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!

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!

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.

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 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!

Dreaming of You

Do you ever envision a different “you” for the future? Like, when you close your eyes & picture how you wish your life looked, it’s a little different than how your life looks right now? (Or maybe a lot different!)

I am not talking about wishing you were rich, famous, & had everything you ever wanted… I am talking more along the lines of the person you wish you were: more fit, more dedicated to God, more peaceful/calm, more involved in the community, etc.

What would you wish your future self to look like?

Maybe she…:

• Is more disciplined rather than a “whenever, whatever, maybe I’ll get it done, maybe not” type mindset
• Is more “put together” rather than “thrown together”
• Is more diligent in spending time praying & reading her Bible rather than just at church
• Gets a rush from exercise rather than staying indoors on the couch
• Enjoys savoring healthier foods rather than fatty cravings that leave her regretting her life choices
• Is more involved in her community & takes more chances when it comes to showing love to those around her rather than shying away, wondering what people might think if she’s awkward or messes up
• Has more fun rather than working all the time
• Feels more calm, relaxed, & at peace rather than STRESS OVERLOAD
• Is more adventurous/spontaneous, travels more, or gets more accomplished rather than a “Someday, I will” attitude
• Is more organized rather than a hot mess

If you’re like me, you checked off a big chunk of those descriptions for the “girl you wish you were” that you see in your mind.

I feel ya.

The “One Simple Change” Challenge

Many of those items on the list above describe my dream vision of my future self & I spend a lot of time dreaming of this girl I wish I was. And I also find myself watching years go by with little change & little realization of this dream.

… Until I heard a phrase from a friend–The “One Simple Change” challenge. (Which I am calling “One Small Change” for the sake of not stealing their company motto.)

I saw my friend posting on social media each month about her new monthly “One Simple Change” & I was both intrigued & inspired!

Time Slips By

Life tends to sweep us up & carry us off to years later, where we are left wondering how so much time has passed already with seemingly little or nothing to show for it.

Do you feel that longing? Do you feel that pull to do bigger & greater things—or maybe just to feel like you have your life more “together”?

How Do We Eat An Elephant?

So how do we get there? How do we go from longing, wishing, & dreaming those big goals, to actually arriving at that dream goal of being the Woman you wish you were?

Have you ever heard the phrase, “How do you eat an elephant…? One bite at a time”? That’s how we do this. One “bite” at a time.

One, Two, Three–Let’s Go!

First, we start getting intentional about praying over our dreams, making sure they are God-honoring, & asking for His guidance & wisdom to get there.

Second, we write out our vision. (Try using the list above & add your own!)

Third, as the title of this post, “One Big Dream, One Small Change,” suggests, we take that big dream & we start small.

Work toward your future-self goal by taking one step at a time in the right direction.

One Small Change

Ever since seeing my friend taking this “One Simple Change” motto to heart, promoting on social media what her “one simple change” was for that month, I started dreaming in steps instead of dreaming of this far off, hazy, lofty, ambiguous goal of who I wished I was.

It’s amazing how small changes can add up over the years to make big changes in your life!

Think about small habits you can try adding (or subtracting) from your routine every day for one month at a time.

Try One! Just One. And Then Go From There!

Here are some “One Small Change” ideas that I have tried & some that are on my list to try. (I have even kept a majority of them as part of daily routine now & they have been amazing!) These are things that you can try doing every day for one month, as your “One Small Change”

1. Read your Bible every day
2. Write in a Prayer Journal every day
3. Write in a Gratitude Journal every day
4. Memorize a new Bible Verse every day or week
5. Write a Note of Encouragement to someone every day
6. Listen to an encouraging/inspiring podcast each day
7. Read an encouraging/inspiring book chapter each day
8. Meal prep healthy meals every week
9. Prepare fresh vegetable/fruit bags for snacks to grab & go each day
10. Drink 2 liters of water each day
11. Go for a walk outside for 30 minutes each day
12. Sign up for a craft or sports club in your town
13. Learn a new hobby
14. Volunteer once a week for a local shelter/hospital/nursing home
15. Open a separate bank account for a vacation fund & save a little each week
16. Declutter your house by going through a different room each week to purge extras
17. Donate old clothing to shelters or thrift stores
18. Do your nails each week
19. Pick a chore/task you have been putting off & get it knocked off your list
20. Take a hot bath or try some other restful activity once a day or once a week, to unwind

These are just a small sampling of ideas for you to choose from, but try to pick something small each month to help yourself grow toward your goal!

Grow Toward Your Goal

Don’t just expect to wake up one day & be changed into that vision of your future self–Grow toward it!

Before you know it, you will be looking back to see a more God-dedicated, stronger, healthier, more disciplined, more accomplished, more restful version of yourself!

I hope you will try this with me in the coming year, as we seek to grow toward our goals. We may be shaky at first, but no one is perfect from the get-go. Give yourself grace to try, fail, & improve. Just try.

Let’s no longer wait for years to pass, only to find ourselves no further than we started. Let’s push forward. Let’s take those small steps of change. Let’s improve & grow ourselves.

All the while, let us honor God with how we live our lives & how we spend our time.

What a great way to start our new year! 2019, here we come!!

Coming Next Week

Make sure to check back next Monday morning EST for your next weekly dose of encouragement! See you then!

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

Charisma Bracelet

This bracelet has lavender & light pink suede, threaded with faceted gold colored beads.

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!

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!

So Much to Do!

So, tomorrow is the big day–Christmas! The day that fills our hearts with wonder & glee.

There is a lot of pressure around this day, isn’t there?

I am realizing, with each passing year, that to keep traditions alive, I am actually the adult in the scenario now, haha. What a bummer, right?

My husband & I don’t have children yet, but for those of you with kids or grandkids, you have probably had this realization even stronger than I have.

It makes it a little easier to give myself a break when it’s just for me & my husband, & we can determine what to accomplish & what to skip each year.

But still, the pressure.

Can anyone relate? The shopping, the gift-wrapping, the food preparations, the dressing up & gifting for parties, the traditions, the Christmas cards (*which I have admittedly slacked off on since moving to Japan). And don’t forget decorating the tree, the house, & the yard. And maybe some Christmas nails??

The tinsel, the cards, the gifts, the music, the ornaments, the parties, the food, oh my!

There is a lot going on all at once during Christmas time.

And for those grieving a loss or spending the holidays alone, there is an extra sting that hits you during Christmas. Because Christmas is “supposed to be” jolly & bright & when it’s not, it stings that much more.

Maybe Christmas, She Thought…

But then I take a moment to reflect, as Cindy Lou Who did in The Grinch.

“Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of Christmas, but sometimes that whirlwind becomes one “Razzle Dazzle” distraction from what it’s all about—HOPE for the WORLD.

The Nativity, The Humility

Maybe, like us, you have a nativity scene in your home. Maybe it’s big, maybe it’s small. Maybe it’s brightly colored, maybe it’s muted & simple. (*My personal favorite is the Willow Tree set, gifted piece by piece from our family each year!)

But when I think over that scene, I think of one word, (besides hope)–Humility.

That Nativity scene was the scene of truest humility.

Mary humbly accepted God’s plan to carry, give birth to, & raise Jesus.

Joseph humbly accepted marrying an already pregnant woman.

The shepherds were humbly dressed & of little esteem.

The wise men humbly dropped everything to travel to meet Jesus.

The humble birth took place in a barn, surrounded by dirty animals.

Jesus was God in flesh, humbly presenting Himself as Emmanuel, God-with-Us, an eventual sacrifice for the hurting world to reunite us to Himself through His blood.

Humility.

Expensive gifts were given, but to this King of kings come as a babe,

Angels rejoiced in splendor, but to this Creator, Eternal, Majestic God come down to lowly Earth, limiting His own power to represent Love & Hope to the world.

Jesus Christ, the God of gods, came down to serve man. He came to bind up the broken-hearted, to preach Truth, to dispel confusion & lies, to heal any ailments of any passerby. He came to humble Himself to the cross for our sakes.

He had full right to rule, but He came to serve.

Humility.

Rejoicing in Him VS. the “Extra Stuff”

So, as this Christmas approaches, I am trying to keep that in the center—humility. Remembering the humility of Christ, of the Nativity scene, & remembering to humble my heart before God Almighty.

It’s the time of year that we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Yet, He came to give us the greatest gift of all–Himself & the Way to Himself through the cross.

Growing in Humility This Christmas

I am praying that God helps me to submit more pieces of my life & heart to Him, so that He can do even better & greater things through me.

I want to be used by God.

I am not naturally humble or meek, but I know that God is worth my time, energy, & thoughts.

Be a Mary

If you have heart the story of Mary & Martha, I want to live more of a “Mary life” in a “Martha world.”

n the midst of all of the hustle & bustle, I want to intentionally stop & rest in the true hope of Christmas—Jesus Christ.

“As Jesus & His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him & asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried & upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, & it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (Emphasis added.)

So, this Christmas, be like this Mary.

Her sister, Martha, was like most of us during Christmastime—“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made….”

There is nothing wrong with holiday traditions & celebrations, but remember not to let them overshadow the true celebration of Christmas—Jesus.

Rest in Him. Rest in the humility that the nativity presents. Rest in God’s greatness above the greatness of our holiday celebrations.

Give yourself a rest & rest in Him.

He is “what is better.” Always.

May your heart be full of joy. May you allow God to heal & bind up your broken heart. May your days be filled with His sweetest blessings. May you find REST this Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Beautiful One!!

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

Inverted Capiz Earrings

These earrings feature shimmery, creamy white capiz shells, each framed by a black edge.

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, and 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!

Happy Holiday Season!

Happy Holidays, Lovely! I hope that your Thanksgiving was meaningful, relaxing, & special.

As we look forward to Christmas, I thought it would be fun to share some fun holiday traditions that can leave a lasting impact on those with whom you share them.

(I really should have talked about this last month, so we could all practice some of them during Thanksgiving, but let’s tuck these away for next year, as well as enjoying some of them during the Christmas season.)

Give Yourself Grace

As most of us are probably aware, the holidays are known for their hustle & bustle. There is an overall rush to make the holidays special & memorable to those near & dear to us.

But let’s take a moment to step back, take a deep breath, & consider some (possibly new) traditions that can add an extra special touch to our holidays.

And yes, that could include going for a Rotisserie Chicken this year versus a turkey if you’re just cooking for one or two of you (I know that’s something my hubs & I do when we don’t have plans with friends).

It’s important to give ourselves a break sometimes so that the holidays are more about making special memories than looking forward to the stress being over when it’s all done, am I right?

Giving Thanks

For Thanksgiving, it can be easy to think about the “feast fit for kings” that so many of us look forward to, or even remembering the beginnings for the lives of the settlers.

But for me, the overshadowing theme for Thanksgiving is just what its name implies—giving thanks.

Not just giving thanks to our family & our friends, but also to those whose service makes our lives better: military servicemen & women, janitors, customer service support, nurses, doctors, & so many more.

Other people doing hard jobs to improve our lives day-to-day deserve our special thanks, most certainly.

But the One who deserves our thanks most of all, is our great God.

Amidst the troubles of this world, amidst our rebellion & sin, God sent Christ to pay our debt on the cross so that we could find redemption & grace. He offers us strength & peace when we ask of Him. He loves us fiercely & unconditionally. He is Lord of All, Creator of All, & our great redeemer.

So, during the Thanksgiving season, take time to show extra appreciation for your family & friends, & for those working to serve you, whether it be the cashier at the checkout, your gym instructor, your mailman, barista, or the janitor cleaning the restrooms. But most of all, remember to thank God!

Say, “Thank You,” a little more regularly (& then maybe make it a habit in every day).

Making Moments Meaningful

Here are a couple specific Thanksgiving traditions my husband & I have enjoyed with our family & friends.

When gathering for the Thanksgiving meal, we take turns reading compiled verses about Thanks-giving, taking time to recognize our God in Heaven who is the author of all good things.

Here are some verses that we have used in the past:

1. “Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving;” (Psalm 95:2a)
2. “with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6b)
3. “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
4. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
5. “When you have eaten & are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you.” (Deuteronomy 8:10)
6. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful & thankful.” (Colossians 4:2)
7. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, & so worship God acceptably with reverence & awe.” (Hebrews 12:28)
8. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; & be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
9. “Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,” (2 Corinthians 2:14)
10. “And Jesus took the loaves; & when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples,” (John 6:11)
11. “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 107:1)

You can even make this into a memorable keepsake for your friends & family to take home with them! Add thanks-themed verses to a document, include a fun border, & print a copy for each guest. Then, after passing them out & taking turns reading aloud, they can have a nice reminder of the many reasons to give thanks year-round!

(For extra fun, cut out leaves from construction paper & add one of each of the verses to each leaf (& maybe even add a little glitter, *wink).

Don’t Just Say It, Pray It

Another tradition that my hubs & I have done with friends is instead of going around & saying one thing we’re thankful for, we all hold hands & take turns praying our praise to God for what He is doing, has done, & will do in each of our lives.

(And for those who maybe don’t feel comfortable praying out loud, make sure to say that it’s okay to simply squeeze the hand of the person next to you on your turn if you would like to pass.)

It has always been such a heartfelt time of unity when we have come together to openly praise God by praying together. You really leave feeling more like family.

Can you think of another meaningful tradition that refocus our hearts on giving thanks to God & being a testimony of His love & power to those with whom we share our Thanksgiving holiday?

Remembering Christ in Christmas

For Christmas, there are so many great traditions out there that I simply could never touch on them all, but here are some ideas to try!

Someone recently pointed out to me that Luke has 24 chapters in it. My friend’s idea for a new tradition was to spend every day in December reading one chapter of Luke together as a family & finishing off by re-reading the story of Christ’s birth on Christmas morning.

What a great idea to keep our hearts & minds focused on Christ all season long by reading through Christ’s ministry on earth & His sacrifice & resurrection!

The Nativity Ornaments Search

If you have young children (or grandchildren), another fun tradition is to have tree ornaments for the different people in the Christmas story & as you tell the story, have the children search & find the different ornaments that represent each part of the story!

What a great way to make the Christmas story fun & engaging!

(If you have multiple children, you can even have several sheep ornaments as well as a shepherd, or barn animals, or multiple angels, etc. so they each have something to search for. Or, simply have them take turns being the searcher.)

Being a Light for Christ for Christmas

Many Christmas traditions can also involve serving those around us. Here are some (of many!) ways you can represent Christ by serving those around you this Christmas season (& all year round, even!)

1. Babysit for a single parent so they have time to Christmas shop (or relax!)
2. Volunteer at a shelter
3. Serve food to the homeless
4. Read the Christmas Story to individuals at a nursing home or hospital
5. Collect & distribute warm clothing & food gift cards donations for the homeless
6. Bring cookies & carols to hurting families (struggling through cancer, recent injury, or the death of a loved one during Christmastime)
7. Give money to a local charity
8. Send an extra monetary gift to a missionary
9. Sponsor a child in need with gifts or monthly sponsorship
10. Send letters to deployed military.

There are so many ways to spread the love & hope of Christ during the holidays–Get creative!

Which traditions stood out to you? Do you or your family do other traditions that point to the love & hope of Christ? Let me know about them!

I hope that this season (& all year round) brings you closer to each other & closer to Christ. God bless.

Spread love, Beautiful, & Shine HOPE this Christmas season (& all year long)!

Coming Next Week

Make sure to check back on Monday morning EST, for next week’s burst of encouragement for your week. Love you!

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

Gatsby Necklace

Empowering Women in India Out of Poverty!

Dazzle in this faceted silver glass beaded collar necklace. Pair it with a little black dress or jeans & heels.

Artisan Information:

In India, poverty is rampant & fair working conditions are hard to find. But with every purchase, women are receiving an income, access to healthcare, & adult literacy programs! Not only does this change their lives, but they are also pouring back into their communities & helping others! You have the opportunity to empower thousands of women in India!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

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

Hey Everyone!

This week is my special, monthly bonus post! I hope you enjoy learning some tools that I have gathered in the area of marketing.

But wait! This information is beneficial to EVERYONE, because it helps others have a clear understanding of who you are & what you stand for! It also gives you better focus & a sense of direction in life…. Read on!