunning Trick You into Acting on a LIE

I can’t tell you how many times in my life, having been a Christian (accepting Jesus to cover my sin) since I was a child, that I have allowed Satan to convince me of that… that my sin is just too great… that I shouldn’t disgrace God’s grace by asking forgiveness for the millionth time of my life… that I should just bottle that guilt & live under the weight of it because it’s what I deserve.

And inevitably, when I did get tricked into believing that & I let that guilt & shame pile & pile upon me, I began to drift away from my relationship with God because of my shame & the weight of my wrongs being too painful to face... which is exactly what Satan wanted.

But let me tell you something: JESUS PAID FOR THAT, TOO.

Jesus paid for that. He knows I can’t save myself. I can’t even BEGIN to save myself… that’s why—JESUS came & JESUS paid… ONCE & for ALL.

HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT!

And to deny the depth of His grace is a much greater offense to God, because believing we shouldn’t come freely to Him about our sins as they happen tells Him that we believe His grace to be lacking.

Keep Short Accounts with God

Don’t determine to carry the weight of your wrong behaviors, attitudes, thoughts, or actions. Come clean as soon as you realize it. Embrace & grasp hold of His grace every moment.

“God, I’m sorry I just thought that. Please forgive me & help change my pattern of thinking to better honor & please You. Thank You Jesus for paying for that, too.”

“God, I’m sorry I just doubted You when You prompted that on my heart. Please forgive me for thinking of You less than You are. Thank You Jesus for paying for that wrong thought.”

“God, I am sorry I judged them. I am no better. Forgive my pride & thank You Jesus for paying for that.”

“God, I am sorry I didn’t wait on You & instead acted on my opinion after I prayed to You for help. It shows I am not trusting Your timing, willingness to help, &/or Your power. Please forgive me & remind me that I CAN wait on You & trust Your timing to be perfect. Thank You Jesus for paying for that, too.”

“God I am sorry for being rude & lacking graciousness & patience just now. Forgive me & help me to rely on You for help next time. Thank You, Jesus for covering that.”

Don’t wait. Don’t hold it in with shame or guilt. Don’t avoid going to God. Don’t try to just do better without apologizing for not getting it right this time. Trust that Jesus is enough for that, too.

Apologize & ask for His help with better patterns & impulses moving forward, to trust Him first.

And trust that Jesus’ payment on the cross & rising again victorious over death & your sin is an ALL-SUFFICIENT GRACE.

The Great Power of Daily Repentance

That repeated, consistent, daily repentance habit is what allows a surrendered heart to grow in you… an understanding that you are weak, but He is strong… you are insufficient, but He is ALL-sufficient. It cultivates a submitted, humbled heart before an Almighty, loving GOD, freed from the great burden of shame & guilt by the power of Jesus–daily.

Not more willpower, but more surrender.

Because Jesus paid for that, too. That unwillingness, bad habit, bad attitude, poor reaction, selfish desire, prideful thought, ALL OF IT. PAID IN FULL. Because of Jesus—hallelujah!

Shine HOPE by living the habit of & shining the great power of daily repentance because Jesus is always sufficiently enough in all things.

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 newly added FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts”!***)

This blog/website has been running for over FOUR 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!!

Woodland Friends (India)

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

Purchase these Woodland Friends & empower a woman 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!

Does Our Salvation Require Works &/or Obedience?

This topic is a delicate balance that often is wanting to swing from one side to the other.

How are we saved by God? Is it through our works (being a good person, or DOING for God)? Or is it through faith (in Jesus’ death for our sins & resurrection, conquering our sins & death)? Or is it both?

Do we have to prove our sincerity *enough* to deserve & receive Jesus’ gift before we get to go to Heaven?

What Salvation Is

All of us have sinned… every single one of us… & we all DESERVE Hell.

We also cannot earn Heaven. No matter how much good we do, we can never be near good enough to earn Heaven.

But… Jesus.

Our salvation (being made right with God from our sins against Him, through the payment by Jesus for those sins) is most definitely something that can only be accredited to Jesus alone.

Faith or Our Good Works?

So, understanding our complete lack of ability to atone for ourselves, knowing Jesus paid that for us, this question of faith vs. works seems a simple answer—by faith!!—but this quick answer is often misunderstood, so let’s talk about it.

There is absolutely no amount of good works that we can do to merit salvation from Hell. Nothing. If left to us, we would all go to Hell (& deserve to be there), but by God’s love & grace, HE MADE a Way possible for us anyway, through Jesus… & ONLY through FAITH in JESUS’ work on that cross can we achieve salvation.

But…

BUT, the Bible also tells us that faith without works is dead (in other words, if you *really* BELIEVED it, wouldn’t you try to live it?) (James 2:14-26) & it reminds us that true love for God is shown through obedience to God (John 14:15) (again, if we really have our faith in Him, wouldn’t we trust what He says & try to do it?) which sound an awful lot *like* works are involved in there as well.

And that is where a hang-up occurs for many Christians. It is a crack of misunderstanding that Satan likes to wedge himself right into & exploit to have us question our salvation altogether.

But let me be clear, while true faith is demonstrated by our works, it is not the amount of works that earns you salvation–only Jesus.

You Can’t Ignore Obedience

And still others, ignoring the whole “faith without works is dead” truth altogether, think that as long as they *say* they believe in Jesus & *say* the “magic” prayer: “Lord, please come into my heart & save me, blah blah blah,” that they’re all set & ready to prance right along into Heaven, living a life of unremorseful sin in the wait.

You see, it’s not the not-so-magic *words* that get you into heaven… it is BELIEVING ON Jesus’ work on your behalf! And if you BELIEVE on Him… don’t you think you will want to trust as He says we ought to live & try to live that way instead?

Salvation is ALL faith & ONLY faith can save you from your sins—faith in Jesus paying your price for you & rising again, conquering your sin—but that faith, that utter trust in HIM, if sincere, leads us in a DESIRE FOR HIS WILL & WAY.

Sanctification Is a Lifelong Process, Worked out by the Holy Spirit

We don’t become perfect when we accept His payment on our behalf, but the desire in us shifts from a desire for MY way, to a desire for HIS way.

We will get it wrong. We will fail. But we will desire His way to win, not our own.

When we accept Jesus’ work, through our faith in Him (aka salvation), through TRUE repentance (a desire to turn from our ways to His), GOD works in us, called sanctification (a lifelong process of God helping to weed out the sinful habits/patterns, & trading up for habits & patterns that give Him honor & glory, that please Him–holiness).

The level of sanctification we achieve does not determine salvation, but it is sure evidence of that salvation.

And the even better news? He doesn’t leave us to figure out how to do it or HOW to do it (sometimes change feels IMPOSSIBLE, doesn’t it??) But rather, HE works it out in us.

HE prunes us. HE leads us. HE instructs us (through the Bible). He enables us (through prayer). HE points the way.

Not a Better DOER, But a Better ABIDER

So many of us, including myself, can get lost in the DOING. “Do more,” “be a better Christian,” etc.

But God desires something different from us after we put our faith in HIM.

He desires our ABIDING more in Him–to act according to the reality that He is the Vine & we are the branches… apart from Him, we can do nothing. We NEED to rest in His presence, to be still & know that HE is God (Psalm 46:10), to acknowledge HIS role as GOD ALMIGHTY Who loves us beyond measure. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Ephesians 3:14-19)

“Abide in Me, & I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, & I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)

God Wants Us Near Him Because He Loves Us

He wants us to talk to Him, to pour our heart out to Him, to come running to Him first for comfort or peace, to lean into His strength & power to enable us when it’s hard, to rely on His knowledge & wisdom.

Basically, He wants us to go back to living like we are in the Garden of Eden, taking His hand & letting HIM be GOD, doing as He leads & enables.

This doesn’t mean NO doing. It just means abiding so you can recognize which works specifically He is calling you to do.

Not doing everything “Christian-y” in hopes you’ll get it right some percentage along the way, but instead, reading His Word & being in His presence & talking with Him more so you can hear your Shepherd lead YOU.

Salvation + Works + Obedience?

True repentant faith will produce works & obedience as you seek to live His way over your own, but you can’t do it on your own & you will fail completely at times.

You are human. You WILL fail. (I know I do—I do not deserve to be here!) And Satan will be quick to whisper, “stop going back to Him when you fail… you’re mocking Him with every failure… stay away from Him this time….”

But God will whisper, “Come home, My child. Yes, Jesus paid for that, too.”

From my social media yesterday: “Obedience (or a desire for & striving in obedience) to God’s commands does reveal whether we are truly repentant—as in, saying “the magic words” doesn’t get you a ticket to heaven, but believing on Him & seeking to live His way through His enabling (by abiding in Him). But we will still fall short, so salvation is not something hinged on whether we get it right every time or enough times, but whether our heart truly believes on Christ as our Redeemer & as ultimate Almighty God, & if that’s truly the case, God will work in us sanctification (weeding out the bad habits/thoughts & training us up in righteousness to better live for & glorify Him). It’s a working He does in us as we surrender our hearts more & more as we abide in Him. The level of sanctification achieved does not determine salvation, but sanctification is evidence of salvation as He works in us as one who believes on Him.”

Shine hope by having faith in His work & His way, surrendering more of your heart for His sanctification, & abiding in Him more so that He may work through your life to reach a hurting world that so desperately needs to know of the HOPE we have available to us in JESUS.

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 newly added FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts”!***)

This blog/website has been running for FOUR 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!!

Grove Bracelet (Thailand)

This stunning adjustable slide-knot bracelet from Thailand is colorful & unique with natural fluorite & apatite crystals, lime-green jade, red jasper, glass, & gold-tone beads. Hand braided with dark green cotton string, each bracelet is finished with knotted ends and gold-tone accent beads. Every bracelet features naturally unique stone color tones.

Every purchase provides vital opportunities for women in Thailand’s rural villages to earn income & help their families thrive.

Purchase this bracelet & empower a woman in Thailand!

How You Can Help the Artisans:

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

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!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

It’s My Life

Doesn’t it make sense that I would be the main character of MY life? Why would it be any different? It’s MY life, after all… right?

That’s what we grow up hearing, isn’t it? To “live our best life” & “be true to you”. Everything we hear in culture reinforces this idea of it being MY life to live to its fullest.

Even in my walk with learning to lean on & trust in Jesus more each year, I typically frame my life experiences & life lessons around how it grows ME & how it benefits ME.

Now, of course, EVERYTHING God does, from Creation to Jesus is designed for my benefit, but I would be terribly wrong to believe my life is about ME & not about HIM.

Made in His Image

We were made in God’s image… to reflect HIM.

We were made to give Him glory, to glorify Him in EVERYTHING. And as I have talked of this before, this is not arrogance or self-indulgence on His part, but rather gracious, relentless LOVE because He knows that He ALONE is the source of hope we are all seeking & yearning for… the HOPE we NEED—because we ALL deserve Hell & it is our default destination… without JESUS.

So, in giving Him the glory, in pointing to Him as our hope in every situation in life, we are in turn pointing everyone to the only true source of HOPE.

When we glorify God, we point others to HOPE.

And so, it stands to reason that our main reason for existence… our main mission… our ONLY real mission… is to GIVE GOD GLORY.

I’m Missing the Mark

We are not the main characters of our individual lives. We are but the supporting roles to HIS STORY—And until I understand that to my very core, I will be missing the mark.

No wonder the anxiety our culture experiences! A life where we are the main focus leads us ever-searching for that next benefit, next comfort, next thing to give our life meaning & depth & happiness.

But a life that seeks to make it ALL about Him, as the supporting role in HIS story, isn’t concerned about seeking out how it benefits ME but how it benefits HIM.

My self-focus, even in well-meaning “desire for personal growth,” leads also to an ungrateful heart because it makes it all about ME & when something doesn’t seem to benefit ME, it makes me feel snubbed.

Not Easy, but Purposeful

We sing a lot about God being “our Mountain Mover” & how He has a solution & a fix for us, so just keep holding on, etc. etc., but let’s be careful to think about how we frame the context of those phrases.

He of course is a Mountain Mover, but that doesn’t mean His goal is to maintain our certain level of comfort moving mountains to maintain that for us.

In reading the Bible, we can clearly see this is not the reality. People were imprisoned, wrongly accused, betrayed, beheaded, etc. But even when God didn’t get them out of their troubles, “moving mountains for them,” He did give them inexplicable PEACE in the midst of it & moved mountains by reaching the hardened hearts that previously rejected God with hatred. He softened hearts & changed perspectives. Not every mountain moved was to maintain comfort, but to bring HOPE.

He changed lives & infused them with HOPE.

And the disciples didn’t get it easy. They didn’t have everything tied in a pretty bow, made comfortable & easy with everyone loving & accepting them. But they had peace where peace made no sense & they trusted that no matter how little it seemed to benefit them, God had a plan for His glory… to bring HOPE to the hopeless.

Am I the Main Character of My Story?

Let that be my heart cry! Let that be my focus! Let me make HIM the main character of “my” story… because all of our stories are really His anyway.

What does your life speak about Him? What does it tell others about Who He is?

Is He the main character in your story? Or are you?

How does your life point others to the hope He offers through Jesus & when you die, will others know Jesus because of the time you lived on this earth?

Who is the main character in your story?

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 newly added FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts”!***)

This blog/website has been running for FOUR 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!!

Botanica Charms Set

This set of six pairs of versatile jade, Acacia wood, ethically collected bone, tassel, & metal charms are handcrafted in India by Artisans who are committed to fighting child marriage & providing opportunities for women to become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans. Every purchase supports vulnerable 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 in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win! Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Do Traditions Trump Recognizing Jesus?

Easter is such a special time, no matter how much I take it for granted every year.

Deep down, I know it’s about Jesus… about Him coming to His Earth as a man, willingly dying to cover the debt of my own sin, rising from the grave as Conqueror over that sin & death. I know it’s about His love & sacrifice for me… for you….

And I may not be big into Easter bunny traditions, making my excitement about candy stashes & such, but I STILL find ways to overshadow the true reason we ought to celebrate Easter–Jesus.

Not Just a Nod

My challenge to you, & to myself, is that we look for ways to thank Jesus every Easter, not in a “let’s remember to thank Jesus!”…. “Thank You, Jesus!”…. “Ok, let’s get dressed up, do our church thing, eat a lot of food, & eat a bunch of candy after we go see the Easter Bunny!”… But really MAKE IT ABOUT JESUS.

That’s harder than it seems sometimes, for me.

I grow complacent pretty easily.

I mean, don’t get me wrong, I do the whole, “Thank You, Jesus,” but more out of, “I know I ought to thank Him—it’s EASTER, after all,” rather than any real bowing of my heart in gratefulness to His sacrifice on my behalf…. More out of “Christian necessity” rather than a surrendered heart of gratitude.

Jesus Gave It All & None of Us Deserve It

Without Jesus, I would get Hell & have no other option.

I could try, as many do, to be a “good person” & do all of the right “Christian-y things,” but without Jesus, I would get Hell… every single one of us would.

God says: “For whoever shall keep the whole law, & yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10)

God says: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)

God says: “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46)

God says: “As it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one;’” (Romans 3:10)

God says: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23)

God says: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

But God also says: “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)

Do You Numb Over It As Easily As I Do?

How is it so easy for me to numb over all of that? To give myself so much credit that I forget the weightiness of this gift that we are meant to remember & celebrate on Easter?

I need to learn how to be intentional in making Easter about JESUS—specifically, exclusively about JESUS.

I am not saying fun traditions are evil or necessarily wrong, but we need to be so careful not to, even unintentionally, overshadow the weightiness of this beautiful gift we have been given through Jesus.

We deserve Hell. I deserve Hell.

We can’t earn otherwise. I can’t earn otherwise.

But… JESUS. Let me not forget that!

But… JESUS

“But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

“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)

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25)

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,” (1 Peter 3:18)

But, JESUS.

How Can You Intentionally Make Easter About Jesus?

How do you make Easter about Jesus?

Do you talk about Him? Share about Him with people who matter to you? Do you stop to consider your daily “little” sins of trusting your own wisdom over God’s & thank Him for taking your deserved punishment on Himself so you can live daily by grace instead of guilt?

Do you make Easter about JESUS?

An idea God gave me several years ago was to make quiche as my Easter dinner versus a feast. A meal where the eggs are cracked open, broken, & poured out to provide me with a nourishing, delicious meal–much like how Jesus allowed Himself to be broken, pouring out His love & life to give me life.

Or maybe, talk about Easter eggs representing Jesus being broken for our sins, to give us a wonderful gift, much better than the candy even that we find inside our Easter eggs.

Even take some time of renewal, if there are sins you hold back or try to hide or justify… bring them to God, in prayer, asking forgiveness & thanking God for Jesus’ covering over that, too. Take it as an opportunity to refresh your hope in His grace over your sin.

Whatever you choose to do, make efforts to make Easter all about Jesus.

Accept the Gift of Jesus That We Celebrate Every Easter

And if you haven’t accepted Jesus, if you have rebelled “beyond forgiveness,” realize that NO ONE is beyond forgiveness with Jesus. Just take those sins… those “I know better than You, God” actions… & admit them to God, ask for His forgiveness, & ask for Jesus to cover those on your behalf, knowing He is the ONLY way back to God & restoration/redemption. He is our Redeemer & He died so that we may live & He now lives so that we may live in Him!

Jesus doesn’t stand in your way, determining who does or doesn’t deserve His free gift of covering our sins—because not a single one of us CAN deserve it—He offers it freely to ANYONE who will believe ON HIM as that solution of redemption & grace before God. So, ask Him now.

And shine HOPE by letting whatever you do, in reflection or in tradition, even if you need to first ask God for ideas… work to make Easter (& every day) about Jesus.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my newly added FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts!***)

This blog/website has been running for almost FOUR 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!!

Zoya Earrings (India)

Zoya means “shining, life” in Hindi. These stylishly stunning gold-toned earrings are handcrafted in India, featuring genuine freshwater pearls on a delicate linked-chain design. Every purchase provides fair-trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.

How You Can Help:

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

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

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

All the Right Ingredients, But Still Human

I grew up in church. I grew up learning all the “right” answers to church questions & memorizing Bible verses for a sticker on a chart or a piece of candy. I grew up mimicking all of the “right” behaviors of a Christian. In fact, I became a Christian, accepting Jesus to cover my sin, at only 5 years old.

I had all the right, Bible-led ingredients to set me up well for life.

But that didn’t change the fact that I am still human & am prone to err. I still have a fleshly, human nature. I still have times where I want what I know is bad for me.

I still have a heart prone to wandering, self-seeking rebellion.

Nothing New There… The Cycle of Humanity

And, if you look throughout history, even the history recorded in God’s Word—the Bible—you will find that I am not alone–Just look at the Israelites throughout Scripture (the Bible). Faithful to God in one period & then rebelling/hardening against Him in the next.

Even Paul expressed this when he said, “I do what I don’t want to do & don’t do what I want to do.” (Romans 7:19)

He also expressed the NEED to TAKE EVERY thought CAPTIVE. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

There would be no need for him to mention these things if it weren’t easy to do… letting thoughts wander where they shouldn’t, doing what you know you shouldn’t, or neglecting to do what you know you ought… all so easy to do & without even intending rebellion.

Christians get harassed for hypocrisy, but really, we’re just humans… just as sin-torn as the rest of the world… just as deserving of Hell… Just as prone to be self-seeking.

Saved by God, Not Ourselves, Our Goodness, Nor Our Good Works

But the Gospel changes everything.

We are saved by God (not of ourselves), through the submission of Christ on the cross to pay our debts, not by our own merit or works… not because we’re “good enough” or deserving, but just because God offers GRACE. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

If you are tempted to consider God a cruel dictator Who wants to control any & everything, uncaring about any of us down here… then you have Him completely wrong, my friend.

Worthy of Praise!

The fact is, He is no dictator… BUT… God does have EXCLUSIVE right to ULTIMATE authority in Heaven & on earth.

He made everything ex nihilo (from nothing).

He exists outside of time itself.

He sees every heart, knows every thought, past, present, & future across every inch of time & space.

He is not a cruel dictator, but He IS KING ALMIGHTY, a benevolent Ruler of all.

He doesn’t WANT to control everything, He DOES control everything.

But, He is a benevolent Ruler, Whose plan from the very beginning was to pave the way for GRACE.

Not even just MERCY—forgiving the punishment we deserve, through Jesus’ willing sacrifice….

But GRACE–giving beyond forgiveness! He is WORTHY of PRAISE!

God Gives & Gives & Gives to Those Who Accept His GRACE

His Gospel AKA Good News AKA the story of His redemption offered to mankind, through Jesus, is not “JUST” about forgiving our wrongs, but also adopting us as His Sons & Daughters, making us heirs together WITH Jesus.

AND, that includes the help of His Holy Spirit Who comes to every person who has submitted to the grace from Jesus, to guide, to teach, to comfort, to counsel, & to ENABLE & STRENGTHEN us to walk in faithful obedience to God.

The Gospel changes EVERYTHING.

I Am Undeserving & I Know It

Me, even having grown up in the church, learning to imitate “good Christian behavior” & learning all the “right answers” to churchy questions, learning Bible stories & memorizing Bible verses from a young age… even with all that, I screw up EVERY DAY.

I am selfish. I am a comfort-seeker. I don’t like going outside my comfort zone & will waste SO MUCH TIME & energy trying to avoid anything that requires it until I have exhausted myself, relent, apologize to God for my bad attitude/distrust, & then finally walk in obedience to God’s lead.

Most weeks, I want to just close my computer screen selfishly & say, “who cares about any of this! I don’t want to be responsible & keep showing up. I want to live for me & just watch tv or avoid anything resembling work that a boss isn’t requiring of me for my next paycheck.”

Doing this blog is out of my comfort zone. It requires me to keep showing up. It requires consistency & effort when pjs & the tv remote beckon me over.

But, GRACE… Daily GRACE

But then I finally stop procrastinating long enough to recognize my sinful, self-destructive self-centeredness & I have to repent, ask God to forgive me AGAIN (which He is always so quick to do!) & then I have to ask for His help in walking forward in faith & obedience to His call so I don’t selfishly waste this life He has given me.

Maybe…

Maybe your whole life could be summed up in one word: SIN.

Maybe you think you’d be voted “least likely to become a Christian.”

Maybe you ARE a Christian, but some days, like me, you feel like a fraud because you look around & everyone else just seems more willing to submit & obey & trust God as soon as He calls.

But…

But let me tell you the Good News… The Gospel changes EVERYTHING.

God’s grace, the Gospel, is not reserved for the “deserving” & THANK GOD because absolutely NO ONE would qualify!

God’s grace is for the SINNER. AKA?… EVERYONE.

God’s grace is reserved simply for those WILLING to ACCEPT it.

To accept your need of it.

To accept His gift to cover that need—Jesus Christ.

Jesus Changes Everything

Jesus changes everything.

Jesus is GOD. (Philippians 2:5-6) Jesus came to Earth as fully God while fully man, born of a virgin—a miracle of God. (Isaiah 7:14, Immanuel, “God with us”)

Jesus lived a sinless life, as a spotless lamb… the perfect sacrifice. (1 Peter 1:17-19)

Jesus wept. He loved. He served. He taught. He healed. He LOVED us to the cross. (Read Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John, in the Bible.)

Jesus took God’s wrath, our deserved punishment for our rebellion & sin, on HIMSELF, to the cross & to the grave. (Isaiah 53:5)

And HE ROSE AGAIN three days later, conquering both OUR SIN & DEATH. (Matthew 28:6)

So that WHOEVER believes on HIM shall NOT perish, but HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. (John 3:16)

The Gospel Changes Everything

It is the piece of the puzzle we all crave & search for in other things which will never actually satisfy. We can ONLY find that satisfaction in Jesus.

It is the defining decision that changes us forever & for all eternity.

Will we automatically become perfect? NO!

But we begin to fail FORWARD, changing our focus from self-driven, to grace-driven.

God’s grace becomes our motivation. To glorify Him & make Him known. To shine HIS HOPE to the world who is lost as we once were… to shine the way back HOME to Him. To live for the reason for our HOPE.

The Gospel changes everything. It’s free to all who will accept their need for it & ask Him for it.

Let the Gospel Change You Every Day… NOTHING Is More Worth Your Pursuit

Let the Gospel change you, too. Whether you’re a long-time, ever-slipping-up Christian like me, or whether you have never tasted & felt His grace.

Reach up for it. Ask Him for a fresh start AGAIN. Cry out to Him.

Let Him show you just how much He loves you & just how worthy He is of our praise.

And SHINE HOPE by letting the Gospel change you, too—every single day, from the inside out. Be willing to fail forward, in GRACE.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my newly added FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts!***)

This blog/website has been running for almost FOUR 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!!

Darling Charms Set

This set of six pairs of versatile & colorful ethically-collected bone, clay, & metal charms are handcrafted in India by Artisans who are committed to fighting child marriage & also providing opportunities for women to become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans.

Designed to mix & match, create a new look each time you wear them with our Customizable Gold Hoops or your favorite bracelets and necklaces!

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

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

“If God Is Good, Then Why Would He Send Anyone to Hell?”

This is a topic I try to revisit from time to time, because it is something I hear asked quite frequently—usually preceded by: “If God is good, then….”

So, why is it then? Why does God, our GOOD God, send anyone to Hell?

Well, the quick answer is this: God doesn’t want ANYONE to go to Hell. (2 Peter 3:19)

Hell is the consequence–the punishment–for our sin. But God offers grace to anyone who is willing to humble themselves & accept it.

Consider the Manipulative Lies Satan Tells Us

And here comes the follow-up question, usually phrased something like: “That sounds pretty self-absorbed of God, ‘MY WAY OR GO TO HELL!’ & that doesn’t sound good to me at all. It sounds manipulative & controlling! Is God just manipulating us into what He considers to be good behavior?”

Let’s consider firstly how Satan sure likes to twist the truth (John 8:44)… make us second-guess God (1 Peter 5:8; John 10:10)… make us think surely we know better or at least as much as God in determining what “ought to be.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Starting out in the Garden of Eden, Satan’s tactics were just the same: “Did God really say….” (Genesis 3:1)

Satan does NOT have your best interests at heart. Everything he tells you comes with fine print.

In the Beginning… GOD

Instead, let’s reframe the situation here just a bit.

God existed before time itself. God existed as GOD before the world or anything in it even was. (Genesis 1:1)

God then created the world & everything in it in 6 days, speaking everything into existence because of His great power & wisdom… including mankind… including you…. (Genesis 1-2; John 1:3)

God, being all-powerful, almighty, outside of time & before time existed, has ULTIMATE authority & say-so… whether anyone agrees with Him or understands. (Psalm 47:7)

God IS. Our belief does not determine His existence… He just IS. (Exodus 3:14)

We Choose Self in Our Sin

But sin came into the picture. (Genesis 3)

Humankind wanted to be like God, to make up their own minds & to do life their way. Satan helped by nudging them further into their doubts, away from God & toward SELF, but every person made the choice to sin.

There were consequences to that sin… & sin became a natural part of humanity. Every single person is born choosing SELF. Every single person is born in sin.

God Never Quits on Us, No Matter How Much We Deserve It

But God lovingly, patiently, faithfully pursues humanity. God gave His law, explicitly through Moses, on stone tablets, outlying how to live a life honoring & pleasing to Him as the only true authority of heaven & earth. (Exodus 20:1-24)

The people eventually chose their own way instead.

God gave the law of sacrifice, atoning oneself through sacrificing animals as a payment on their behalf. (Leviticus 17:11–now no longer necessary because of Jesus!)

The people still eventually chose their own way, even going as far as sacrificing & following all of the “right rituals” just to “get away with” their sin–it didn’t work then & it doesn’t work now.

God judged His people through punishment, but God didn’t give up on His people.

God Relentlessly Chooses to be “Quick to Forgive”

God’s people, the Israelites, went through the endless cycle of humility, comfort, growing pride, self-focus, rejection of God, outright sin… destroying themselves in the process… met with God’s judgement to force the end of their destructive path, then the people would finally recognize their actual need of Him & the wrongs they had been living & would humbly cry out in repentance to God for His help & rescue.

And every single time, God relented & healed & rebuilt. (1 John 1:9; Psalm 107)

Not after they “proved themselves worthy,” not after they begged “enough.”

He just forgave… & restored them.

Every time.

But then the cycle would repeat as soon as they got comfortable.

I Am Like the Israelites. I Follow the Same Patterns.

It sounds like my life in a nutshell.

I go through times where all I want is to please God & live for Him… but God blesses my life & I begin to get comfortable depending on those blessings (vs. Him)… I begin to depend & rely on & seek to stay comfortable… begin to reject God’s nudgings when they’re not comfortable… become hard-hearted toward God to protect my comfort… reject God & choose me… struggle & wear away, feeling trapped & angsty & burdened, like a wounded animal, too afraid to release my grip on that comfort… watch as my life becomes a mess… & finally I cry out to God for help… & He helps me.

And the cycle eventually seems to start all over again.

We Cannot Save Ourselves… On Our Own, We Are Truly HopeLESS

So, this cycle continues throughout history… proving again & again that humanity is not capable of saving itself. I am incapable of saving myself. You are incapable of saving yourself.

“But, God demonstrates His love toward us in that WHILE we were STILL sinners, Jesus Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) (emphasis mine)

What Exactly Is Hell? It’s Our Default Destination Without Jesus

You see, God DOES say that the punishment of our sin… of breaking His laws as ALMIGHTY GOD… & choosing us over Him… is DEATH—not just life-ending death, but a life of death… for eternity. (Romans 6:23)

This death… Hell… is NOT rock n roll music, electric guitars, loud bass, doing whatever you want, “living it up.”

This death… Hell… is eternal separation from God.

God Loves Us Sinners

God tells us that He rains on the just & the unjust… that He cares for us whether we choose or reject Him. (Matthew 5:44-45)

God loves us so much that even while sinners, God made a way possible for our redemption. (Romans 5:8)

AND every good & perfect gift on this earth is a gift from Him, in our lives. (James 1:17)

And in Hell, there is no refuge, no protection, no healing, no comfort, no peace, no love… no hope.

But the Good News is that God tells us explicitly that He wills that NO ONE go there. (2 Peter 3:9)

Don’t Pass Up This Gift of GRACE from ALMIGHTY GOD!

God tells us He tarries long in His return so that EVERYONE has AMPLE opportunity to repent & choose life. (2 Peter 3:9)

And because of this, not only did He tell us HOW NOT to go to Hell (follow His laws explicitly—but every single person has failed this), but HE BECAME the how.

He knew no matter how clear He was about His law, no matter how many opportunities & second chances, or how often He offered a way out… No matter how many times He rescued us & proved His love & faithfulness… we would STILL somehow choose US.

He knew, the ONLY way to rescue us, was for HIM to be our HOW.

He knew we would sin & would not be able to ever repay our debts to Him.

So HE paid our debts.

Jesus, God with Us, Came to Seek & to Save the Lost! (Luke 19:10)

He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth. (John 3:15-16)

He was born of a virgin, a miraculous birth. (Isaiah 7:14)

He never sinned or made mistakes, a holy life. (1 Peter 1:18-19)

He taught, healed, comforted, & led people in love & Truth.

And then He allowed Himself to be captured, questioned, accused, rejected, abused, spat on, mocked, whipped, beaten, & hung on a cross, taking our sin burden/debt before God upon His own shoulders… & He died. (John 18-19)

For you. For me. For the WHOLE world.

HE paid our price so that we don’t have to… because we could never come close to repaying all we owe to this ALMIGHTY GOD.

Why Would Anyone Choose Hell Over a Good God?

So, when I hear that quote, “Why would a good God send anyone to Hell?”

… I think of the counter I saw posted once, “the real question, though, is this: why would anyone choose Hell over a good God?”

God is before time.

God made the world & everything in it.

God has ultimate power & ultimate authority in heaven & earth.

We choose ourselves & our way… we sin.

Our sin creates a debt owed that we could never pay back to ALMIGHTY GOD.

But GOD made a way possible, through Jesus’ willing sacrifice.

“Whosoever Believes on Jesus” (John 3:15-16)

And Jesus’ sacrifice did not end there, with death. No. He rose again, 3 days later, conquering in victory over sin AND death. (Matthew 28:1-8)

And God loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son—Jesus Christ—that whosoever believes on HIM as their hope & redemption & payment of debt, will not perish in eternal death to hope, but shall live a life everlasting. (John 3:15-16)

Jesus tells us He did not come to condemn the world, but to save it, so that He may give life & give it more abundantly. (John 3:17; John 10:10)

You Have to Make a Choice

You can say all day long how you “want to believe, but you just don’t know how,” while still living for you… but the truth is… You have to make a choice. Are you willing that Jesus would save you?

So, please, PLEASE… don’t CHOOSE Hell, when God offers GRACE.

God doesn’t look down on you, thinking, “EXCEPT that one… not her!”

He looks in your heart, sees your despicable sin, & beckons with, “Jesus paid for that, too. Come home to Me, My beloved.”

Jesus Is the Way… The ONLY Way

Jesus is THE way. Jesus is THE Truth. Jesus is THE life. (John 14:6)

NO ONE comes to the Father [God], EXCEPT through Him [believing on Jesus to cover your debt]. (John 14:6)

Whoever seeks to find life their way will lose it, but whoever gives up that self-seeking pursuit for Jesus, will find the life they seek. (Luke 17:33)

Shine HOPE by SHARING hope.

JESUS is the HOPE of the World!

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

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

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” 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!!

Radiant Necklace Set (Middle Style of 3 Shown) (India)

On-trend set of 3 layered necklaces (only 1 style shown) that can be worn together or separately, featuring a labradorite stone, hammered discs, and a blue topaz crystal drop.

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

Purchase this set & empower an Artisan 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 in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

Taking Time to Reflect

Since Christmas was only a few days ago, I wanted to reflect on some thoughts that roll around at this time of year: Why does Christmas matter? What is the point of Christmas?

Now, the Sunday School answer is “Why Jesus, of course!”

Others may say, “It’s all about family & being together with the ones you love.”

Kids are often quick to chime in with their yearly wish list & excitement of Santa.

But, while the Sunday School answer may be quick to jump into our minds, especially if we grew up in church or are a Christian… do our hearts really reflect that it’s about Him?

Excited for (Distracted by?) Traditions

This thought is something that has been lingering through my last few Christmases, myself being excited about getting things on my wish list, driving to see everyone’s decorations & lights, preparing delicious, specially-reserved-for-Christmas foods… Christmas cookies, carols, & maybe even a white Christmas (as long as I don’t have to be out in it).

I am quick to claim the meaning of Christmas as being Jesus. I am quick with the right answer of why Christmas matters, but I often feel like my heart tells that it’s mainly about me.

I have even been guilty of feeling & saying, “I just don’t feel in the “Christmas spirit” this year,” as if Christmas is about me feeling festive, with childlike excitement.

Why does Christmas matter? What really is my focus?

Am I Being Intentional in My Why?

How can I make it REALLY be about HIM? It is HIS birthday, after all (or at least the day we celebrate it).

So it’s something I have been trying to intentionally dwell on… that when I open my presents I remember that they are a mere shadow of the greatest gift ever given, when God sent Jesus to pay my price to make me right before God Almighty when I could never earn or deserve it.

That when I eat the foods, I recognize that God made my tastebuds to appreciate the flavors & created spice & variety of flavors & textures of food for me to enjoy.

That when I look at the lights, I remember He is the light in my times of darkness, that He shone His grace into the darkness of my sin, that His light guides me through His Word & the Holy Spirit’s help.

That friends & family are His treasures, made in His image, whom He also died for, to live humbly & graciously, serving those I care about knowing God cares for them all the more.

I have been trying to make Christmas a day of praise & thanksgiving to God, turning my heart in all the things I look forward to about Christmas into opportunities to recognize God’s presence & love & grace in my life.

Jesus, the Light of the World

Before God even made me, before time even began, God knew I would rebel against Him & think & act like I know better than Him. He knew I would want my own way over His. He knew my stubborn heart would kick & fight to have her own way.

And He knew I could never do enough to pay Him back.

He says that the punishment for my sin is eternal death in Hell. That’s what I deserve. That is what I have earned.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

And He knew all that before He even made me… before time began.

He knew HE would have to pay my price for me if I were to be reconciled to Him, forgiven & restored.

And He was willing.

And He sent Jesus.

Why Does Christmas Matter?

Christmas is not just a celebration of Jesus’ birthday, but of Jesus being willing to humble Himself, as God, in the flesh of weak humanity, serving & loving & teaching & healing all who came to Him… until He was rejected by the very people He came to save, dying willingly on the cross for me… for you.

So why does Christmas matter? It’s okay, go ahead & say it: it matters because of JESUS.

Jesus-Emmanuel-God with Us

So, during this season, take some time to praise Him & thank Him for His goodness & love & mercy & power… His foresight & His plan to redeem. For Jesus.

Jesus is why Christmas matters… & let us not forget that fact in the hustle & bustle of traditions & well-meaning distracted chaos.

Jesus, God with us. Emmanuel.

Thank You, Jesus. THANK YOU.

Shine Hope by proclaiming the Good News: Jesus came to save all who accept Him & believe on Him! Hallelujah indeed! Praise Jesus!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one & only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:16-17)

Amen.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

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

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” 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!!

Darling Charms Set (2 of 6 shown) (India)

This set of six pairs of versatile & colorful ethically collected bone, clay, & metal charms are handcrafted in India by Artisans who are committed to fighting child marriage & providing opportunities for women to become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans. Designed to mix & match, create a new look each time you wear them with our Customizable Gold Hoops or your favorite bracelets & necklaces! Every purchase supports vulnerable women in areas of extreme poverty in India.

India is home to one-fourth of the world’s poorest people. Vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops. Your purchase provides them with safe jobs, fair wages, healthcare, literacy programs, & more!

Purchase this charm set & empower a woman in India!

How You Can Help:

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

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

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!

What’s Required to Experience God’s Grace

Lately, slowly, I have been going through a study called, “Seeking Him,” by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth & Tim Grissom.

I originally started this study back in 2014, when I was facing a dry period in my faith in God. In other words, during times of loneliness & isolation, it being my first move across the globe (Guam), I had a hard time feeling God’s presence.

It hurt because I was looking to the end of my struggle as my hope, rather than dumping my cares & burdens at God’s feet & asking Him to be my Enough IN the storm I was facing.

And so, starting this study was my desperate push to feel God’s presence in my dessert. But, when I began this study all those years ago, knowing it called for personal revival, I was not willing to face how poorly I was handling my pain… I just wanted a quick fix.

I didn’t realize then that revival of your heart means being willing to come clean, repent of your wrongs, & fall back under God’s wonderful, beautiful, all-fulfilling grace.

I Shut the Book & Never Looked Back… Until Now

This study doesn’t play around. Right from the start, this study has you get real with yourself & let me tell you that it wasn’t too pretty. My stubborn self reared back from it & wanted to plug my ears & hum out any hint of the self-condemnation I was feeling.

That’s about when I shut the book & never looked back… until now.

Fast forward to a couple months ago, when I began this study again, & having those same questions presented for my response… only to see myself still agreeing with my sin struggles from 7 years ago!

Shame & guilt & self-condemnation began to flood me again, pride began to rear up in defense, & I honestly wanted to close the book again & donate it immediately, once & for all, to the thrift store for someone else to deal with.

Avoiding the Truth

I didn’t want to be told I needed to change. I wrestled with legalism & felt like I would never be good enough. Satan whispered hate into my heart, telling me to stop fooling myself & to stop mocking God by continuing to return to God each time I failed… telling me I didn’t deserve grace, OBVIOUSLY.

And I was stubborn. Hard-hearted. I didn’t want to listen. I didn’t want to be honest with myself. I wanted to sugar-coat my sin & stay contentedly oblivious in doing life MY way.

Yeah, sure, I have grown a lot & God has been a long-suffering, patient, & always faithful Friend. But I just felt defeated, you know? Like even with all of the growth & all of the change & all of the renewal over the years, I had to face the facts: I was still a failure in so many ways & still so, so weak... & recognizing that fact didn’t feel so great at all.

We CAN’T. That’s the Whole Point!

And that’s when God reminded me that that is pretty much the whole point.

We CAN’T do it on our own. We CAN’T ever be good enough.

We NEED Him. Every day, for the rest of our lives & into our eternity.

This study has been SO HARD. And every other lesson has me taking a deep inhale, stiffening up in defiance, & wanted to shut it & walk away.

But it has been good for me. It has forced me to say, “Not me. Him. I’m not enough. He is. I need Him. I’m not worthy… & yet… JESUS.”

What IS Grace?

This is how this study describes grace:

“If a young man is killed through some random act of violence, & his father tracks down the guilty person & kills him, we would call that vengeance. If, however, the father calls the police & the murderer is arrested, tried, convicted, & executed, we’d call that justice. If, at the trial, the father pleads for the guilty man’s life to be spared & the judge & jury consent, we’d call that mercy.

Now imagine this: in addition to pleading for the guilty one to be spared, the father actually appeals to the judge to release the offender into his custody & care. Miraculously gaining approval, the father takes the young man into his heart & home, adopts him, & raises him & loves him as his own son… that would be grace!” (ps. 86)

What a beautiful picture of how God treats us.

We’re the Offender & Yet God Offers Us GRACE

WE’RE the villain/murderer in this story. We DESERVE wrath. Justice would be us getting what we deserve… to pay the price of wronging God (sin) ourselves.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

But unlike this story, Jesus pled our case by PAYING OUR DEBT to death, WILLINGLY, & raising again, victorious over our sin AND over death.

And THEN, as if that wasn’t enough already, God ALSO adopts us & cares for us as His own children, offering His wisdom, guidance, gentle discipline, love, strength, & resources to help us throughout our lives.

What a wonderful Savior!

The Subtlety of Pride

Even if you like to justify or prettify your sin, like I do, thinking to yourself, “Well, it’s not murder or other worse sins… so….” (I feel ya! I do it ALL the time), God knows our hearts even better than we do. We can’t fool God.

And pride is the most subtle of them all!

For example, the study mentions a scenario led by pride: insecurity in trying to make friends.

That seemed like such a stretch to me. I mean… how can me feeling insecure around people & in trying to make friends… be an example of PRIDE?

But it goes on to explain that we should not hesitate to show kindness & care for people based on whether or not we think they LIKE us first.

Ouch.

The subtlety of pride!

Lord, Please Continue to Work on My Heart!

And so, I will continue in this study, even if the 12-week set-up takes me 12 months, because I need to face myself & I need to better understand the power of God’s grace in my daily life.

Shine hope by determining to face your sinful attitude & by placing it under the grace of God, asking for His help in determining to weed it out of your life.

Coming Next Week

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

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:

(***Check out the newly updated Resources & Recommendations page!***)

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

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” 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!!

Andean Ring (& Andean Drop Earrings) (PERU)

Handcrafted by our newest Artisan partners in Peru, this 24k gold-plated, natural chrysocolla stone ring can be worn alone as a stunning statement piece or paired with our Andean Drop Earrings. Hammered metal & natural variations of swirling green chrysocolla add “Old World” charm to this ethically made ring. Every ring has variations as a part of the Artisan-made charm!

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

How You Can Help:

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

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

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!