He Calls Me Friend!

So this morning I wake up to this song playing in my head, just this one line and I truly hope I am able to find the song on You Tube so I may share it with you. In the mean time, I will share this single line:

'I am a child of God, I am a Child of God, I am a child of God,  He calls me friend.'

Talk about music that will put a smile on your face! Occasionally in our home, we have a mini-dispute over the music being played on the radio. I would prefer to listen to either Moody and its teachings or K-Love for a constant flow of music. Mike still likes to listen to good old rock n roll. So the other night, last night specifically, I was in our room working on laundry and Mike was cooking in the kitchen. He asked for some jams so I put it on the only station I know of outside of those two and went back to processing the laundry.

After about fifteen minutes, I came out to make myself a cup of coffee and move the loads when I heard a song from my own past; I want my M TV.

I couldn't help but giggle over the silliness of the song and I began singing it on my own. The children began giggling at me which honestly only encourages me to keep being silly. You don't get moments of pure laughter often enough.

Mike and I were laughing about it all as the song ended and then Marie came around the corner smiling and I looked at her and started the chorus line: I want my, I want my, I want . . . and I looked at her and she finished up by singing "my own TV".

I think Mike and I cracked up for a straight three minutes. All of them chimed in marching around as they sang their own version of the song. After all, they had no clue that there was such a station as M. TV, M being for music. Laughter truly is the best medicine.

Often, sadly, we get so caught up in all the things this world tells us that matters that we lose sight of what truly matters. We are all children of God. Even though our own children sometimes seem more like burdens than the blessings they are meant to be, if we remind ourselves that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, than we may more appreciate all the blessings we are given while we are able to enjoy them.

As parents I think we feel the pressure to perform or for our children to perform. We all want to succeed in life. I think perhaps sometimes we measure success the wrong way. It is not in money or fame that we succeed. True success is found in the growing of viable fruit in ones life. If we can pass on this to our children we not only have success, we have guaranteed them success.

How do we go about such an endeavor? We feed our minds with truth. We read the word, we breath the word, we sing the word, we fill our minds with all things good. What goes in will come out. It clearly tells us that wisdom comes from God. It also tells us that everything begins with the renewing of our minds. With so many choices on what to watch or read or listen to, it is tempting to fill our minds with things of this world.

I believe the closer you draw to God, the more you truly seek what He has to say. I know there were many many many years in my life that I did not converse with the Lord. I shut Him out. In moments of trouble, should I call on Him, He never failed me. However, I still shunned Him on a daily basis. Today, I cannot imagine not talking to Him. I am back where I began as a child. I am truly a friend of Gods again. I can't think of a better friend to have in this life. I don't have another friend in this world that can pull of absolute miracles and save me from situations that look utterly hopeless.

I heard the other day that God always has one more move that we ourselves just don't see when we find ourselves in a check mate situation. With our backs up against the wall, we see no way out in sight. Trapped. Lost. Believing the game is over, our souls cry out to the Lord.

It is all He needs to step in and show you there was one more move to be made. One that totally changed the game and moved it all into your favor. That is something only God can do.

Often I have wondered why He waits until the last moment to step in. It is my belief that it gives us something to talk about and in doing so, we bring Glory to His name. Everyone loves a good story. They are the ones that get told and retold. It is often through a story that one is introduced to the glorious ways of the Father. This is truly why we are to share our stories and our testimonies.

I know this is why God called me out to share my story. It is hard to believe that He began encouraging me to do just that back in September of 2012. I laugh that we think God doesn't move fast enough when in all reality often we don't move as fast as I am sure He would like us to!

I shared a post that I made on Face Book back on September 19th, 2012 in my latest book. In a gist, I mentioned that I recognized the voice in my head that was talking to me about sharing my story in written form. I really began the process almost 3 months after He initially prompted me to begin. Baby steps is often the only way we get to where we can run freely! Now two years later I have written over 130 blogs and have published 3 true life books!

I would encourage you today to open up the line of communication. Your father would love for you to get to know Him. The only way that happens is for you to knock on that door. I promise you it will be one thing you will NEVER regret doing. Blessings to all who knock.

Father today I come to you singing songs of thanks. I am in awe of the mighty ways you are working in my life. I am excited to see what today has to bring and to hopefully catch glimpses of your hand moving things into position. It truly leaves me as a child in awe when I do. Daily I hear of others taking their own lives. Hopeless and lost. There are so many. The evil one is winning the battle on the ground and we need more soldiers in action on the forefront. I cannot help but recall that the harvest is plenty but the workers are few. Please help me be a tool that helps others Father. Let my words that you have given me to share reach their ears and their hearts. Give me the right words to speak to them Lord so that I may be a worker with a large harvest. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden, 2014

Lol, okay the words in the song are really 'I am a friend of God, He calls me friend' ~ I think it is pretty cool that this morning I heard it as I am a child of God, He calls me Friend. I love knowing that I truly am a child of God. Took me a long time to believe it even on my worst days! I love you. Please support me in my next move by purchasing one of my three books. They truly can be read apart from eachother but as a set they make a moving testimony to the Love the Father has for all of us and the great desire the evil one has to rob us of feeling the Love. By purchasing my books, you allow me the freedom to keep writing! You can get all three for less than $13 in ebook format and less than $22 in print form! Won't you help our my cause today. I assure you, you will get your money's worth and more! Thank you <3,

Your sister in Christ, Wendy

you can find all 3 of my books on amazon by going to www.amazon.com/author/wendyglidden

or google this to find each one on their own, they are available on ITunes as well:
You Are Worthy Too: In the Beginning for book 1
You Are Worthy Too: Marriage, Motherhood and My Moral Meltdown for book 2
You Are Worthy Too: Angels, Answers, Signs and Wonders for book 3

It's a Good Morning!

Good Morning my sisters and brothers in Christ! I hope the day has found you smiling. On my way to work today, I was jamming to the radio. Mandisa's song "Good Morning!" immediately after Chris Tomlin singing "Whom Shall I Fear". Starting your day off with prayer, followed by singing does much good for one's outlook! I know one thing is for sure, it helps me smile and beam as I bask in the Glory of God. Talk about feeling toasty!

So on Tuesdays, I am responsible for providing a marketing tip in a Christian Marketing group I belong to. Today, this was my tip on Facebook:

Good morning everyone! My tip on this Terrific Testimonial Tell-All Tuesday is BE TRUE to Yourself! When it comes to marketing you will enjoy it more if you remain true to yourself. What does that mean you may ask? Well, everything. To begin you must take an account of your personal inventory. What kind of person are you? What are your strong points? Where does your weakness lie?

If you are a morning person, then use that time when you are most cheerful to complete your creative work like your marketing campaigns. Is there a day in the week that always seems to be a more joyous, energetic day? Use that day to step out of your comfort zone and make new contacts. Positive energy is contagious! When you have an up day take advantage of that! If you are having a day when you are out of sorts, before you do another thing, get on your knees and give it to God.

Also, try as hard as we may, remember, alone you are human. Your best asset is your relationship with God. Just like we are advised in Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 

I will be blogging on verses 24 – 36 today as that is what was laid on my heart. Very exciting stuff! To check out my daily posts or to find the portal to my blog, simply click on my facebook page and like it when you stop by! https://www.facebook.com/YouAreWorthyToo

Have a blessed day everyone! 

Wendy

So honestly, I know I have to provide a marketing tip on Tuesdays. Monday night I pray for insight on what to share with my group for I am not a professional marketer. I was surprised I was even picked to provide a tip on Tuesday. All the other tipsters help others in a professional sense! Me, I rely on God to help me. So this morning I knew my message was going to include seeking God. What I did not know was that God was going to show me so much more than that! Once I realized that Matthew 6:33 actually started out with the word But, I knew what time it was! To fully understand the importance of 6:33 we must start at verse 24! With that being said, straight out of my MacArthur Study Bible, 

verse 24: No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

verse 25: For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

verse 26: Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?

verse 27: And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?

verse 28: And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin,

verse 29: yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.

verse 30: But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!

verse 31: Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?'

verse 32: For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

verse 33: But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Verse 34: So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I love the entire message. I love the "You of little Faith!" I always hear it with such a Fatherly exasperated tone. It makes me laugh. I mean in all seriousness, all that goes on after we depart, all that has happened prior to our existence, we have nothing to do with how it transpires. How do we trick ourselves into thinking we have control over such things?

I have found stepping out in absolute Faith is EXTREMELY FREEING. I KNOW MY GOD HAS THIS! I don't have to do anything but be still and KNOW He is God. This is so much easier to accomplish when I am seeking Him. I renew my mind with His wisdom daily and it fills me with a joyous confidence words cannot define. 

I used to view the bible as something I could not grasp myself. I mean in all honesty how many people do you see hanging out on a park bench reading it? Sadly not many. The most read book in the world and we tuck it away and read it out of the sight of others! This must change! 

Today I resolve to be more bold about my relationship with God. He is my Father, my Teacher, my Friend. I love Him. I love singing His praises and reading His word. I love the nuggets of wisdom He has shared with us via those who were willing to listen and in turn share with us as directed. We are so blessed by His grace. It is a message that needs to be heard and understood. No matter where you are today. No matter what you think would keep you separated from your Heavenly Father, as He is Faithful, should you seek, you shall find and the more you seek, the more you will find. The bible has endless wisdom in it. What ever troubles you today, you will find comfort within these pages. Today I encourage you to seek Him with all your heart!

Father, today I come before you and ask that you shine your light into the dark recesses of the world. Radiate it for all to see and feel. I pray my testimony is received and encourages those who feel unworthy of your love. I pray what you give me to share helps them realize the indeed are worthy too. I pray they grasp the concept of Grace and recognize the beauty in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I pray countless lift their heads and look to you to heal their broken hearts and renew their minds. I pray those who are asleep, awaken and begin their journey back home to Faith, Hope and Love. In Jesus name I pray! Amen!!

Wendy, Mom of Many.

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Your Will Verses God's Will . . . Listening to God Can Save Your Life!

Tremendously Thankful Thoughtful Thursday! 

Today I am thankful that Mike is alive. If I am to be honest, he is in a struggle over his will verses God's and I can only pray for him and love him through the struggle. Trust me when I say this is not always easy. Just yesterday morning I was carrying on to God. I came to Him with something like this:

Father, I come before you at my wits end where Mike is concerned again. I am trying to follow the teachings of Jesus, Father, but I am angered by his indifference. I love him with all my heart, but currently he is being detrimental to my heart. I come before you in desperation for relief. Give me more wisdom and strength. Help snuff my anger and hold my tongue when I feel as if Mike has purposely gone out of his way to hurt my feelings. Teach me to rest in you through all storms. Please reach out to him Father and soften his heart. Open His Eyes. Awaken him. I know you Love him. Help him to see the truth. Help me find peace in the chaos. Help me trust that you have this. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

So, Last night after work, I headed off the the YMCA with Travis, my 11 year old. Mike was supposed to meet up with us there after he finished his work. By the time I was done working out I had still not seen Mike. I went to go find Travis and when I went to the teen room I could see our car. I looked to see if Mike's motorcycle was out there and it was not. Eerily enough I heard a very calming voice say, "Mike wrecked his bike". My first reaction was "No way." my next thought was, "He doesn't have a phone." and then I was like heck even if he did have one my battery is dead. I chastised myself for allowing my phone to be down. It happens more than I care to admit. I'm not someone who checks my phone all day long. I often forget it in a rush out the door. I grew up before cell phones were around and I work all day answering the phone. It hurts my head to talk on my cell phone without a headset so I find it most inconvenient to be quite honest.  Regardless of all that, I pushed away the thought that Mike had wrecked.

I found Travis down by the entrance and asked if he was ready to go. He informed me he was starving and ready. We walked out the door, got in the car and had just pulled out of the YMCA when we saw Mike coming around the corner on his bike. I chided myself for being so foolish as to have the thought he had wrecked his bike. He was just being Mike. It was a nice day. He'd most likely taken a ride in the country. I came to a stop and Mike pulled up. "I wrecked. I flipped off my bike. I didn't have a phone. I'm hurt." He lifted his right arm and it was ugly to say the least. He informed me he had stopped by the house and a neighbor had cleaned him up a bit. He said, "I tried to call you but it went straight to voice mail. All I could think was I needed to get to you." I was surprised to see him wearing his helmet. The last 3 days he has chosen not to wear it so he could feel the wind in his hair! Just last week he rode it in sandals as well as without his helmet.  I stared at him for a moment in disbelief. I knew it was God that had protected him.

As I doctored Mike's arm, we began talking. I looked at him and said, "I'm so glad you had your helmet on today. You would have most likely been killed without it. It would not have been pretty to say the least."

He said, "I know. I fought with myself over wearing it 3 times." He told me he really didn't want to wear it. He confided that he went to his bike 3 times without it but kept feeling like he should have it on so he gave in to the pull on his heart and put it on. It was God's WILL that Mike wear his helmet yesterday. It was Mike's will that he not. I'm so thankful God speaks His desire more than once.


Today I pray we all begin to listen to that soft strong voice when we hear it. Even more so when we resist it.  Sometimes, Father, I think the buzz of the outside world is so loud I don't take the time to recognize your voice. I push it off as my imagination or I find it in conflict with what I want so I deny it. Help me sit still. I have heard before everything, pray. I must admit, I am not to this point in my life but it is where I want to be. Help me grow Father. I am beginning to recognize when I am off kilter. It is directly tied to how much I have or have not focused on you. Whether I have turned to you with my troubles or held onto them myself. Sometimes in my anger, I become so foolish. Fill me with your Love Lord. Fill me with Your Wisdom. I am determined to put you first every day! Help me turn to you immediately in crises, fear and doubt. I pray for more Grace and Wisdom and Strength. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy,
Mom of Many


© Wendy Glidden 2013