My Craziest Dream Doesn't Come Close to The Beauty in My Life Today!

Wild Wacky Wonderful Wednesday! Wow!! If you had told me a year ago that I would be in the midst of sharing my life story with the world via a blog, I would have literally laughed out loud. No way would I open my closet for the world to see! I mean, who in their right mind looks for critics and judges?

If you would have claimed that within 7 months of me stepping out in Faith and following the direction God was pulling in, my story would have well over 40,000 page views and I would have been read in 75 countries, I'd of told you that you should be writing a story! Yet, here I am. In absolute awe of our Heavenly Father. He is Faithful.

Were you to take my craziest dream and throw it up on a 'dream board', it would not even come close to comparing what is happening in my real life today. If that isn't absolutely mind blowingly wild, well, I don't know what is!

Recently I prayed for a way to create an income from nothing so that I can fund my ministry. While that prayer seemed like one that had little chance of being answered, I said it regardless. After all, with Faith anything can happen! So, I have the idea, the core of it, and I am super psyched to get started. All I am waiting on is for the 'so called clutter' to begin arriving in the mail. It is my prayer this happens before next month ends. If you missed that blog "Clear the Clutter" and you have no desire to go and read it for yourself, I am asking for donations of all broken crayons as well as all empty vitamin bottles. Any donations of either are greatly needed and appreciated. Simply mail them to Wendy Glidden, PO Box 481, Westfield, IN 46074.

The coolest thing about what I am doing right now is the messages I receive from readers. Money, no amount of it, could ever hold a candle to the encouraging and thankful messages I have received. They warm my heart and give me the courage and strength to continue. I do receive nasty insults from some. I know where that comes from. I just smile and think to myself, "I must be encouraging many for such attacks!"

I am firm in my faith and I will not waiver. Decades ago when I did not wear a full suit of armor the evil one was able to commit acts of connivery that in all reality were 100% cruel. I pray my fellow brother's and sister's in Christ learn about all the armor available to protect themselves from the daily battle we all face. Without using it all, we leave ourselves vulnerable. I now recognize the battle we are in and I am thankful for such clarity.

Speaking of clarity. I have been praying for it recently. The other night I had the craziest dream. You know, one of those where it seems so real, you believe it is happening in real life. That happened to me last week. In my dream, I couldn't 'see' who was with me as everything was slightly fuzzy, almost like being in a hospital under the bright lights undergoing surgery yet awake. Anyway, they were looking into my eyes. Next thing I know, they pulled out this whitish film but it was thick. I was shocked it had come out of my eye. Then I heard them say, "There, that should help you see clearer." When I woke up my eyes felt rough. I got up and went into the bathroom to wash my face. As soon as I splashed that first handful of water on my eyes, I stood straight up recalling what I had witnessed during the night. I am still blind as a bat but I am seeing things clearer.

I came to work and shared my dream with Joan at work. She said, "Wow, sounds like you had scales taken out of your eyes!"  I am not sure what transpired exactly. What I do know for sure is I am now praying for my ears to be in tune with truth! I will be sure to share any other crazy dreams I have in the future!

The highlight of my day thus far would be when I went into the break room to heat up water for my oatmeal. I found my 14 year old daughter curled up reading her bible. Her Ipod and my laptop are sitting on the table for her to use and yet she is entranced in God's word. I don't think anything can top that!

Today I pray eyes and ears are opened to the truth. I pray countless lost are found. I pray the hands and feet of Jesus move into action all across the world as one. I pray my brothers and sisters begin coming home in the thousands. May the evil one lose his hold on countless held in bondage. I pray all learn about the war and the armor needed to win. I pray they take advantage of all the armor available. I pray I begin to receive countless packages of broken crayons so I can begin my fundraising idea that makes me giggle like a child every time I think about it. I thank you Lord for all you have blessed me with. I am blessed beyond measure. I pray I continue to receive insight on my next steps. I pray I am always able to see an attack and recognize it for what it is. I pray that while sin crouches at my door it finds no entry into my heart and mind. Protect me from harm Father. Protect my family from harm. Strengthen the Faith of all my family. In Jesus name I pray! Amen.



Wendy, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Time Flies When You Are Seeking God!

Wow! Marvelously Magnificent Miraculous Monday! Time flies when you are seeking God! From Psalm 118 verse 24: This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!

Indeed! Are you making the most of today? Are you rejoicing and giving thanks?

Today I am rejoicing! This blog that I stepped out in faith to write beginning back on December 6, 2012 has officially reached over 40,000 page views and has been read in 74 countries! It's so amazing to have been touched by so many I would have never been blessed by had I not listened. I am blessed beyond measure and thankful for so many encouraging messages ♥ Keep those coming :-) Please share my link with anyone feeling unworthy of God's love, grace and mercy.

On a side note, if you haven't read about the idea God inspired me with to raise funds for my ministry, check out my blog post "Clear the Clutter" for all the details. Thank you for spreading the word. Here is that blog link if you want to share it ♥

http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/07/clear-clutter.html

This was the post on my fan page titled you are worthy too. If you are on face book at all, please stop by and like my fan page! This will help you should you stumble upon a blog post that you want to share. Not to mention the rumor on the street is Likes matter! I'm no guru when it comes to the Internet. One thing I know for sure though, I honestly like "likes" lol. This is the link to that fan page should you be tempted to check it out.  https://www.facebook.com/YouAreWorthyToo

Last week I managed to write a post four days in a row! This week started out a little rough! From the jump I woke up late, my coffee order was made incorrectly and the first emails I opened at work were not the most pleasant I have ever received. I was second into the office which meant I did not get to pick the music for the day. Even with all those things, I still found myself in a good mood. I realized starting my day out with a single snippet of God's word for me to reflect upon had made a major impact on my day. Reading one single verse changed my outlook and my focus. I was able to keep it right on Jesus through everything that came my way.

Today I am thankful I know about all the treasure to be discovered with in the Holy Bible. It truly is wisdom, love, hope, faith, encouragement, triumph and so much more. I am blessed to understand that simply reading a little bit of God's word gives me massive protection. Had I not focused first on an encouraging word who knows how my day would have ended. I am sure not as pleasantly as it did. I was able to tackle 2 big ticket items on my must do before the end of the month list as well as complete research for another task I will now be able to complete tomorrow with confidence. Life is good when you keep your focus on Christ.

Tomorrow I will finally be making my first introduction video on you tube as well as finally emailing everything I needed to for a mom's group I am very excited to be a part of. The women I have met along my journey in the last 3 years have been such a blessing in my life. To think it all started with the simple desire to help enhance the lives of those I touch.

I must end here as my time to write has ended. I just wanted to encourage you in all you do, seek God first. It will truly make a difference in how your day goes. Give him the morning. Even if you are running a moment late, there are countless things you can do to fit God into your morning routine. I promise, if you make the time to fit God in, He will begin to reveal himself to you. All that is required is that you seek Him. With that being said, remember every day we are blessed with has a cause for rejoicing and giving thanks. Make the time every day. This is a VITAL part of your daily armor! Blessings to all who do!

Father I come before you today rejoicing in all I am blessed to be a part of. Thank you for using me. For inspiring me. For teaching me. Thank you for your mercy and grace. You are so amazing. I cannot imagine a life without belief in you. Today I pray for all who have lost faith in prayer, may they find cause to begin to turn to you with life problems. May more of us begin to understand where that tug on your heart to step out and do something comes from and with Faith act upon it. Father help us be more in tune with you. I pray for all the lost, may they hear the call and lift their heads. May they begin to seek you. May they find the right fellowship. May they be blessed with teachers of the truth. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.


Wendy, Mom of many

© Wendy Glidden, 2013

Clear the Clutter

It's Tremendously Thankful Thoughtful Thursday. Tonight I am going to the send off for The women's Cross Roads Great Banquet # 46. How the memories come rushing back. I will forever be thankful for how I grew that weekend.  It cost me nothing to go yet it was priceless. Pardon the pun! With the event coming up this week and in knowing I was going to be attending the send off, my heart has been overflowing with elated emotion. There is nothing that can compare to knowing God LOVES you. There is nothing that can compare to understanding His Grace and Mercy. There is nothing that compares to laying it all at His feet, accepting Christ as your Savior and understanding forgiveness. When these things take place in your life, you truly do become a new creation!

On my way to work I heard a couple of awesome songs I had never heard before. I am including this one today for it is so fitting to how I feel, what I desire. It's by Addison Road and it's a newer song of hers I believe "My Story"

I truly desire to serve the Lord. I honestly long to help my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ lift their heads and understand there is nothing, NOTHING God doesn't already know about them. All He is waiting for is for you to come to Him. I was lost for so long myself. While I believed in God, I did not believe I was worthy of saving. The evil one had me fooled. Even with all the signs and wonders God had made visible in my life, I was blind in a way that was detrimental to my well being. I know that place so well. I lived there for years. I finally get to do what I always wanted to do. I get to help God's children, my brothers and sisters in Christ. By allowing Christ to work on me and through me I am able to be a light for others.

I have been praying for a way to raise money for my ministry that won't take money from others. Recently God helped me recall a funny idea he had given me in my twenties. I shared my idea with my 14 year old daughter and she laughed. While she says I embarrass her with my thoughts, actions and dance moves, I know she loves me just the way I am! Last night, God clicked it together for me. Today I am here asking if you would clear out the clutter and help a girl with her mission! I am asking for donations of all broken, useless, unwanted crayons you may have. I am also asking for any and all empty vitamin bottles. If you would kindly collect these items and send them to me I would greatly appreciate your much needed donation! Simply address your packages to: Wendy Glidden, PO Box 481, Westfield, IN 46074

I can hardly wait to unveil the items God gave me to create as gifts. I promise, I have a smile on my face and laughter bubbling inside of me as I envision the laughter, joy and hope they will deliver.  

I love the road I am set on. While I understand I live in a fallen world and chaos is bound to cross my road, I will not be driven from my purpose again. I am keeping my focus on Jesus and I know I will be just fine through all my future storms. I am Free. 

Father today I come before you with laughter in my heart. Oh how good you are to me. I am blessed beyond measure. Others may see my life as full of hardships, yet as I look back I see loads of laughter. I would not change my shoes with anyone. It is my prayer father that those who too have had a bumpy road and have been fooled into believing they are not worthy come to find Joy in you. I pray the evil one's connivery is counted as useless against my fellow brothers and sisters. Trials and Tribulations are a given. They stretch us, they prepare us, they strengthen us. Thank you for always holding me up through the storms I have lived through. It saddens me that so many are blind to just who you truly are and what Grace and Mercy truly mean. The world is so upside down Father. It must break your heart for I know it breaks mine. I pray your light shines through me. I pray it shines through others. I pray we begin to act like one body. I pray we discover our true purpose. I pray the blinders come off. I pray eyes are opened and ears begin to hear, understand and recognize the truth when it is spoken. I pray for broken hearts may they find you Father. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden, 2013

Unpacking Treasure! Show Me a Sign Part II

Wild Wacky Wonderful Weds. Today my friends, I am unpacking treasure! I am nervous, excited and ready to share what I buried in an envelope and then tucked away in a drawer months ago. On days when I am feeling attacked I pull it out and read it to myself. It helps me recall that day. It helps me feel loved by my Heavenly Father. It helps me every time I read it. It is absolutely my most valuable possession. I felt it was too much to share with the world. Never do I want to appear to be putting on airs. I am better than no one.

About 2 months after I first received this letter, I felt the pull to share it. I sought out the permission of the one who had written it to me. She agreed then to let me share it but asked that I remove her name as she is going through some pretty serious times herself and was seeking to be invisible. I decided with that request, the time was not right. Since then, we have talked through face book about boldness and how we are not meant to cower and hide. We are loved by God. As a song I have shared says, "Whom shall I fear?" She agreed, but I still felt sharing the letter without her being comfortable with it meant the time was still not right.

Shortly after that conversation, I was looking for something and I opened the drawer my treasure is in. When my eyes saw the envelope, I clearly heard, 'You are not meant to bury treasure.' I quickly dismissed the thought and continued in my search for what I was looking for. Then yesterday I received a message from someone that basically said, "I never realized God is real" my heart exploded and I knew I must share this letter. For it leaves little doubt about not only God's existence, it speaks volumes for his love for all of us.

With this being said, first I am going to request that if you have never read my post "Show Me a Sign" that you read it first. This link should take you right to it: http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2012/12/show-me-sign.html

PLEASE read my testimony regarding where I was at when I first met this messenger from God before you even read this scanned inserted letter. It is through both of them you will find it undeniable that God is at work in our lives.

With that being said, it is my prayer you followed my directions. Here is the scanned letter. She sent it to my sponsor for the Great Banquet. He delivered it to me on the following Sunday. Needless to say it left me in tears. I had asked her to share her side of the story for 6 months when I received this at the most perfect time.

This letter reminds me of God's love for all of us. In one amazing "Only God could pull that off" moment, He answered the prayer of two girls. What a gift. I count myself blessed to have received such an undeniable sign. 

It was out of fear of what others would think that I shoved this letter in a drawer. It was God that continued to prompt me to share. With the blatant statement from a fellow sibling who was in obvious pain, the weight of guilt outweighed the fear of judgement from others. I NEVER want to appear grandiose. I am nothing more than a girl who sought God. 

The things that have carried me through the darkest moments of my life have been things like this letter. Being told by a visible angel as a child that I was beautiful and that I was a child of God was a statement I clung to in the dark. 

When I was in the 8th grade we did a study on names and what they were supposed to mean. Wendy was not listed in 1983. My religion teacher promised to due further research. She caught me in the hall one day to let me know what she had discovered regarding my name. She said, "Wendy. I wanted to let you know your name means 'Walks With God'. I cannot begin to explain how that caused my heart to soar. I loved my name after that for I feel as if I indeed walk with God. 

My heart is overflowing with emotion as I come to the end of today's post. Please KNOW you ARE a CHILD of GOD. Please SEEK HIM. HE IS FAITHFUL. I am blessed beyond measure. While it is true I have lived through more than some, it is also true I have lived through MUCH LESS. We all have our own trials and tribulations to overcome. These are much easier to get beyond when you LEAN on God. Why not begin practicing that today!

I heard this song a couple months ago. I am not sure if I have tied it to any other blogs but in a world where the Lord of Air has whispered false names to all of us, I find it fitting to place this song here! I hope it encourages you to change your name! 

Father God, I come before you today with such gratitude, simple words cannot begin to explain how much I love you. I ask that as my sisters and brothers fall to their knees and give their lives to you asking that your will be done in their lives that you in turn answer them as clearly as you have me. We need you Lord. More than ever if that is possible. So many are asleep. So many are lost. So many have been deceived by the Father of Lies. I pray you take off the blinders and allow my fellow brothers and sisters to recognize truth as truth. I pray all ears are unplugged and lies are heard as lies. Give us hope Father. Reveal silver linings to all who seek you even if they seek you timidly at first. We live in a world that has begun to call your words 'hate speech'. How clever the enemy is. He has had too much time here. He is a genius when it comes to deception. I pray his slight of hand, his lies, his deceptions all fall to the ground as useless weapons against your children. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

** I am also adding another song I heard today (December 16, 2013) It's called Friend of God and it is sung by Craig and Dean Phillips <3 God is the Best Friend a girl could ever hope to have <3

Wendy, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

My Savior Lives, My Savior Loves, My Savior's Always Been for Me!

Hello! I hope the day has found you with a smile on your face, a light in your eyes and a bounce in your step! If not, hopefully what I have been given to share today will change that! I was on my way to work this morning listening to K-love and as this song began to play, big as day, I had my alphabet picture blow up in front of my eyes enlarging the next verse I needed to write on. If you have been following my blog you know that I have written on A - H to date. I have read what is under letter I a couple of times over the last few days and wondered when I would be inspired to blog on the verse. Today is that day. I am thrilled to introduce to you first the song that inspired the flash. It is "My Savior My God" by Aaron Shust.

And next, today's bible verse from my alphabet picture above my desk. It is taken from Psalms, Chapter 4, verse 8:

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord make me dwell in safety.

With the world being in the state it is in, I find much comfort in this verse.  A couple of years ago, when there was much talk about the end of the world as we know it, on a few occasions I found myself in a discussion group with several people.  They were discussing the best ways to ensure their food supply as well as safety should the worst come to pass. In the midst of all these great provisional ideas that were being shared, I would chime in with this: "All that sounds great should we be able to stay close to where we currently are. The likelihood of that being the case is not certain so I'm just going to pray that God throws me some manna from heaven. He's the only true protection I can count on." 

Throughout all the various conversations I have been a part of over the last two years, some have chuckled. Someone once stopped talking and stared at me as if I was speaking in another language. The best response in my mind was when I had a guy high five me and say, "I love that. That's what I'm talking about." He was a fan of Ron Paul. I have been a fan of Ron Paul since I first researched him during the 2008 presidential election. He has written several enlightening books on what goes on behind the curtain. If you are into politics he is hands down someone that should have caught your attention for he stands apart from the majority of representatives we are presented with as candidates especially when you take a deeper look at what he stands for. I find it absolutely hilarious that our news crews called him a kook among other unkind names when he was a Presidential Candidate during the 2008 election. However, once the election was over, they had him on as a knowledgeable source for questions regarding our economy! The irony of the situation did not escape me!

We turned off the TV in our household in April of 2008. Mike and I came to the certain belief that 96% of what came out of the TV had a negative tone to it. Not a good percentage to win 'front and center time' in any household, let alone mine. Today I have no idea how I ever had time to watch it. I know one thing for certain, I don't miss it. You would be amazed at how much your children don't know they 'need' when they are no longer being feed soundbites every day. I often refer to the TV now as white noise. I would encourage you to turn it off for one month and see for yourself if anything changes in your home. 

With all that being said, I end today's post with the acknowledgement of how freeing it is to KNOW 100% that God has this. I don't need to understand everything about God. I don't have to defend his existence. I simply am blessed to have testimonies to share with my brothers and sisters. I too know how dark some of the roads we walk down can be. I've walked many of them myself. I am so blessed to have sought God and His advice, for when you seek, you will always find. The more you seek, the more you find. The more you find the more you seek. Until one day you see things shrouded in Heavenly lights so bright it takes your breath away and leaves you in a state of awe. When you get here, you will experience such a freedom, you will finally understand rest! Brace yourself though for Satan does not want you to remain in that state of mind. He will come at you in ways you have yet to experience. Remember to lean on your Heavenly Father. He is faithful. He will always see you through. 

Today I pray countless begin to seek you Father. I pray they seek you daily. I pray they sing your praises morning, noon and night. I know how faithful you are. May they come to know this as well. How blessed I am to have felt so tangibly your love for me. I thank you for that. I am in awe of your love for me. How I am counted as righteous still baffles my mind. How loving and gracious you are! Thank you. I pray more of my sleeping brothers and sisters awaken and step into action. I pray they hear your voice and recognize the signs you send them. I pray I recognize the signs you flash before me. I pray for more signs! I thank you for past signs. How they caused me to lift my head. I pray for your protection when it comes to those the evil one and those unfortunate souls he has connived, deceived and lied to. As you promise the enemy is crushed under my feet, let me never fall victim to him. Protect my heart and my mind Father as only you can. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden, 2013

Walking By The Spirit

Hello everyone! I hope the day has found with with a smile on your face and a song in your heart! Today I find God's love for me miraculous. His desire for me to live overwhelms me some days. In the realm of it all I am here but a moment just like you, yet He sent his son to save us all. What a gift. What a blessing.

I have these flash cards that my church printed up and I flip through them sometimes when I am trying to get in the mood to write. I found these three fitting for the mindset I am in this afternoon. This next weekend is the Women's Cross Roads Great Banquet #45. I attended #44 back in February. My small group is going to attend the send off this week.

Going to the Great Banquet helped me completely get the concept of Forgiveness, Grace and Agape. It is an experience I will never forget. In the simplest form, attending the Great Banquet was Life Changing.

It was while in reflection upon that weekend I found myself reading these flash cards. These 3 spoke to me and I have decided I must share all 3 of them with you.

Beginning with Galatians, Chapter 2, verse 20:

verse 20: I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Next we go to Ephesians, Chapter 4, verse 22 - 24:

verse 22: that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,

verse 23: and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 

verse 24:  and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. 

And we end with 2 Corinthians, Chapter 5, verse 17:

verse 17: Therefore if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.

It is my opinion that if you are not seeking God with all your heart, you are not reading His word. It is by reading His word that you begin to understand exactly what walking in the spirit feels and looks like.

I think many people believe that once a person accepts Christ for their savior they should no longer sin. It is also my belief that Satan planted that lie to cause confusion within the church as well as separation among believers. After all if you are saved and then you stumble how well does that represent God working in your life?

Satan convinced us to hide our shames and failures from one another. My sisters and brothers, we are flesh. We wake up day after day and go immediately into a spiritual battle. As soon as you spread gossip, as soon as you say something with a sarcastic tone, as soon as you react in anger, you have sinned. I don't know about you, but on occasion these fleshly characteristics have a way of making an appearance in my life.

These actions never leave me with a good taste in my mouth these days. My righteousness convicts me of this behavior. It is not what I desire to be and it does not sit well with me upon reflection.

Walking in the spirit means I try to resemble Christ in all ways. Satan knows this. He also knows my faults as well as my weakness in all areas. I am convinced the more one tries to walk in the spirit the harder the evil one attacks in all forms.  Last Sunday one of our members made mention of how he envisioned Satan checking his database for the best way to attack us. I know he is a smooth operator and quite capable of seeing through the cracks in my armor at any given moment. This alone is why it is so important to dress daily for battle.

My life belongs to Christ. I begin my days with preparation. Some mornings I read out of a devotional first thing. Every morning I listen to Christian radio. Singing praises and laughing will always put you in a more joyous, hopeful mood. Each day I have devotionals I read, I go through my flash cards, I check out my alphabet picture with Bible verses on it, I carry my Bible with me and I pray.

It is my goal to walk by the Spirit always. Jesus is my focus. With that being said, there are days when I stumble. Today I no longer convict myself of being unworthy of God's love. I know that is another lie from hell. Now, I get on my knees and pray for more strength, wisdom and understanding. I thank God for sending Jesus who died Once for All sin, including mine. I know I don't need to pray for forgiveness when I have occasion to stumble for I am already forgiven of all my sins for all time. The evil one wants me to focus on my sin and my fear of my sin being too big to be forgiven. God wants us to focus on our righteousness, understanding forgiveness because in doing so, we will actually improve our walk!
I find it ironic that the perfect song just came on the radio to tie up this post. I have been interrupted countless times and it has taken all day to put these thoughts down on paper. I hope they are an encouragement to you.

Father, today I pray more of my fellow brothers and sisters wake up and begin seeking you. I pray they do not allow the evil one to convince them they are not worthy of your love. I pray they discover what your grace is. I pray they come to realize how special they are to you. I pray more and more of my fellow brothers and sisters begin seeking you in greater more devoted ways. I pray together, strengthened by You, we as the body of Christ become bolder. I pray we begin to move as a body moves when agile and healthy. Father I thank you for the strength and understanding you have blessed me with over my lifetime. I thank you for all I have lived through for living through such trials and tribulations has taught me to find the silver lining that always exists in the midst of all storms. I pray that all my brothers and sisters come to realize there is nothing more special about anyone of us when it comes to you and your love for us all. I pray they realize the difference in the relationship between you and all your children merely lies in whether they are seeking you or not as well as how often they seek you. I pray they come to know in their hearts that You are Faithful. You have provided us with a handbook for survival. Today I pray that more and more and more of us begin to get into Your word Father. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Super Silly Sing Song Saturday! Are you Smiling?

K-Loves Encouraging word on Saturday 7/20/2013

Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live.

~ Psalm 119:144, NLT 

Good afternoon everyone! I usually don't do much with my blog or my facebook groups on Saturday. I made a promise to my children that the weekends are for family not business. We do the needed mundane daily chores of course, but we focus mainly on God and enjoying our time together as during the week we don't get quality time. 

Many of you have seen various posts about Fantastically Fun-Filled Family Friday, but I have yet to title a blog titled Super Silly Sing Song Saturday! Today that changes! 

My 5 year old starts school this year and I was looking for her birth certificate when I ran across the school box. You know, that box that you put really rememberable things from your child's school years in. I had forgotten about the poem and creative writing folder I had created for Travis when he began the second grade a few years ago. It was the first time as a parent I had been assigned with homework when receiving my child's information packet for the next school year. 

In the sealed packet that Travis brought home was a letter from his  2nd grade teacher. Inside was a request for a decorated binder for creative writing. The instructions asked for us to create it in a way that would inspire our child with ideas they could write short stories about. 

It was my desire to have Travis remember all the fun things we did together as a family. It seemed back then he focused more on what he had not been able to do rather than reflect on the good times. This just made me try to get him to lighten up even more! When he used to get mad at me, I would sing this song to him:

Travis, it's a travesty.
Why are you so Mad At me?
I don't know what I did
You're just a little kid
Travis, it's a travesty.

Sometimes the song worked, other times it did not. The funniest Travis moment for me was when he was in kindergarten. He went in the morning and in the afternoon he ran calls with me. One day we ran home between school and my first estimate that afternoon only to discover Mike and the other children were not home and they had left the play room in shambles. I stopped short and exclaimed, "Travis! It's a travesty." He looked up at me as serious as a kid can and as he shook his head he said, "Oh no it's not!" He exclaimed, "It's a Marrisaty, a Marieity or a Michaelty but it is NOOOOOO travesty."  I laughed so hard I was on the floor in absolute stitches over it. You know what they say about "Out of the mouths of babes"!

When it came to this assignment, I thought long and hard about what might inspire Travis to find the silver lining in situations. I was drumming up ideas to help him find laughter in life. I wanted to provide him with a way to remember all the fun we had had that summer. I began with going through the pictures I had taken over the last year. Then, as I sometimes am, I was inspired to include a poem for him. Travis loves to build and create things and I thought if I gave him an idea of what he could do with pictures and words he might really enjoy learning how to express himself this way. 

So here I am 4 years later looking for Delilah's Birth certificate and I stumbled upon this: 

Reading, writing and arithmetic.

School is fun when you're not sick.

I won the award for going home first.

But being sick is the worst!

This summer I did a lot of stuff.

I still told my mom it was not enough!

I went camping and swimming and to the fair!

I had my mom shave off my hair!

I made a toolbox and rode a train!

I played outside in the rain!

I learned how to swim on my own!

Over the summer how I've grown!

I went down a water slide at Forest Pool

And jumped off the diving board ~ Very Cool

My grandma took me to the Zoo!

There was still so much I wanted to do!

I rode on a jet ski and got lost on the lake!

A map sure would have been wise to take!

Everywhere I went I would meet a new friend!

I wish that the summer was not at the end!

But the seasons they come and they go.

With each passing month I continue to grow.

With determination, I will learn something each day.

And with the spirit of childhood I will continue to play!

Good Luck in the 2nd Grade, Love Mom

2009-2010

There is a reason I renamed the weekends as well as the days of the week. I am sure I am not alone as the only parent who realizes being a parent is hard. You deal with little personalities and trust me many trials and tribulations over the years. I find focusing on Jesus not only helps me be a better person, it helps me be a better parent. It was in the process of me trying to renew my mind daily that I renamed the days of the week.

On Saturday I am reminded that singing praises helps my attitude when the house is falling apart. I try to remember to smile and remain calm through the chaos and to pray for help with what to say. I still find myself calling for order at times in a manner that is louder than I would care to admit, but I'm flesh. I'm human. The difference is I hear the holy spirit convicting me of my righteousness and I am reminded of who I am in Christ. I am sure I will be better at staying calm and getting order faster as well as softer over the next year. I know this will happen for daily I renew my mind with God's word. 

Today I encourage you to take the time to enjoy your family, your parents, your children, your friends and your loved ones. Live life abundantly. Enjoy the good times and be there for each other always. One of the best sounds in the world is laughter. 

Have a Super Silly Sing Song Saturday Everyone! On a side note here is the link to some children stories I wrote back when my oldest two were my only two! http://storiesiwrote4mychildren.blogspot.com/

If you find one you like, share it with others you think might enjoy them too. Have a blessed day everyone!

Father, today I pray that parents strive to pay attention to the wisdom you have shared through your word. I pray more parents share you with their children. I know helping my children build their relationship with you is the best gift I can provide them with. I pray I get better at parenting and encouraging. I am off to enjoy the day you have blessed me with. May the world take the time to smell the flowers, bask in your Love and learn more about You and Your promises so that they share the good news with their children as well as all they know. May we all enjoy more laughter.  In Jesus name I pray! Amen.

Wendy, Mom of many.

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Remember, With God, ALL Things are Possible!

It's Tremendously Thankful Thoughtful Thursday! As I look back at the blogs I have written, and ahead at those still left to share, I am awe struck at the strength the Lord has given me through my journey. As many of you know I listen to Christian Radio, Read my Bible, Read devotionals as well as countless posts from other believers. They all fuel my fire and renew my mind. The more I learn, the more I love. The more I seek, the more I find. It truly is a vicious cycle!

I subscribed to K-loves Encouraging Word this year. They say the encouraging word throughout the day on the radio itself, but they email it as well. This was the one from Tuesday and I just love what it says. For I know the truth behind the words. Without further ado, I introduce to you from Isaiah, Chapter 41, verse 10, taken from my email quoting the NLT:

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Doesn't it just warm your heart to know that this promise is true! No matter what you are going through, what travesty you are facing, what mountain lies before you, Don't be afraid or discouraged. He will hold you up. I can't help but smile for I see so vividly how many times I have been held up and strengthened. There is no denying it.

This morning I heard the testimony of a man on K-Love who said he had the most amazing revelation almost as if Jesus was in the truck with him and he just knew even if he were the only human on the face of the earth Jesus would have come for him. I know that feeling myself. I smiled. The man made the comment about how personal the feeling was as if Jesus had reached out to him right there and filled him with that knowledge. It is my prayer that all my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ have this same revelation regarding themselves when it comes to the Love Christ has for them.

Sometimes I feel guilty being so joyous in my confidence of God's love for me. I know no matter what happens tomorrow, God will still love me. When it all boils down to nothing if you have a relationship with God, you are going to be just fine. It reminds me of Janice Joplin when she sang, "Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose" there is an element of truth to that. Many people add stress and fear into their lives due to the things they don't want to give up or lose. Possessions and belongings and even relationships can imprison you. When you have nothing there is no fear of what you may lose. I am free today for I know I have everything I need. I have God's love. 

Last night after I read Mike the blog "Dissed, Disowned, Disgraced and Darn Near Destitute" I asked him what he thought. He said, "Scary". I laughed and asked, "What do you mean by scary? What all we went through?" He laughed and said, "No, your memory of it all. Amazingly scary." I asked him, "Okay, aside from that what did you think?" He said, "I liked the ending." I was surprised, "The prayer?" He said, "Yea, it was really good." That made me smile. At one point in time Mike was not impressed by the prayers of others for others. That is obviously not the case today. Don't think a person can never change, it truly begins with the renewing of one's mind. Put in positive and positive will begin to flow back out. 

He ventured to ask me what my next title was that I was hoping for healing from and I said, "Landing on a Ledge". He shook his head and repeated what I had said as if asking a question. I said, "Yea, here I have been for the last couple blogs commenting about how I was tumbling straight down a mountain I couldn't stop long enough to get my footing. I was so confident that because you had asked God for me and had won me that you would always be for me. I felt we were so in love then I never saw what happened next coming and when it happened it was like wham, I landed on ledge so hard it took my breath away." 

As we carried on our conversation, Mike made the statement that we had really been through a lot. I said, "Yes, you are blessed to have a girl like me. You look at all of that and how calm I was through it all, even when I was 28 weeks pregnant with twins. You do realize all that I blogged about in that last chapter happened within the first 6 months of our relationship?" He said, "Wow." I said "I know. I never freaked out on you once." I may not have realized it fully back then but I was held strong by God's victorious right hand. Jesus Christ died for me. He died for you. Grab a hold of that truth. Recognize that Love and hold tight to your Faith. I promise you, He will see you through. 

I am encouraged to share a song, hoping you enjoy it. Sung by Brandon Heath "I'm Not Who I Was"

I am blessed to have Mike know both who I was and who I am today. I went to God when I needed help with our relationship and I was shown how to manage and today I stand with Mike and am thrilled to announce that January 18, 2014 we will be renewing our vows and for the first time saying them in front of family and friends as well as praising God as we share how we went to him alone the first time we said our vows. It will be exactly 10 years from our very first kiss. It was only do to my following Jesus that we are where we are at today. 

I just want to let you know, what ever you are facing today, whatever obstacle seems to large to overcome, with God all things are possible. Trust in that and walk in Faith my sisters and brothers. You will LOVE who you become and how your view of things will change. You will discover Joy in the midst of madness. 

Please leave me a comment on this post or any post you read. We are meant to encourage one another and comments lift me like I cannot even put into words. Nothing stokes me more than being an inspiration to someone helping them find their way home. The most awesome gift one can give to another is "The good news". You want to truly help a friend out, help them build their Faith. Through Faith they will find hope and when they stick the course they will discover Love. God is Love. Love is God. It truly is as simple as that!

Father God, Today I come before you and ask that you strengthen me when judgement from non believers strikes. I thank you for filling my life full of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. They help with their encouraging words. Thank you for always being there. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for your council over the years. I love who I am in you. I pray I am a light for others. I pray you use me to call others home. I pray I am a mighty warrior in your army of saints. Use me Lord in ways I can only imagine. Allow me to be a voice in the darkness. Let my story of triumph be heard. May my testimony reveal your Grace and Glory to all who stumble upon it. May it inspire others to not only seek and find you but to in turn share the good news so that a wave of triumph becomes louder than the news of dark deeds. In Jesus name I pray.

Amen

Wendy, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Dissed, Disowned, Disgraced, and Darn Near Destitute!

Recently God inspired me with 4 really awesome titles that I would LOVE to blog on. However, some things have a larger impact when they are read in a true order of events. This era of my life falls into that category. These are events I do not look forward reliving. But they paint my life with the true colors it has contained. I hope what you find in the mix is encouragement. With that being said, I ended my blog "How I fell in love with Mike" pregnant with twin girls and falling deeper and deeper in love so quickly I felt as if I was tumbling down a mountain with no end in sight.

Other than Mike and I, NO ONE was happy with us being together. I knew it would happen. The judgement. He was younger. He wasn't right for me. He was only using me. The objections came hard and quick.

Guys are guys and when it came to the men at Glidden Fence not one of them liked that Mike had won my attention. Without a doubt, they set out to alienate him. The word was no one cared for his attitude and they did not want Mike on their crew. At this time Mike was placed on a crew with his father. Mike loved his dad and I felt bad knowing how Larry trash talked Mike down almost daily to me and my father.  Larry was one of our Repair Crew Leaders and he also was the one that ran the majority of anytime repair calls. Mike, being a helper on his father's crew, ended up having an altercation one morning with Larry right after it was announced that I was pregnant and prior to the knowledge I was having twins. Mike quit that day. I was caught off guard by his rash move and it was my first view at Mike's unreasoning anger and stubbornness.

My father went so far as to pull me into his office after that and encouraged me to walk away from Mike and marry one of our workers named Gabrielle. His view was Gabrielle had been in love with me forever and he would treat me right. My father was right about Gabrielle and how he felt about me. I already knew that. He was sweet and kind and if able would have hung the moon for me, but I did not see him as more than a brother or a friend. I listened to my father and when he was done politely told him I'd ponder what he had said. Larry came in the office and informed me Mike would most likely go back to Florida. He said I'd be better off raising my child without him anyway.

Mike assured me he wasn't going anywhere. He applied for work everywhere and ended up with a job waiting tables at TGIF. Spring came and we had so many calls that Larry began running all of the anytime repair calls. By mid April he was diagnosed with throat cancer and was needing time off for doctor appointments. When this happened I had to go into overdrive when it came to running estimates and for the first time in a year I was the one to go back to look at fences that we were building. In a nutshell I noticed a new trend that I did not care for. I stormed into the office and inquired to Jeff if he had seen what I was seeing. He stated yes but he had gotten no where when he had voiced an opinion. I love my dad to death but he has a blind spot when it comes to his "All time Favorites". It kills me because if he would have listened to not only me but my grandmother on two specific occasions things would have panned out much different. Alas that was not the case.

Mike is not the only stubborn, bull headed person in our household. I hold the title myself! I decided to take matters into my own hands. As the guys that finished our wood fences strolled in I had a diagram on the dry erase board. I asked them to show me where the nails went into the 2x4s as well as into the 1x6 boards. Needless to say, they indicated what I had seen. You would not think nails wrongly placed would matter, but in my mind they did. I could spot a Glidden Fence from across a yard by the nail pattern. It's just an extra touch, but I loved the way it looked. Clean and professional. I showed the guys the way it is supposed to be done and then asked, "Who taught you to do it that way?" They all agreed it was Mauricio, Gabrielle's younger brother. I did not care for Mauricio due to an incident that transpired between us when I was 20 years old or there about. If you have ever heard the term, "He's scum." that is how I viewed Mauricio. My father, on the other hand, LOVED him. He even introduced him to people as his son. My father had seriously mentioned to my step mother during my divorce from Jeff that he thought I should marry Mauricio all the way back then! In his mind it was a brilliant plan.

Anyway, I was angry that Mauricio was teaching the guys the wrong way to build a Glidden Fence as my father himself taught Mauricio everything he knew about building fence as well as why we built the way we did. When Mauricio walked in I asked him to show me where he placed the nails. He drew the two nails to toe nail on my diagram and I looked at him and said, "You know that is not how my father taught you to do it, why have you changed this?" He did not answer me. I went on to ask, "What about the finish nails?" He threw the marker down spun and elbowed me in the stomach as stated he did not have to listen to me when it came to building fence.

Now, if you have read my story from the beginning, you know that I used to play basket ball. My father had taught me how to throw an elbow without being caught. Mauricio had just jabbed me with that very elbow move! I would like to say I rose above the situation, but that would be a lie. I caught him in the hallway and with one hand had him pinned against the wall lifting him slightly off the ground. I was telling him how rude it was to hit a pregnant girl and how he did have to listen to me when Bill heard the commotion and came around the corner. "Wendy!" Bill exclaimed, "Put him down!" I looked back at Bill and Mauricio's crew men were behind him as well. I let Mauricio go and Bill said, "Let's talk this out."

Mauricio sat in a chair and I was stating loudly how I felt about his workmanship. He jumped up and got in my face and said, "You want me to yell at you?" I smiled, took a step forward, dipped down slightly so that we were nose to nose and said, "Yes, Mauricio, that's exactly what I want. Please yell at me." He promptly sat back down. When I finished telling him what would be expected of him from this point forward, he informed me he was putting in his two weeks notice. I said, "Perfect! I want it in writing."

Bill said, "Wendy!" I spun and looked at him and asked, "What?" I turned back to Mauricio and continued, "Seriously, I want it in writing."

Bill suggested we call it a night so that cooler heads could prevail and mentioned we could discuss this all tomorrow.  Unfortunately my first call the next day was scheduled at 7:30 so I was not able to be in the office when everyone arrived for my day started an hour before theirs. When I did have a chance that afternoon, I came into my father's office, closed the door and said, "Hey, I had a situation with Mauricio last night." My father told me he already knew all about it. I asked if he knew about the nail pattern and what all and he kind of shoo shood me like he sometimes does. I replied, "Dad, if he doesn't build our way, how can I look people in the eye and tell them we build the best? If you don't put your foot down, I can't sell for you." That next day I was pulled out of sales and placed behind a desk again. Within a week, all of the men had taken Mauricio's orders to heart. None of them were to talk to me. If they did they would have to deal with Mauricio. It was so insane they wouldn't even call in underground cable cuts into the office. They called Bill, who had to relay the message to me. When I pointed out the ridiculousness of the situation, my father told me I needed to rejoice for this was the first time all the men were united and he loved it. I, on the other hand, did not love it at all.

Yunior, who loved both Mike and I and who detested Mauricio for how he treated his sister, was throwing a birthday party and we were all invited. It was at the party that one of the men, one I had helped with back taxes and filing for citizenship, asked my son William if he was coming back to work that summer. When William told him he was, he was asked who's side he was on. When William inquired as to what they meant, they informed him that if he was on their side, they were looking forward to his return. However, if he was on my side, it would be best for him not to return.

I was so hot about that implied threat that I went to my father and told him what was said and how I felt about where things stood. Bear in mind at this point I was 20 weeks pregnant with twins and slightly emotional. Again my father poo pood my thoughts and feelings. He informed me that I must be mistaken as to what was said and told me to leave it alone.

Following Mike's lead, after my 24 week check up, I put in my two weeks notice and informed my father I was going to be ordered to bed rest at 28 weeks. I knew with the lack of sales I was not going to have due to being put behind a desk, my pay was going to be cut by over half. I was going to lose my house regardless and I just wanted to get as far away from Glidden Fence as possible. What I had viewed as a part of me no longer loved or valued me. I cried every morning on my way to work those last few days because of how alienated and unnecessary I felt. Mike wanted me to be done that next day. I informed him I needed to stay long enough to train someone on how things were. I ended up agreeing to stay another week. I trained my replacement a total of 1 and 1/2 days!

Mike claimed we would be better off moving to Florida. There was nothing holding us here. Mark was currently incarcerated for a year and I had thought he was going to file for divorce as he had stated you could file for free when you are in jail. With him safely behind bars I reasoned he had no right to keep me from moving and knowing how violent he was I liked the thought of us being far out of his reach when he was released. Mike insisted his mom would be there for support as well as the rest of his family.

Three days before we hit the road, my father's home was robbed. They had taken a few valuables along with his emergency fund. I honestly believed it was Mauricio that had robbed my father as he knew more about his comings and goings. Never in a million years did I expect to be the one the blame would fall on.

We had arrived in Florida on June 20th, 2004. It was father's day and Mike's entire family was at his grandparent's home. You could say I did not feel the least bit welcomed by Mike's family. At the time I did not know Larry had stirred the bees nest by spreading the lie that Mike and I had robbed my father and were on our way to do the same to everyone there. That all came to light when I had not received my final paycheck in the mail and I called back home. I was informed by the new girl that my father was out of town until the next week. I asked her what crew William was on as he had elected to stay in Indiana with a friend of mine named Daniel. I was told he was with Larry. I called Larry's phone and low and behold, Daniel answered. I laughed and asked when he had started working for us. He told me he was Larry's driver now and immediately asked me if it was true that Mike and I were the one's to have robbed my father. I was BLOWN AWAY. I said, "What!?! NO!!! Why would you ask me that?!?" He informed me that was the rumor. I stammered, "I don't understand. Why would anyone think that?" He informed me that Mike's brother had been on a speaker phone and he had overheard him telling my dad that when we rolled into town he had told Mike he couldn't live with him and Mike had flashed a wad of cash at him and said he didn't need his help. I was floored. "That was my money!" I exclaimed, "Larry KNOWS I closed out my bank account. He KNEW just how much we were leaving with. Even dad knew I had left with a good amount of money. Surely he didn't believe such crap!" Before Daniel answered me, I heard Larry ask him who he was on the phone with. Daniel informed him it was me. Larry yelled at him for talking to me and got on the phone. I immediately asked Larry, "How on earth could you say such things about me? You know we left Indiana with over $3,000!" Larry proceeded to inform me I was getting what I deserved. He said I had abandoned Glidden Fence, he thought I was a bitch and not to ever call him again and he hung up on me."

I was stunned. When I finished drying my tears and returned to where we were staying that week, I informed Mike of everything. He was not shocked over what his father had said to me. That was the day I discovered that Larry had written to Mike about how much he couldn't stand me. He had informed Mike I was the daughter of his boss and I was the residential sales person and he just knew if he could get me out of the way he could be in my position. Mike was enamored with me before he ever met me because his father couldn't out do me and Mike had never seen his dad beat by anyone.

To this day, I honestly have to admit I liked Larry. Sure he had his faults but who doesn't. I forgave him for what he did to me. Not only did he convince my father Mike and I robbed him, not only did he inform all of Mike's family of this lie as well, as it turned out, it was Larry that had robbed my father.

When my father arrived back in town I tried to speak to him on the phone. He picked up long enough to yell at me that I was a liar. I was not getting my final paycheck. He knew that Mike and I had robbed him because Dave had confirmed as much. He went on to inform me that I was also cut off of the health insurance plan and as far as he was concerned I did not exist. Again I was hung up on and left in a state of shock.

You know how with Job you think, 'Surely it can't get any worse for this person!' yet it does get worse for Job. Well, before Mike and I left Indiana, a voice I now know comes from heaven, informed me I was going to lose all my money. I seriously considered changing my money over to travelers checks but after looking at the cost and hassle decided I would have Mike hold onto my money. After all, I was never warned about him losing any money. We were down to $1,836.00 and Mike was still without a job. Everything we were looking at to rent needed first, last and security deposit. We had officially been told we could not stay another day at the senior citizen trailer park we had been at for the last week as one of the older citizen's realized we had children and we were not old enough to be living there. We were on the verge of being homeless. In my anger over having to move out of the place we had been staying at, I took the unopened gallon of Milk I had and gave it to the lady I knew was the one raising cane about us staying there. I knocked on her door. When she answered I said, "I just wanted to thank you for your kindness. Milk is expensive and seeing how we are being put out on the street I thought you could use it. I hate to see it wasted." She took the milk and stated she was sorry about us having to leave but rules were rules. I must admit I secretly hoped she would be haunted by her own actions.

Mike decided we should let Tia and Travis play at the beach while we thought about our next move. We parked several blocks away as it was a busy day at the beach and walked to the changing house. Mike waited for me outside. When we got down to the water I took Tia and Travis into the water with me. I can still remember Mike frantically going through our stuff on the beach. I knew before he told me by his actions that he was missing something. He came to the edge of the water and stated he thought he must have left the wallet in the car because when he went to take it out of his pocket, he did not have it and it was not in our stuff. My stomach was turning. I recalled the warning. I knew it in my heart before he confirmed it when he returned from running back to the car. Someone had picked his pocket. All we had left was the change in the canister I had brought. Less than $100 worth and my wedding ring. We went to the police and made a report. I prayed that a kind stranger would find and return his wallet. That did not happen.

I am going to end this here, for to go further would carry me over to the next unpleasant title I have been given. I am grateful that God inspired me with 4 titles that really are awesome and I look forward to those.

I want to state again that I love my father. We are very close today. As far as Larry goes, to the day die, I will feel sorry for him.

Father today I come before you with gratitude for when the world turned it's back on me you indeed took care of all my needs. I ask in the name of all those who have been dissed, disowned, disgraced or have found themselves destitute for your peace and love to envelop them. I pray they feel your love and presence. I pray they find a ray of hope, a helping hand and belief in themselves as they come to know who they are in Christ. I pray families are kinder to one another. I pray the kindness of strangers increases. I pray more and more of us realize who we are in Christ. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Wendy, mom of many

© Wendy Glidden, 2013

Terrifically Testimonial Tell-All Tuesday's Marketing Tip!

Good Morning Everyone! Today’s Marketing tip is simply this: “Get out of your comfort zone”

I am not sure what you are marketing or what business you are marketing for, but whatever it may be, we all must learn to get out of our comfort zone. 

When the disciples went out to “Spread the Good News” they were forced to step out of their comfort zone. Thank God when it comes to our own business we don’t have to step so far out of the box that it puts us in line for punishment or harm!

I saw a movie once where the father of two children was telling them about how he first met their mom. He said he had walked by a window and saw her in a restaurant and just KNEW she was the ONE. He summoned up 20 seconds of insane courage, walked into that restaurant and introduced himself to her and asked her out! They had gotten married, had two beautiful children and sadly she had passed away. 

What I took from that movie was exactly what he said. Sometimes you feel something so great you just know it is meant to be. Today I encourage you to move when you feel prompted. When you are stirred to move, it is my belief that this tug is the Holy Spirit stirring you to move. The reason you will at times need that insane courage is simply due to the fact that evil one will immediately attempt to fill your heart full of fear over all that will bring you Joy giving you cause to sing praises, for that is what drives him. When you feel an overwhelming fear that attempts to paralyze you in your tracks call upon God for strength and step out of your comfort zone! Step out on Faith!

Today has been a VERY busy day! I began writing this out at 8 this morning but was unable to complete the post in a timely fashion. I hope my post finds you enjoying your day and I pray you are encouraged to step out of your comfort zone for that is where greatness awaits you!

If you are interested in reading a story about a girl and her Faith . . . like a female Job, I invite you to read my full testimony. It begins with the post "In the beginning" and I am still adding to it but the word on the street is "Thank you for sharing"!

Father God, Today I pray all who are thinking they can never make it to the top or who are feeling down and out come to know you are the source of strength. I pray they turn to you with praise as well as seek you for all else. I am blessed beyond measure and I cannot thank you enough. All I desire is for my fellow brothers and sisters to know they too are your children and you love us all alike. Thank you for using me in ways one could only dream of Father. In Jesus name I, your humble servant, your loving daughter, pray. Amen.

I love Mandisa's song "Good Morning" and I have shared it. Today I am sharing her new hit "Overcomer" for that is who You are! I hope you enjoy it!

Wendy, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Take up the Shield of Faith!

Wild Wacky Wonderful Wednesday! What on earth do you have in store for me today? I was so blessed yesterday to receive so many encouraging comments regarding various posts others have read. If you've read my story from the first post entitled "In the Beginning" you know my desire has always been to be a helpful servant to the Lord. I am at last the Woman that I Admire! I never, in my wildest dreams, envisioned my life as it is today. I am blessed to be a friend to God again. I promise if you seek Him with all your heart He will answer.

I have mentioned through various blogs an alphabet picture that hangs on my wall above my desk at work. I found it at a Goodwill and just had to have it. One would think in 7 months time I would be beyond letter "H" but alas, that is where I am at today! I am pleased to announce I now have a camera that is good enough to snap a picture it, so without further ado, here is my Alphabet Picture:

** I was hoping it would show up better, but this is the best I can get for now!

So today's letter is "H" and the verse for it comes from 1 John, Chapter 4, verse 4 my picture reads:

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

However this morning I heard the entire verse on either Moody or K-Love and I caught my breath. After excitedly grabbing my bible I knew I had to share not only the complete quote from verse 4 but I must also share with you more of this chapter. From my MacArthur study Bible Beginning at Chapter 4, verse 1:

verse 1: Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

verse 2: By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;

verse 3: and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

verse 4: You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

verse 5: They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. 

verse 6: We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

I love knowing this truth. Satan may be in this world but I have the Holy Spirit IN me and He is so much greater than the evil one. What confidence this brings. All I have to do is remember this little nugget of truth each time I feel the evil one is coming for me. He cannot destroy me. I am firm in my faith.

I allowed Satan to trick me into believing I was no longer worthy of God's attention once. That will NOT happen again! I read my bible today. I did not read it as a child or even a young adult. I knew what I knew and that was not enough armor. Today, I fully dress for war every day. Do you know the elements of armor you need to wage war against the darkness of evil? If not, you can find it all laid out for you in Ephesians, Chapter 6. I am going to begin at verse 11 out of my MacArthur study bible:

verse 11: Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

verse 12: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

verse 13: Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

verse 14: Stand firm therefore, *HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, AND HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 

verse 15: and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 

verse 16: in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

verse 17: And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.

Quite an outfit of protection! I know that not being familiar with the word of God allowed the evil one to trick me. The best protection you can give yourself is reading God's word. This increases your Faith, it gives you understanding and so much more. I encourage you to renew your mind daily. There are many ways to begin this process. I have written a blog about renewing your mind and there is a 30 day challenge in there as well. This is the link to that blog: http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/05/im-just-girl.html

Do not ever think your faith cannot be strengthened for I find mine strengthened each day! Picking up the bible does something nothing else can. It is why reading the word of God is such a vital part of your armor. Jesus defeated Satan by quoting scripture. If this was His way of defeating the devil, why would you not think it would be your way as well? 

I hope my post today has encouraged you to seek Him with all your heart. We were all created for a purpose. If you are looking for a more joyous life, God is the answer. This is not to say you will never run into trouble. When you read the bible that truth will stand out. What will happen is you will find joy in every day and getting through the trouble that comes your way will become an easier task for your strength, your true strength comes from the Lord. I know that truth beyond a shadow of doubt!

Father I come before you today with gratitude for the armor you have provided us with. How I wish someone had informed me of such things as a child! I pray the word gets out about the armor we all need for our own protection. I pray I am a vessel for such news. I pray countless begin to carry their bibles everywhere they go. I pray countless begin to read your word and share it with all they know. I pray more and more and more of my fellow bothers and sisters become bolder in their faith and join ranks encouraging one another as we are meant to do. I thank you Father for filling me with your love. I thank you for countless blessings that have been bestowed upon me. I thank you for your Grace. I thank you for calling me home. I thank you for how you are using me to reach others who are lost. I ask you to use me more. My life is yours now until my last breath. Thank you Father. In Jesus name I pray! Amen

Today I thought I'd leave you with a song I heard this morning. It is so fitting for this post:

Wendy, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden, 2013