Go & Make Disciples… But How?

If you have grown up in church, you have probably heard the gospel call/command from Jesus that goes as follows:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-19) (emphasis mine)

But, then you may have wondered… how? I think the majority of us over-complicate this a ton, so let’s take a closer look.

AS You Go

Well, first of all, that little word “Go” that starts off this command is in a tense signifying an “AS you go” feeling, which means, wherever God has you… follow this command. In other words, He is not saying, “pack your bags & move to a remote village somewhere in order to be obedient to me,” but rather more of a, “wherever I send you, wherever you are… AS you go… do this.”

Right where God has you is your mission field. Right where He has you, you are strategically placed to be a light in that place… a light able & willing to point to HOPE in Him (through His power, His wisdom, & His help). (Colossians 1:28-29)

We’re Not Perfect… So How Can We Possibly Disciple Someone Else?

Then, you might consider, okay, still… HOW am I supposed to disciple someone else?

If you have even a smidge of self-awareness, you most likely recognize that you have flaws & weaknesses. You may even recognize, as in my case, that you are indeed NOT a theology major nor a pastor. Isn’t discipleship reserved for people in those categories? Nope.

God calls us to this task all the same, “ready” or not. And I think, for maybe a lot of us, the inaction & possible anxiety on this topic is more because it was not modeled to us growing up, so we don’t know what it means to disciple someone else. It’s definitely & unfortunately a weak spot in a lot of western churches that I have witnessed.

I want to help remove the barriers between the desire to follow this command & a complete lack of knowledge as to the HOW.

A How-To Guide on Discipleship

The biggest thing that God has taught me about discipleship in my 20 years or so of leading Bible studies, sessions as a camp counselor, Sunday school classes, accountability, prayer group in college, & my blog, is that the heart of discipleship is honestly as simple as just coming alongside another person, consistently pointing them back to prayer & God’s Word through all of life’s circumstances.

You don’t have to be a theology major or a pastor or in any sort of church leadership position to do that. You literally just have to consciously & consistently come alongside someone, pointing them always back to Christ in all things.

That is literally it. Go to the Bible. Go to God in prayer. Teach them & remind them to do all for the glory of God & all through the power of God & all by the wisdom of God. For Him, by Him, through Him. That’s really it.

(*If you are interested in meeting with another lady for coffee/tea, to hold each other accountable & consistently point each other to God in all things in life, but don’t know exactly where to start, I have designed an in-depth guide that includes both instructions to get you started, as well as question prompts to discuss, to make getting started less complicated &/or intimidating. Go check it out, along with other free printable downloads made available to you on my Resources/Recommendations tab @ michellehydeonline.com/abiding-in-Him/ *)

Discipleship Also Keeps ME Accountable

Did you know that one of the major reasons that I LOVE being a part of discipleship is because it also keeps ME accountable?

I see how easily my heart wants to stray. I can imagine that I am not the only one.

I NEED people in my life saying, “let’s pray about this right now.”

I NEED people in my life asking, “so, what has God been teaching you lately?”

I NEED my compass reset on the regular!

Oh, How Often I Need Reminding!

Do you realize how often we dishonor & disrespect & displease God on the DAILY? Some days, it is every MINUTE for me because God hears our THOUGHTS & knows even when we have our bad attitudes. We never fool Him & we can’t hide anything from Him.

Even our anxiety shows we’re trusting what we see more than we trust Him.

Even our stress shows we’re trusting what we think we can handle more than we trust Him.

Even our complaining shows we’re looking around more than we’re bowing down to Him.

A roll of the eyes. A BLEH attitude. Fear, doubt, worry, unwillingness, the grumpies…. God knows. God sees.

I talk a lot about “quick repentance” because some days it’s like a constant roll of me thinking something like the above, realizing right after that my heart is looking around versus bowing down & looking up, apologizing to God, & asking Him to help me do better. And some days I feel like a broken record in that cycle! Anyone else?

(Check out my blog post on “quick repentance” here: “The Great Power of Daily Repentance.”)

Invest in Each Other… Point Each Other to Christ through It ALL… THAT Is Discipleship

So, don’t get intimidated. Don’t feel overwhelmed. Don’t let Satan convince you that you are too ill-equipped. Pray over the who, get together consistently, & do life alongside her, ever pointing her to hope & answers & help in our LORD Jesus. THAT is discipleship at its heart, dear friend.

When I talked a few weeks ago about needing each other, in my blog post: “We Need Each Other–the Desperate Need for Discipleship,” I meant it. It’s a desperate need for discipleship. An epidemic of lacking in this area even.

But it doesn’t have to be. Let us change that.

Shine HOPE by pouring into the lives of other women, consistently ever-pointing to God as their help, strength, wisdom, love, & HOPE–to give Him the glory in all that they do, big or small.

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 SIX 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!!

August 2024 Hope Mail (GUATEMALA & INDIA)

FOR A LIMITED TIME – Only available during the month of August!           

This exclusive August Hope Mail package makes a great gift for any occasion! Receive free shipping on this August Hope Mail package that includes our Lavender Shower Earrings handmade in India, Huipil Wristlet from Guatemala, and our adorable Rainboot Sticker!

(*Order below today to partner with, support, & empower women in Guatemala & India out of poverty–woohoo!)

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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

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!

Too Afraid to Pray?

Have you ever felt intimidated by something that seemed too far out of your comfort zone, so you were afraid to even pray about it because you felt like God would then toss you in headfirst? I have.

Cleaning my house was one of those things. I know, I know. For some of you, it’s like, “how old are you, Michelle? You’re an ADULT.” While others may be like, “AMEN!”

Well, I had never maintained a house before I got married. A bedroom? Yes. A dorm room? Yes. A rented room? Yes. But a WHOLE HOUSE? NO.

And it was never something I was very good at.

1. I didn’t have any kind of routine to know how often to clean what & what products to use, or how, etc.
2. I struggle with depression, so some days I go completely numb & checked out & have about zero physical/mental energy to do anything.

So how was I supposed to take this on?

I Thought God Was Going to Guilt Me into Just “Being Better” but I Was Wrong

Now, with this specific recap of a way God worked big in my life, in showing Himself to be a gentle guide, we’re taking a little time machine back to when these chapters began, because it’s not something God just -BAM! Now you’re good at it!- It was an area where He gently led me little-by-little every year. An area where He is STILL growing me.

I got married in 2012 & as I mentioned, had never maintained a house before. It felt so overwhelming because I didn’t know what I was doing & had such low energy days sometimes, as I also mentioned above.

Praying about it was even hard because I was honestly afraid God’s answer was going to be completely unhelpful & just make me feel guilty about my very obvious lack of measuring up. Like–“just try harder, duh.”

I thought God would lead me in the way of: “You are a house-wife now that you have moved to Guam with your husband & have left your budding career behind. So, whether it’s hard or not is irrelevant. Just DO IT.” No compassion, just commands. I was so completely wrong.

You can tell I trusted God a WHOLE lot 12 years ish ago. (*Note the sarcasm.) But, if you feel that exact way, too… I GET IT.

The Pressure I Felt to be the Perfect Wife… & Never Feeling Like I Measured Up

Well, I felt a lot of internal pressure to be the perfect wife back then. Not that I don’t want to strive for my best now, but more that I grew super insecure as a newlywed, thinking the “jig would be up” at any day & my husband would think, “is this really who I settled for?” (Partly because of the lesson God had not yet grown me in with regards to LAST chapter: Read that, here: Chapter 21-Weight Does Not Equal Worth.)

So, I felt extreme pressure to prove my worth by being a “good wife.”

And I was failing at that miserably because I felt like I was drowning in incompetence when it came to house upkeep. It was overwhelming.

But, I decided to pray about it anyway, knowing God knew better than me… & I am SO glad I did.

It Was Slow Progress… But It Was Still Progress

It wasn’t an all-at-once situation, where God pressured me to be the ideal wife or otherwise I was a failure… it wasn’t a grand list of expectations that left me swirling in new habits I couldn’t nail down.

No, it was baby steps. Just an idea at a time.

I don’t remember each baby step along the way, & probably best not to share those anyway, because honestly, I want to be here to encourage you to seek Him. Your areas of feeling intimidated or overwhelmed will be different than mine & God is wise enough to help you with the baby steps tailor fit for you specifically. So, ask Him!

He has grown me from having no clue where to start to having a system down that works for me & one which He is still helping me build upon.

God Gave Me Framework to Build Upon as I Grow

As I mentioned, everyone’s schedule is different & everyone’s weaknesses will be different & everyone’s needs will be different, so please don’t take my schedule as your model, but instead, look at it as a testimony to how I went from nothing to this… aka how God was able to grow me, gently & little-by-little (NOT all at once) to this. He. Is. Able.

• Mondays: Wipe down entire kitchen (including microwave/toaster oven) & gather/take out trash.
• Tuesdays: Straighten up & do laundry.
• Wednesdays: Clean bathrooms.
• Thursdays: Clean the kitty litter & sweep/mop the house.
• Fridays: Vacuum.

I can’t stress enough to you how overwhelming this schedule would have been to me as a newly married woman. But now, it’s actually almost second nature to me because God has used gentle building blocks over a decade to get me to this.

My Daily Building Blocks

Another struggle of mine has been surprise plans… aka things that come up that are unplanned or spontaneous… it would throw my whole routine out of whack & I would end up getting nothing done.

So, I prayed about that, too. And God gave me a system that works with how my brain works. Items are broken down into 30-minute, doable increments. That way, if something comes up, I know I will miss this chunk & can move that chunk to a different hour of the day or switch it with something less urgent.

Every morning, in 30-minute chunks, I start with Bible time at the kitchen table, then make a nutritious breakfast, then do my day’s chores, then do an extra task like shower, pay bills, organize a closet, etc. After that is a 30-minute break, then some time to work on a hobby/other, like my blog, website/resource building, crafts, sign language, or piano… & finally, I do a workout video, make the bed, hang up draped-over-the-bed clothes, & get ready for work.

It’s become so engrained in me that it just sort of flows now. I used to have an alarm set for every half hour to help me stay on track… but I have deleted all except the ones on the hour because my system feels so natural to me now! That would have felt ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE even 5 years ago!

God Knows What I Need… He Is My Gentle Guide

God has helped me build a system that works well for me. It has shifted & changed over the years to fit my schedule… & tasks have increased as I grew more comfortable & confident with one habit or another to the point where it felt second-nature.

But most importantly, it has been something God grew me up in over a decade’s time. Not all in year one of marriage… & not without prayer for help with each new step.

And even ON TOP OF all of the habit-building growth… He has helped me develop in making tasks more manageable if they were extra intimidating to me or if back problems made them extra challenging… so I would pray that type of way as well. And He was faithful to help me find alternatives!

Whether it be a mop system I felt worked easier/better… cleaning cloths that made it much easier to get up grime… a cleaning brush on a long rod to help me clean the glass shower walls & bathtub without having to strain my back leaning & reaching to scrub it… etc. God has given me so many personalized “hacks” along the way to help me feel each task is more manageable for me personally. What a caring, loving, wise GOD!

It’s Not Just with Cleaning the House, Either!

This same concept of praying & trusting God over things that feel intimidating can be applied to any area of life… being willing to say, “if I ask God for help with this, I can trust Him to know my limits (even fears) & to help me walk through them in His wisdom to help me.”

God cares enough about us not to guilt or shame us into action.

He gently guides. He knows He is sovereign in our lack. So, He gently, patiently, kindly guides.

A Personalized Plan

It makes me think of the beginning of this school year. I had felt burdened/encouraged by the word “support” for my team, but didn’t really know how I could flesh that out. Beyond doing my job, it felt intimidating.

But it was on my heart, so I prayed about it, asking God to help me flesh that burden out to know how I, personally, could manage more without it becoming a nagging burden or something I couldn’t maintain. I trusted Him to know the how better than me.

And He was faithful. He encouraged me to make little notes to leave in the teachers’ mailboxes each first Monday of the month.

Striving to be a Support… As I Pray… & As God Leads Me Personally

Sometimes the teacher notes were a call to remember their true ‘why’ in being a light for Jesus. Others were more of an encouragement to keep going, resting in God through every hard day. And some were a reminder that God was ready to be their sufficiency where they feel they lack.

Each have a verse that corresponds to it on the reverse side of the note.

Each month, I pray & ask God what I should write in my little paragraph worth of space… & I write what He puts on my heart.

Some months feel shallow or repetitive from a previous note… but even when I am feeling that way, God shows me how it was no mistake & that the words were meant for someone specific even. God always knows what’s needed better than I do.

I just have to be willing to trust & obey His lead.

(Eventually, when the year is over, I plan to upload these teacher notes as a FREE download in the resource section of my website, so whether you’re a teacher or you know a teacher, you can print the notes to build them up & encourage them each month—or use them as a springboard to make your own as God leads you! Check out what else I have created with God’s help & have made available for FREE downloads in my Resource tab @ Resources for You | Michelle Hyde Online.)

What About You?

So what task, mission, etc. might you be avoiding or trying to put out of your mind because it feels too overwhelming & you’re afraid that if you ask God, He may pressure you to do something you feel you’re incapable of?

Try asking Him anyway… try trusting that He is a gentle, loving God Who cares for you. You can trust Him. He is a gentle, sovereign Guide.

Shine HOPE by being willing to trust God with the things that feel too hard or too overwhelming or too intimidating for you to overcome.

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 over 5.5 years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

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

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!!

Patina Clay Bracelet (HAITI)

This ethically made Patina Clay Bracelet features handmade, painted clay beads to replicate a patina style accented with smaller brass beads. The handcrafted Haitian clay beads make each stretch-to-fit Patina Clay Bracelet unique!

*****Every purchase provides jobs for women in areas of extreme poverty in Haiti and helps mamas keep their babies out of poverty orphanages.*****

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!

Leaving a Legacy

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been talking about leaving a legacy. You can check out the two posts, “Always on Your Lips-Leaving a Legacy,” & “How to Teach Obedience to God,” to catch up.

Obviously, anything I share is not a comprehensive list, but rather a tool to help get us focused on God’s working more than our own… to focus on His perspective, His will, & His commands, more than we trust our own.

Easily Distracted

It’s so easy for me to get swept up in life. Trust me, it is WAY too easy for me.

I have the attention span of a goldfish, it seems, when it comes to being intentional for Jesus Christ.

He is worth my everything, I know that, but one distraction or another all too easily gets me forgetting all about Him until a situation or thought snaps me back to reality.

This is why I am so persistent in talking about this topic. It’s not just for you—it’s for me. I need the reminders just as much as anyone else.

Satan would like us all so distracted, so busy, so bogged down with everything around us, that we completely & forever forget to consider God’s kingdom. Satan wants us all lulled into complacent, ineffective, non-glorifying followers of Jesus.

Well, I don’t want to be okay with that. I want to WAKE UP.

Intentional Conversation, Intentionally Focused

I want to live like this is my temporary home (because it is) & like I have but a short time to invite everyone along (because I do) & like it is the most important thing in all of my life (because it is).

Hence, this line of conversation. I want His Truth always on my lips. I want to leave a legacy that points to Him in EVERYTHING… as our HOPE… our ONE & ONLY true hope.

I want to, with everything in me, teach others to be obedient to Him. Because His command for our obedience is not meant to have us lose out nor be to our detriment… it’s what we were created for & is our design & will bring us the only true contentment, peace, & fulfillment that we seek for fruitlessly in anything else.

And so, in an effort to have this Truth be always on our lips, I thought it would be helpful to get our minds honing in & focusing on Him in all things, by jotting down some conversation starter topics to talk about with your kids, your husband, your friend, your parents or siblings, etc…. to turn our minds & hearts to Christ.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart & with all your soul & with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home & when you walk along the road, when you lie down & when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands & bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses & on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)

Be STILL & Know That HE Is God.

And Satan has been throwing so much at me this last week to discourage me & shut me up & get me to slump in defeat. I am writing this aching to quit, wishing to just throw in the towel for a nap & some video games… Satan wants me to forget about God being able to help me through it, relying on my own draining strength & just saying, “I quit!”

But I won’t. Because I know the game-changing Truth. God is Enough for us both. HE can bring victory when everything I have to offer promises a sure defeat.

So, Satan, step aside because GOD is in control & God WILL be glorified. AMEN.

16 Questions

Let’s get started with some conversation starters. I have provided just 16 Questions to get us started. Feel free to copy/paste/print these to leave in the car to discuss after church or Bible Study. Maybe start by just asking one question each time, to help ease into that pattern of intentional conversation, leading to being intentionally focused on Jesus Christ in all parts of life… & ask more questions as it becomes more comfortable & natural.

1. What is the most important/valuable thing you learned in [church, Bible Study, etc.] today?
2. From what you learned today, what does it teach you about Who God is or what matters to Him?
3. Did you learn about any commands God gives to us? Is it good to trust & do His command? Why? (God made everything, knows everything, understands everything, & has authority over everything & everything He does is designed for our good.)
4. Do you remember a Bible verse you talked about today? What was it or what was it about? What did it teach you?
5. Did God use anything in that lesson to point out something you’re not doing right (ie a conviction in your heart about sin)? Did you ask God to forgive you & help you change it? How can you change in this area or what can you do to help you remember not to do that in the future? (ie. Memorize Truth of God’s Word about it, etc.)
6. What are you thankful to God for?
7. How has God helped you this week?
8. Do you have any doubts about God or the Bible? Have you asked God to help you work through them since He knows how best to & wants to help you?
9. Today, what is one way that you could tell that God loves you?
10. Is there anyone that you need to forgive today? What does God say about forgiveness? (Forgive 70 x 7 times, forgive others as God, through Jesus, forgives us, pray for our enemies & bear with one another, in love.)
11. What is one way that you can show God that you love Him today?
12. What is one of your favorite creations that God made? Have you thanked Him for it today?
13. What is your favorite worship song right now? Can you sing part of it?
14. What area of your life do you feel Satan is bullying you in lately? Have you turned to God & asked for His help with it?
15. Is there anything you feel you’re not good enough at? Anything that makes you insecure? Have you asked God to show you your worth through His eyes? Because He made you.
16. Do you know Who Jesus is? Do you know how much He loves you & what He did to show you He loves you?

Let Him Lead

As I mentioned above, this is by no means a comprehensive list, but my hope is that it gets our gears turning in the right direction, focusing our thoughts & heart on Him in everything every day.

Also, feel free to modify this list, depending on the age. Maybe look up online Bible discussion questions for kids, if needed. And add to the list, too, if you think of a good question. (Feel free to share your question suggestions in the comments for this post!)

And ultimately, shine HOPE, by putting your mind on Christ, seeking first His kingdom, even by turning to Him for help doing it every step along the way.

Coming Next Week

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

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

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

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for 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, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Silver Medallion Necklace

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

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

Purchase this necklace & 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 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!

When Everything Goes Quiet

Well, today has been challenging for new reasons… Jamie just went back to work full-time today.

The house feels too still. It makes me feel restless & a little trapped in the quiet.

But when I would usually lay on the couch with tv or games or just avoiding the restlessness all day, today I stopped & prayed about it instead.

Not Today, Satan… God, Please Help!

I didn’t want Satan to use my off-ness to spoil my productivity & joy all day, so I talked to God instead.

I asked for help with how I felt & what to do about it. God inspired me to open a window for some sunshine & to turn some music on to shut out the empty quiet, which helped a lot.

Then, He encouraged my heart to just do one task at a time, versus thinking about my list & anxiety as one giant mountain. So, I started by tossing a load in the washing machine & I vacuumed crumbs left after Jamie’s birthday cookout. Then I picked out my next nail colors as a fun break, cleaned the kitchen, etc.

Just one task at a time, asking for His strength & power to help me put one foot in front of the other, /god helped me move forward.

God Helps Every Step

Now, I sit here with just maybe 1-2 hours of work left on my To-Do list! It seems like a miracle after the difficulty I had when I began my day.

God really is so faithful & gentle & wise & kind. I am so glad that I figuratively took His hand & asked for His help today. He always comes through for me.

Thank You so much God, my Good, Good Father.

We All Could Use a Schedule Tune-Up from Time to Time

This experience today, paired with a friend’s mention to me this past weekend about scheduling, inspired me to remember how far God has brought me from the frazzled, empty, shallow life I used to live. I realized it would be a good topic to talk about—How God fits into forming our daily schedules.

Do you ever wonder how to live a more fulfilling daily life? Or maybe how not to be so stressed all the time? Or both?

Making a schedule that doesn’t completely run you ragged, while also allowing for a good balance of activities can be pretty difficult.

New Seasons of Life = New Challenges

I have learned a lot since getting married & moving overseas, going from working full time to being a full-time wife (No kids, no job… swimming in endless “purposeless” time.)

It took me a long time to find a rhythm that works for me… A schedule that allows me to use my talents & gifts to bless others, but also doesn’t run me ragged by over-committing.

The key that finally made it all click together was taking it to God about it & through it.

Fvna;cugdasulkcb… Then, PRAYER

I would feel unrest, stress, or emptiness & then I would ask God what I could do with it.

I figured God knows me better than I know myself, since He created me. So, I would start there… Usually fleshed out in silent whines & groans of dissatisfaction that seemed to swallow up my days.

My days were dishes, laundry, & other chores. They felt meaningless & never-ending.

“Whenever” usually never happened, as chores kept getting put off until they were mountainous obstacles of doom.

I needed structure. I needed purpose. I needed help.

So, I prayed about it & asked God how He could help me.

Finding Joy in the “Mundane”

Many things changed when I did that, starting with my heart.

“Take delight in the LORD, & He will give you the desires of your heart,” (Psalm 37:4) meant for me that the more I sought God in my struggles, the more I began to recognize & discover meaning & purpose in the mundane, making even the little things feel purposeful, with room for joy.

I never thought I could feel fulfilled doing dishes & especially LAUNDRY, but I did!

Baby Steps of Growth, Led by God as I Prayed

Then, He led me to find a planner that separated the day not divided by endless, unfilled hours, but by a simpler & more flexible Morning, Afternoon, & Evening. This really helped change my “Whenever” to “Before Lunch,” allowing me to have a time to push for & giving me incentive to work quickly so I could just hang out AFTER chores were done for the day.

And SOMETIMES, I would feel SO GOOD & motivated once the ball got rolling that I would go back to it AFTER lunch & keep working!

Eventually, with prayer & God’s help every step of the way, a rhythm began to form. I would do kitchen, laundry, & blog on Monday… Bible Study, errands, bills, groceries on Tuesday… etc.

Trusting God with More of My Time

The more I saw God work in helping me with a schedule, the more I began to ask Him advice & wisdom about with things pertaining to my scheduling.

I didn’t just want to live for me… I wanted to live for Him… & others!

Using My Time to Bless Others & Bring God Glory

And finally, upon moving a little further south in Japan, closer to more English-speakers, I was inspired to connect & provide a place to encourage others who might struggle somewhat as I did in Hokkaido.

So, I prayed some more, to add some meaningful ways that I could encourage people in my community.

And once He started sparking my heart with little inspirations of ideas, I would ask Him to help me flesh them out & to know when it was best to host them so it wouldn’t throw off my daily rhythms (or even how to adjust my daily rhythms so they would fit!).

God Helping Me

Eventually, I will sit down with my weekly schedule & look for big chunks of consistent free time & then pray over where it would best fit & then wait for a peace about it before moving forward.

I now have blocks of time determined for each activity, allowing for potty breaks, distractions, snacks, etc. so it’s not rigid or rushed… & when spontaneous things come up, I can simply move that block to another day. (Example: Clean Kitchen: 20-30 minutes depending on the mess.)

This also allows me to be flexible on days I feel like mixing it up a bit… Like, “I really don’t feel like cleaning the kitchen today, so I will do that Wednesday & do such & such today instead.” And I will pray about help with motivation if that is my only issue.

Life Requires Balance… AKA REST

I never stuff my schedule to the brim. I know I get overwhelmed by constant activity, so I allow time for painting at the arts & crafts center on Fridays & patches where I can fit an impromptu lunch or coffee in with a friend & time to just be a couch potato to just plain rest at certain times throughout my week.

I know I burn out if I try to do too much & part of praying over my schedule is allowing God to help me find balance versus swinging between avoiding when I could do more or over-working myself into a stressful fit.

The Opposite Is True, Too

Maybe you’re feeling like you are doing TOO MUCH right now & your world is a chaotic mess, versus the endless void of time that I was experiencing… the SAME applies to you—start with prayer.

God knows your distress. Cry out to Him with it. Ask for His help bringing more balance to your schedule. Ask for His help with finding joy in the joyless. Ask for His help managing your time in a way that honors Him & keeps you sane & also gives you great fulfillment.

He Knows All… AND He Cares for You

He sees you & He loves you.

He knows you better than you know yourself.

He knows & sees eternity past, present, & future… & He knows how best everything fits together.

He knows what matters in the big picture & also things that could stand to fall away from your schedule.

He KNOWS. So, ASK Him.

He Is the Key

Shine HOPE, not by trying to do it ALL or avoiding more for fear of stress, but by leaning into Him & asking for His joy, His perspective, His inspiration, His wisdom, & His guidance as you build a life that honors Him & sets you free from your needless grief or stress.

Talk to Him today on helping you set a daily schedule that is fulfilling, freeing, & also God-honoring! He is the key to remove the stress AND to add purposeful & meaningful activities to your schedule. So, pray.

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:

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Truth Earrings

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

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in the Philippines!

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

It’s so easy
To see this world
As dark & dreary…
A lost & broken world

So much hurt
and so much heartache
A mere shadow…
Of all that was meant to be

But there’s hope
In the darkness
When we cling
To the Light

Walking hand in hand (with Christ)
In peace & love
Trusting Him as God
And us as His beloved

He longs… for our hearts
He wants us to know His love
He longs to offer us
A life that was always meant for us

Not in getting our own way
But in yielding to His
Not in owning the whole world
But enjoying His creation

Because there’s hope
In the darkness
When we cling
To the Light

Hand in hand
As we let Him lead us
Bowing down our hearts
To His great, enduring love

There is freedom in surrender
Letting Him wash us clean
Restoring in forgiveness
To a Hope found just in Him

So, don’t spend your life wasted
Pushing back against His love
But surrender in safety
To His sorrow-quenching love

Because there’s hope
In the darkness
As we cling
To the Light

Hand in hand
We love & trust Him
Letting Him to be the King
Over our created life

So, obey in trust
And let Him lead
As His love washes
Over everything

And the mystery of surrender
Is that when we finally yield
We find that we find salvation
And that then we’re finally free

Because there’s hope
In the darkness
When we cling
To the Light

So, cling to the Light of Christ
Surrender it all to His love
And find your restoration
To peace & hope in Him for all eternity long.

Coming Next Week

I hope you enjoyed this month’s Special Feature post, featured every last Thursday of the month!

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:

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

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

Weekly Special Spotlight:

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!!

Worthy Necklace

Beautifully delicate in design, this rose gold plated chain displays a light pink rose quartz stone. Crafted in India.

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece and empower a woman in India!

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

Intentional Gift-Getting (& Receiving)

Are you wanting to be intentional in your gift giving (or receiving) this year, but are struggling on where to start?

For me, I definitely enjoy getting fun gifts like movies or art supplies, but I also find myself wanting some things that I will carry with me through life… things that have a lasting impact on my faith & growth. And also things that I can enjoy that will also bless others.

Just a Few of My Favorite Things

So, I have compiled a list of some things I am asking for Christmas this year & things I have enjoyed in the past.

I hope they are an encouragement to you & that they make shopping this year just a little easier (& more impactful on your life).

Journal Bible

As you grow in your journey of learning to follow after Christ & submit to His ways over your own, it is such an amazing gift to be able to jot down lessons learned as you grow & to come across them later in life, seeing where God has brought you from & all of which He is capable.

For me, I like to write down these nuggets in the margins, next to the verses, so as I read through my Bible each year, I can visibly see the memorials of God’s work in my life each year.

Such a sweet reminder of all God has accomplished in our lives & all He is capable of doing with the mess we so easily tend to make of it. He is a good God!

There are many versions available, but this is the one I am going to try.

Also, a good set of pens that won’t bleed through! Check online for reviews.

(*Bonus: I have heard of mothers buying journal Bibles & using it to read through the Bible in a year, making notes & underlining things that are impactful and/or encouraging to them, & then gifting it to each of their children as they complete each one. How special!)

Bible Studies/Devotionals

While it is super important to be reading God’s Word, the Bible, in its entirety, so you know the fullness of context & God’s character & love displayed to us… there is also some value in learning from the experiences & learning of others.

Keep in mind that authors are human & can make mistakes. While learning from what they have learned, it is vitally important to check every word they speak against God’s Word & prayer. The opposite is also true, that although they may fail or make mistakes, due to their being only human, it does not mean we cannot learn from them in the area of their strengths, again through checking it to Scripture.

Here are a few which have left a lasting impact on my life:

Authentic Beauty, by Leslie Ludy: While not technically a Bible Study, there is an available printable on her website that allows you to work through areas you have been holding back from God (which she may have made available on Amazon, as a Study Guide?), to allow you freedom from what keeps you chained. The devil is crafty in convincing us we’re fin where we’re at, but wisdom knows there is always room to grow. This is a great tool.

True Woman 101:Divine Design, by Mary Kassian & Nancy Leigh DeMoss: This study was so encouraging to me, as it reinforced a biblical view of womanhood… not swinging so far as to say, “stay in the kitchen,” while also not pendulum swinging the opposite direction to say, “you are a woman & you can do whatever you want!” There is a balance in God’s will & way… There is a season for everything under the sun… Wisdom says to lean into God for that balance & direction.

Lies Women Believe & The Truth That Sets Them Free, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss: It is so easy to believe the lies that have been established in this world before our birth. It seems natural & normal to us, but ends up being a distortion still of the way God designed & intended it to be. Wisdom doesn’t take for granted what human “wisdom” & understanding has to offer, but rather seeks to distinguish the lies they have built into their subconscious to see the freedom in the Truth that God offers us in its place. This book is a great starting point. (There are many versions available, including one for young women & one written by her now husband, for men.)

Andrew Murray on Prayer, by Andrew Murray: (Again, not a personal study, but SO WORTH THE READ.) (This is a collection of his works, translated into English… you may only be able to find individual works written by him, but Abide in Christ is a great one!)

This one is a GEM. We are (or at least I was) often taught all of the commands of God & what He asks of us, trapping us in an ever-failing hamster wheel of trying to be good enough to please God. God never meant it to work this way. Andrew Murray walks us through the HOW to accomplish these things, not just WHAT we are supposed to accomplish. The HOW is leaning into God for help in even accomplishing what He asks of us, versus relying on sheer willpower. God is able to help us, even in walking for Him.

I am sure there are many more studies I could list here, but for brevity’s sake, I will keep it to those few for now.

Bible Coaching

Sometimes it helps to work alongside someone who works to understand God’s Word with a passion. Even having an accountability partner or group of women to keep you accountable & to learn from/encourage.

One that I am going to hopefully learn from this next year is Katie Orr.

While I have not done one of her studies, even following her on Facebook has been an encouragement to me & she doesn’t charge a lot, just $75 for an annual pass right now… enough to allow her to continue spending time pouring into others.

Trades of Hope

Of course, I couldn’t get through a GIFT GUIDE without mentioning this wonderful company.

Everything from jewelry to scarves to handbags to home décor to seasonal Christmas items… ALL of it is handcrafted & fair trade certified.

Each item is made by a woman artisan around the world, striving to work toward a brighter tomorrow for herself & her family.

Many women around the world are treated poorly & receive unfair pay & unfair hours. Many are forced to beg or begin prostitution just to put food on their tables. (Les Misérables is a sad, sickening visualization of this reality for many women.)

The artisan groups in their areas are striving to change the tide for women in impoverished areas, so that they don’t have to rely on handouts, but can themselves be taught & learn a trade & gain an education to end the cycle of poverty for their families & their communities.

Shop their beautiful pieces & be inspired as your gifts offer the great gift of HOPE to the women you support in doing so.

Willow Tree Nativity

(*Pictured on the Cover Photo of today’s post!)

I love these pieces & asked for a few to add each year from family. It took a few years, but I love the final display… PLUS, it’s a wonderful reminder of my family as almost all pitched in with a piece. I love how humble & serene these are, don’t you?

Happy Holiday Season to You & Yours!

I hope you enjoyed my quick gift guide this year! These resources have been a blessing to me, so I hope they bless you & yours, in turn.

God is such a wonderful Father & this season of gratefulness & remembering His birth & the beginning of our resurrection story are both such wonderful opportunities to reflect on all of His love for us. His patience, His wisdom, His love, His intimate knowledge of us as an individual, His grace, His strength, His power. He is a Good, Good Father.

Shine hope, sisters, Shine HOPE. <3

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:

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

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

Weekly Special Spotlight:

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!!

Grace Earrings

These earrings feature gold plated metal around local capiz shell.

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in the Philippines!

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

The vast expanse of subtle, rolling hills sprawled across the countryside, covered in a field of lush moss green & sprinkled with specks of white, bright yellow, & pale lavender wildflowers.

A worn dirt trail was woven through the hills like a slithering brown snake, leading into the shadows beyond the horizon.

And a wisp.

A wisp of soft yellow light played amongst the wildflowers, dancing with the charms of the wind & blending with the fireflies at dusk.

No one from the nearby village knew where the wisp had come from, but most everyone enjoyed the whimsical imagination that it sparked in their hearts as they surmised its tale.

Maybe it was a wish prancing among them, willing to grant the greatest desire of the one who would capture it.

Maybe it was a truly rare, tiny creature of light, the only of its kind.

Maybe it was a tiny guardian, charged by some unknown force to watch over them.

Maybe it was dangerous, as the unexplainable sometimes is.

Or maybe it was just a wisp who liked to dance with the wind & play amongst the wildflowers, blending in with the fireflies at dusk.

No one quite knew for sure.

Some children would chase it, laughing gleefully, trying to be the first to capture it.

Some mothers would drag their children away, worried of the unknown & yet some mothers would simply smile warmly, enjoying the scene of whimsical joy before them.

The fathers didn’t know what to make of the single wisp & so they showed cautionary acceptance of the it living amongst them.

Some villagers would try to study the wisp, others would avoid it, & yet others still would dream of the fairytales it sparked in their minds.

But, one day, the wisp changed.

Its yellowy light shifted to a hazy, bluish purple.

It no longer seemed interested in dancing amongst the wildflowers of the rolling green hills.

The wisp took singular notice of the snakelike trail & began to flit & flutter along its dusty path, seemingly oblivious to the curious & cautious stares of the onlooking villagers.

On it went, its faint glow disappearing from view as it followed its course.

And the wisp continued on, a singular mission seemed to drive it forward.

As it floated along, swimming through the air like a lazy hummingbird, it reached a divide in the path ahead.

One led to a dark, shadowy wood.

The other led to a path of hard, bright sunshine & rocky terrain.

Which way will the wisp travel?

Where is it headed? And from where did it come?

The wisp paused just briefly, as if to consider its decision.

And then it quickly disappeared into the dark wood, its light illuminating everything the darkness touched.

(That’s the funny thing about light. It only seems to brighten as its surroundings grow darker.)

And on it went, deeper into the less dark woods, until it came upon a small clearing with an even smaller fawn laying in the grass.

The wisp began to brighten as it approached the young creature who seemed lost & alone in the dark of the forest.

Warmth began to emanate from the small wisp as it seemed to comfort the tiny animal.

Gaining courage, the fawn wobbled to his feet & came closer to the little glowing light that was new to the darkness of its surroundings.

And as the fawn closed in, the wisp flitted onward, seeming to lead the frightened young thing deeper into the dense trees.

And there it was ahead, a ray of light… & then two & three.

The break in the trees was just ahead, with the sounds of leaves being gently crushed in the shadows in front of them.

A silhouette of a doe appeared near the end of the wood & the crunching leaves grew louder as the mother deer rushed with worried excitement to its young son who had lost himself in the depth of the deep, dark wood.

Reunited at last, the mother & son nuzzled each other, now oblivious to the presence of the tiny little floating wisp.

And as they cleared the wood, heading for safer ground, the little wisp had completed its mission, now wandering on to shine light where it was needed next, wherever that may be.

Coming Next Week

I hope you enjoyed this month’s Special Feature post!

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement, & to follow along on my journey through the major pivotal moments that helped shape my faith & helped me trust God more & more.

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

Weekly Special Spotlight:

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!!

Manilla Bay Earrings

Local capiz shell is dyed a light blue/green hue & hand cut into half moon shapes accented with silver toned metal.

Artisan Information:

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

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

A Song:

Oh, Lord You know that we feel pain

And Lord You know that our hearts break

But You are God & we lean into You

You’re our God & You will see us through….

It’s hard to see past our own pain

It’s hard to see that the sun’ll shine again

But Lord we know that You are King

And as we lean into You, You’ll see us through….

We don’t have to fear tomorrow

We don’t have to fear our own sorrows

Because as we grieve, Lord, You are King

And as we lean into You, You will see us through….

As we lean into You, You will see us through

So, we lean into You, Lord please see us through.

A Hope for Tomorrow

We had a family member pass away this last week. We are still learning a new normal, but we know that as we lean into God, He will give us strength, peace, comfort, & hope for a new tomorrow. That is our prayer & our assurance.

Losing someone we love is never easy, but God is faithful as we lean into Him as our HOPE.

A Tribute:

A warrior through her life

Loving everyone through her storms

Doing her best to stand strong….

Kicked down by sickness,

But she kicked right back

Determined to carry on….

Her heart shone through

To all whom she knew

A vision of patience & love….

An advocate for her family

Letting them know they are loved

Always wrapping their hearts in a hug….

Now our dearly departed

But never forgotten

Dancing & whole & free….

Never again a tear

Her pain washed away

Praising her Father in Heaven….

Imagining her face

When she is finally faced

With her loving Heavenly Father….

She can run, she can dance

She feels no sickness or pain

She is whole & wholly loved by God….

We will miss her for sure,

Every memory of ours

Laced with sorrow & joy….

Sorrow at missing her presence

But joy in knowing she is Whole & Free

Dancing in the presence of Jesus….

But hope we have in this

We will see her again

In the presence of our Lord….

Praising Him with our every breath

Thanking Him for His grace

As He makes us whole in Him….

Whole & Happy & Free is she

And we will see her once again

When we someday join her in Heaven….

What a happy reunion it will be

No more tears, just loving joy

As we all hug together in love….

Surrounded by love

Wrapped up in grace

Singing to our precious Lord….

For God’s grace is a gift

He makes us whole,

He makes us free….

And for His grace

We will eternally praise

His wonderful, precious name.

Let’s Pray Together

If you are facing loss & don’t know how to move forward, send me an email & I will be praying for your heart & hope.

Shine hope, Lovely, by leaning into God our Father.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement, & to follow along on my journey through the major pivotal moments that helped shape my faith & helped me trust God more & more.

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

A Note from Michelle:

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

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

Weekly Special Spotlight:

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!!

Chelsie Necklace

This curved bar necklace features gold & rose gold tones. Hanging from a gold colored chain, this piece was named after one of our co-founders, Chelsie, because of her golden & modern style, along with her passion for using sustainable business to end poverty.

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

((*Also pictured: Iris Earrings, from Peru!*))

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

We Have a Love/Hate Relationship

So, if you follow me on Social Media, you will know that blogging & I have a love/hate relationship.

I love the results of growth, encouraging others toward hope, & giving God the glory.

I also love getting to share my heart & talk about what I am passionate about in hopes that it sparks hope, encouragement, & inspiration in the hearts of my readers.

BUT, the logistics of editing is… well… not my best friend. I tend to drag my feet for hours after I write out my post, not wanting to do the tedious part of actually making it look good & ready to post.

My Growth = Your Reward

So, I thought I would share some tips that I have learned along the way, in hopes that it will be a source of information, encouragement, & inspiration for you.

Even if you don’t plan to blog, some of the lessons I have learned can be applied to other areas of life, so don’t run away quite yet!

Let’s get the party started!

Tip 1: Pray through the Details

Just as in life, when blogging, it’s important to pray through the details.

Yes, it’s easy to say, ‘I will just pray in general over the blog (or life) in hopes that it turns out okay’… but it’s important to pray specifics.

“Lord, help my blog (life) to glorify you today. Help give me the words You want me to say so that it points people back to You, not me.”

“Lord, help give me the topic you want me to share or talk about… help me to feel peace when editing & please help clear my mind so I can do this post justice with the edits… help me to be gracious with myself over my mistakes… help me to be encouraging to others as I write today….”

Be specific! God is listening & waiting to offer help throughout your day & life. It is crazy how many VERBS in the Bible are proceeded by “God…”

We give ourselves & others so much credit (& pressure!) because the physical actions & audible words are what we see & hear… but God is the One doing the hard lifting!

A blog post I shared a couple months ago talks about this–“Unless the Lord Builds It, I Labor in Vain”. (Check it out, here!) It’s based on the short 5-verse chapter of Psalm 127, talking about God’s role in our efforts. Remember that perspective when you start to look outward or inward for your source! Look up & pray!

Tip 2: Keep It Simple

(*Extra Tip: You can pray & ask God to help you find more ways that you are overcomplicating if you find something becoming a strain! He can give you wisdom on ways to simplify that I haven’t even discovered yet!)

A. Need a selfie for a teaser post for your upcoming LIVE video, but you struggle to have your life together early enough to be dressed & ready to go in time to post it? (This might be a personal example, haha.) Then use a selfie you took earlier in the week & then just recreate that look when it’s time to film later on! Bam! Easy button pushed!

B. Struggle finding the right lighting for photos or videos? Order a clip-on Selfie Light that clips onto your cell phone. Bam! Instant good lighting, no matter the weather or lightbulb outage situation! (Who else puts off changing light bulbs until several are out to save time? I might do this… Haha.)

C. Struggle making graphics? Download Canva or similar FREE programs & use presets… then, just modify! Choose a couple fonts & a few colors that complement each other well & just switch them around & add a new photo for a fresh look each time. Easy peasy!

Tip 3: Brand Yourself

Back when I first started learning how to set up a website, I did a whole post on the importance & benefit of branding yourself, (even if you don’t own a business or blog!). (If you want to go more in-depth into branding, check that post out, here.)

To cut it short for this post, since I went in depth on the post mentioned above, branding oneself is not just for social media influencers & entrepreneurs. Absolutely EVERYONE can benefit from it!

How? Because the foundation of branding yourself is knowing what you stand for & presenting it in a way that others can relate to & understand you.

Who doesn’t want that?

Choosing colors & fonts that represent your personality well… Choosing how you want to be presented to others & learning how to communicate that is valuable!

Tip 4: Be Consistent

People want to know they can count on you!

This doesn’t mean you can’t allow yourself a sick day, mistake, or a chance to back off when life throws you a curveball—I didn’t do any LIVE videos when I went back to Virginia to visit family, although I did maintain my blog deadlines that I set for myself.

It’s okay to take breaks & to ask for graciousness to be extended to you, but consistency in most of life is key.

If you can’t follow through on a commitment, give people a head’s up as soon as possible.

Some people may ignore you (even unintentionally) at first, but if you present yourself as a consistent presence, it starts to get noticed more frequently & is taken more seriously. Give yourself grace. Give yourself time. Just keep showing up! You never know who is listening & benefiting from your efforts, even when they keep quiet about it.

Positive feedback & accolades feel great, but shouldn’t be depended on to keep going. Pray for perspective & the will to keep pushing forward to do what God has called you to, even when compliments are nonexistent.

Even if you don’t see results, God has a plan.

Tip 5: Be Kind to Others… & Yourself

It’s easy to be passionate, but don’t let your passion keep you from compassion.

When sharing your story, keep in mind that unless God Himself spoke it, it is your perspective. God sees the whole picture; we just see what we have personally learned or experienced.

Also, we have all had personal experiences that are quite different from others around us, so realize that others are looking at your story through the lens of their past.

Learn to be gracious in your own mistakes & the mistakes of others. No one is perfect & we’re not meant to be… & that’s okay!

Learn to lean into God through your weaknesses, instead of beating yourself up. Ask Him to strengthen you in those areas & to help bring growth.

And when we’re tempted to share the weaknesses or mistakes of others, give grace & stop & pray. Ask God to help you have a right perspective & to be gracious, even if we don’t feel like it. We can’t unsay something hurtful, & the ripple effect will most likely spread beyond our ability to repair. So always pray & ask God for help you through times of difficulty with others!

Tip 6: Be Authentic. Be YOU.

Aside from reminding you to pray that 1-God gets the glory & 2-that He guide you along the process… this is my #1 tip!

It’s easy to push the narrative you think people will want to hear from you or to post or share stuff you think people will like, but don’t lose yourself along the way.

God made you specifically you for a reason-silly quirks & all. Don’t try to be someone else FOR someone else.

Ask God to show you who He created you to be & ask His help to stay true to His design & plan for your life. His opinion is the one that matters most, because He knows where you were meant to fit & who you were meant to influence.

In trying to reach everyone, we lose most everyone because no one is quite sure who we actually are & we don’t seem to know either. This goes back to branding yourself & knowing who YOU is.

So, don’t worry about trying to impress people. Just share your story & ask God to help give you the words & ask Him to help you give Him the glory—That’s what truly counts!

The Quick Recap

I hope that even if you don’t blog, or if you are considering blogging, these tips are a big help to you! We all have a learning curve when trying something new, so it’s always great when we can pick up tips that we don’t have to struggle through learning ourselves, am I right?

As a recap: Pray through the details, Keep it simple, Brand yourself, Be consistent, Be kind to others & yourself, & Be authentic, be YOU!

I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week lovely, & always aim to shine HOPE, through leaning into God for wisdom, courage, peace, perspective, & strength! He’s got you!

Coming Next Week

I hope you enjoyed this month’s Special Feature post, shared every last Thursday of the month!

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more regularly scheduled encouragement, & to follow along on my journey through the major pivotal moments that helped shape my faith & helped me trust God more & more.

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A Note from Michelle:

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

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Weekly Special Spotlight:

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!!

Grace Earrings

These earrings feature gold plated metal around local capiz shell.

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in the Philippines!

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