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Simple Sisters Series: Circles of Trust and Interests

In life, we are not called to be passive recipients of friendship, but actively engaged with each other in meaningful relationships. We were created for community living. No, it doesn't mean you're out here looking for a whole herd of new friends....all the Introverts can breathe again! I know!!! I am one. We don't need a whole bunch of people in the inner circle of our hearts...but we need some, where 2 or 3 are gathered, including Jesus. So, at least one human! 

I believe isolation is a trap of the enemy. We were created as parts of a whole...we need community. Within that community, there will be heart-shaped circles. There can be circles of interest and circles of trust.

Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." God invites us to explore the transformative potential of authentic Christian friendships. Imagine two swords being sharpened against each other. The process isn't always smooth or comfortable, but it's necessary for both to become more effective. We glean from rubbing up against one another, edifying the heart, mind and soul of the person in order to grow, allowing God to chisel, refine, love the other, with His love, through us as His trusted instrument. Cuz really, we are not growing to grow our own Kingdom...we are going to grow His Kingdom come!

Let's talk How To Create circles....

Wisdom and discernment are two ways we create healthy boundaries for circles to be created, and properly cared for. 

Circles of interest:
Things we have in common, such a Mom Life, Work or Ministry Life, Hobbies, Community Groups, etc. These circles can be any size. 

Circles of trust: 
Over the years, wisdom helped me create and cultivate inner circles for trust...the deeper the trust, the closer into the deeper part of my heart they could enter in to where the space is smaller, smaller because it needs greater care, energy, vulnerability, and trust. 

How many?!?
There's not an approved number of how many people can be in our closest space. I believe everyone will be different and every season will be different. Ultimately, it is the Lord who brings hearts together, so He will lead us to those Divinely led relationships in His timing, according to His perfect will for them, nd for us.

Real Christian friendships involve mutual growth. It is not selfish or self-seeking.So, how do we nurture these iron-sharpening friendships?

  1. Cultivate Vulnerability: Open your heart to trusted friends. Share your struggles, doubts, and victories. This vulnerability creates space for genuine connection and growth.
  2. Practice Active Listening: Really hear your friends. Listen not just to respond, but to understand. This deepens empathy and strengthens bonds.
  3. Offer Graceful Truth: When you see a friend straying from God's path, speak truth in love. It might be uncomfortable, but it's an act of genuine care.
  4. Encourage Spiritual Disciplines: Pray together, study Scripture together, serve together. These shared experiences deepen your friendship and your faith.
  5. Celebrate Growth: Rejoice in each other's spiritual victories, no matter how small. This fosters a positive environment for continued growth.
  6. Extend Grace: Remember, we're all works in progress. Be quick to forgive and slow to judge.
  7. Commit to Consistency: Deep friendships aren't built overnight. Regular, intentional time together is crucial.
Remember, the goal isn't perfection, but progress. As you sharpen each other, as His Instruments, you both become more effective tools in God's hands. It's also important to recognize that different friendships may serve different purposes in our lives. Some friends might challenge us intellectually, others emotionally or spiritually. Every person is an appointment in our life and the assignment will become clearer the more you walk together.

As you navigate these friendships, it goes without saying, keep Christ at the center. He is the One who allowed them for such a time as this. He is the ultimate example of a perfect friend – loving unconditionally, speaking truth in love, gentle, kind, hope-filled, faithful, guarding, self-controlled, wise and intentional. This is the kind of friend I want to be too. I am not perfect, no one is, but in prayer nd petition and ll the grace in the world, we are invited to create heart shaped circles in our life! 

In cultivating these iron-sharpening, heart-softening friendships, we not only enrich our own lives but also strengthen the body of Christ. As we grow together, we shine God's light in the world around us s one of His Lights to lead and show The Way.

Let's pray: Lord, thank you for the gift of friendship nd ultimately, Yours. Lord, we seek Sisters to do life with. Help us to be friends who sharpen and encourage one another in faith. Guide our words and actions to reflect Your love. May we be a sweet aroma to You as we stir one another's heats in Your Name. Because of Your Sweetest of Love, Amen.


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

3 Ways I Manage Stress and Anxiety as a Christian Woman : Blessed but Stressed

Hii Friend!! I am so glad you're HERE for the WHOLE ENCHILADA!!! Well, it's not really an enchilada although I would love to share one with you, Texas Girl here, but for now, here we are. 

I pray this guide helps you transformative tools and encouragements to help you reduce stress and menopause silliness in both - your Heart & Home! This is great for any woman of any age, but highly encouraging for those of us entering or already in the Meno-Mama phase.

I could literally write a book on each of these but for now, I will write out as much as I can to get your heart a big dose of HOPE and a big heart hug with links for the practical every day things! 


Okay, let's get in to this real application conversation! That's my favorite! Nothing hypothetical here......Let's Get in to this!!!!! And yes, there is a FREE Ebook coming too!!!


I KNOW I am not the only one who has felt that BURN-OUT!!! When you've hit that wall and you're DONE.
How about feeling anxious? Overwhelmed? Stressed but 100% Blessed and you KNOW that for a fact, even when the waters rise and the winds blow, the blessing is still there! I get you!!! I am you!!!! Feel free to pop around in my blogs! I share all about these things in here with hopes to stir your faith and joy to a place of courage! 

For me, burn out seemed to happened in waves. I would learn to take some “self-care” moments only to feel guilt and hustle right back to where I was. Anyone else familiar with Mom Guilt? Wife Guilt? Church Volunteer Guilt? Friend Guilt? Work Guilt? You feel like you need a vacation, and a staycation will do too....but afterwards...you feel tired again....rested, but not energized. UGH! I knooooooowwww.... The question that needs answering is "How do I stop feeling guilty when I need to rest or take a break." Simple answer is: Surrender. Let's get into it all.

Stress induced anxiety is something many people feel on a daily basis and we don't really talk about it because it FEELS like we are the only ones not hanging all the things like everyone else seems to.. We assume we are the ones doing something wrong, because the unspoken assumption as a Christian is we are strong, fearless, anxious for nothing, confident and able because our faith is so big. Ohhhh, the terrifying beauty of a life grace....grace upon grace.

Lord, help us create bigger space for grace! Take us deeper and further towards the depths of Your heart. We trust You. 

It's a scheme of the enemy to keep us quiet! We are humans with all the feelings and emotions. A quick look in the Psalms and you'll probably find one that expresses where you are too. It is normal to feel the feels. It is what we do with them that sets us apart from others who do not have a believing faith to carry them through the valleys and storms of life. We cast our cares, we step out of boats, stand in fires, sit in prison and stare lions in the face.

If you're someone who experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, insecurity, burn out, I know how you feel. I was there and unfortunately, and thankfully, God sat me down and we had a long therapy session, workshop style! LOL

It's an Even If Life Lesson. Even if I am hurting, confused, scared...I want to worship. Our bodies, our hearts, our minds can all break down and we fight for the contentment in giving thanks in all circumstances, even if. Where it gets tougher is when we are the Encourager in the family or relationship yet we break. That's the main hustle...trying to keep ourselves from falling part while we keep everyone and everything else together. That was me too. Stressed, but blessed. Blessed, but stressed. We cn be BOTH, we just don't want to get so stressed, there is no room for the bless!

As someone who has dealt with that her whole life, I would love to share some of the steps I have taken over the many years, some even recently, that have helped me overcome the seasons,...and the breaths and hopefully help you move back, away from the burn out into freedom and peace in your mind and your body. 

Yes, I mention body because way back in the day, I thought healing was done in silos....body, mind and spirit being all separate elements. And while they are, they equally require attention to heal. This is why I don't talk just about mindset, or movement or praying. It's ALL OF IT!!! I will share a link at the end of this of what things I am using to help support my body now that I have learned and lived it for so many years.

I think this is turning into an ebook. I will link it once it is created and uploaded! 

Here are 3 Things (and some Resources) When my Feelings Swirl:


1.) Seek Him First, Matthew 6:33 

ALWAYS & ALWAYS!! Did I mention always?!? Okay....As a Christian Woman, my greatest Defense, Strength, Peace, and Joy, come through my relationship with Jesus. Knowing Him as Father, Savior, Reigning King and Friend is where our hope and help come from. This is accomplished through seeking Him in Prayer, Being in His Word and Community. 

The more you know Him, the more you will trust Him. The more you trust, the more your heart feels able to surrender control, allowing Him to lead you through valleys of work as well as rest alongside still waters. This is accomplished through Prayer and dwelling in His Word. Worship is a way of Life, not a song you sing.

The Lord IS my firm and sure Foundation upon which I fall, stand, kneel, build, rest, fight, receive, learn and grow. He knows our thoughts without a word falling from our lips because he hears our heart's whispers. Thing is, while we can find this in the midst of crisis, how much easier would it be is we lived daily on this Foundation of Truth. 

Getting in the Word doesn't need to be a complex thing. Keep it simple and follow His leading. He has surely already been placing bread crumbs along the way to lead you to the next thing. I used to think I needed a highlighter, pen, pencil, dictionary, concordance, notepad, music...just to meet with Him! Oh it was an event! Is there are time and place for digging in and doing an in depth study? Sure! But that is not what a daily seeking is meant to be. He is seeking relationship....not righteous acts. 

To seek Him first, you need your heart check, FIRST, then tools if you choose! 

  • Bible Study Tools: 
I did fall in love with the Bible App. It does have some great plans built inside it. It has the audio option for Bible reading too. I love it!!! So if you're looking for a Bible app, I LOVE the FREE YouVersion app! You cn find it wherever you get your apps from in the Apple or Google places.

My Favorite Study Bible is the ESV Study Bible but find one you feel led to! 

Nowadays, there are tons of Study tools like apps, journals and devotionals, Notetaking Bibles, and things like podcasts, shows, conferences, workshops and of course sermons. This is not something you have to do alone either. Find your Inner Circle friends. I am mostly old-school and like paper books in my hands to hold, but when I research, I do appreciate the quick answers to questions without pulling out the big books! I do have some journals for Sermon Notes & prayer requests on Amazon and a journal for helping you document and remember the moments God moves..

  • Praying:
Keep it simple...Acknowledge Him as Lord, worship in adoration, cast your cares, confess your sins, listen for HIs response and say amen. The most important thing I have learned is prayer truly is a conversation that should be vulnerable between you and The Lord. He is listening because He is near. You don't need to dress it up and edit your prayers. Then, be still and listen. For me, prayer isn't a one and done thing each morning....it's "praying without ceasing."

For me, intercessional prayer is a big part of the Seeking. It’s easy for us Introverts to hide and while we need to take alone time for ourselves it’s important to gather your Sister Circle so they can be what I call the 4 Corner Friends, carrying you on the mat to Jesus. They will stand with you when you grow weary and cheer with you in the victories. Let them in.

I know some you will cringe at that cuz let's face it, we are Leaders in our own rights and we don't really 'need" anyone else to help us. We also don't want people to know we are hurting or don't have things together right now. We know we can handle this season, by ourselves. I get that! I did that for most of my life until I couldn't. I had to set down my SuperWoman pridefulness and let down my gate to the fortress of me and let some people in, to be the hands and feet of Jesus to me.



2.) Purify & Cleanse! Reduce the toxic loads inside and outside your heart, mind and soul. 
I know the sounds weird...trust me! I wish I would have learned all of this years ago!!! Toxic hearts, heads and homes can totally fuel our anxiety and stress levels! Let's discuss briefly:

Emotionally...heart & head.
  • Learning to establish boundaries is crucial. While you may not be able to remove people or circumstance from your life, you are able to set boundaries that create space for you to move in peace. This is why prayer is #1. Seeking Him is asking for Guidance and this comes through His Holy Spirit and a million other ways we recognize as "signs." Test the spirit's voice and heed accordingly. Sometimes He will call us away from things, sometimes towards things. Move accordingly.

  • Gratitude is super important here too. When we allow God to renew our minds, we are working towards purity of thoughts which affect our actions. What we focus on, we feed. While a pity party feels kinda nice for a moment, we cannot stay there. Honor where you are, feel what you feel, and cast them over to the Lord with thanksgiving and praise. Do not sweep them under the rug, or minimize them. You feel what you feel, but let's allow truth and faith to rinse through these thoughts. 

  • Learning to say Yes to the best and bless the rest with a No Thank you is another practical help. Us Encouragers, those of us who love to bless the socks off people, have a really hard time saying No. But No is a blessing opened up for someone else too.

  • Taking some heart time with a Sister Friend will refresh your soul! And if you can take a minute to pray when prompted, do it!! A cord of 3 is not easily broken.

  • Aromatherapy is something you can incorporate in your own home and as you travel, 24/7. 

Physically...our body and home.
  • Get some fresh air!! Take a walk, get some Vitamin D sunshine on your skin. I have also enjoyed grounding, simply sitting outside on the ground GOD made...in the grass, at the beach. out by the water, but at minimum, my own backyard, is sooo good to get out of the house and sit in all the senses of God's creation. 

  • We live in a world full of chemicals and toxins, so any place in our routine we are able to reduce them will be beneficial to our body as a whole, reducing the stress we take on physically and emotionally. Swapping out harsh chemicals in cleaning products, candles, foods, skin care, even medications is helpful and easy. Reducing the load of toxins in our body causing inflammation is as vital to our body as is prayer to our soul! Trust me...google this and have fun on that research rabbit hole! I buy healthy skincare, makeup and cleaning products! 

  • Ohhhh and those sugars and caffeines....be careful and do your research! Sugar feeds things we don't want besides our sweet tooth. If you struggle with "food noise" try these peptides.

  • In 2022, I was at my heaviest weight and was ready to begin taking care of my Temple! More about that in the linked blog below! In the meantime, pay attention to nutrition and healthy choices!

  • I gave up my Dr Pepper sodas. I used to drink them almost all week alongside my teas and coffees...I thought those counted as 8 cups of liquids. NOPE! Caffeine is okay just in moderation. I drink all my water but I also enjoy everything else except alcohol. Same with coffee and tea. Finding moderation that works for your body and healthy versions of them is important to support yourself in body and mind. 

  • I also added supplements into my family's daily habits which you can find HERE in the blog.

3.) Get Moving!

No, you don't need to actually move zip codes! But you do need to move in your body, mind and spirit. 

Depending how you process stress, you may be a runner or a retreater. My hubby releases stress with hyper movement which means he will go to the gym or go for a long bike ride.

For me, I retreat when I am stressed... There will times I shut down and need to cuddle up on those low energy days and lay low but there are other days I need to get my body moving and push!!  

When we are overwhelmed some of us escape, shut down and basically run away or try to hide. I sooooo get that. We need space to process our deep thoughts and feelings in the moment, but we cannot allow ourselves to just sit in it and dwell in darkness for endless amounts of time. Moving our body physically is helpful to release the right hormones and energy cells and there’s just soooo much I have read about it and hear all the wellness experts telling us, so let’s get moving.

Having said that, honor your space too. It's okay to rest and be still. We need that time. Just want to be clear about that!

What it looks like...
When I am beginning to feel that overwhelm and I feel myself shrinking back, heart rate elevates and I start getting ancy or sinking back, I will retreat to a space I know my deep breaths will not be interrupted as I sit with the Lord. 

It maybe going to the gym or on a walk, a drive in my car, slowly running errands with my playlist at top volume so I can soak in worship. Maybe you can close your bedroom door and curl up with your favorite blanket to read, write, pray, call a friend, worship, or maybe it's a long hot shower. 

I live on the water, so somedays I will take my paddleboard or boat out and float around, sometimes with my worship music or silence but always, with my oils and water.

Movement with others in mind...
You can also get moving in Love. No, not that kind of movement. Love through acts of kindness. 

It truly is a blessing to Bless, so ask the Lord to show you how you can be a vessel of Love to someone else. It may be something as simple as reaching out to someone He brings to mind with a text or phone call, maybe a coffee date or going for a walk. Maybe it's serving in your community or helping a neighbor, hanging with a Sista and making plans for some upcoming things (future casting). 

You can even pop in to the social medias and bless a whole bunch of people with an encouraging post or comments. There's no end to where you can bless! 

I promise you, you will feel less of a mess when you bless! 

At the same time, allow yourself to be on the receiving end too. Pray for sweet Sisters who align with your spirit and build that foundation of trust. There will be seasons of comings and goings of people in your life. Trust Him with them. let Him bring in your circle the ones He has planned for you. Watch that wall fear builds and instead, build a bridge that allows the coming and goings.

Grace Upon Grace, Boundaries, Sisterhood, Cleansing, Renewing the Mind and Body, Movement, Serving and Loving Others....all these precious "things" create our own little world of Peace and Hope! It is up to US, to create space for grace in our heart and home.

I would LOVE for you to join me in my Community for Introverted and RISING UP Women of Faith. 

Other resources that you will find helpful are Christian apps like YouVersion and ministries like Lifeway Women, Women of Faith and Proverb 31 Ministries to name a few.

If you missed the Products Blog, here it is again for ya!  
I've listed as much of what I use in there with links to make it super easy for you!! 

Okay friends, that's all for now. I am praying as I write this, what feels like a book, it blesses you in every way. 

I pray this guide helps you get your heart moving in hope and possibility, of what's possible. What we allow into our body, our mind, our soul, matter! The more toxic thoughts and things we allow in, the more energy we must use to manage it. I want to use my energy in so many other beautiful ways as blessings, not constantly fighting. 

My prayer is constantly, Cleanse me Lord, purify my heart, my mind, my body so that I can be filled with more of You and work in Your strength, peace and purpose. 

When I am feeling heavy and weighed down, the less I want to move. Help me make room, lying it all down at Your feet and help me moooooove in body, mind and spirit Lord....

Lord, today we surrender deeper still, again, to Your calling on our lives to honor You in all we think, say and do. 
Help us know how to to care for our temples, these temporary earthly vessels so our feet move with fervor and our hands hold strong the things You place in them. 

Clear out the distractions and make clear our path once again.
Light up our paths and lead us. We trust You and Love You. 
Forgive us when we start to fret and pull back. 

Send us those 4 corner friends Lord who lead us to You in our time of need. Send us Lifters and let us be Lifters for others too. 
We surrender our laziness, stubbornness, fear and pride. 
We need You Lord. 

Renew our minds and refresh our hearts. 
To You be all the Glory forever! In Your Son's Redeeming Name, Christ our Lord, 
amen.

All the Grace, Hope and Love,
Michele

If you enjoyed this guide or topic, this is what I love to talk about in the blogs! Feel free to read around! Head over to www.WhereFaithIs.com or click on the Heart Blog tab at the top and enjoy! So much love for ya!!!! HUGS!!!!



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

How to Know God : Journaling Names of God in the Psalms

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Most High. This two simple words, Most High, almost escaped me of their power and meaning. I am so glad God didn't allow that. 

Over the past year, I have been studying the Psalms for the names of God. Each time I came across a description of Who He was, I'd write it down. What a beautiful page to read at the end of my study time.

After writing them close to a hundred times in my journal, I was becoming numb to them..."Here they are again...(writing)...Most....H-i-g-h. My brain read “yada yada.”


God
LORD
Maker
Almighty
God of Jacob
my Refuge
my Portion
God of heaven
Lord of lords
God of gods
Mighty One
The Lord is God
God of my salvation
Holy One
God my King
Father of the fatherless
Protector of widows
God...Most...High
Most...High 


While I didn't want to write it down, I couldn't not write it down. It didn't make sense to me why I needed to write the same one sooooo many times, until now. I get it. God clearly wanted me to know Who was Most High. So, I looked up the definitions. 

According to Webster's Dictionary:

most: greatest in amount or degree; to the greatest extent; extremely; very

high: far above ground, sea level, or another point of reference; extending above the normal or average level; great, or greater than normal, in quantity, size or intensity; morally or culturally superior 

Wow. The God I seek to know is the God, Most-High. He is far above my point of reference, greater in quantity and intensity than all else, and He is superior. He is extremely God. He is superior to the greatest extent! This is my God! He is above all! 

May we remember Who we are seeking after and Who we call LORD our God. He is High above our circumstances. He is Higher than the battle we are fighting. He is Most capable. God, is Most High. 

Two simple words to describe the Greatest Power and Authority over all the heavens and the earth. No one and no thing is above Him. He's the Highest. He's the Most.

God, thank You for pressing these words into my spirit. When I feel strong, I praise You for giving me the Most power to conquer what comes against me. 
When I feel weak, I praise You for rescuing me from the pit and taking me Higher. 
Forgive me for the times I minimize Your Greatness, You are God Most High, my Salvation, my Refuge and my Strength. 
God, You are Higher than any other. I trust You to protect and provide for me all that I need. Who else is as great as You! 
I praise Your name and am thankful for Your intense Love. I know You Love me More. 
Help me love You back the same. 
Help Your children remember to never become numb to You. 
Forgive us for making You too familiar, common, or small, bringing You down to our human point of reference, for You are to the greatest extent, Most High. Amen. 

"Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth. 
Psalm 47



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

How to Manage Panic Attacks as a Christian Woman

 How to Manage Panic Attacks as a Christian Woman
Who even thinks about praising God in the midst of a crisis or more specifically, a panic attack? Panic/anxiety attacks are no joke. 

You literally feel like you’re having a heart attack....tight chest, pain shooting down the left arm, shallow breath, echo chamber with static in your head and swirly mental balance, ready to fall down or run you aren't sure. 

What you are sure about is feeling like you are about to die and you can't help but wonder where is God!

If you suffer from these I’m so sorry. I did too. While I wouldn’t wish it on anyone and I pray I never return to it, I am grateful for the new life birthed. God our Redeemer showed me how to turn my life of worry and panic into a life of praise.

The tears sowed in this season were the seedlings God used to grow my personal growth and writing journey. 

God set me on a path of healing in my life I didn’t even know I needed healing from. 

This is the grace of God. He won’t stand by and let us dwell helpless in a pit, playing small, thinking we are insignificant when He has created us for a fruitful life with Divine purpose. 

So how do we praise God in the midst of a crisis or panic attack? How do we worship in our worry?

 Eventhough I grew up in church and knew all the Bible Stories and participated in every Bible Study on a Tuesday night, served on Church Staff for years…I struggled in the beginning to praise and worship. I was scared, mad, sad, confused.

Day by day, God graciously chiseled at the thick brick wall fear and I had co-built around my heart for so many years. I was blind, but then I began to see.

Could I trust Him to be my shield? 
Could I trust Him to never leave me or forsake me?
Would His grace ever run out?
Am I worth His time?

Every morning at 3am, I woke up with my heart racing and mind spinning. My soul cried out every morning, “Why have You forsaken me Lord, I have lived my entire life surrendered to You, desiring to serve You, live life happily with You my Best Friend, the only One I trust in all the world. I need You. Is this it?! Am I done serving You here? Are You done with me?”

In these morning cries for answers, His voice became more clear to me and with every breath, I felt The Be Still and Know hold me. It was this season, God showed me His heart's hug.

My healing wasn’t just one thing that “fixed” me. There are no magic pills, prayers, potions or lotions, but there are amazing resources, the main one being Jesus, but also healing helps through people and products. 
Alongside seeking outside help, here are some of the simple every day life things I did. Maybe they will help you too as you seek your next best steps. 

  • Pray without ceasing, rejoicing always, giving thanks in all circumstances.
  • Wake Up and Go To Sleep every night with Gratitude, blessings proclaimed (worship)
  • Ask God to bring supporting Sisters to you who will cover you with wisdom, prayer and strength
  • Research healthy lifestyles - nutrition, exercise. mindset, daily habits, boundaries, journaling, worship, etc
  • Limit sugars and caffeines, get good sleep, honor your Temple
  • Find calm moments in your day, every day to be still and breathe
  • Practice acceptance, surrender, trust and meditation
  • Embrace Grace!! Create space for grace in your heart and home!
I no longer panic, praise God my Healer! I pray that for you too! Friend, because He lives and created all things, we have everything we need, we just need to let Him lead us to it.

You’re not alone and today is a new day full of mercies and grace, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Friend, God does not waste your tears and trials. They are refining fires, seedlings with purpose. Trust His heart is for you and He loves you! 

In Jesus Name, you are soooo held, loved, seen, sealed and protected by the Blood. Trust Him by His Word and worship that devil out as you rest, read, trust and surrender in the power and peace of Christ our Savior. Amen.♥️

God loves You and He’s Got you!
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
I am so glad (and honored) you are here! I have been blogging since 2009 as a way to journal out my thoughts as I pray God would use these story shares as practical heart encouragements for YOU TOO! We all need to recall and share those Living Stone moments.
Feel free to look around and make yourself at home! 

If you're looking for Journals & Books, check these out over on HeartsFromGod.com too!!

If you are looking for an Online Sister Community 
?Are you an Introvert Rising?!? If you are looking for a Community of HEART Centered, Jesus Lovin' Sisters ready to rise up over their insecurities and seek after the Heart of God?!?  Meet us here! 

I share encouragement over on the Facebooks on my personal profile as well as the Encouragement Page Livin’ Where Faith Is on too.

I have two free resources for you: 
1.) If you'd like some help sharing YOUR story or testimony, here's a link to grab the fill in the blank PDF I created to help you get started sharing YOUR heart with others! There's a video that goes with it over in the But God Sister Squad Community on Facebook.

2.) www.CreatingSpaceforGrace.com is PDF I share the things I have done (and do) the help guard my peace on the daily!!! I get asked about this all the time, this is my practical resource guide!

Heart Hugs and Blessings,

Michele"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV


Pssst...by Law, I have to share there are affiliate links in here where I earn money from your purchase when you make a purchase! it's affiliate marketing and I love not having to sell stuff! And you know me, I am not gonna sell anything, but I will share everything! I love it! 

A Little About My Heart

 
Born and raised in the church, a Christ Follower, Kingdom Encourager, Wife, Mama, and an Overcomer! GLORY TO GOD!!

I lived most of my life fearful, anxious, and insecure.. I found myself always hiding but serving, striving for perfection in my less-thanness, as a way to earn my worth to self, God and others, sacrificing in the name of serving, hospitality and humility...putting others needs before my own from a place of hiding in my lack, and trying to earn value rather than serving in the space of grace, confident faith and overflowing love. 

Never attaining, only to lead a life of more insecurity, overwhelm, anxiety, and panic, screaming to break free from this bondage, to be that actual strong, courageous Christian Woman everyone else seemed to be, but me. 

BUT GOD.

In 2009, Where Faith Is was born as a blog, learning my voice behind the safety of a keyboard, building courage to speak my truth behind the screen...and here all these years later, Little by little, God is expanding my heart boundaries as He reveals more of His to me. I am so excited to share so freely! 

I especially love being an encourager to other encouragers in the faith who know they are called to encourage yet they themselves struggle with their value and ability. Isn't that how the enemy works? He tries to disqualify us in the same area we are called to shine! What an irony!  

I believe if more people let go of fear and insecurity, surrendered to grace and BELIEVED their value, their spark for life will return to a roaring fire that lights up wet wood! 

When women choose to walk courageous and strong in body, mind and spirit...they step out of the boat and walk on water as Peter did, part the waters like Moses and set more people FREE in His name through their Divine purpose to the Glory of GOD! We are each a Light House of Strength on the shorelines of Grace . 

Friend, you may not believe it, but you are meant for more than eat/sleep/work/repeat. You are also equipped with good works to serve and bless the Kingdom Body, and the world with His Love, through YOU! You've got to surrender your fear and let Him lead you.

You are more able than you think you are and most likely, the thing you feel is the weakest part of you is the strongest thing about you!

If you are an introvert too and want to be a part of our newly launching online community, we are here for you!! Let's Connect! It's an honor to encourage the Encouragers.

I am H.I.S. (Heart In Surrender & Service).

Hugs & Blessings, 
Michele

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:1-4

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