Playing Superhero

It’s easy for me to want to play superhero. I like feeling as if I have a pretty good handle on my life.

I like routine, with flexibility. The routine helps me feel grounded, but working in space for flexibility allows me to shift gears more easily, being able to tackle unknowns with a little less fluster & a little more calm.

I like control. When it all boils down, what I’m really saying is that I like control.

I am pretty sure I am not alone on this, either.

Balance Is Good, but Leave Room to Trust God FIRST

And for those who feel their schedule has NOT been ironed out yet, leaving them with a little more fluster & a little more flailing through each day… the reason we feel that way is lack of control. We want control. (Also, check out my “Managing Time, with God in Mind” post!)

It’s not that this is a bad thing to want. I am much more stable now that I have bowed my schedule woes to God & asked Him for an overhaul that allows more balance & peace in my schedule. I am much more productive that way.

But there’s a catch.

We cannot grow self-protective in our control over our schedule. We can’t RELY on our schedule & using that control as our source of confidence & peace. We can’t learn to rely on OURSELVES.

A Fresh Example Why Trusting Our Control Doesn’t Work As Well As It Seems

I have talked before about our journey of praying for a baby & how I handled it when God had not yet answered that prayer with a “yes.”

MEANWHILE, I was building a self-protection back-up plan in my heart of, “Well, if God DOESN’T give us a baby, here are all the reasons why that would probably be better ANYWAY.”

This is a natural thing for us to do because the unknown can sometimes be the scariest place to be. We want to think of how to fix the problem in a way that returns that control back to us.

BUT if we’re not careful, that new plan can REPLACE our trust in God, creating a NEW problem in & of itself.

For example, if I built up in my mind all of the ways that pregnancy & parenting would add stress, exhaustion, & hardship into my life, not to mention a more-strained bank account, how do you think I will likely react if God then were to answer us with the, “Yes, you will be parents!” answer we had been previously praying so hard for?

Trading Control for Surrender

My point is this, if our contentment/joy in our schedule, our plans, or our life is based on us having control, we will inevitably lose that façade of control & will be left vulnerable & hurting once again.

We need something MORE than our meager, unreliable means of control over our own lives to base our hope & security.

We NEED to trust GOD.

Surrendering Our Control for HIS Control

In my baby scenario, the healthiest way I could have managed that fear of His “NO” would be if I had turned to Him in the hurt & talked with Him through it, “God, I don’t understand Your “no” & it hurts! I want a baby & I don’t understand why Your plan would not include that for me. I have wanted this phase of life to become reality since I was a young girl, playing with my dolls, dreaming of someday being a Mommy to my own precious child. I want game nights & prayer times. I want to teach them about You. I want to love them SO MUCH. I don’t understand. It hurts. Please help me to trust Your plan in the midst of Your “no” right now. Help me to trust You more than I trust having a baby or not. You are the One who can offer me the most fulfillment, so please help me to see that & to grow in that understanding & love for You & trust in You. Amen.”

(To calm your possible aching hearts, I HAVE since turned my prayer time on this topic toward this direction & God HAS provided me with peace & assurance in Him, no matter the outcome. I can jump for joy with friends becoming new mamas & I can live my days in contentment & purpose, knowing God has my heart in His capable, loving hands, in His perfect & loving plan. Do I still have occasional days where my heart aches? Yes. But this is more the rarity than the norm. He has me & will continue to have me… & that’s a great & safe place for my heart to be, come what may. He’s got me.)

He Does a Much Better Job-It’s Worth It!

I like feeling capable just as much as the next girl. I like feeling in control & empowered.

But I am just a girl, knowing I have limitations & knowing my dear God who has none & who loves me infinitely more than I can express to you. (And He loves YOU just the same!)

While I crave control, I want to learn to ditch that addiction that I cling to so tightly. I want to learn to cling to Him.

Because all can change. All can fade away. I can lose it all.

But His hope remains.

His power remains.

His love remains.

His GRACE remains.

Control & Surrender-The Life-Changing Difference

I want to train my heart to pry away my white-knuckled fingers from controlling my life & circumstances & I want to ever-learn how to rest back into His capable arms, asking Him to lead my day, my steps, my words, my LIFE.

There is so much life-changing beauty in learning & living the difference between control & surrender. One leaves us reliant on our own limitations & the other frees us to trust THE God who has none.

Because THAT, my friend, is where TRUE joy & contentment can flourish… & where we can finally learn what He meant when He said, “I have come that they may have LIFE, & have it more ABUNDANTLY.” (John 10:10)

Shine HOPE by letting Him have the reins of your life & by putting your full hope in Him, no matter what life may bring.

Trust Him FIRST, last, & everywhere in between. ALWAYS.

He’s GOT you, Girl.

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

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Ramala Bracelet Set

(Only 1 of 2 Bracelets shown in photo.)

A set of 2, these bracelets are silver, adjustable, & 1 (shown) features real moonstone, with varying hues of lilac, blue, & purple.

Artisan Information:

The poverty cycle in India continues primarily because of the lack of education. Most schools are not free or affordable. Therefore, many children never learn to read or write & grow up with limited opportunities. However, every purchase of this product empowers women to provide for their children & send them to school! You have the opportunity to end poverty & create an impact for generations to come!

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!

What Does It Mean to “Give God Glory”?

First of all, let’s address the “churchy” phrase of “giving God the glory.”

I had heard that phrase in church growing up, but it never really clicked as to what exactly that meant. It sort of seemed like a, “Yeah, yeah, I know… Don’t mess up… Be a good person… Give God credit for stuff… Got it.”

But let’s start by recognizing that, first of all, none of us are “good people,” & second of all, glorifying God is less about us & more about Him.

To give God the glory simply means to put His love, goodness, power, grace, etc. on display… & to make Him famous/known.

We Were Made to Give God Glory

At first, this seemed arrogant to me, I mean really, make a bunch of humans & a whole world for them to worship you on. But that was Satan’s way of twisting the truth.

The Truth is that God knew we would reject Him in one way or another & live OUR way. He knew we would not be able to correct the mess we make as a result.

BUT, He also knew His love could cover us & so set in motion a plan to redeem us from before we were ever even made–Jesus was His plan all along.

We are MEANT to glorify God, not to satisfy His ego, but to display His love, forgiveness, & GRACE to mankind.

A HOPE-Filled Solution for a Sin-Torn World

THAT is why we are to live to give Him glory—to spend our whole lives & purpose striving to put His grace on display, filled with His patience, grace, love, tenderness, & His POWER to SAVE.

I have long heard the quote, “But WHY would a “good” God send ANYONE to Hell??!” But again, Satan is twisting the Truth into a LIE.

The true question, seeing as how God created us, knowing we would rebel & thus setting in motion a plan for our redemption… The TRUE questions is not “why would a good God send anyone to Hell,” but rather…

“WHY would anyone CHOOSE Hell over a GOOD God??!”

The Truth Satan Wants Us to Miss

God fulfilled the plan for our redemption, through perfect, sinless Jesus (God-come-as-man AKA Emmanuel, “God with us”) who WILLINGLY took on the wrath deserved for our sins upon Himself & DIED humbly FOR US, rising again-victorious over both sin & death.

All we are asked to do is to admit our wrongs against God to Him, accept our need for Him, & ask for His grace to cover us. That’s it.

Why would anyone choose Hell over a Good God?

And THAT is why we live to glorify Him. THAT is why it is our life-mission/purpose to bring Him GLORY. Because He loves us that much. Because He wants EVERYONE to know there is TRUE HOPE they can COUNT ON, found only in Him.

How Is That Reflected in Your Life?

And so I ask us this, what are we doing in life to reflect this honorable & loving God-given purpose?

Are we living for ourselves? Are we living just to get through the day? Are we living numb & shut off? Are we living trapped in trauma? Are we living the lies that Satan bottle feeds us daily?

Or… Are we laying down our longings for TRUST that HE IS SUFFICIENT… & asking God to help us find our satisfaction more in Him & less in stuff &/or lifestyle?

… Are we laying down our daily mundane woes or rushed existence to ask God the purpose He has designed for us to give Him glory? … Asking Him how WE can be a part of HIS grand mission to offer grace to the world?

… Are we asking God to help us fight where we feel trapped & broken, asking for healing & renewal & freedom from the pain that keeps us locked in place? Are we trusting He can do that?

… Are we refusing to let Satan write the narrative & instead, asking as in Psalm 139:24 to reveal where we need correction toward TRUTH & away from lies? “See if there is any offensive way in me, & lead me in the way everlasting.”

Show Up… & Let God

It is our time to stand up… to SHOW UP.

It is not up to you to save the world, but it is up to you to ask God where He will have you to go, & when… to let Him lead.

It is not reliant on your resolve, your strength, your wisdom, your courage, or anything else. It is GOD.

It is showing up daily & saying, “God, I am ready. Where do you want me? Give me the wisdom I need… the courage… the strength… the PEACE.”

Or even, “God, I CAN’T. I am nothing! I have NOTHING to offer! I am terrible at this. PLEASE HELP ME & be what I need as I seek to live for You.”

It is being slow to anger, slow to speak (for God) & QUICK TO LISTEN (to God) (James 1:9). It is having a Nehemiah heart of praying through every, “I don’t see how…” “I don’t know what to do…” “Give me the words to say….” It is realizing that WE aren’t their savior. But we know the One Who IS.

It is realizing that WE are WEAK… But HE is STRONG. … WE are FOOLISH… HE is ALL-WISE & ALL-KNOWING… WE have LIMITATIONS… HE does NOT. …WE FAIL… HE FORGIVES.

(***NOTE: I have linked those above Truths to Scripture on BibleGateway.com, so click on them to visit BibleGateway & read them for extra encouragement for just a glimpse of all God is capable.***)

Faith of a Mustard Seed…

Faith the size of a Mustard Seed–Not how big your faith is, but how big your God is.

It’s not being the faith giant that never doubts God & has perfect faith… it is humbly accepting our need of Him, our need of growth, & asking for HIS HELP. It’s not “proving” our faith by doing it all ourselves, it is proving our faith by recognizing our need for His help & ASKING for it every step!

It is not WILL-POWER… But HIS POWER.

Give God the Glory in it ALL

Giving God glory can be done in EVERY part of life, big & small.

Even if it is displayed in how you parent… In how you treat those around you… in how you answer a co-worker or friend’s questions…. Even in the little things, we can point to Him as our hope in it all… We can GIVE Him GLORY.

Shine Hope by living for Him… surrendering your will to His way… surrendering your efforts to His help… by living a life that puts His grace on display wherever you go. Not perfect, but PROGRESS.

He gives grace, not just in death, but all along the journey of life.

He’s worth the glory, so let’s seek to give it whenever humanly possible, with His help every step along the way.

Point to Him as the HOPE we ALL so desperately need. In how you bow your needs to Him, your desires, your fears, your hopes, your everything. Point to Him in it all. THAT is giving God glory.

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 TWO years now! Thank you for your continued support & encouragement. <3

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Nairobi Necklace

Small hammered ovals & ethically sourced bone shapes adorn this golden necklace that shimmers in the light. Crafted in Kenya.

Artisan Information:

In Kenya, where many people struggle with starvation & poverty, the women we partner with are defying the odds! Your purchase empowers these women to earn an income, overcome physical disabilities, & become important parts of their communities!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in Kenya!

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 Heavens Declare His Glory

(Psalm 19:1-6) (Emphasis mine)

Infinite Creativity

Such beautiful poetry is found in certain places throughout the Bible, especially in the Psalms.

I came across this particular Psalm & fell in love with the imagery it presented, talking about one of my favorite works of God’s art in this world—the sky. I love how its colors always change & the shapes of the clouds are always moving & shifting.

The sky is like new art every moment of every day.

God is infinitely creative & in just looking up at the sky & admiring its ever-changing beauty, you see a testament to that! So neat, huh?

Look Up!

I love this reminder to just look up & be reminded that God deserves all the glory… seeing the works of His hand, showing His knowledge, His creativity, His attention to detail, His infiniteness, & even His care of mankind in providing the warmth of the sun.

We only need to look up to see a reminder of how worthy of praise God truly is & how present & available He is to us.

Lift your eyes to the sky & praise His name!

His Word in Light of His Majesty

“The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous.”

(Psalm 19:7-9) (Emphasis mine)

Complete, Reliable, Life-Giving TRUTH

That next section of Psalm 19, after it was just reminding us of how glorious, creative, knowledgeable & caring God is, reminds us that He knows best. His Word, in the Bible, is not just good advice, it is PERFECT advice. It works 100%.

And, It Benefits US

Also, this passage does not fail to mention all the ways His Word BENEFITS us when we spend time reading/studying it, applying it, trusting it, & living by it.

It is perfect.

It refreshes the soul.

It is trustworthy.

It gives wisdom.

It is right.

It gives joy to the heart.

It is radiant.

It gives light to the eyes.

Trusting Him & His Word is wholly deserved & endures forever.

It is firm, steady, sure.

It is righteous.

Someone I know said something that really made sense to me. She said, “The Bible is THE MOST transformative book for our hearts & minds… It’s no wonder Satan tries so hard to convince us we don’t need it.”

But…

The slew of reasons we come up with as to why we don’t/shouldn’t read the Bible are endless & I have used most all of them:

“I’m too busy right now.”

“I was going to, but I got distracted.”

“Ugh, headache!”

“I am just so tired! Can’t focus.”

“It’s kind of boring.” (Ha.)

“Isn’t it outdated, though?”

“I don’t see how the rest applies to me, so I stick to the ‘good parts’, so that’s probably enough.”

“I read only specific verses that encourage me, so that’s probably enough.”

“I read passages that talk about my current struggle, so that’s probably enough.”

“I hear the Bible read at church/in Bible Study, so that’s probably enough.”

“I do a Bible study book that has key verses we read, so that’s probably enough.”

I can probably come up with SO MANY MORE reasons I have given myself, not to mention ones I have heard come from others in my circles.

Our Enemy Knows Where to Strike… BUT, GOD

Satan is crafty. He knows how to appeal to our flesh & immediate gratification. He knows what he’s doing & has gotten quite good at convincing us pretty easily… & most of the time we don’t even bother seeing it as giving into the lies of Satan, because we had good intentions to start with, didn’t we?

But I want you to scroll up & re-read those few verses one more time & then think about your reasons for NOT reading & how they are lies offered by Satan… AND THEN consider how mighty, how creative, how wise, how knowledgeable, & how CARING God is that we saw in the first set of verses & remember this: WE CAN ASK FOR GOD’S HELP.

When you consider reading the Bible, but Satan scrolls his infinitely long list of excuses for your ready use, consider that fact: WE CAN ASK FOR GOD’S HELP.

It’s worth it!

Transformed Hearts & Minds

And sure, it SEEMS outdated & old & boring at first, but then something very weird happens, you feel encouraged, uplifted, assured, & stronger the more you read it! Because the more you spend time CONSISTENTLY reading God’s Word, the more you are constantly reminded of the fact that God is so Good, so Wise, so Kind, So Knowledgeable, etc. etc. etc. Your confidence, in HIM, skyrockets the more you read it.

So, don’t stop at the lies, pray for the victory & read ANYWAY.

Why Read the Bible?

Because His Words…

“They are more precious than gold,
    than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
    than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can discern their own errors?”

(Psalm 19:10-12) (Emphasis mine)

He Will Help You As You Go

Lean into Him for help & spend time in His Word consistently. You will be surprised to see how accurate this Psalm 19 description of God & His Word turn out to be.

3 years in, & I grow more in love with it every time through it.

Lord, Please…

And to finish off today’s post, I will borrow this short prayer from the final verses found in Psalm 19. May it be our heart cry as we seek to live for Him, through Him:

(Psalm 19:12-14) (Emphasis mine)

AMEN.

Shine HOPE by getting into His Word EVERY SINGLE DAY & asking for God’s help every time Satan tries to knock down your good intentions with his lies. GOD. IS. BIGGER.

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 TWO years now! Thank you for your continued support & encouragement. <3

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

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

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

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

Onyx Necklace

Modern hammered brass necklace features 3 genuine onyx drops.

Artisan Information:

The poverty cycle in India continues primarily because of the lack of education. Most schools are not free or affordable. Therefore, many children never learn to read or write & they grow up with limited opportunities. However, every purchase of this product empowers women to provide for their children & send them to school! You have the opportunity to end poverty & create an impact for generations to come!

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!

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!

We Need to Talk…

Can we talk about health & body image for a second today?

If you know me, you know I am overweight…. But my weight doesn’t define me.

A Little Pudge… Words Matter

You see, little me had a little pudge—I wasn’t fat, but I wasn’t skinny. In hindsight, I looked like a normal little kid—but I felt UGLY.

I was always told by others that I would be liked more if I lost weight… that boys would like me better & that I would make more friends.

I know now that those words were meant to encourage me to be healthy & that a healthy person usually is just more confident, stronger, & more energetic, which usually attracts people. CONFIDENCE attracts people.

But I took it a different way then. I took it to mean that I wasn’t worth too much without a smaller number on the scale… without a smaller clothing size.

I Used to Pray to be Skinny

I am still wading through & dividing the line between well-meaning persuasion of others & the insecurities that I am just not enough.

I used to pray SO MUCH that God would just make me skinny. I used to pray that I could lose all desire for food & maybe that He would make it all taste gross to me.

(I am so glad He DIDN’T answer okay to making food taste bad! Thank You, GOD!)

My Weight Shame

I used to cry a lot, feeling like such a loser, someone who deserved to be picked on & verbally bullied at school. I DESERVED it because I wasn’t skinny, so I therefore wasn’t pretty enough to be treated well anyway. (My perception then.)

I used to avoid looking in the mirror EVER & used to pray that God would help me not HATE the way I look when I see myself in a mirror anymore.

I used to wear t-shirts when I showered because I was too ashamed to see how “gross” I looked. I was a pre-teen then.

One failure seemed to unravel any progress or good habits I had formed because if I failed it once, I “would probably never succeed anyway.”

I had a LOT of lies tear me up over the years.

Maybe if I Flirt?

I even let boys, friends even, assault me because I thought maybe it was a good sign that they wanted me at all “in my condition of fatness”. And I felt proud of it, until I felt like garbage afterwards, like a used up & worthless rag, to be used & tossed away.

I flirted & dressed inappropriately thinking that if I was too fat to be liked or wanted, I would flirt my way into their hearts. Sex appeal.

But that left me dead inside, like the “ME” hidden behind all those charades was just stuffed away, unimportant, & forgotten. Like I didn’t really matter anyway.

It’s been a long, tough road & one that God has grown me through in MANY ways. (See my Pivotal Post to see what happened with my harmful flirting-for-attention mindset.)

Changing the Script

I thought finding a guy who loves me & then marrying him would solve all of my problems, but I have been married 8 years to a man who dotes on me & gushes over my “gorgeousness” & I STILL struggle believing that he means it sometimes.

Because I am overweight.

I’m not skinny.

I always thought that Healthy => Skinny => Beautiful => Valuable/Lovable.

But that script needs to end.

I Know I’m Not Alone

I know I am not the only one who has had a similar view of themselves.

I see the shameless flirting, crying out to be wanted, needed, & loved.

I see the tugging of the shirts to cover the rolls & never being without a cardigan or hoodie to hide them.

I see the “Sorry for no makeup today” posts, as if they aren’t GORGEOUS JUST THE WAY GOD MADE THEM.

I see the diet posts.

I see the desperation to fit in & look good.

And that motivation needs to stop. (I am speaking to myself here, too.)

Fat Tissue Is Just Fat Tissue

We need to learn to love ourselves. Not in a vain: “Aren’t I the most amazing person in the world? Well, you’re dumb if you disagree!”

No, but we need to realize that our VALUE in NOT wrapped up in how many POUNDS of fat tissue we have on our bodies!!

Fat is JUST FAT.

Watch Out for the Pendulum Swing!

Now, let’s not allow that pendulum swing go the opposite way of saying, “Who cares if I am unhealthy because I am valuable as is!”

We should strive to be good stewards of the bodies God has gifted us with. We need to care about our HEALTH.

But we need to care about our HEALTH & NOT our FAT/LOOKS.

We need to learn to see Healthy = Energy, strength, alertness, less sluggishness, & more adventure!

Your BODY Loves HEALTHY

Being healthy does NOT make you more or less VALUABLE. It just makes you HEALTHY.

Your body will LOVE your efforts to eat clean, eat healthy portions, avoid junk food, get sunshine, MOVE, etc. Your body will appreciate those efforts & will thank you for it!

But EVEN IF you never get healthy, YOU ARE STILL GORGEOUS & LOVABLE & VALUABLE.

God Sees YOU First… Not the Number on Your Scale

God doesn’t see you as “less than” if you can’t lose the weight & anyone who doesn’t want to be friends with you just because you have a problem maintaining your health really is not worth pursuing friendship with.

So, hear me on this… LOVE you. Realize GOD LOVES YOU.

You are lovable. You are YOU no matter how many pounds weigh on you.

Be healthy to be healthy & ONLY for that reason. Take care of the body God has given you so that you can get more out of life with energy & strength. Take care of it to keep your body healthy from preventable health risks.

But, give yourself a hug & learn to look at yourself in the mirror every day & say, “GIRL, you’re gorgeous!” And ask God for help if you struggle with that, because He CERTAINLY helped me.

I Am BEAUTIFUL… And So Are YOU

I can now appreciate my smile & my blue eyes & just appreciate God’s design of my face & body in general.

I like my calves & I think my feet are cute. And, as my husband tells me, I like my body proportions that God has given me that will widen or narrow depending on my weight, but are still beautiful regardless of where the number on the scale leans.

I am BEAUTIFUL.

Am I healthy? –Not nearly as I should be, but I am a BEAUTIFUL Work-in-Progress.

A Toast to Loving Your Body As Is AND Striving for Good Health

So, here’s to new ways of thinking about our bodies. Here is to appreciating the features God created. Here is to learning that Healthy does NOT equal Beauty/Worth… Healthy = Energetic, Strong, Alert, HEALTHY.

Shine HOPE by praising God’s design of YOU & others, WHILE working to make your body happy by treating it well.

Not Just a Lean/Strong Body, But a Healed Heart

You see, if the struggle with your body image is not simply a concern for your HEALTH, but rather how WORTHY or valuable you feel… Health is not your only battle… your heart needs healing, too.

If you’re not seeking God’s help healing those inner wounds of the heart, it won’t matter if you lose every ounce of extra body fat. Maintaining your weight will become its own prison for you… It will create NEW problems for you: “What happens if I can’t keep it off? Do people only accept me because of my new body weight? Do they care about ME or my looks???”

Don’t let your motivations to get fit, lose weight, eat healthy… be to feel Pretty, Lovable, Desirable, Valuable…. Do it to make your body Strong, Energized, Alert, & less susceptible to be at risk for health problems later on or even now.

And ALWAYS ask God for help healing your heart & helping you to love yourself NOW & to help guide you to take better care of the body He has gifted you with.

Because YOU’RE WORTH IT… JUST THE WAY YOU ARE, Beautiful!

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!!

Onyx Necklace

Modern hammered brass necklace features 3 genuine onyx drops.

Artisan Information:

The poverty cycle in India continues primarily because of the lack of education. Most schools are not free or affordable. Therefore, many children never learn to read or write & grow up with limited opportunities. However, every purchase of this product empowers women to provide for their children & send them to school! You have the opportunity to end poverty & create an impact for generations to come!

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!

I NEED to Remember This!

Today is going to be a short post, but something I feel is SO important for us (including me) to remember.

I like solving problems—whether that be organizing solutions that make our home (& cleaning) run more smoothly, or whether it be sorting through trials/stress in life. I like to be a problem-solver.

But I have found that this is just my way to feel in control of a tough situation (& life in general).

I have also learned that I tend to pray AFTER I have come up with the solution I think will help the most or will fix my struggle in the best way.

Do you do that, too? Or is it just me?

Lifelong Habits of Mine That Need to GO

I am having to rewire some lifelong habits of mine to help me be more aware of when I am following this pattern (mostly by asking God to help me be aware of it), so that I can INSTEAD stop & ask GOD for help through it even before I think I have it figured out.

I want to encourage us today to stop trying to be the master of solutions, whether you feel you’re good at it or whether you’re drowning in attempts at it, & instead, stop & ask God for help FIRST.

What Should I Ask Him?

Ask Him to show you what He determines is the solution & the best course of action.

Ask Him to help you sort through the chaos & to calm your heart & mind.

Ask Him to help you trust Him IN the storm, versus trusting in the end of the storm as your hope.

Ask Him to use the struggle to help you understand His love for you more clearly.

Where’s the Escape Hatch??!

I know our favorite (& the easiest) hope is that which erases all struggle. And when God grants us this request, we no doubt feel freed & joyous.

But sometimes God doesn’t calm the storm & when He doesn’t, it can make us feel forgotten & bitter & at least sad.

He knows that what we ultimately need is not ease & comfort, but a fuller & more stable trust in HIM—Because when that sort of confidence grows to maturity in our hearts, struggles just don’t seem as tumultuous or scary or stressful.

If all He gave us was a calmed storm, we would always fear the possibility of the next storm, & our hope would remain in the ideal of never facing any storms.

A Sin-Torn World… BUT, GOD

But we live in a broken world, broken by sin, & troubles & storms do exist.

He knows that storms will come & instead of just whooshing them away, He instead helps us to grow our trust in HIM. We can be confident knowing that no matter what may come, He is still in control & He’s got it.

But it doesn’t come by just wishing. It comes through talking with Him through it (AKA prayer) & leaning into Him & asking Him for His wisdom & His direction & His plan & His strength & His peace, etc.

Two-Fold Encouragement

So, today’s encouragement is two-fold.

One—trust Him enough to ask for His help FIRST, before you try to sort it out yourself. He has infinite knowledge, infinite wisdom & plenty of extra years (also infinite) of experience than you do. So, ask Him FIRST.

Two—don’t put so much hope in reaching the end of the struggle, but use it as an opportunity to grasp hold of Him & grow your confidence in HIM over ANY struggle.

Talk to Him

Ask for wisdom. Ask for a solution. Ask for guidance. Ask how to get through it. Ask for strength. Ask for a grown trust in Him. Ask for HELP trusting Him. Ask for what to do IN the struggle. Ask for comfort & peace. Ask to be reminded of His care & love for you. ASK HIM whatever is on your heart & mind.

He is listening. AND He cares greatly for you. So, ASK.

A Prayer for Help

“God, … We don’t always understand why we can’t fix something or make it better. Sometimes we feel helpless & hopeless & flailing about. And it’s so easy to sit & mull over it & try to rack our brains for any solution to ease our troubles & THEN ask for Your help with it. But God, You are GOD, ALMIGHTY GOD. The ONE TRUE GOD. You created us & knit us together in our mother’s wombs. You created life & this world & everything in it. You don’t need our help. You are so vast & so ALL-knowing & WISE. You are so strong & POWERFUL. And yet, YOU LOVE US without condition. Please help us to be aware of when we are trying to self-solve, self-soothe, & self-shield, so we can instead lean into the much more powerful & wise YOU. Help us to trust YOU more than we trust the end of our struggles. It is SO EASY to long & yearn after ease & comfort, especially when our struggles seem to scream constantly at us, but You are BIGGER still! Help us to learn how to trust You better. Help us to lean into Your care & to discover more of Your love through each struggle. You are God. You know best. AND You care so incredibly deeply for each & every one of us. Help us to see that better. Help us to see You better. We love You. AMEN.

Shine Hope, not by being a problem solver, but by pointing to & turning to the ultimate Problem Solver, God.

He loves you SO VERY MUCH! <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. I am not perfect, nor ever will be, but I know the One who is & I want you to know Him, too!

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!!

Lotus Earrings

Hand cut suede makes these flower petal-inspired earrings a perfect statement piece.

Artisan Information:

In India, many women are forced to work in sweatshops with unfair pay & dangerous conditions. But with every purchase, the women who make this product are now working in a safe environment, being paid a fair wage & seeing their lives change for the better! They also have access to education & financial counseling. You are empowering women to have freedom to dream again!

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!

Good Memories through Rough Roads

Well, I have enjoyed these last few weeks of walking through some of the doubts I have faced in my life—ultimately, they are good reminders because, when looking back, I can clearly see all that God has brought me through, even in the worst of my doubts & struggles.

(NOTE: To see the doubts we have covered so far, find the “Categories” block on the righthand side of this webpage & select “Handling Doubts” in the dropdown menu.)

A Condensed Guide Ahead

Today, I thought it would be a good idea to do a quick recap of the doubts I have covered already, in a condensed way (with God’s Word), to serve as a reference when/if you face any of these doubts yourself.

When you’re really struggling, sometimes you (& I) need it hashed out & lengthy so we can really grasp a hold on the Truth to counter our swirling sense of overwhelm, but sometimes it’s best to just see some good reminders at a glance.

So, let’s do that today!

Things to Remember About DOUBTS

Let’s review some quick tips ABOUT doubts:

2. They are a tool Satan uses to trick us out of trusting our One true source of HOPE-God, through Christ.

3. God already knows we have them.

4. God can help us work through our doubts, usually in one of 2 ways: Either helping give us clarity to understand OR by helping us to see that we can TRUST Him, even when we don’t understand.

5. We should never hide/stuff our doubts, but instead, find freedom by turning to God & asking for His help in sorting through the doubts He already knows exist

Covering Our Doubts in TRUTH

The following doubts are all we have covered recently, with some encouragement from God’s Word for each one. I hope it serves as a reminder that even when life doesn’t make sense, you can trust Him & turn to Him in ALL things.

(Also, my numbering system throughout this series of blog posts has been an absolute mess & I APOLOGIZE for it, haha! Hopefully you can show me some grace & roll with it. And if you don’t see any issues, maybe I got too embarrassed & went back to fix it already, we shall see, haha.)

NOTE: All emphasis/brackets in verses are mine.

1. “Which religion is right/real? IS there a “right” religion? Does it matter?”

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) JESUS is THE way!

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Not based on how good we are, but in how Good God is, through Jesus’ payment on our behalf!

“For God so loved the world that He gave his one & only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

2. “What if God isn’t even real?”

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless & empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, & the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” & there was light.” (Genesis 1:1-3) Spend some time in Genesis 1, seeing the beauty of God’s creating work & then look outside & ponder the majesty of His creation, both specifically ordered AND vastly diverse & unique!

Also, if you remember in the Matthew 5 series, we talked about a PURE (see also, an UNDIVIDED) heart. The more we seek Him & His ways, the more we begin to see how personally & intimately He responds to our prayers. It’s a beautiful thing! He knows us so much better than we even know ourselves.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

3. “What if I am beyond forgiveness?”

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful & just & will forgive us our sins & purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) ALL. All unrighteousness.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven & against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe & put it on him. Put a ring on his finger & sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf & kill it. Let’s have a feast & celebrate. For this son of mine was dead & is alive again; he was lost & is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:11-24) THAT is Jesus’ LOVE for YOU.

4. “Can God really hear/answer my prayers? Why pray?”

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)

“Ask & it will be given to you; seek & you will find; knock & the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; & to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8) Seek HIM.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

5. “Is it really that important to read the WHOLE Bible versus focusing on key phrases/verses?”

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul./The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple./The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart./The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes./The fear [reverential trust] of the Lord is pure, enduring forever./The decrees of the Lord are firm, & all of them are righteous./They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;/they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb./By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:7-11) God’s Word NOURISHES us!!

“All Scripture is God-breathed & is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting & training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) ALL.

6. “Can God even help me read my Bible or follow Him when nothing I do seems to work?

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)

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

7. (Subtle doubt) “I think I know best for my day-to-day schedule/life, so there’s no need to ask Him.”

“You are not to do as we do here today, everyone doing as they see fit,” (Deuteronomy 12:8)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart & lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, & He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

8. “I turned to God when my life was hard, but it’s still hard—Is God a false hope?”

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy & peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” (1 Peter 1:6)

9. “Maybe I need to prove my faith by living for Him in my own strength, not His?”

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)

“Seek His will in all you do, & He will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:6)

10. “Where is God in my hurting?”

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

“Come to Me, all you who are weary & burdened, & I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle & humble in heart, & you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy & My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

11. “If He is good & all-powerful, why would He let this happen?”

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

12. “Am I being punished?” & 13. “Should I even ask for God’s help if I feel I deserve this?”

***Go back up & read the verses for #1 & #3 again, Lovely. <3 *** God is quick to forgive.

And That’s a Wrap!

Phew!

I don’t think I have ever put so much effort into a single post before this. But it was well worth the effort, reminding myself & maybe you, too, to seek God in every doubt.

Maybe you still doubt & maybe you doubt God so much that you don’t know whether you can trust His Word (the Bible). If so, TALK TO HIM about those doubts! Even in silent pleas, reach out to Him & ask for His help.

Start with the prayer I prayed a majority of my youth, found in Mark 9:23-24, where Jesus says, “If you can believe [in Him & in God’s power], all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out & said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

But, don’t take my word for it, basically EVER, go ask God yourself & solidify those answers in your heart by asking for His help in sorting through your doubts & showing you TRUTH in the midst of your fog or unsteadiness. He is standing ready with open arms to answer you because He cares for you.

Shine HOPE by not leaning on yourself & your understanding in your doubts, but by turning to God in all things. He’s got you, girl.

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!!

Sea Glass Necklace

Many Jordanian women have their lives controlled by their closest male relative. They balance many customs at home, creating a lack of independence. Some of these women are divorced, widowed, or married to a man who may already have many wives. But amid struggles, these women we work with arrive to a family-like workplace. They can be heard singing, laughing, & drinking tea while creating our unique jewelry made from upcycled glass bottles. The glass is tumbled with water & sand from the Red Sea. Your purchase empowers them with boldness & financial independence for the first time!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in Jordan!

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!

An Aching Heart

Have you ever felt stuck in a hurt? Drowning, aching, numb, overwhelmed, or defeated?

Maybe it’s a harsh word from someone you love (or many).

Maybe it’s the raw ache of loneliness, like you have to face the world alone.

Maybe you lost someone who meant the world to you.

Maybe you feel unlovable & that your loneliness means you’re not enough.

Maybe you or someone you love is faced with a (potentially even) deadly disease or injury.

Maybe depression is making you feel like the world would be better off without you.

Maybe you have been abused or hurt deeply by someone you trusted.

Maybe you are drowning in a debt that haunts your ever step & only seems to get worse as time goes on.

Maybe shame & guilt haunts you & makes you feel like you’re not worth anyone’s grace or forgiveness.

Maybe you blame yourself for the heartache in your life. Maybe you blame the world. Maybe you blame God.

It is no surprise to me if you have any of those wars raging in your heart right now because I have personally struggled through each one at different times in my life & probably so many more.

The Hurts We All Face

I know that if you are a living, breathing human being, you have felt hurts & heartaches & pains, even if you try to deny them & shove them deep down inside your heart.

I wish that I could take them all away & set you free from them, but I know I don’t have such power or wisdom.

But I can pray with you. I can lift up your hurts with you to the One who CAN do something about them.

And I can encourage you to lean into Him every step of the way—Allow yourself to come to the end of you & to reach out to HIM in your times of greatest weakness & hurt. He is the true answer of HOPE in the worst of our circumstances.

The Doubts That Surface

In the midst of those greatest hurts & longings, we can have some painful doubts pop up about God & today I want to share the doubts I experienced through those hurts & the HOPE that brought me through them… the REAL hope… Not just a hoped-FOR hope, but a steady, sure, secure, lasting, reliable HOPE.

As always, my ultimate goal in writing this is to encourage you to reach out to HIM. I am limited & my answers only scratch the surface of who God is, what He is capable of, & how much He loves you, so turn to Him in every step & every tear. <3

“The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod & Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness & mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.” (Psalm 23, emphasis mine)

“God, where are You when I’m hurting?”

Have you ever felt like God is just ignoring you or maybe doesn’t even notice you at all in your pain? It’s an easy doubt to feel, especially when you know (or want to know) God to be kind & good… the hurts don’t jive with those ideas of God.

But, we need to remember something very important here:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, emphasis mine)

He Is with Us in the Hurts

God doesn’t promise that we will live a struggle-free life. In fact, He tells us just the opposite. We live in a sin-torn world & until heaven, we WILL struggle.

BUT, God does promise to be our ENOUGH in the struggle.

So, cry out to Him, slump into Him, & pour out your heart to Him (even if all you can manage is a slew of mumbled sobs directed toward God with an ache so you deep you don’t know how to verbalize it—He knows & He hears & He understands), asking for Him to be your strength & comfort & love & courage & HOPE when you feel you have none left to spare.

Where is He? He is right there with you in it & through it, so call out to Him & lean your full weight into Him through every ache & tear.

“God, if You ARE Good & All-Powerful, how could you let this happen to me?”

This one is a more fleshed-out form of the last doubt we just covered, getting to the heart of why that doubt hurts us so much. It really reveals our uncertainty of whether we feel we can trust God’s power or goodness or both when our world feels so incredibly consumed by hurts.

But, as I mentioned above, God doesn’t promise a lack of struggle—but He sees you & He loves you & He does promise to be our enough as we walk through the hurts, so lean into Him!

We also have an eternal HOPE to look forward to if we have put our trusting Hope in Jesus Christ to pay the price for our wrongs.

We may face trials “of many kinds” here on earth, but Heaven is a sure hope we can close our eyes, take a deep breath, exhale, & feel the comfort of knowing that this is just our temporary home & the trials aren’t for forever. But, in the now, God promises to be our help when we need Him.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers & sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4, emphasis mine)

“God, are You punishing me?”

Oh, dear one, how I have felt this one.

Most of us are not ignorant of our own mistakes, past or present. Deep down, we know we don’t deserve God’s grace… & sometimes we don’t cry out to God for help simply because we don’t feel we deserve it.

But while God does allow struggles to shape us & strengthen us, as we are told in 1 Peter 5:10, God does not seek to hold us in a place of shame because He offers us ready forgiveness with His FREE gift of grace through Jesus Christ.

”But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, & settle you. To Him be the glory & the dominion forever & ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:10-11)

So, when you feel that shame keeping you stuck in the muck of your sorrows, don’t let Satan keep whispering those chains of lies to your heart. Call out to God for forgiveness if there IS something you know you have done, & receive the forgiveness & grace that God is always so quick to give.

Read Luke 15:11-32 if you don’t believe me. <3 (Hint: God represents the father, & getting the inheritance NOW is us wanting to live OUR way NOW.)

“God, am I just not good enough? Do I deserve this?”

Sometimes we wonder why we feel so unloved when treading through the darkest times in our life, but rest assured that God does not make mistakes & that He makes EVERY person with a God-designed purpose AND HE loves every one of us more than we can ever comprehend.

Don’t let Satan blast you with everything you feel you are missing or lacking or losing, but instead, ask God to show you how He made you& to help you see both God’s design for your life AND how much you truly are LOVED by Him.

He is always willing to show us His care for us that somehow ends up seeming (& being!) so much richer than any of the ways we were seeking & missing it here on earth. He is the best expression of LOVE, true love, that you will ever experience if you learn to rest that fear in His loving arms & ask for His help.

The Key Element

I know there are probably many more doubts that can pop up in times of distress & aches of the heart, but the key element in all of these doubts is to TURN to HIM in them all. He can help you much better than I ever can.

So, let my experiences act merely as an encouragement that God really CAN help you, even when you see no possible way. And lean into Him every step.

Don’t let Satan paralyze you in these hurts & questions. Turn to God & seek TRUTH & find His hope to carry you through each moment. God, through Jesus Christ, is where our true hope comes from—so shine hope by shining His love & grace to a hurting world. He’s got you, babe.

Even in your darkest moments, God has you & loves you & will show you just how much when you take those fears & hurts to Him & lean your full weight of pain into Him for your true source of HELP.

He is where our help comes from. Not in us fixing it, but in us leaning into HIM.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven & earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2, emphasis mine)

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!!

Nairobi Necklace

Small hammered ovals & ethically sourced bone shapes adorn this golden necklace that shimmers in the light. Crafted in Kenya.

Artisan Information:

In Kenya, where many people struggle with starvation & poverty, the women we partner with are defying the odds! Your purchase empowers these women to earn an income, overcome physical disabilities, & become important parts of their communities!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in Kenya!

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 Diversity of Doubts

Doubts are a funny thing. They can permeate almost every aspect of our lives, whether we recognize them or not.

Sometimes they are so subtle that we don’t realize we have them, but they influence how we live our daily lives.

Sometimes they are so obtrusive that we can’t seem to see anything BUT those doubts, haunting us like a storm that follows our every move.

No matter what doubt it is, it is, I would argue, always rooted in a misunderstanding about who God is.

The Most Harmful Misunderstanding

If you think about it, so much of what we struggle with in our lives is centered around a misunderstanding about who God is, whether it be an anxiety or a trauma or anything in between.

Either we are not positive God can fix it (or at least not the way we would prefer it to be fixed) or we wonder if God cares enough to fix it even if we believe He CAN.

This misunderstanding can manifest on our auto-pilot life, doing the best we can the way we understand it should be (also see, “doing what is right in our own eyes.”) … or in us feeling paralyzed because we feel like what we want to believe about God may not be the way we always envisioned it to be.

Doubts in the Christian Life

So, today, I want to tackle a few specific doubts I had once I made the decision to trust God after my ocean of doubts-some of which I covered in Part 1.

A couple weeks ago started us off with “I’m Not Very Good at Reading the Bible,” so let’s go into a few more.

6. Doing What Seems Right in Our Own Eyes

The biggest one that is so easily missed, because of its subtlety, is “doing what is right in [our] own eyes.” (You can do a quick internet search to find some passages about this in the Bible.)

A lot of us are taught, even if just by example, the daily routines, habits, & flow of life as we see best. We don’t see it as doubting God, but we also don’t really stop to consider that He would have a different plan in mind than what we always grew up believing it should look like.

This is a doubt about God that can exist, in one form or another, throughout our entire lives, because it is so subtle that it doesn’t seem like a doubt in God at all, but just merely “the way life is.”

It Permeates So Many Areas of Life

I have talked about this topic many times throughout my blogging journey because I find it permeating my own ideals & habits all the time. I am not trying to do things “my way,” because to me it just feels it’s the only way I know.

We need to take a perspective shift with this one to realize that God’s plans are higher than our plans & extend through the span of eternity & not just the up-to-100+ years we are looking at.

The only way to accomplish a different mindset than “doing what is right in our own eyes,” since that is our automatic route, is to consider & turn to God in all things—spend time reading the Bible consistently, talk to Him regularly, & constantly ask God to show you where you might need to hand more over to Him or adjust for His plan versus your own.

Blessed Are the Meek!

It goes back to our Matthew 5 journey recently in meekness, taking our “strength” & “power” & offering our perceived control over to His perfect strength, wisdom, power, & plan.

Only in making those things of Bible reading, talking to God regularly, & turning more of your life over to Him a regular habit will we begin to see the areas where we are living according to what is “right in our own eyes” & begin to hand those over for God’s better way & better plan.

7. Is God a False-Hope?

The second Christian-life doubt I wrestled with for a long time was that Satan tried to lie & convince me that life was no better in trusting God over myself & that trusting God was a false-hope.

Let me reiterate that as a LIE from Satan & is not based in reality AT ALL.

You see, when I was relying on myself versus God, drowning in my doubts of God & trying to go it alone, I felt lost & alone & hopeless & scared—ALL THE TIME, with BRIEF pockets of relief.

BUT, when I finally turned those reins over to God, asking HIM to be in control, I felt steady & sure & stable, because I was trusting a sure thing, versus my flimsy self.

Hard Times Still Come, But It Is God Who Carries Us Through

Did hard times still come? Heck yes! And they still do! But now, even in my aching heart, even when things aren’t “magically fixed” like I wish them to be, I STILL HAVE a sure hope to count in, that God has a plan & WILL carry me through as I lean into Him.

What was once ALWAYS dark & scary & unsure, with brief moments of relief, became temporary pockets of dark, scary, unsure moments UNTIL I slump at His “feet” & ask Him to carry me through & be my strength in the hurts.

He is my hope, even when the world feels hopeless.

We will feel faithless at our worst, & Satan will try to riddle us with guilt & shame for it, but God is there to remind us that His faithfulness is not dependent on ours… & that all we need to do is cry out to Him & He will be there, ALWAYS, to carry us through our worst days.

8. Are We Supposed to Prove Our Faith by Living It Well on Our Own?

The last Christian Life doubt I want to talk about today ties in with the first one we covered earlier in this post, “doing what seems right in our own eyes.”

Not only in how we live should we be turning over the reins to God, like we talked about, but also in HOW WE SERVE GOD.

This means reading our Bible, talking to God about everything, & living for Him by serving & loving others.

But it also means trusting GOD to HELP us read our Bibles, talk to Him about everything, & live for Him in serving & loving others.

We don’t have to do those things in our own strength or willpower.

When We Know We Should But Don’t Want to or Feel We Can’t… God Can Help

We can submit our lack of willingness, pride, bad attitude, stubbornness, laziness, boredom, distractions, busyness, ailments, & EVERYTHING ELSE that keeps us from submitting to a healthy growth toward God, TO God.

We can open up & be real with Him about it, even if it’s our own lack of desire to do it or bad attitude or pride—He ALREADY KNOWS. So, open up to Him about it, get real with Him, confess it to Him, & ASK FOR HIS HELP WITH IT.

Sometimes Faithfulness Is Trusting in & Asking for His Help… Even in the Misplaced Desires or Lack There Of

I cannot tell you how many times I have to ask for His help with all the reasons I mentioned above. ALL. OF. THEM. Regularly.

I may know it’s good for me… Consistency in the last few years may have been blessing my life beyond what I imagined it could, BUT I STILL STRUGGLE & have to ask for His help sometimes.

Especially with prayer lately. I can inner dialog all day long to work out a solution without once considering, “Oh yeah, God…. Um, can You help me?” It’s embarrassing, but true!

So, Please, Please, PLEASE stop trying to live for Him on your own willpower steam & start submitting all of your obstacles to HIM for help, even if those obstacles are YOU & your unwillingness or lack of desire to follow through with it.

Quick Recap of Covered Doubts

Let’s recap the doubts we have covered so far, in the past 3 posts about doubts:

1. Jesus is THE way & there is NO OTHER way… & that is a good thing because He is saying we can’t save ourselves, but He has saved US, if we just accept His gracious gift of forgiveness.
2. God IS real—we can see Him in the specific order AND vast variety of creation… & in how He interacts with us PERSONALLY the more we submit to know Him more.
3. You’re NEVER “unsavable” because again, it’s not based on what you can do, but on what Jesus has done FOR YOU.
4. We pray because He CAN hear us & we know He can hear us because He interacts with us on a personal level as we grow to know Him more & is big enough to answer our God-honoring desires & still work His plan.
5. Reading your Bible consistently IS nourishment to you, it will change how you see & trust God, AND it is possible by asking for God’s help with it.
6. Doing it HIS way is always best, & even in the small, subtle ways, we should be asking for God’s guidance & wisdom to guide our steps along the way.
7. Pain & struggle does not mean God is not our perfect anchor, nor does it mean we lack “enough” faith, but is a call to fall in His arms recognizing His power & strength in light of our weakness & frailty.
8. Abiding in God & living for God is not meant to be done by sheer willpower, but by asking for God’s help & wisdom & strength & a change in our hearts every step of the way. Not perfection, but growth.

Next week, I plan to talk about fears & pain & struggle in light of our doubts about God, so make sure to come back for that.

Shine HOPE by looking to Him in all things great & small.

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!!

Northern Lights Studs

These studs hold labradorite stone, displaying multiple captivating colors that vary in different exposures to light, just like the Northern Lights themselves. Flash-plated posts.

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!

Cancelled Plans

Today has been a weird day for me. I had planned to continue writing about doubts this week, but in light of my day, I wanted to hit pause & take a detour.

I was supposed to be heading to Tokyo this morning & enjoying a fun anniversary week at Disney. I was excited.

A couple days ago, I would have gotten a massage for a great price on base, gone for an anniversary pedicure, & received a fresh haircut to liven up my hair a bit.

I would have done my own nails Disney-style (probably Minnie Mouse) & packed my Hakuna Matata shirt & rose gold Minnie ears for our exciting trip.

I would have eaten Guzman y Gomez Mexican food for dinner (a big deal since Mexican food is very uncommonly found in Japan) & my husband & I would have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of Ikspiari (a Disney-owned mall near there).

I would probably be exhausted, but I would be happy, excited for the week ahead.

But the virus came & our flight got refunded & here we are at home.

Things I Know…

I know it is such a tiny thing to complain about in light of people getting sick & losing jobs & losing hard-earned businesses they worked hard to own.

I know I have so many blessings to appreciate in my life, like a husband who maybe isn’t perfect (but neither am I) but who loves me & who I can enjoy long walks, talks, & laughter with & I know that not everyone has that.

I know God is good & that He has a plan in all of this. I KNOW that. I know He is still at work & is using this upset in our lives to draw us into His loving arms & to let go of trying to hold the world together on our own.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

But, on top of my missed trip, I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, as the saying goes.

It has been a series of unfortunate events/circumstances today. I won’t bore you or bog you down with the details, but they’re all minor inconveniences that have just added up to act as sand or salt in an already present wound.

Showing Up, But Never Perfect

Like I said, I attempted to start my post on Part 2 of Countering Doubts with Truth, but today, I just needed you to know that I don’t have it all together. I have hard days sometimes, too. I don’t always handle them with grace & patience, either.

I have grumpy days & days where my stubborn heart crosses its “arms” as if to say, “I don’t want to be cheered up. I just want to mope today.” Anyone relate?

In the Past… But Not Today, Satan

But I refuse to allow this to be a foothold for Satan to make me doubt God’s goodness & love.

In the past, I would have wondered if God even cares about my hurt feelings or my struggle. I would have wondered if He even cares about me, knowing it meant a lot to me.

I would have doubted that God COULD even help me.

I would have felt that I had experienced “too much” good & that God was evening the scales a bit. (He doesn’t do that.)

But not today.

God’s Blessings in the Good AND the Bad

We tend to give God credit for blessings when all in our life is going smoothly & well—in other words, when life is going OUR way. “God is so GOOD! AMEN! Hallelujah!”

But what about when it’s not? What then?

Where is He then?

He is in your cries. He is in your heartache with you.

God Loves Us & Cares for Us, Even THROUGH Our Heartaches

We’re not promised that life will always go OUR way.

We ARE promised a whole heck of a lot about how much God loves & cares for us, though.

If you don’t believe me, read the Bible.

If you still don’t believe me, ask God to show you Himself. He can & He will.

He Is Still Faithful

Today is not the easiest day for me. I’m not handling it well. I am insisting on a bad attitude when I know I could let Him help me right it.

But He is still faithful & still standing by, as it were, to offer me His mighty yet gentle hand.

Yes, I don’t get my way today, neither with my big anniversary plans, nor with the little annoyances that keep disrupting my day.

BUT, I can slump into Him & I can cry & He will hear me & love me through it.

He Will Love Me through It

In the hurt & disappointments & cancelled plans, He will show me I can trust Him & His big picture plan, even if I don’t understand why things feel so wrong & hard for me right now.

He won’t tell me to tough it up. He understands.

He will just let me lean on Him in all my weakness & pathetic stubbornness… & He will love me.

He Will Show Me

He will show me that life doesn’t have to go perfectly for me to be perfectly loved.

He will show me that life doesn’t have to go my way for it to work out best, because HE knows best.

He will show me that when I am weak, I am strong, because it is then that I stop clinging to myself for hope & start looking to Him for it.

Not my plans, but His.

Not my way, but His.

He loves me. He is mighty. He is gentle & kind.

He is faithful even when I am faithless.

He gently lifts my chin up to Him & whispers over me, “I know, “one I love”, I know. I see you. I am here. I am enough. Lean into me. I love you so much. Trust me & cling to me. I’ve got you.”

A Prayer of Thanks-In the Midst of the Gloom, God Still Blesses

Thank You, God, for not requiring me to be “with it” all the time. Thank You for loving me even in my less than pretty moments. Thank You for being faithful always & for Your all-wise, all-knowing, love-wrapped plan. Thank You that I can still trust You even when my plans fail. Thank You for all You do that I don’t give You credit for. Thank You for loving me when I have an ugly heart. You are steadfast & sure. You are reliable & kind & so powerful. And yet, you love me. Thank YOU. Help me in my gloomy days to always see the light of hope I have in You. This is my temporary home, a mere shadow of the glorious place where You are that I will one day see & call my forever home. Thank You for all You have done, are doing, & will do. You are God. You are eternal. You are LOVE. THANK YOU! Amen.

It’s okay to have weak days.

Cling to Him, slump into Him, cry out to Him. He is listening & He loves you dearly… ALWAYS.

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!!

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!