Dealing with Jealousy, Discovering Contentment

[@edithfarr3879]

Amen to all that you’ve all said❤. We waste so much time comparing ourselves to others. God loves us, and we’re all special.

[@jenniferfitzgerald8970]

I adore the two of you! Your walk with the Lord is beautiful! Thank you so, so much for sharing yourselves with all of us! Your transparency and heart for Jesus is truly inspirational! Blessings to you both!

[@marseelifeeverydayallday7934]

We have been trying to have a baby for over 14 years and it’s been the the hardest battle. It’s hard to not wanna question why not me when I have served the Lord my whole life. But I just have to remind myself that his time and plan is not always mine. It’s hard in the flesh to not envy or be jealous of everyone around me getting pregnant and having babies. But I just keep praying and asking God to give me peace and strength either way. Thank you for sharing your story and ministry with us all. You’re such an inspiration and thanks for sharing your gifts with us all. God bless you always!❤❤

[@SweetPea6348]

I Need Prayers. Im a Paraplegic who now has some liver damage. Can Y'all Please Pray for Me . Thanks !! Im Scared.

[@suesmith776]

Dear Lord, we pray fo your peace. This situation would be hard and scary, especially if it just happened. Psalm 91:15 He shall call unto me.I will answer him.I will be with him in trouble and deliver him and honor him.

[@tiffanyl4352]

Just said a prayer for you! 💜

[@julieorozco1419]

You two are just such a blessing. I know you both have walked a difficult road, but God has used you to be such an encouragement to others. Thank you for always sharing such beautiful and encouraging words. My mom used to always say, "there will always be someone who has more than us, and there will always be people who have less. Be grateful for exactly what God has given us."

[@elisecraig8509]

When I was a kid I thought I would be married and already have kids by 25, now I’m pretty much 33 and still single. However, what I now realise is that I wasn’t ready to get married and have kids in my 20’s, but now I feel like God has prepared me for it and it’s not too far away.

[@Ells172]

I got married at 26. My husband is two years younger. I was overweight and my sibs were thin. When I finally gave up, and let God, he sent the right guy and been married 33 years! All in Gods timing. He married me at 307 lbs. I am now 180 for the last 22 years. Point is, he married me for me, not to be someone I thought I needed to be to be happy, and content.

[@SweetPea6348]

That is So Awesome !!! ❤ I'm 165 because I'm a Paraplegic. My normal weight was 120. My oldest sister was skinny and Next to oldest sister was Always heavy set as my Grandma used to say. I was the short and muscular one ! Lol Then, I had an Epidural Shot that Paralysed Me . I'm Very Proud of you losing weight because of your health My sister struggles so much. She had the lap band. I think she's down to 200-230 ish now.

[@BluVelvt]

❤❤❤

[@gameshowfan7638]

So thoughtful and considerate the way they each listen intently while the other is speaking, never interrupting each other. Says so much about their good nature and character.

[@Elizabeth-1970]

I just love these two. They are always happy and positive. Anyone can see how much in love they are.

[@RachelHeldt-b7z]

Michaela you are absolutely gorgeous! Your sisters are as well, but each in different ways. Your caring, nurturing and patient spirit makes you even more beautiful! Brandon , you are an absolute treasure as well and I so enjoy you both sharing your gifts and your journey with us! I do not know you personally, but would love to! KZbin allows a little of that! Thanks for being who God has called you to be! I truly enjoy your videos.

[@shalynletteer9063]

Great words. You are such an amazing couple and i enjoy listening to you both. God bless you

[@valc2313]

Beautifully put!

[@missbarbarajean]

I am so thankful you two started a You Tube Ministry - yes, a ministry. You speak to my heart every time I listen. You are both so unique and talented. Brandon's talent for drawing and illustrating - your talent for sewing and loving and giving of yourself to others. Most of all your quiet, thoughtful ways to express your thoughts and reflections that are so helpful and God-honoring. I will be 72 in 16 days and a mother of 3, grandmother of 12, and great-grandmother of 2. I was thrilled to receive the beautiful little aprons I ordered from you for our great-granddaughters for Christmas! I love you both, as well as the rest of your family. Thank you for your beautiful testimony and love for God.

[@rosemaryharris6064]

Perfectly said!!

[@HayleyDavidmanning]

Very well said.

[@Homestead777]

Mama Bates is the most selfless woman! You can tell by her behavior. She is an excellent example for all women. I love your whole family!!

[@katiemace1508]

We were also unable to have children and really couldn't afford to either. Now all that grief comes back watching my siblings enjoy their wonderful grandchildren and we have no one. Then I remember that God blessed me with the most amazing husband in the world and I waited 24 years for him.

[@BostonSarah]

Wow...wow, wow, wow! I'm sitting here, tears streaming. I so needed this message, THANK YOU for sharing...I can't tell you how much I needed this! Blessing and prayers of gratitude for you both! 🙏❤️🙏

[@Nunyabusiness82777]

You two are just the sweetest most beautiful souls.. what a blessing you are.. ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@christinewells2204]

This was a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing.

[@kakylong2]

Hey y'all, Great video. I got married later than y'all did & saw 3 sisters get married before me & it was really hard. When I did get married & we struggled with infertility, it took away my joy of seeing others have children. I stopped going to baby showers & holding any babies. We lost a baby & God never blessed us with any more children. Last yr, one of my nieces had a baby & she brought him to me & said here hold him & walked away. My other nieces said they had never seen me hold a baby before. I've missed out on so much joy these past 20 yrs & I pray that going forward, I can enjoy babies again. Great scenery of East TN. 😊

[@BluVelvt]

❤❤❤

[@janetsampietro9284]

Good words and true. So good to remember all God has done in each of our lives. Thank you for being so real and honest to share your feelings and thoughts. I am so grateful to hear the stories of your experiences. It’s so awesome how we’re all connected by our love for the Lord Jesus Christ. I live in Santa Rosa California and even though we live in different states we are all the body of Christ. ❤

[@denisec7999]

Amazing, thank you both for this wonderful reminder. ❤️

[@dqst2012]

My husband came up with a little chorus during 2020-- I'll be content! I"ll be content for that which God sent. I'm satisfied with what he's provided. I can live on all that he has given. I'll be content for that which I'm meant! 2020 we of course all experienced covid and shutdowns, that caused our young infant to be misdiagnosed/undoagnosed for a serious kidney infection ( she nearly died once i convinced drs to let me bring her in) that was june, august our town was hit by the Iowa derecho... we lost our family car and garage.. but God taught our family contentment during all of that! Phil 4:11 😊 love your channel and content

[@sunflowermom51]

Your words are a great reminder to me. I have been feeling some of the same feelings of disappointment and jealousy and didn't even realize that's what it was. This has helped me to refocus. I will probably watch this over again a few times to help me stay focused. Thank you so much. You are a precious couple.

[@sadierose6018]

Michael, I have watched your story and have seen how your seasons of waiting have been longer than a lot of your siblings. I also see that you have allowed God to refine you in these seasons and you have yielded to His will through it all. It encourages me, the transparency that you and Brandon have shared and am so grateful for what you continue to share. You are a special treasure and God shines brightly through in you. May you be blessed exceedingly abundantly above all that you ask or think as you continue to live a life surrendered to His will for you.

[@jhmiranda81]

❤

[@eccles31]

Psalm 113:9. I stood on this verse for 9 years. Three specialists saying I would not naturally conceive. We were offered fertility care with no promise but after much prayer separately and together we decided that it was not for us. We wanted God to get 100% of the glory. After explaining that to doctors they gave no hope. We committed to God that we would love and serve Him regardless of what He chose for us and stood on both prayer and that scripture. He blessed us with a son. I was 37 and my husband 42 but even though we didn’t understand we did trust it was His perfect timing and His story … the Goodness of God prevails.

[@alisonswords581]

All things are possible to them that believe..Mark 9:23 God is so good! X

[@susanlassiter6494]

I 10:53 was low income as a single mom, I was blessed enough to have grandparents that provided many things for my children. As a granny, I am able to provide support to my grandchildren, but not as much as their other grandparents. It amazes me how grateful they are for everything I can do. My grandchildren love me and my husband so much I cry with happiness every time they go home ❤

[@bowed305]

This is the third Bates-related video that has come up on my feed in the last half hour. Great way to spend a Saturday morning. I just watched Zach and Momma Bates make the family mac n cheese. After watching y'all, I'm gonna watch Travis & Katie's latest. Your video is definitely the most serious topic, and I want to thank you for being so open and vulnerable with us. As y'all stated multiple times, contentment is something we have to choose, and it all comes down to whether or not we trust God. Over and over, I've heard from other family members about how kind and generous the two of you are, and it's great for us to hear that y'all have struggles too. In addition to sharing your struggles, you also shared how you work to overcome them. That means a lot. Thank you so much!

[@tandyfahnestock-parker4549]

Yes. Praise the Lord! So glad y'all started posting, thanks!!! Praying for healing from this negative report and attack from the dark side against my whole body called complex regional pain syndrome. I declare and decree, claim and receive His healing miracles upon my body, and I claim contentment until it is finished because Jesus paid for it already amen and amen!!!!!!! Thank you for standing in agreement with me! Much love!

[@andreafelton689]

Don't say "y'all" please

[@Littleangel_-jp4xb]

@@andreafelton689 what's wrong with it?

[@bowed305]

@@andreafelton689 Not sure what your issue is with that phrase, but please know that it’s so ingrained in me that I won’t be stopping. In fact, I really like using it. I like the friendly way it sounds.

[@rinaticson390]

Michaela and Erin are the ones i watch

[@debbieinitaly]

What a beautiful video!! The message, the scenery and even the music you chose. So tasteful. So humble. So effective. So graceful. I pray you FEEL the love, get the needs and the WANTS met you each have individually and as a couple. I still pray in perfect timing you are blessed with children- by birth or adoption. Love and blessings. 🙏🫶🏻🙌🏻

[@ediereay7507]

Thank you for being so transparent. I've faced so many of those issues. Gos IS faithful.

[@janiebroxson2837]

Thank you so much for sharing your hearts. God bless this testimony for His glory

[@alisonhealy5104]

Thank you for sharing such deeply personal struggles, it has made me examine myself and how I need to be more content with where I’m at in life and all the blessings the Lord has given me. This will help strengthen my walk with God.

[@ritasmith6991]

You are reflections of God’s goodness and grace. Learning contentment, growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus and practicing humility are tremendous blessings. Press on you two!

[@susancumming7099]

I didn't realize I needed to hear this today. TY. Bless you both

[@garyandbeverlyneeble2028]

Michaela, you’re beautiful! We may not always understand why things work out the way they do in our lives, but Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” He is mindful of us! Thank you for your openness. ❤

[@debj4life478]

We all do have value in God’s eyes. Thanks for sharing. Blessings

[@sharonsmith8340]

Thank you beautiful people. Just this one post makes me more thankful for what I DO have!

[@Bstamp]

I pray for you often. ❤ Thank you for this important reminder.

[@AaS-gb3wh]

Brandon and Michaela thank you for being raw and vulnerable. It’s difficult to share these types of things honestly. It made me think about own. Keep sharing because these testimonials help tremendously. God bless you guys

[@tinaschneider4232]

Thank you so very much for blessing others with your beautiful Message

[@mrs.shumiahjenkins2323]

I thank God that your purpose was to Mother and Father to thousands. Even in this new technological world , God still shines through 🙏🏾❤ We are thankful watching God shines his light on you both! I have seen your journey and love your testimony! To God be the Glory always! Thank you both🫶🏾❤️

[@Sunnyboy1973]

I just love watching such a wise, godly couple speak on their life experiences and the truths of the Bible. I became a Christian at 28 yrs old and always desired to be married and raise children. The Lord has different, wonderful plans for all of our lives. I’m 51 now and a FT nurse, I still have hope that the Lord would bring a godly man into my life, but that’s in His hands not mine and my life is very full with joy & contentment but as Michaela so graciously taught we’re not born that way, it’s a process of walking with the Lord moment by moment, day by day…Psalm 16:11

[@Kate-ip8ul]

Another humble testimonial by two beautiful people. My Christian beliefs are much more liberal than yours on a lot of social issues, but I like the fact that you both speak from the heart and don’t talk down to anyone. You share your lives and God’s impact on you without trying to force people to 100% share your belief system. I’m an almost 70-year-old grandma; when God speaks thru you, it speaks directly to my heart. Thank you!

[@andreafelton689]

"liberal" 🤮

[@cherylmann7815]

Thank you so much for those words. I have been struggling with Jealousy and anger. I was not able to have children due to being sexually abused when I was younger, and I am so jealous of others that have them. I am so happy for them and yet sad for my Husband and I. Your words helped me a lot to appreciate what i do have. My family and my Nieces and Nephews and my wonderful Husband. Thank You. Love to you both.

[@carolinelvsewe]

I forget that God has endless capacity to hear us and has not lost track in some way of me. I so often forget that God KNOWS how I’m feeling, He CARES about my personal heartaches, He is God and I am not. He’s so faithful and I am so up and down. THANK YOU for this reminder I’m going to read Ephesians and consider memorizing it.

[@brunibenavides-dk1os]

Wow you guys have made me cry just because God is so good to us you truly have been a blessing to this grandma

[@angelamiddlemass]

Because of your experiences, you understand how others feel and are able to show people how they can work through these thoughts. There is always a reason for the experiences we have. You are definitely the SWAN.

[@pammundy1002]

You two are a treasure !!

[@chriswilson2734]

Thank you for being so open and transparent with your feelings . You have spoke so many words of wisdom and freedom given to us from God. I am 72 years old and wish I had known of Gods perfect plan for me when I was younger. Praise God he has chosen me to choose him. Please keep sharing. I love hearing the calmness in your voices. May God bless you beyond what you can imagine!

[@AdelaGeist]

You guys are so encouraging. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@helengolightly9707]

Thank you so much for sharing your battles/struggles with contentment and jealousy- so relatable- so timely! Very encouraging word! May God bless you ABUNDANTLY! ..beyond what what you dream and hope for! 😍😘

[@cindygraham1357]

This is definitely a topic that needs to be discussed more. My mom has unfortunately harbored jealousy and envy inside for so many years, even towards me and my family, that has had the things that she didn’t in her past. She has dementia now and all that bitterness and ugly just pours out of her. It’s so sad!! God told us not to hold on to resentment and I can see the reasons why! You are absolutely beautiful Michaela!!! ❤

[@lauramotola6231]

Thank you so much for this encouragement!

[@Mirandaaa1820]

Thank you guys for the encouragement always ❤

[@quinoasongs2507]

Yes, as a widow, I get it. And today in church we had a short video on those being persecuted severely in other parts of the world. Let's keep encouraging each other

[@KarenKassens-r6z]

Amen, some very good wisdom. Heard recently: don’t think LESS of yourself, but think of yourself less.

[@DorothyHartson]

Thanks for this. I'm experiencing family issues at the moment, and struggling with accepting the way things are. I will continue to pray for God's help in getting through.

[@lynnburkard9096]

Thanks for the reminder

[@HelenaTeeter]

This really ministered to my heart. I delt with infertility for years, my sister would literally abort her baby during that time, or during a miscarriage, it was horrible. I had to forgive her for rubbing it in my face. Now I'm a joyful mother of 4! Now, dealing with some health issues due to a tick bite and it has been hard being content. Thank you for the reminder and for your graceful heart. Praying you guys will have a baby. Exodus 23:26 is what I declared over myself daily, and changed my heart posture. I'm proud of you guys!

[@ApoloniaJones1976]

This is such a valuable video. Thank you for blessing us with it ❤

[@CheapsKate77]

This was a message I needed to be reminded of. I could comment a lot, but I’ll just say thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your hearts with us. I’ve struggled with jealousy for many years because of many things. I find it so hard to remember to be grateful for the good things I have. ❤❤❤

[@songofjoy446]

Thank you for sharing some your hard lessons and encouraging so many through what you’ve learned. I listen twice now, and heard something new, or different both times. I’m reminded of these scriptures as I’ve watched and listened. 2Corinthians 12:9-10 and Matthew 5:16. ✝️ Oh and I love the beautiful scenery as well, thanks for including that too!❤

[@sheriturner6118]

Oh my goodness what a timely message. And so encouraging to me. Yall are a blessing in so many, many ways not only in your actual family but for us out here in the world. Thank you both!!!

[@musicdiva9365]

Thank you for your honesty. Everyone can take away something from what you both said.

[@elizabethcabrera5718]

Thank you for this my mom unexpectedly passed away in Christmas Eve 16 years ago this year and it’s been such a long grief process. It got a little better last year but it’s still such a trauma that I am dealing with . But I just ask God to carry me through it .

[@LynnWilliamson-z4b]

Your words are a blessing to me… The both of you just listening to you things that you have gone through… I also got married later Then I had expected to. And married a man 8 1/2 years younger than I.. and we also struggled with trying to get pregnant… I was in my late 30s when my sister called me and asked me if my husband and I would want to adopt her daughters baby once it was born… Of course we both said immediately yes! We knew it was an answer to prayer… And it had been prophesied to us also… Our little boy, Michael Thomas is our little miracle… Thank you for your wisdom, your honesty… I know that you are both a very loving couple… I have watched you grow up for a very long time…

[@kelliekunz2051]

I struggled with my singleness for so long and God never chose to answer those prayers. Now I’m 50 and can’t imagine living my life with someone else, although an extra set of hands and an extra income would be helpful now that I just bought my first home - a serious fixer upper. This video touched my heart. Thank you!

[@jukes243]

If anyone is to be envied Michaela, it would be you. Your gentle spirit, kind heart, and amazing sewing skills are to be admired. As Aunt and Uncle I can't think of anyone who better fits the role. God knows what He is doing. ~blessings

[@sarahludos7970]

Agree!

[@jonniricard5383]

Michaela is so beautiful. Inside and out.

[@lesleysmith9672]

Thank you for your words.

[@caradixon9247]

Thank you so much for sharing we are not alone in our struggles. And thank you for sharing how you overcame all of these struggles.

[@tracyludwig]

Awesome content today.I have struggled with my weight for alot years and compared myself to others.I have hypothyroidism and gain weight easy.Mrs Bates is a wonderful mom and your dad is awesome too.Michaela you are beautiful inside and out.Thanks for this video it really helped me feel better about myself.Keep being yourself michaela love you.

[@jesshart5736]

This is an incredibly beautiful message. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@maryjordan8560]

Missionary Mary Jordan I respect you Michaela for being honest with jealousy healing comes with honesty .Every family has it I went through this jealousy because of my relationship with Christ ,people thought I felt I was better than someone else but I did't. I had to pray and ask God to give me the strength to endure. God help us to over come our weaknessess..In 1 Peter 5;17 says Casting all your care upon him;for he careth for you , he will help you overome those weakness

[@robincastle6311]

You both are so real and relatable. God bless you and your marriage. Thank you for sharing.

[@ritakfm]

Thank you for this beautiful testimony.

[@adelehanrahan9449]

The two of you are such beautiful souls, inside and out. What a blessing you are to all who are central to your lives as well as those of us who can hear and respond to your message. I was told by a teacher in high school (after telling her of my insecurities) to: Make it my life's objective to be who I am as God intended me to be . Not easy at all, as you both stated, but worth the effort to experience the joy of self-love, acceptance. A work in progress, for sure. Thank you sincerely for your talk today and all of your videos.

[@markridge]

Thank you so much ❤

[@burnettthomas9865]

Thank you both for sharing. I didn't know how much I needed to hear this on today but God did. I have found myself in this last season of my life comparing myself a lot and struggling with my self-worth but this video has helped me to line up. my perspective with his Word. I appreciate you both and pray God's absolute best over your life.

[@giovannaarnold]

Being the oldest girl in the family, and seeking peace for my heart. I learned that just because you are in a family together, our lives take us into different places. We just need to remember that God is with us and will help us through the trying times. I pray for all by siblings. God is the one that helps us in the trying times. I will be praying for you. i

[@dottiegyles1119]

Thanks for sharing this priceless video!

[@cathywilson6692]

Love this ❤ Thanks for sharing

[@paulabeaman5586]

Thank you for sharing God’s Word with our feelings in day to day life. His word makes every situation better and brighter!!! ♥️♥️✝️

[@Amanda77]

You both are a great blessing. I love listening to your words of wisdom about different topics. This topic is definitely something I’ve had issues with throughout my life and hearing your take on things has really helped me to think differently. Thank you 😊

[@brendawilder1379]

What a great word❣️. Clearly you both have been given a gift. Today you have touched so many that have had the same feelings and or hurt. Just hearing you talk through things we actually know but have neglected to remember, your soothing voice and words are not condemning but of love and is exactly what needs to be said. Thank you both so very much. God Bless you both.

[@anitabeckett1403]

I love listening to you both and your family members,you all are such a blessing and encouraging messages. God bless you both, and keep sharing

[@cynthianieto6092]

Amen

[@pennycunningham-mb6yg]

We’re thankful God has given you this avenue to share your faith

[@jamiezucker9236]

Thank you for being transparent & honest! I appreciated this video. I’m sure it will minister to many people! ❤

[@maddyk8505]

So beautifully said. Thank you ❤

[@joyg8904]

So wise, and powerful

[@robineldredge4783]

Love this so much! Thank you for sharing your experience and testimony! So glad you all decided to start your channel! Great message of faith and encouragement. Praying for ya’ll!🙏

[@marciamilesramsey6405]

You are both beautiful people! Thank you for sharing your hearts, and the lessons you’ve learned. I’m old enough to be your mom, and I’ve been a believer in Jesus longer than you’ve been alive, but you’ve truly ministered to me tonight. ❤ Thank you again and God bless you! 😊

[@judys-expressions]

Machaela, I have always thought you were beautiful, so very kind and a very gifted seamstress. You have a compassion for people that others don't have.

[@ohsusanna8042]

Thank you SO much for this lesson. My heart needed to be reminded of this. At times, we might not even be aware that we are actually holding jealousy towards someone. Your talk made me face some truths about myself tonight. I will ask for God's grace and try to do better. Thank you both.

[@heidianderson9959]

You two are so amazing. Thank you for being so vulnerable. You are both so blessed

[@sherrylee1072]

His love endures forever

[@katehoward7110]

Your videos always give me hope.

[@sf5218]

I truly appreciate your vulnerability and honesty with this very important reminder! Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@jamiehigh924]

Thank you for your vulnerability. These were great examples and great lessons. May The Lord bless you with the desires of your heart.