In 1997, I retired from the corporate world to become a full-time stay-at-home Mom.
I was 25 -full of uncaffeinated energy, fueled by dreams (and maybe adrenaline), and somehow functioning just fine on less than six hours of sleep.
Those were beautiful days.
But if I’m being honest?
It’s also when I put myself on a shelf.
It’s also when I put myself on a shelf.
Somewhere along the way, I stopped checking in on her - the woman behind the nurturing, the doing, the giving.
Then in 2008, God gently pulled me off that shelf.
And the dusting began.
Not all at once. But enough to know: healing doesn’t always happen loud.
Sometimes, it begins in stillness.
And sometimes… the dust gets sticky.
And the dusting began.
Not all at once. But enough to know: healing doesn’t always happen loud.
Sometimes, it begins in stillness.
And sometimes… the dust gets sticky.
The Weight Behind the Weight
2022 was another dusting season.
Not because I had put myself on a shelf, but because I hadn't really looked at what I was carrying.
Not because I had put myself on a shelf, but because I hadn't really looked at what I was carrying.
Yes, there was extra weight. I was at my heaviest.
But more than that?
But more than that?
There was inflammation from stress.
Residual tension from always being "on."
Residual tension from always being "on."
A body that had spent decades holding everyone else together...
So in 2023, I said yes to something small - but significant: an 11-day jumpstart created by a friend of mine.
To my surprise, I released 24 pounds of junk - fat and inflammation.
- I felt clearer.
- I felt lighter - emotionally and mentally.
- I felt my creativity return.
And just like that… less dust. More life.
Not Going Back...Going Inward
I’m currently on a journey to release the final 20 pounds.
But it’s not about shrinking the numbers or pant size, although I will take it!
But it’s not about shrinking the numbers or pant size, although I will take it!
It’s about showing up for this new Over 50 season with strength and softness.
I don't wanna BE 25 again but I excited to FEEL 25 again.
I’ve lived too much, learned too deeply, and let God work too beautifully in me to want to go backward.
I’ve lived too much, learned too deeply, and let God work too beautifully in me to want to go backward.
But what I am doing is going inward...
Learning how to support my body with wisdom, not willpower.
Learning how to support my body with wisdom, not willpower.
And at 53? I’m feeling better than I have in years.
Not because life is easy now but because I’ve chosen to support myself like I support others.
Not because life is easy now but because I’ve chosen to support myself like I support others.
A New Way Forward
The same friend (yes, Martha Krejci) who created that original 11-Day Jumpstart, that MANY of you did with me, has created something NEW:
It’s called 25 in 5...a gentle, powerful 5-day wellness reset using something called peptides.
It’s called 25 in 5...a gentle, powerful 5-day wellness reset using something called peptides.
I started using them a few weeks ago and have released 8 lbs and 7 inches...and I can tell you this:
- My body feels supported.
- My mind feels open.
- And I’m genuinely excited to move again, to create again, to live again.
The best part? The program is free to join! Here's more info on it!
You just need the peptides we’re using and trust me, they’ve made a difference. I am down 8 lbs and 1-2" released around chest, waist, hips and upper thigh. FINALLY! Peri-menopause, frozen shoulder for the 2nd time and stress of life the past 6 months have been keeping me stuck on the scale for over a year now.
Peptides are waking my body up!!!!
We begin SOON: August 18th.
And if you’re curious… if your body and soul are craving something different,
something hopeful, it IS possible...
And if you’re curious… if your body and soul are craving something different,
something hopeful, it IS possible...
I’d love to walk this with you.
👉Here's the Link for the 25 in 5 Program but you can also grab the Peak Performance Collection. IF you decide to grab that, I recommend signing up first as an Affiliate and grabbing it on Subscribe & Save. Otherwise, just for the weight: Click here to grab the peptides you need for 25 in 5!
Then shoot me a message!
I’ve got you. ❤️
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
What Pouring Lattes Taught Me About Titus 2
Two weeks ago, it was my friend Martha's birthday and I wanted to do something different, and specific her. Something money couldn't buy, maybe something she never thought she would do but if presented with the opportunity, she would LOVE to! So I did it!
I reached out to one of my favorite coffeehouses where shared our first ever Coffee Flights. I asked Ms Tammy, the Owner of Canon Coffee, if she would help me create a Barista Experience, and she said YES! It was a BLAST! Martha was the Honorary Barista for the day - creating her own custom latte behind their counter. It was a Dirty Chai, beautifully named "The Wildflower."
Once the recipe was created, Martha made her first one EVER!
She scooped the ice into the cup, lifted the container, and began to pour the mixture over it.
“Careful… if you pour too fast, it’ll splash all over the counter. That ice can make a mess and we don’t want to ruin your cute outfit!”
But Martha didn’t flinch.
She poured it smoothly.
Fully confident.
Not one splash.
Ms Tammy (the café owner) was so impressed how perfectly she did it and Martha smiled and said,
“All those years in hospitality trained me for this!”
And in that moment, it hit me: Experience gives you confidence.
It’s the muscle memory.
The knowing what you know.
It’s trust….
You don’t panic when you’ve been there before.
What a great reminder for those of us who desire to show hospitality and pour into others….
You don’t need to hope to be or pretend to be - an expert - your life experience makes you an expert as you lead from a place of lived wisdom.
And that’s what mentorship looks like. That’s what Titus 2 is all about.
Unshakably poured wisdom.
Not forced. Not messy. Not scared.
But steady. Smooth. Faithful.
I’m so grateful for women like Marie, Becca, Gail, Ellen, Lisa, “the Jens”, Martha, Danelle, just to name a few, who’ve intentionally poured into me over the years.
I love that God is asking me to be more intentional to do the same for others in this new season of life for me. I love all things Encouragement, Retreats, Hospitality.....blessing and lifting up.
If you’re an introverted woman of faith - someone with a heart to serve but unsure where to start, maybe you’re just nervous or shy but want to rise up into courage…,or maybe you’ve been serving for years already and now your pouring out has become a slow trickle.…
I’d love to “pour” my lived experiences and heart for the Lord into your cup. Sometimes knowing someone is standing with you, praying for you, is all the extra boost you need to do a thing….I’ve Got You - God’s Got Us
Listen, I haven’t mastered making lattes but I love discovering them heehee!! Let's do that together, stirring one another up, sharpening one another and being lifters of one another's hearts through hospitality.
I’d love to have you in my online community: www.ButGodSisterSquad.com
ps. If you want to check out the video of her perfect pour, here's my post with the 11 second pour.
Big Heart Hugs,
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, as stated in Hebrews 11:1. It involves trusting in God's promises even when the path ahead seems unclear, like navigating a construction zone through a jungle. True faith means standing firm with unwavering confidence that God is already working on our behalf.
God never intended for us to walk our faith journey alone. He provides us with the Holy Spirit and blesses us with what can be called "4 Corner Friends" – those who support and carry us to Jesus when we lack the strength or clarity to see the way forward. Seeking God first is crucial, as it is through this relationship that we gain the strength, provision, and community necessary to nurture our faith.
Building adult friendships requires time, energy, and intentionality, but it is part of God's plan for us and His Kingdom's growth. He knows exactly who we need in our lives and in whose life we are meant to be a supportive presence, tailored to each season. As we pray for our own "4 Corner Friends," we can take comfort in knowing that we are supported by a community, such as the But God Sister Squad, standing in the corner for us.
Read more...Embracing Forgiveness and Love: Lessons from the Resurrection
In the aftermath of Easter, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the profound lessons of the resurrection. This period is not just a celebration of renewal but also a time to embrace the virtues of forgiveness and love, as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
When Love Becomes "Revenge"
The resurrection story teaches us a powerful paradox: sometimes the greatest "revenge" isn't revenge at all, but rather a demonstration of radical love. When Jesus rose from the dead after being betrayed and crucified, He didn't seek retribution against those who wronged Him. Instead, He offered forgiveness and reconciliation. This unexpected response to betrayal shows us that love can be the most transformative force in overcoming evil.
As the apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:21, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." This principle stands at the heart of the Christian faith and offers us wisdom for our daily interactions.
Choosing Forgiveness When Hurt Runs Deep
We've all experienced betrayal, hurt, or injustice that stirs our desire for revenge. The natural human instinct when wounded is to strike back. Yet the resurrection narrative challenges this reflexive response.
Jesus, despite having divine power at His disposal, chose the path of loving kindness. Even from the cross, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). This example sets a high standard for how we might respond when wronged.
Forgiveness doesn't mean condoning harmful actions or remaining in unhealthy situations. Rather, it's about releasing ourselves from the prison of bitterness and allowing God's healing to work in our hearts.
Love as a Dividing Line
Interestingly, love serves as both a unifier and a divider. It draws together those who embrace its principles while sometimes creating separation from those who reject them. This doesn't mean we withhold love from anyone, but rather that living by love's principles may distinguish us from prevailing cultural norms.
When we choose love as our "revenge," we participate in transforming not only our personal relationships but potentially our communities and beyond. Every act of forgiveness creates ripples that extend far beyond the initial interaction.
Living with Grace: Self-Control, Patience, and Mercy
Embracing resurrection principles in daily life requires cultivating specific virtues:
- Self-control allows us to pause before reacting with anger
- Patience gives others space to grow and change
- Mercy extends compassion even when it isn't deserved
These qualities don't come naturally but develop through intentional practice and spiritual growth. The resurrection reminds us that with God's help, we can embody these virtues even in challenging circumstances.
Practical Steps for Resurrection Living
1. Reflect Before Reacting
When someone hurts or offends you, take a moment to breathe and consider your response. Ask yourself: "How might love respond here?" This pause can prevent words or actions you might later regret.
2. Seek God's Kingdom First
Jesus taught us to "seek first the kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33). When we align our priorities with divine values, responses of forgiveness and love become more natural. This spiritual foundation nurtures the fruits of faith, hope, and love in our lives.
3. Embrace Daily Renewal
The resurrection isn't just a historical event but a model for daily renewal. Each morning offers a fresh opportunity to:
- Purify our hearts from resentment
- Walk in mercy toward others
- Choose love over revenge
4. Practice Purposeful Forgiveness
Forgiveness is rarely a one-time decision but often a process of daily surrender. When memories of hurt resurface, recommit to your choice to forgive and ask for divine help in maintaining that commitment.
The Ultimate "Revenge"
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of resurrection living is how it transforms not only situations but people. When we respond to hatred with love, to cruelty with kindness, we participate in God's redemptive work in the world.
This approach to life offers freedom from the exhausting cycle of anger and retribution. It creates space for healing and reconciliation that revenge can never achieve. In this way, love becomes the ultimate "revenge" against everything that seeks to destroy and divide us.
As we continue to reflect on the resurrection's meaning, let's challenge ourselves to apply its principles to our daily interactions. When faced with opportunities for revenge, may we remember the example set for us and choose the more excellent way of love.
God Love YOU!!!!!
If you want to be a rebel and share YOUR story with the world, I have a free worksheet that can help you! Grab it HERE at www.Sharingmystory.com
We are H.I.S. (Hearts in Surrender)
Blessings,
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
Feeling overwhelmed and on the brink of burnout is a common experience among Christian women juggling multiple responsibilities. With a staggering rise in burnout rates, notably among pastors, it's evident that this issue extends throughout the community, impacting personal well-being and spiritual health. Embracing rest, as modeled by The Creator on the seventh day, is crucial for balancing life, work, and faith.
The constant busyness many women experience can be spiritually, emotionally, and physically draining, compounded by the belief that rest is unspiritual or selfish. Yet, recognizing rest as a divine gift can transform our approach to life’s demands. By looking at Moses, we learn about the power of delegation, trusting in divine provision, facing challenges with faith, and nurturing relationships—all essential strategies to counter burnout.
Christian women can apply these lessons by embracing God-given rest, sharing responsibilities, nurturing their spiritual life, and building supportive relationships. Rest is not laziness; it’s essential for maintaining peace, wellness, and wholeness. As we learn to navigate life with balance and grace, let’s follow these biblical principles and enjoy the fullness of life as intended.
Read more...
