Everything is Gonna Be Alright
“But you, O LORD, are a shield around me;you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. I cried out to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept, yet I woke…
4 min read
Michelle Blan
Michelle Blan
Hearing God Through All the Noise — Michelle Blan
With so much noise from TV, music, podcasts, videos, social media, and more – how are we supposed to hear God? We need to find peace and quiet to reconnect or we may miss something big.
5 min read
Finding Solitude in a Loud World
It’s been months, I know. There are so many things that I have wanted to say and many more thoughts that have been written down and tucked away for when the time is right. Even the Saturday morning…
5 min read
The Passing of Time
By the time you are done reading this blog, your heart would have beaten an average of 195 beats. You may have taken roughly 54 breaths. Your eyes may have blinked about 36 times.
4 min readThe Passing of Time — Michelle Blan
By the time you are done reading this blog, your heart would have beaten an average of 195 beats. You may have taken roughly 54 breaths. Your eyes may have blinked about 36 times.
4 min read
Lessons My Dad Taught Me
Over the last few months, I have been thinking a lot about all of the lessons he taught me. You know, the things that I still think about today in certain situations. Sometimes, I can even hear him…
7 min read
Lessons My Dad Taught Me — Michelle Blan
Over the last few months, I have been thinking a lot about all of the lessons he taught me. You know, the things that I still think about today in certain situations. Sometimes, I can even hear him saying the words. I thought Father’s Day would be an appropriate day to share them.
7 min readDo They Know You’re Christian? — Michelle Blan
I recently heard Joyce Meyer say the following, paraphrased of course: Those you encounter should know you are a Christian within the first 15 minutes of meeting you. Not because you tell them. Not because you wear a cross around your neck. Not because you are wearing a shirt with something Godly o
3 min read
Do They Know You’re Christian?
I recently heard Joyce Meyer say the following, paraphrased of course: Those you encounter should know you are a Christian within the first 15 minutes of meeting you. Not because you tell them. Not…
3 min readVerse Mapping — Michelle Blan
Verse mapping means getting real about studying the Bible. More than simply reading a verse or Scripture passage, verse mapping means using Bible study tools to research what you’ve just read in the Bible—to learn more about what God is saying to you and how you can apply his Word to your life today
3 min read
Verse Mapping
Verse mapping means getting real about studying the Bible. More than simply reading a verse or Scripture passage, verse mapping means using Bible study tools to research what you’ve just read in th…
3 min read
Book Review: Goliath Must Fall
While addressing the struggles kids face today with temptation, social media comparisons, and anxiety, Louie Giglio reveals a surprising twist in the David and Goliath story that might just change …
3 min readBook Review: Goliath Must Fall — Michelle Blan
While addressing the struggles kids face today with temptation, social media comparisons, and anxiety, Louie Giglio reveals a surprising twist in the David and Goliath story that might just change everything about the way we see Jesus and how to conquer the giants in our lives.
3 min readFaith Under Fire — Michelle Blan
On January 31, 2021 it will be one year since I stepped into a movie theatre. Thanks to COVID-19, movie theaters here in Florida shut down and have not really been functioning as normal since. Now, I don’t know about you, but I just love going to the movies. Maybe it is the smell of the popcorn, the
5 min readDitch the Hate — Michelle Blan
Anger. Hatred. Violence. Fear. Bigotry. There is so much of this going around . It is the subject of many conversations, news channels are taking over household televisions, and social media has become a breeding ground for unhealthy and disturbing banter.
3 min read
Ditch the Hate
Anger. Hatred. Violence. Fear. Bigotry. There is so much of this going around . It is the subject of many conversations, news channels are taking over household televisions, and social media has be…
3 min read
You Are Not Powerless
In light of everything that is going on in our country, we are not powerless. Sure, we may not be able to fix everything and make the world a bit more copasetic. And, we probably shouldn’t all head…
3 min readYou Are Not Powerless — Michelle Blan
In light of everything that is going on in our country, we are not powerless. Sure, we may not be able to fix everything and make the world a bit more copasetic. And, we probably shouldn’t all head to Washington, D.C. to try to stop those with ill intentions. But we do have two very powerful tools r
3 min readFree Yourself in the New Year — Michelle Blan
You don’t have to always find yourself in the same place in life. You can break free. You can find freedom with God, no matter who you are – or where you are.
7 min read
Free Yourself in the New Year
Back in the 90s, I used to love Smashing Pumpkins. Remember them? I would listen to the Mellon Collie & the Infinite Sadness cd on my Walkman over and over and over. I thought it was cool. And,…
7 min read
A Pandemic Thanksgiving
Have you seen the numbers lately? They are rising. And, quickly. Back in March, we found ourselves really glued to the news, whether it was on the television, our phones, on the satellite radio in …
4 min readA Pandemic Thanksgiving — Michelle Blan
Have you seen the numbers lately? They are rising. And, quickly. Back in March, we found ourselves really glued to the news, whether it was on the television, our phones, on the satellite radio in the car, etc. We needed to hear what was going on and make sure we were informed. Yes, we were those p
4 min readWhat Road Sign Best Describes Your Life? — Michelle Blan
I recently came across this question and my immediate thought was, uh – U-turn! Because, well, let’s be honest, this year hasn’t been the most pleasant, has it? At times, it seems like it would be easier if we could just turn around and go back where we came from.
3 min read
What Road Sign Best Describes Your Life?
I recently came across this question and my immediate thought was, uh – U-turn! Because, well, let’s be honest, this year hasn’t been the most pleasant, has it? At times, it seems…
3 min readMy Confessions — Michelle Blan
It used to be TV and magazine ads that would make us feel less than. Now? It’s social media. We see so many friends, acquaintances, and strangers posting about their lives — and it all looks perfect. Maybe it’s a beautifully prepped meal. Maybe it’s perfectly placed holiday decorations. Maybe it’s t
8 min read
My Confessions
It used to be TV and magazine ads that would make us feel less than. Now? It’s social media. We see so many friends, acquaintances, and strangers posting about their lives — and it all looks perfec…
8 min read
Don’t Lose Focus 👀
Listen up. These next few days/weeks/months are going to be a bit rough. There is going to be a lot of anxiety surrounding the election and its results. It may be your own anxiety or you may be the…
4 min readDon't Lose Focus 👀 — Michelle Blan
Listen up. These next few days/weeks/months are going to be a bit rough. There is going to be a lot of anxiety surrounding the election and its results. It may be your own anxiety or you may be the recipient of someone else’s. Whatever you do, don’t lose heart. And, don’t lose your focus.
4 min readA Butterfly Box? — Michelle Blan
Ok, let’s start with this – who doesn’t like getting mail? I am not talking about bills, but rather the good stuff. You know, something you have been waiting for or a sweet surprise someone thought to send you. I don’t care if you are 4 or 94, getting mail is uplifting – and it makes you smile, does
4 min read
A Butterfly Box?
Ok, let’s start with this – who doesn’t like getting mail? I am not talking about bills, but rather the good stuff. You know, something you have been waiting for or a sweet surpri…
4 min read
Follow Your Heart
Do you like Hallmark movies? I know quite a few people who just love the good feels the movies on their network can bring. With so much going on in the world around us, why not veg out to something…
3 min readFollow Your Heart — Michelle Blan
Do you like Hallmark movies? I know quite a few people who just love the good feels the movies on their network can bring. With so much going on in the world around us, why not veg out to something wholesome and good, right? That’s precisely why I welcomed the opportunity to review this film when it
3 min read
Welcome Fall, My Reprieve
South Florida is often hot and humid. We very rarely ever have those crisp, cool fall-like days. Of course, people from Florida may argue with me, but for the rest of us who know what fall really f…
2 min readWelcome Fall, My Reprieve — Michelle Blan
South Florida is often hot and humid. We very rarely ever have those crisp, cool fall-like days. Of course, people from Florida may argue with me, but for the rest of us who know what fall really feels like, Florida misses out every year. Here’s what happened, though.
2 min read
On a Quest for Peace, I Found Life
Labor Day weekend was filled with lots of time outdoors for my family. In fact, on two of the three days, we went fishing at the local pier 🎣. Now, if you know me, then you probably know how I feel…
3 min readOn a Quest for Peace, I Found Life — Michelle Blan
Labor Day weekend was filled with lots of time outdoors for my family. In fact, on two of the three days, we went fishing at the local pier 🎣. Now, if you know me, then you probably know how I feel about fishing — which means that I didn’t go “fishing” for the sport of it. Instead, I let
3 min read
Watch Those Lips of Yours
If I had to share one phrase that I have heard many times over the years, it is, “Your words have power.” Tina has repeated this countless times to all the boys, reminding them that wha…
2 min readWatch Those Lips of Yours — Michelle Blan
If I had to share one phrase that I have heard many times over the years, it is, “Your words have power.” Tina has repeated this countless times to all the boys, reminding them that what they say can either be goodness, kindness, and truth. Or damaging as lies and harsh words.
2 min read
Moral Accountability
Remember in school when the teacher would step out of the classroom for a moment? The whole class would get loud and go nuts. So much could take place with 30 seconds of no supervision. Rules were …
4 min readMoral Accountability — Michelle Blan
Remember in school when the teacher would step out of the classroom for a moment? The whole class would get loud and go nuts. So much could take place with 30 seconds of no supervision. Rules were thrown out the window. The moment the teacher returned, however, everyone was seated quietly – as if no
4 min readTear Down, Build Again — Michelle Blan
When we first moved into the home we live in, we were amazed at its quiet surroundings. We could sit outside and hear birds chirping, the wind blowing through the oak trees, and otherwise silence. Occasionally you could hear kids playing outside or the blaring 90’s grunge music of the man three door
4 min read
Tear Down, Build Again
When we first moved into the home we live in, we were amazed at its quiet surroundings. We could sit outside and hear birds chirping, the wind blowing through the oak trees, and otherwise silence. …
4 min read
Coincidences, Part 2
I have worn contacts for years. Many years. One script for my left, one for my right, and both with Astigmatism. Yay. I can see without them, though it is not always pleasant. Things can be a bit b…
5 min readCoincidences, Part 2 — Michelle Blan
I have worn contacts for years. Many years. One script for my left, one for my right, and both with Astigmatism. Yay. I can see without them, though it is not always pleasant. Things can be a bit blurry – and my stomach can feel a bit nauseous due to the unclear vision.
5 min read
Needs vs. Wants
I think it is absolutely normal to want things, isn’t it? It is something we are all guilty of in one way or another. It may be a new kitchen gadget or outfit. It could be something big, like…
4 min readNeeds vs. Wants — Michelle Blan
I think it is absolutely normal to want things, isn’t it? It is something we are all guilty of in one way or another. It may be a new kitchen gadget or outfit. It could be something big, like a new car or a home. Then again, we may want things like more time to read, more money, more vacation time,
4 min read
Pull Your Weeds
How do you feel about weeds? Personally, I don’t like them. See, we had a garden – my first real garden ever – and it did super well. Sure, we made some mistakes that we vow never…
3 min readPull Your Weeds — Michelle Blan
How do you feel about weeds? Personally, I don’t like them. See, we had a garden – my first real garden ever – and it did super well. Sure, we made some mistakes that we vow never to do again — like, who knew squash plants grew so big? All in all, though, it was a great experience.
3 min read
My Plans < God's Plans
We adopted a rescue that came with the name Star. Have you met her? Of course, the name Star just needed something more. A year and a half later, she responds to Starbeam, Beamer, Starbeam Sue, and…
5 min readMy Plans < God's Plans — Michelle Blan
We adopted a rescue that came with the name Star . Have you met her? Of course, the name Star just needed something more. A year and a half later, she responds to Starbeam, Beamer, Starbeam Sue, and Boom-Boom Blan – just to name a few. And, why shouldn’t she have so many names?
5 min read
Two years (+4)
My dad was one of my biggest supporters when it came to my writing and one of the biggest reasons I started this blog. And since he isn’t here to read this when it posts, I’d like to th…
5 min read
God, Are You There?
Do you ever feel like you can’t hear God? Have you experienced times in which he felt so far away? Has the feeling that God is absent ever made you feel spiritually alone?
3 min readGod, Are You There? — Michelle Blan
Do you ever feel like you can’t hear God? Have you experienced times in which he felt so far away? Has the feeling that God is absent ever made you feel spiritually alone? That’s how I am feeling lately. I wouldn’t necessarily say that I feel disconnected, but more like I have become a bit d
3 min read
Family Connections & God
“The road may not be easy, but God is always near. He sees my disappointment, he knows my every fear. My faith shall not be shaken by hurts along the way, because I know He loves me and leads…
3 min readFamily Connections & God — Michelle Blan
Do you know your grandparents? I was blessed enough to know my great grandparents on my mom’s side, but we lost them when I was in middle school. And, since I didn’t grow up anywhere near them, we were not as close as I would have liked. In other words, I remember a few key details, but the r
3 min readProblem Solved! — Michelle Blan
We have all been walking around with such strange feelings. Our world has changed. Our routines have changed. Our lives have changed. Some of us are fearful, while others aren’t. Some are left shaking their heads as people head out by the masses to either protest, catch some waves, or go shop
2 min read
Problem Solved!
God brings peace. For you. So that you don’t have to worry about anything. Jesus lets us know, time and again, that we are not alone. God is always with us – and God always goes before …
2 min readGod's Hope — Michelle Blan
It doesn’t matter what lies ahead of us, our God is so much bigger than it. We can obsessively panic over things. We can worry. We can make plans and take steps to do things differently to avoid whatever it is. We can think we know what we are doing and hope that God is following our plan, but..
3 min read
God’s Hope
No matter what you have going on in your heart and in your mind today, let it go. Allow yourself to have confidence that God sees you from his perspective — which means he has a much, much be…
3 min readWorry Worry — Michelle Blan
How many times have you heard that you shouldn’t worry and that God takes care of everything? How many times have you been told that worrying about anything is really just a more complex way of saying you are lacking faith? Now that I’ve said that, where are all my worriers? Come on, now, rai
4 min read
Worry Worry
How many times have you heard that you shouldn’t worry and that God takes care of everything? How many times have you been told that worrying about anything is really just a more complex way …
4 min readWhy Are We So Eager? — Michelle Blan
Eager. What does it mean exactly? It’s safe to say that much of our world is eager to have life return to normal. And, it’s understandable thanks to all of the changes and adjustments we have had to make over the last couple of months. Normalcy brings comfort and contentment, doesn’t
2 min read
Why Are We So Eager?
We have found ourselves in this new way of life and now we are eager to get back to the old way. Why don’t we just sit still for a minute? Why don’t we relish a little bit longer in how…
2 min read
“Where is this God of Yours?”
Where is God? Come on – you know the answer to this question. God is everywhere. Yes, everywhere. He is in the sunshine. And he is in the dark, thunderous clouds. He is here right now and he …
3 min read"Where is this God of Yours?" — Michelle Blan
As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. Psalm 42:1-2 Where is God? Come on – you know the answer to this question. God is everywhere. Yes, everywhere. He is in the sunshine. And he is in the dark, thunderous cl
3 min readThe Dark Days Purpose — Michelle Blan
Could you imagine if we only had days that were full of nothing but bright sun, puffy white clouds, and a sky colored in the most beautiful hues of blue? What if we all walked around smiling and giggling? What if our hearts and minds were always content? What if we had no worries, no anxiety, and no
6 min read
The Dark Days Purpose
Could you imagine if we only had days that were full of nothing but bright sun, puffy white clouds, and a sky colored in the most beautiful hues of blue? What if we all walked around smiling and gi…
6 min read
Don’t Fall for Devilish Tricks!
Sometimes when things don’t go our way or when life gets a bit bumpy, it is hard to stay focused and positive. Do you know what I mean? We feel like we move from one daily living task to the …
3 min readDon't Fall for Devilish Tricks! — Michelle Blan
Today is April Fools Day. Have you played any jokes on anyone? Did you fall victim to a prankster? This day is notorious for all sorts of jokes – some that fail, some that gain a chuckle, and others that go down in the history books (only to be re-lived every April 1st for years to come). Wh
3 min read
End of Days? Well…
With everything going on in the world these days, it has many people questioning whether or not this is it… you know, the end of the world as we know it. Are we really approaching the end of …
3 min read
Encountering God
I am trying to be more consistent in my blog writing. So, I made myself a calendar of things that I want to share with you so I can always make sure my thoughts reach your eyes. Then days like toda…
4 min readHearing God
Years ago, I was sharing something that I felt God was telling me to a friend of mine. It was something I felt. Upon sharing this, I heard laughing. It happened so quickly that I felt my face turn …
2 min read
We Need to Encounter God
Encountering God is never a coincidence – and it surely doesn’t just happen by mere chance. No way. Not our God. He is purposeful. He likely has your name penciled in his agenda at the …
5 min read
Falling in Love with Solitude
So many of us find being alone tough. Perhaps that is why we spend so much time just trying to find that one person we can be partnered with – whether it is a significant other or a best frie…
5 min read
The Dangers of Reading Too Much
Did you read the title of this post and immediately think that I have lost my mind? Maybe you thought, Michelle, reading is a good thing — people don’t read enough! Before you write me …
3 min read
God is Jealous for You
When you hear the word jealousy, there is a good chance it gives you that slump or ugh type of feeling, right? In our lives, jealousy is one of those repulsive emotions that we just don’t hav…
6 min readHere’s What it Really Means to Love Thy Neighbor
To do most things in life there is a prerequisite. Or, should we say, a recommended prerequisite? Let’s say you want to bake a pie. Unless you’ve honed your baking skills (a prerequisit…
7 min read
Getting Real with God
How real do you get with God? When you talk to Him, are you honest? Do you show your most real self? Do you speak to your friends or family one way and reserve only a special tone for God? Now, wh…
5 min read
12 Bible Verses About Freshness, Renewal, and Transformation for Your New Year
Welcome to the new year. ✨ By the time you read this, there is a good chance we are at least one week into 2020. Did you set yourself up with any resolutions? If so, how are they going? Did they ev…
5 min read
Connection issues
I didn’t plan to write this blog today. It just sort of happened. I know what you are thinking. It is probably something somewhere along the lines of, Michelle, blogs don’t just appear …
5 min read
Indescribable by Louie Giglio
(The legal stuff required by the FCC: I was given this Bible to review for by FrontGate Media. While I was given the Bible for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.) It is hard to get kids t…
3 min read
Letting go of time…
To track the time is like counting your hours. In fact, since time is a gift, keeping track of it is like counting your money, counting your presents, or counting any other so-called good fortune. …
5 min read
Dance, I say
What happens when we receive a gift from God and we don’t acknowledge it? What if God were to waltz into your kitchen and cook up a delightful feast and you decide not to eat it? By rejecting…
3 min read
Don’t just smack the hurdle – jump it!
What does it mean to forgive? Let’s get technical for a moment, shall we? Forgive: “verb stop feeling anger toward (someone who has done something wrong): to stop blaming (someone): t…
5 min read
Introducing Herschel
I have a confession to make. I like music. A lot. In fact, I love music. I have always felt such a connection with it that, at times, I don’t even think its normal. If I am not listening to …
3 min read
LOVE trumps HATE
I am sure that by now everyone has heard of the tragedy in Orlando. It is on every news station and all over social media. You know, the news about the coward who went into the gay nightclub, Pulse…
5 min read
The great debate
We all have rough days every now and then. And since we know that God is guiding us every single moment along the way, when something bad happens or a struggle arises, we know that He either put it…
6 min read
You’ve got a friend
I would like to share with you about a friend of mine…I will call him ‘Ted.’ He is an 89 year old man who has dabbled in so many arenas in life. He has a plethora of knowledge and…
4 min read
Content..to be or not to be?
Content. adjective. Pleased and satisfied: not needing more (per Webster). Synonyms: contented, fulfilled, happy, cheerful, glad, peaceful… I think you get the idea. Therefore, contentment wo…
4 min read
More than an hour
Do you ever feel that you sit in church and the pastor giving the sermon throws out thoughts and ideas that amp you up and get you ready to take on the world – with God right by your side? Bu…
4 min read
Resident tourists
What a weekend! We had my family in town and my partner’s family. We even had to rent a bigger car just to be able to spend time together as we drove (and drove, and drove) to all of the R…
3 min readThe anxious bug
Hello, again! This post is slightly different than most, but its something that is very real in my life and I wanted to share. Before I start spilling out a boatload of verbiage, let me present a …
5 min readDecember 1st
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” whether sung by Johnny Mathis or Michael Buble, its the same… Christmas is coming. In fact, as I peeled November off of …
3 min read
This could be you
Lets talk hypothetical situations for a minute, shall we? You are walking down the street. You see a man sitting on the ground, his back against a building. Upon first glance, you notice his dishev…
5 min read
Go find a mirror.
I read something the other day that resonated with me. Maybe its because of a few things that I am struggling with internally or maybe its just a simple, powerful verse. Either way, it has stayed w…
5 min read
Do you have Skittles in your bubble?
WARNING: This post is solely my opinion. Its likely you will disagree – please know that you are entitled to. Every morning when I wake up, I am bombarded with the news that is happening arou…
5 min read
Look straight ahead
She knew she shouldn’t expect anything more from him. After all, feeling small was what she was used to. Its her. It has always been her. They have all treated her like a crumb on the floor &…
4 min read
Unscripted.
Ok, I have thought and thought about what I could possibly say to grab your attention and get you to stay on this page and subscribe to my blog. I mean, I could say, “HEY! READ ME AND I WILL …
1 min read