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!

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!

Through the Good Times & the Bad

God has walked me through some tough times in my life, to include depression in high school (& after) & my severe stress in Hokkaido more recently.

I figured since we talked about trusting God in the midst of our doubts through pain & suffering last week (read more, here) that we should also talk about a powerful, God-given way to protect/defend ourselves when faced with harsh difficulties. (Hint: It has more to do with what GOD can do, than what WE can do.)

Now Stop Right There

Satan doesn’t quit once you feel secure in your eternal salvation. He wants to isolate you, make you freeze up, keep you fruitless, & keep your life set to mediocre, preventing you from seeing God’s hand in your life as much as possible, because Satan’s goal is that your testimony of God’s work remains silent, unseen, & unheard (to you AND to those around you).

There are a lot of passages in the Bible talking about Satan’s goals to destroy us & also the importance of taking a stand against him, armed with God’s Truth & a faith in God’s power & all of that is in the Bible for a reason—It’s NEEDED.

And usually when life feels great, we may not see that Truth as necessary, but it is important that we arm ourselves always so that 1)We are less likely to fall into Satan’s traps or fall for his tricks, & 2)When we are faced with a struggle or trial we will already be prepared & trained on how to combat it.

God-Given Advice AKA Truth We Can Count On

So, we are going to walk through some God-given advice that is based on the sure hope of His Truth.

When we approach God’s Word, the Bible, it is easy to think of it as one opinion or some advice that might help. BUT, this is THE God who created the universe & everything in it. This all-powerful God is not just guessing or supposing something COULD help, He is telling us because He KNOWS what WILL help.

Make sure to keep that in mind as we move forward, also keeping in mind that I am not a learned Bible teacher, but am coming from the perspective of experience with God’s Truth & knowing it CAN be trusted, even if I don’t always understand how.

Also, it’s important to take God at His word when He speaks & instead of tossing what we don’t understand, to ask instead for His wisdom to understand or to help you trust Him in your lack of understanding, even simply by beginning (& continuing with) the prayer spoken in Mark 9:24 where it said, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!”

EPHESIANS 6: Armor OF God

I have seen this set of verses quoted so many times that it seems almost like, “Yeah, yeah, I get it… Do these things to maybe make trials easier to handle….” But never from the perspective that this is the armor OF God. HE supplies it. He makes it. HE is the power & strength behind it!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord & in His mighty power. Put on the full armor OF GOD, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh & blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world & against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor OF GOD, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, & after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth [God’s Word] buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, & with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith [in God’s POWER], with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation & the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-17, emphasis & brackets mine)

Some Highlights to Remember

I am not going to walk through each of the pieces of the armor of God with you, as some Bible studies can help walk you through those, but I am going to point out some helpful things to keep in mind when we read that section of Ephesians.

1. The power behind that armor is not based on how much you believe but in how strong our God is. Trust HIM, not in how well you feel you trust Him.
2. Faith in God is not proving you believe Him enough to do it in your own strength, but in knowing you need HIS. Lean into Him & call out to Him for help in all things.
3. Memorize, don’t just read, God’s Word. Tuck His Truth in your heart & be ready to use it when Satan tries to kick you when you’re already down. It will help keep you steady when the world begins to shake.
4. Realize that you have an eternal HOPE in Christ Jesus & NOTHING Satan can throw at you on our temporary earthly home can EVER take away that hope. Stand firm in that secure hope that we have if we have put our trust in Jesus.
5. If you don’t know Jesus yourself, or aren’t sure if or whether you feel you can trust Him, visit my Hope is Found personal testimony & the link I have provided at the end of that page for any further questions you may have. You are lacking the defenses mentioned in this passage if you haven’t started by turning your life over to Him for His hope, forgiveness, & grace.

And Don’t Forget to PRAY

Oh, & while I am on the subject of putting on the full armor OF GOD, let’s be reminded that this passage is followed with a call to turn to God & talk to Him through all things… & it keeps emphasizing it.

We can’t do this life on our own & we were never meant to because the King of all kings offers His grace & hope & strength & peace & courage & POWER as we seek to live for Him.

And pray for your leaders & those who are striving to live their lives as a shining light for Him & for fellow believers. This life is not easy & turning to God on each other’s behalf is such a huge help & encouragement. So, please pray!

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers & requests. With this in mind, be alert & always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” (Ephesians 6:18-19, emphasis mine)

Goodbye Doubts, Hello Truth

Don’t let doubts rule you. Don’t hide from them in shame, hoping to wish them away.

Face them bravely, by accepting their presence & turning them over to God Who already knows your heart, asking for His help as you wade through uncomfortable waters.

He is able, He is patient, He is gentle. He is kind. He is ready & willing & able to walk you through every one. So, don’t turn away from Him in them, turn TO Him every time.

Shine light by trusting in the Armor OF God in every struggle & hurt, leaning into Him & turning to Him with your pain & cares… because He CARES for You.

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!!

Petal Necklace

This cubic zirconia floral pendant hangs from an antique golden chain and pairs perfectly with the Petal Stud Earrings.

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!

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!

Diving in Together

As you can probably tell from the title, “Intentionality Part 3”, I am wanting to park on this subject for a little while & really take some time to work through different areas of our lives where intentionality may be less than we hope.