May You Learn to Live Before You Die!

My grandma gave me a book for my birthday somewhere around age 27 give or take a year or two. On the inside of the book, she had written a message to me. “May you learn to live before you die, Love, Grandma Rosie.”

I cannot remember for the life of me what the book was, but I never forgot her words.

This morning I awoke and wondered what God had in store for me. Since my computer is down, I found my so called smart phone and opened my email account and searched for K-loves encouraging word of the day. When I opened it up, I read this;

Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live. ~ Psalm 119:144, NLT

When I read that, so many things flashed into me all at once. This is how I am led to write what I write. These flashes of insight are why even when I begin to doubt that this is my path, I remember the conversations God and I had about me writing one day and I know to my very core, this is what I am meant to do. I am a ghost writer for the greatest writer of all. He communicates things and ideas to me via the flashes and talking thoughts. It is my honor to share all he shares with me. I am blessed in doing so. I am humbled to be given such a task.

My wit, my patience, my kindness, my heart, everything that is good about me is due to Him in me. I absolutely love who I am in Him. When I walk on my own, things don’t often turn out quite so well. This is most obvious when you read my life story.

So back to the inscription my grandmother had written me. When I read it I was like; what? Live before I die? I’m living now. What does she mean?

I did not ask her outright that day. Instead, I pondered it over the years though. As I look back over my life and many of the things my grandmother has said to me I am sure that she was moved by the spirit to say them. I believe this to be the case because they have been one liners and they have been deep. Short, sweet and full of meaning. Often the spirit talks to me directly in such a fashion.

When I read that encouraging word, one of the things that flashed to me is that sin is death. When we chose to live outside of Gods laws, we often find ourselves deep in some kind of trouble that was brought on by our own doing. This kind of living is not living at all, it is simply surviving. Sure we are alive. We are breathing, moving, working or whatever but in all honesty we are not living at all.

We allow our actions to hold us in bondage. You see, it does not always feel good to walk outside of Gods laws. If you got real truthful with yourself, much of what you are doing when you are living outside of the law, does not make you proud. Meaning it is something you don’t want the entire world to know about. This is something the evil one relishes. As soon as you yourself are not proud of what you are doing, as soon as you begin to avoid certain people or places for fear others may see you ‘in the moment’, the devil has all he needs to begin shaming you into silence.

So, when King David says help me understand your laws so I may live, this is what he was talking about.

When you are on top of the world, doing what is right in all ways, you can stand proudly and you do. It is like the sun is beaming on you and life is good. It is abundantly good. Most of us have had one of those moments in our lifetime when everything was perfect and worry was not even a passing thought. We had nothing to worry about. We were on the right path.

On this earth it is so very easy to slide off of the right path, the narrow path, because so many temptations are lurking around every corner. Shame is a guilt that will chain you quickly. It truly is enough to keep one from their purpose in life.

If you are afraid of others discovering something from your past or present, you will not be near as bold about things. This is why it is best to come clean of everything. Leave the devil with nothing to shame you with. If you step forward and say; I did that and I did this and it did not feel good but it is part of my history, it is what it is. By doing this, those things lose their power over you. You will break the chains of slavery.

When you sin, you may not fully grasp in that moment that you have supplied the evil one with the tools he needs to enslave you into bondage. He will haunt you later in life with your shames. Don’t allow him that privilege. Don’t hand over that power. There is NO REASON to! Your heavenly father loves you so much; he provided you a way to freedom. He provided you with the law of liberty. Step out of the shadows and allow yourself to bask in the sun. Come follow the son of God and live an abundant life.

The birthday wish my grandma gave me approximately 17 years ago is the same prayer I say for all my brethren today. “May you learn to live before you die.”

My computer is in the hands of a friend. I do not yet know if it can be saved but I do now have in my email both of the chapters from book III that I feared may be lost. I still have 4 chapters to polish off to finish my book and I am certainly behind schedule at this point but I am not going to stress over any of it. This is Gods book. He put it on my heart to share with the world. It will hit the shelves right when it is supposed to.

Should I need a new computer, then a new one I will find this weekend! I hear there is a mighty storm headed our way. I wondered when I heard it was on its way for sure if it was perhaps going to be enough to allow me to stay home toasty warm and finish this third volume God put on my heart to write. We will see won’t we?

Father, today I come before you with such gratitude. As I read all of King David’s 119^th Psalm I found myself crying. I am so thankful that he too was willing to share all you put on his heart to share. His words and songs to you have lifted me so many times lately. I find him and his love for you very inspiring. To know that I am not alone in any way. To know that you love us regardless of anything we may do. It is such a gift to understand the depth of your love. I thank you for never giving up on me and for sending others my way to minister to me over the years. May I be a hand or foot for you as well. May my words lift and encourage and shine light into the darkest corners of the world. I have so much to be thankful for my Lord. Please fill my heart with your love so that I may reveal your glory to all I manage to touch in my lifetime. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God,

Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden

Do You Know Him?

I can hardly believe it is already Friday! I have been so busy this past week, I have not written a 'You Are Worthy Too' blog! Time just moves so quickly some weeks!

This week was a hard week for me in all honesty. Even armed to the hilt, wearing all my armor, a battle almost took me out. Cruel words said by loved ones truly takes it out of me. I was blessed to see how God had prepped me for what was to transpire on this past Tuesday before I knew I needed to be encouraged and reminded where to keep my foucs myself.

Twice I have gone to my archives with the intent to grab a link to a certain post only to have myself drawn to another post. Each time, the meaning of that has not been lost on me, but I am going to specifically talk about the second time that that happened.

This last Tuesday, February 18, 2014, I went into my archives intending to share a post on the fruit of the spirit. When I opened up my blogger, a post titled 'Don't let it get the best of you' was in my feed as one someone had recently read. I was drawn to that post so intensely that I knew it was the one I should share. I thought it was for someone that needed the message in the story. Little did I know I was about to have a repeat of that fateful day only this time I was to be yelled at for writing books instead of blogs. My youngest child was again referred to as a brat and every fiber of my being wanted to shout, "I'm done!" but again I held my tongue.

It was my friend and sister in Christ, Joan who I work with and who heard it all, that came and gave me a hug in the back room. She reminded me the angry words yelled at me had a source and to not take it all to heart. It was then that it dawned on me that God had wanted me to read my old post to help me with what was going to happen mere hours later in my day. He is always ahead of us you know! It's one of the lines I love in the Chris Tomlin Song, "Whom shall I fear". I have it shared alongside this blog in my 'songs I listen too' box.

The closer I draw to God the more I recognize Him working in my life. Always ahead of me, trying to give me what I need for armor. He is faithful. I pray my books I am writing help others see that truth in undeniable ways.

I am truly excited for my third book to be completed and published. I have set aside 4 hours this weekend to work on nothing but that third book. I am hoping God suspends that time for me so I can accomplish all I need to in such a short time.

Here is what I read this morning when I opened up my email from K-Love:

Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring. ~ Hosea 6:3, NLT

Amen, Amen, Amen. I do know this to my very core. I pray if you have any doubts regarding God that my story helps strengthen your faith. I have both volume I and II listed for a free download this weekend only. You can click on one of the conveniently placed links to the side of this blog and get your copies while they are FREE! It has always been my desire to help others. God is helping me accomplish that dream through my books. I wrote them for you, get your free copies today! Hopefully volume 3 & 4 will be out before long!

I must head back to work. Late lunch break. I work my writing in when I can. Be blessed and be a blessing <3 

Have You Ever Been Perplexed?

Good Morning everyone! Today is Marvelously Magnificent Miraculous Monday! Can I get a whoop whoop! Many of you know I am in the midst of finishing my second book. I am still on course to have it listed on Amazon by this Friday! Last Friday by the time I had arrived at home, I quickly realized I was under a fierce attack from the evil one. He was hitting me hard and fast. I was being bombarded with so many arrows, I felt myself on the brink of a panic attack. After we had put the children to bed, I looked at Mike and said, "I need to start editing book two right now and just make sure I'm not crazy and it really isn't as awful as I am beginning to think it is."

He laughed and asked, "Why are you worried about it being awful, you are clever and your writing is great. Every time you sit down to share a blog post, I'll admit at first I dread it. Then as I listen to you read what you have written, I always find myself thinking wow. That's really good."

I smiled at him, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and said, "I think I'll start by treating myself to a memory bar." and I went into the kitchen to grab one from my well hidden stash. There are only three squares to each bar and they are truly to die for. I took a bite and tossed the bar on my nightstand and Mike asked, "Where's mine?"

I bent down to grab my computer bag and to hide my face as I said, "You don't want a piece, they really aren't that good." I immediately snort laughed because I couldn't help myself. I was already massively enjoying my bite. Knowing the jig was up, I burst into full blown laughter. When I saw Mike's face, I began laughing even harder. By the time I finally got myself under control my anxiety was decreased significantly.

To get my computer out of my bag, I have to take my bible out first. When I did, I remembered an encouraging word I had shared the day before. I was telling Mike about it and I stopped long enough to read it to him. The scripture being quoted is out of 2 Corinthians, chapter 4, verses 7 - 9:

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, NLT

When I put down my bible, I was chattering away about what I felt when I first read the verse. After that, I cracked open my lap top, found my file for my next book, 'You Are Worthy Too: Marriage, Motherhood and My Moral Meltdown', opened it up and began the process of editing it from beginning to end.

I was about half way down the third page when I read; Perplexed but wanting to graduate, I bit my tongue.

I actually gasped because to me there are no coincidences in life. Having written this paragraph long before I had read that encouraging word was like God saying outright that my book is good. I came close to tearing up and had to share the coolness of it all with Mike who was quickly falling asleep.

Over the course of the weekend, I managed to completely finish editing all 12 chapters. Tonight I will be adding all the front and back matter and then it is off to the publisher for final approval. Should I pass the test, this book will be out as planned on February 14, 2014.

Today, I have had everything that could go wrong go wrong. From computer crashes to crazy time wasting calls. On top of that I had things I had to accomplish to qualify for the 'Mom on the ball' and 'Wife who never lets husband down' award.

I am blessed to work with a lady named Joan. I have known her since I was 16 years old and she is a follower of Christ. I can't imagine what daily life would be like if I didn't get to work with her 4 out of my 5 work days. When my computer began making a fire alarm sound, I unplugged the keyboard having learned from a previous incident that was what the issue was and I began laughing about it all with Joan.

We decided this second book is really going to be something because life is getting crazy for me in every way possible. I prefer this type of trouble over a fiery arrow attack. Even knowing how to protect myself from those, it is amazing at how quickly it's all you can do to move yourself to take up your shield of faith and whip out your sword!

I truly am amazed that this January I knew I was going to get my first book completed. I accepted engagements in March based on me being a published Author before then. Talk about stepping out in Faith! I've seen that I will publish at least 5 books this year. It amazes me to think I really will and maybe even more than that! I know God will do whatever He needs to for me to accomplish what He intends me to accomplish. Often people hear all I do in a week and they ask me, "How on earth do you find the time to get so much done?"

Honestly if I didn't recognize God working in my life I would be clueless myself! I would encourage you to seek God and reach for the dreams he instilled in your heart. If you don't know what those are, go to Him and ask.

For those who do not already know, the books I am currently putting out are my true life story. Volume 1 takes you from my earliest memories to the end of my 16th year. It is called 'You Are Worthy Too: In the Beginning' the next book takes you from age 17 to 23. If sequels are something you look for, this will be a great read for you. I am pricing my ebooks at only $3.99.

I must end here as I am out of time to write!

For those that would like to either purchase or take a free sneak peak at the first book, click on the link:

This will take you to: You Are Worthy Too: In the Beginning

Father, today I come to you with thanks. Thank you for laughter, it truly helps. Thank you for great music with awesome lyrics that help me praise you and draw close. Thank you for the bible itself. Not a day goes by that I don't need to read it. You are so kind to give us so many signs that you have us. They become easier to see the closer one gets to you. I pray that I grow in wisdom. I pray I am a light for others. I pray all my dreams come true and I thank you for all your help. May all I do help reveal your glory. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God,
Mom of Many

Where Christ is, There I Shall Be Also!

May he grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. ~ Psalm 20:4, NLT

I love the Psalms. They make my heart soar. The closer you draw to God, the more you build a friendly relationship with Him, the clearer your eyes become. 

Have you ever heard that the bible is a living document? I have. Readers know how a book can come to life in their hands. How while reading it they are in a way transported to that place and time. I love that about a good book.

The bible is a collection of books. Today when I pick it up and have time to read and dive in, these books truly do come to life for me. I can hear Paul and David and King Solomon and often I find my self caught up in their moments. I love reading and the bible is hands down the coolest book I have ever held in my hands.
The other day I read this encouraging word:

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. ~ Isaiah 53:6, NLT

I was certainly a sheep that had strayed. An angry self centered sheep at that! Resolved to live my life on my own terms and in my own way. How foolish we become when we cut ourselves off from the Lord. We are so blind we cannot see the error in our ways.

This past month I have been watching faith based movies from the library. They are great family movies and they inspire me. We all need a little veg time when we are overworked. I am to the point that I need it to be positive quality veg time. It was in trying to find decent comidies I could watch with my family that I discovered the faith based category in the local library. What is being labled as comedy these days is not really that funny. Honestly the majority of the films seem to be more sad than funny and often more than not they are not family appropriate.

One of the movies I checked out last week was called:  'Luther' Here is the link should you like to view it for yourself. a link to the movie itself Rather than purchase it, I would see if your local library has a copy for free! It's not really a family movie so don't pop this one in while the children are still up! 

While researching Luther further, I discovered that he is not exactly the most liked person in history! While I am sure this scene is not a direct quote made by the original Luther, it is too good not to share! Allow me to paint the scene: Luther is explaining to the congregation what his view of God was like before he had learned about Jesus Christ. As he strolled away from the pulpit and stood next to the first pew, this is what he said in the movie itself:

"Those who see God as angry, do not see Him rightly, but look upon a curtain as if a dark storm cloud has been drawn across his face. If we truly believe Christ is our Savior, than we have a God of Love. To see God in faith is to look upon His friendly heart.

So, when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death in hell, tell him this: I admit that I deserve death in hell, what of it! For I know one who suffered and made satisfaction in my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, where He is there I shall be also!"

I found myself truly enjoying the entire movie. I think those who despise religion itself would truly enjoy this movie because of the true story behind it. Martin Luther was most indeed a mover and shaker in his day!

The other movie I watched was family appropriate. It is called The Genesis Code. I found a trailor clip off of youtube. If your browser won't let you view it from within my blog, just go to youtube itself and type it in.

The gist of this movie revolves around the opening book of the bible and explains how science and the first six days as described by God are not in conflict. 

I hope you find the time to squeeze these two movies into your viewing sequence! I think as far as movie's go they are both worth watching. 

Today is Weds, February 5th, 2014! I have three chapters left to complete for my next book entitled: You Are Worthy Too: Marriage, Motherhood and My Moral Meltdown! I plan on having it available to purchase on February 14, 2014. Deadlines. How quickly they approach! 

This morning Smashwords greeted me with a green light letting me know I had passed all requirements and my first book; You Are Worthy Too: In the Beginning is now featured in the premium catalog. I have discovered that I will not be listed on Amazon until I reach the first $2000. in sales! 

However, in celebration of my making it to this point in my journey, I issued a coupon code: LR67N for my first book! It is only good through March 6th, 2014 so be sure to apply it at check out when you purchase it!  

This is what one reader had to say about it:

Wendy,

I just finished your  “ You are Worthy Too: In the Beginning " Incredible!  YOU ARE WORTHY!  

You write very well, and your third party writing is also great.  

Your faith is unmeasurable…  and with faith comes confidence and with confidence and faith the devil has no chance in HELL! 

Chris was quite the character… I don’t think I like her at all….. devil inside her….

This book has got to make you feel so much better about yourself. 

Now go write one a NEW book with your confidence you have about the future…. As GOD has this also planned out for you.   YOU ROCK!!!  

Kathy

I was also told by a reader that when I had invited her to be in my sample audience, she was in the midst of trying to decide whether she wanted to check in more than she wanted to check out. She said the only thing holding her was wondering who would take care of her children. She said after reading my book that has all changed. She said she is not normally a reader but she loved how the book moved along. She said it really got her thinking. She told me that my book needed to be read by others like her. Needless to say her words moved me to tears. 

My book can be purchased as a gift, so if you know someone that might need a ray of hope, please share it. I would have never guessed this girl was feeling that down and out. It truly gave me pause. 

I leave you today with another encouraging word:

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.

~ Isaiah 41:10, NLT

He is Faithful. You can count on that promise!

Father, I come to you today simply amazed at how you are taking my story and touching the lives of others. I am thrilled to be your humble servant. I love being a part of what you are doing. Use me father in greater ways. I want to be a ray of hope. I want others to find encouragement in their daily lives. You created us to live abundantly, I pray others are broken from the chains of bondage. May they understand they have a savior in Christ. May they stand up to the evil one when he tries to enslave them! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God,

Mom of Many

©Wendy Glidden 2014