Turmoil Tornados

I started this week out in a panic. The children are off on spring break I signed up for two more college classes that both began this Monday! By day one I was overwhelmed by all of the reading and assignments that were looming ahead. On top of that, we moved to the other side of the RV park and it turns out that the WIFI doesn’t work over here yet. Talk about making life a little harder when it comes to online classes, not to mention blogging and marketing on Social Media!

I am grateful that my classes are focused on the Word of God so that in the midst of my personal panic, I have to fill my mind with the LORD’s words! As the week progressed, my anxiety levels decreased. It is funny what happens as you renew your mind with life breathing words. Yesterday I even managed to stay ahead of the game concerning school and have now completed every assignment with the exception of one paper that is due on Sunday and here I sit today calm as a cucumber sharing a post!

I had a fellow student ask me how on earth I manage to get everything done that needs to be done in a day. I still need to go back and answer her on that one. When I read it, I was honestly in the midst of my panic and thinking to myself, “Get everything done?!?” That is truly humorous because there is never a day that goes by that I manage to check off every single item on my to do list!

The truth of the matter is, when it comes to making it through each day, I have a checklist of must do’s, need to do’s, and want to do’s. I also apply self discipline telling myself each day that I can play once all my work is done. Some days I don’t play at all!

I will be honest in saying that even though I have a plan in place, I still find myself swimming in the midst of anxiety at various moments; especially as the end of the day approaches while tasks on my must do list are still looming ahead!

I have found when it comes to chaos, anxiety, fear, panic, waves of overwhelmingness, it is God’s promises that calm my heart and settle me down. It has taken me years to learn that I am truly not in control of much! The rest I must give to God. So let me share what I tell my friends when they are in the midst of their own individual “Turmoil Tornado”.

(1) I ask them if they know what Jesus had to say when it came to the subject of worry?

I usually get a blank stare if this is the first time we have talked about it. I then smile and say something like, ‘He actually asked what one of us could do something as simple (SIMPLE!) as adding an hour to our own lives! Like adding an hour to your life is simple! He basically asked us why do we worry over anything when our own limitations to perform the tiniest of miracles are so blatantly obvious.

“And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span? If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?” ~ Luke 12:25-26 (NASB)

I also go on to share with them that God’s mercy and grace are sufficient each day. I remind them that we need to live in the here and now not in yesterday or tomorrow. That is a trick of the evil one to keep us tied up in our inner turmoil; shaming us with the guilt of yesterday and worrying us about the events of tomorrow. God’s word advises us to live each day accordingly.

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~ Matthew 6:34 (NASB)

Even with me being a student of the Word, even with me seeking His input daily, I find myself in various spiritual battles. Some so intense I often pull out a devotional or turn up the music on K-Love. As revealed in a chapter out of my latest book, sometimes I even use chocolate as part of my defense!

I don’t think one of us out there has the perfect life full of perfect days. We all face various trials and tribulations. It is the weaponry that we use that differentiates how the battle ends! If you don’t know all the armor God has provided you with, I invite you to read past posts of mine regarding the subject. I will leave a couple of links at the end of this post for you to check out!

Hopefully this has helped someone somewhere with their own anxiety and worry. If you are not a student of the Word, I highly suggest you open up the book of John and learn about Christ. It is my prayer that your eyes are opened to the Truth, The Way and the Life in such a way that you dive fully into the River of Living Water and find yourself refreshed each and every day! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!

Wendy, Mom of Many, walks with God

http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/10/are-you-dressed-for-daily-battle.html

http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/07/take-up-shield-of-faith.html

May you find yourself better dressed for battle by reading these two posts. May you find yourself blessed in sharing them with others in need of armor!

Your sister in Christ, Wendy

© Wendy Glidden 2015

It's Day One!

In my last post I wrote that it was my intention to blog on a Christian Song each day. I truly thought that this would be an easy thing to accomplish. I only listen to Christian Music. I ought to be able to write on the songs that lift me up! Thursday was the first day I was supposed to write on a song. I missed my target by a long shot! On top of giving myself this writing assignment, I began my next two college classes. When I checked into my classes I discovered I had 6 chapters to read and a 3 minute introduction video to create for one class, reading in my other class as well as an introduction revolving certain questions in my other class! You know what they say about when it rains it pours. Just as I was telling myself I had this, my phone rang and I received my first of 3 calls requesting help with business reports for various friends of mine! As if that was not enough to put on my own plate willingly, I realized I had also scheduled another interview regarding my life dreams and going for them Thursday afternoon! As of now, I have completed the business reports, turned in one of my college assignments, sailed through the interview, completed my video https://youtu.be/fErG0OPJjEA , read 4 of the 6 assigned chapters in my one class, and have now resolved to sit down long enough to post something encouraging to anyone else out there who may find themselves a bit overwhelmed with all they had on their "To Do List". I am not sure when I found myself at the place where I was done beating myself up for not achieving my daily goals. I just know that is where I am at. When I fell into bed Thursday night, I was exhausted. I felt bad about not getting to my blog. I told myself that that was what happened when I put off blogging until later in the day. There is truly something about giving the best part of your day to God and I know it! However life with children doesn't always allow the luxury of quiet moments in the morning! Don't get me wrong, I do read my snippet verse that I have emailed from K-love. I turn the radio on and bask in the songs sung by others. All of these things help. What I don't do is take the time to sit down and be still for a moment. You have to have that one on one time with the LORD God; a moment to dive deep into things. I framed my artistic version of how I saw Psalm 46 and it sits in my room where I can't help but see it. It reminds me that not only do I need to dress fully in my armor, but that I should also take time to be still and KNOW that He is God. Its one thing to talk and chat it up to God, it is another thing entirely to take the time to hear what He has to say back. In the past when I found myself failing at something, I would buy into the devil's lies. I would get sucked under. Today I know that God does not think of me like that. He promises His grace is sufficient each day. I don't get a lifetime of it in a few sporadic moments; I get the same amount each and every day. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB) ~ And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. That means each day is the first day of my new life! With that being said, I decided to share the song, "Day One" by Matthew West. I have heard him say he wrote this song after talking to people who identified themselves by how many days they had been on some kind of winning streak in life. We’ve all had a winning streak that has come to an end and it is true that it is easy to beat yourself up when your winning streak halts. We are advised in God’s word to renew our minds each day. It is our choice to renew our minds with harmful thoughts about ourselves or to fill them with the Words God has to say about us. Instead of adding up your days, I urge you to see them each as day one of the rest of your life as suggested in this song! https://youtu.be/Qq2Tp3asLU8 Here are the lyrics for those that cannot watch the posted video: Well, I wish I had a short term memory Wish the only thing my eyes could see Was the future burning bright right in front of me But I can't stop looking back Yeah, I wish I was a perfect picture of Somebody who's never not good enough I try to measure up but I mess it up And I wish I wasn't like that I wish I wasn't wishing anymore Wish I could remember that nobody's keeping score I'm tired of throwing pennies in a well I gotta do something Here goes nothin' It's day one of the rest of my life It's day one of the best of my life I'm marching on to the beat of a brand new drum Yeah, here I come The future has begun Day one Well, every single day Your grace reminds me That my best days are not behind me Wherever my yesterday may find me Well, I don't have to stay there, no See my hourglass is upside down My someday soon is here and now The clock is tickin' And I'm so sick and tired of missing out I wish I wasn't wishing anymore Wish I could remember that nobody's keeping score I'm tired of throwing pennies in a well I gotta do something Here goes nothin' It's day one of the rest of my life It's day one of the best of my life I'm marching on to the beat of a brand new drum Yeah, here I come The future has begun Day one It's day one And here comes the sun, yeah Every morning, every morning Every morning, mercy's new Every morning, every morning I will fix my eyes on You Every morning, every morning Every morning, mercy's new Every morning, every morning Sun's coming up, the beginning has begun, yeah It's day one of the rest of my life It's day one of the best of my life I'm marching on to the beat of a brand new drum Yeah, here I come The future has begun Day one It's day one of the rest of my life It's day one of the best of my life I'm marching on to the beat of a brand new drum Yeah, here I come The future has begun, day one Starting over, I'm starting over Starting over, I'm starting over, starting now I'm starting over I'm starting over, I'm starting over Starting over, starting now I'm starting over Songwriters: KIPLEY, PETER / WEST, MATTHEW Published by: Lyrics © ATLAS MUSIC PUBLISHING Read more: Matthew West - Day One Lyrics | MetroLyrics I truly hope you are able to hear the song itself. Music does so much for us just as words do. When you combine them together in positive ways, they can truly begin to renew your mind. So today, if you stumble or don’t accomplish all you had set forth, don’t fret, tomorrow is day one! Father, today I thank you for being so ominous in my life. I know that is in my always putting you first that I find such comfort and truth about things. I know it is in my focus on you that I find both peace and joy in the midst of craziness and chaos. I am so thankful for your grace. I pray for longer moments to catch up with you. I pray for deeper understanding regarding Your Word over these next few weeks of class. Hold me up and keep me firmly moving forward in my faith. I also pray for all those who are caught up in the trap of failure. Share with them your grace Father. Open their eyes to the truth. Shield them from the powers of evil Father under the authority of Christ. Fill their minds with curiosity regarding what you have to say about them LORD God. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Wendy, walks with God, Mom of Many © Wendy Glidden 2015

Giddy for God

Today has been a crazy productive wonderful day. I guess one could say it has been a wild ride! Perhaps that is because today just happens to be wild wacky wonderful Wednesday. 

I started my day off as normal; I turned off the alarm on my phone and opened K-Loves encouraging word of the day. I read it out loud,. They shared the verse from Matthew 18:12 (NLT); the parable of the lost sheep. I'm sharing it from Luke because I like how it reads:

Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." So He told them this parable, saying , "What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?" Luke 15:1-4 (NASB)

This took place when Jesus was teaching and all the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. The Pharisees and the scribes were basically losing their minds over it all. 

I love that He came into the world to save us and not condemn us like the religious leaders and honestly much of the world does. I love the story of him and the prostitute. I love everything about Christ. He is my Lord and Savior. To say I began the day elevated and joyous would be an understatement. As Mike describes it, I am often, "Giddy for God". 

Once the 4 oldest children living under my roof boarded the bus, Jeffrey and I headed off on our daily chores. I turned K-Love on and the first song I heard was one of countless favorites of mine. Lately there is another song that is being played and it starts out much the same way. I am always tricked into thinking I'm about to hear "There is Power in the Name of Jesus" sung by The Digital age, when it is really another song I am beginning to truly fall in love with, "He lives" sung by Matt Maher. Below are both video links so that you can hear the similarity for yourself, not to mention truly jam out to a couple of incredible songs! Digital Age and Matt Maher: He Lives

I truly love the truth that their is power in the name of Jesus. I even blogged on this song once! I also love it when he sings, "There is an army rising up" because I feel that truth as well. I feel it because God called me forth as part of his army and I have met countless sisters in brothers in Christ that have also been called and I love being in the battle along side them. 

I decided today that there are so many songs I love that perhaps I should actually pick a favorite song a day and share both the lyrics as well as what those words do for me. I need an assignment of sorts and as I wondered whether I should do this or not, I felt a great urge that I should do it. With that being said, starting tomorrow, I will be writing on various songs that hit home for me. 

Yesterday I thought I had a meeting with Marie's new teacher and the special help teachers to review what was going to take place where Marie was concerned. I had asked for prayers yesterday without saying much about the what and why. My meeting with Marie's new teachers ended up actually taking place today and it was wonderful. I am thrilled with their plan and am even more happy that we are where we are if that were possible. I know the evil one is always hanging around and trust me when I say he can get the crazy wheel spinning in my house in moments!If I didn't have the word of God pumping into my mind daily, I could and would easily be taken under! I am amazed at how great life is at the moment. All our needs are being met. Our bills verses income ratio is healthy. The children love their new school. The list goes on and on about things to be thankful for. I was so overwhelmed by my view of my life that I asked God to expand my territory. To use me to bring glory to His name. I prayed about my education and so much more. 

By the time I arrived back home you could say I was almost on cloud nine. It is amazing at all you can accomplish when you are in a place of total gratitude for your life. I even had an epiphany regarding a project I'm about to take the next step with. Actually in a round about way, I took that next step today. You could easily say life is becoming quite abundant. This can only mean one thing; the Bible is the real deal. Full of facts, promises and directions. I have listened and followed closely and even though life has been up and down and sometimes more down then up when you add up all the problems the world has consistently thrown our way for the last few years, I find that I love my life. I feel so blessed and so loved, I wouldn't change shoes with anyone in the world. 

It is my prayer that this is what happens in your life. I didn't get here overnight. It was through countless baby steps; many of which I have shared over the years through my blogs and my books. If you find yourself longing for tranquility in the midst of chaos, joy in the midst of sorrow, hope for tomorrow, perhaps reading my full story would benefit you. I have republished my first three books into one complete book allowing me to reduce the cost in almost half! This book is also available on Amazon Kindle. May reading my story, the one God called me forth to share, strengthen your faith and open the door to the abundant life you've only dreamt about! Please take advantage of the free preview available by going here  "The Proof is in the Pudding"

Father, I thank you for the many blessings you send my way each day. I am thankful for your Word and for your love. I am thankful I know your voice and that I recognize your pull on my heart. I pray I stay in tune to your direction. Keep me under your protection and guard me at all times. I thank you for my life, my blessings, the wonders and miracles you have allowed me to witness. Thank you Father for everything and use me in mightier ways. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Wendy, Mom of Many, walks with God

© Wendy Glidden 2015

Because You Love Me!

It's Tremendously Thankful Thoroughly Thoughtful Thursday! One thing I have learned about giving thanks is that when we are thankful for the littlest of things, we appreciate everything to a much greater extent. Life becomes both abundant and joyous for somehow your eyes are opened wider to the things of importance in life. Loving one another.

The other day, Jeffrey and I were out doing laundry. In the midst of it all, I asked him if he knew how cute he was. He smiled and said, "Yes." I then asked him how he knew and he said, "Because you love me so much you always say I'm super cute." I laughed both because he was right and in his confidence of how much I love him, he truly is super cute. This is how we should believe our Father views us. To him, we are "super cute". There is a part of me to my very core that believes that. I have heard the rumbling chuckle of a Father tickled to his very core as a child.

As I drove the children to school this morning, I heard this song on K-Love: "Remind Me Who I Am" by Jason Gray

"Remind Me Who I Am"

When I lose my way,
And I forget my name,
Remind me who I am.
In the mirror all I see,
Is who I don't wanna be,
Remind me who I am.
In the loneliest places,
When I can't remember what grace is.

Tell me once again who I am to You,
Who I am to You.
Tell me lest I forget who I am to You,
That I belong to You.
To You.

When my heart is like a stone,
And I'm running far from home,
Remind me who I am.
When I can't receive Your love,
Afraid I'll never be enough,
Remind me who I am.
If I'm Your beloved,
Can You help me believe it.

Tell me once again who I am to You,
Who I am to You, whoa.
Tell me lest I forget who I am to You.
That I belong to You.
To You.

I'm the one you love,
I'm the one you love,
That will be enough,
I'm the one you love.

Tell me once again who I am to You.
Who I am to You.
Tell me lest I forget who I am to You,
That I belong to You, oh.

Tell me once again who I am to You.
Who I am to You.
Tell me lest I forget who I am to You,
That I belong to You.
To You.

As I listened I thought about Jeffrey and his confidence that both God and I love him to pieces. I then realized there have been times in my life where my confidence in God's love for me is so great I have that same sureness about it all as Jeffrey does. However, we all have those days where we could really use a show of his hand in our lives. Evidence that He hears and sees us. We long for him to remind us how much he loves us just like Jeffrey eats it up when I tell him that God and I love him to smithereens. 

Today, if you find yourself connecting with the words to this song, I pray you feel the LORD God's love for you. I pray your eyes are opened to the blessings he provides for you. I pray you begin to seek the LORD God's will in your life and I pray that you are able to hear Him when He speaks to you. I pray that the veil the evil one places upon the children of God is demolished all around you. I pray you find comfort in the truth of God's Word and that you seek what He has to say about you daily. 

Wendy, walks with God, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2015

Do You Have Works by Faith?

Here we are again at the end of another week! In celebration of this supernaturally silly sing song Saturday, we are sharing the lyrics to the song “Welcome to the New”, By Mercy Me:

Got to live right, just stay in line. You’ve heard it all at least a million times; and like me you believed it. They said it wasn't works, but trying harder wouldn't hurt. It sounds so crazy now, but back then you couldn't see it. But now here you are, eyes open wide. It’s like you’re seeing grace in a brand new light, for the first time.

Let us be the first to welcome you. Welcome to the life you thought was too good to be true. Welcome to the new.

You broke your back, kept all the rules, jumped through the hoops to make God approve of you. Oh tell me was it worth it. The whole time you were spinning plates, did you stop to think that maybe He is ok with just you? There’s no need to join the circus. And now here you are, a new point of view, and now it all makes sense why it's called the Good News! 

And oh let us be the first to welcome you. Welcome to the life you thought was too good to be true. Welcome to the new. Look at you, shiny and new, look at you! You got the proof of purchase. You were purchased, ‘cause you're worth it. Look at you, finding your groove. Don’t you dare think that you're not worth it, ‘cause you're worth it, yeah you're worth it.

Let us be the first to welcome you, welcome to the life you thought was too good to be true. Welcome to the new!

Follow this link if you’d like to watch the music video for the song: 

In reading scripture, we come across this verse:

What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? ~ James 2:14

Some people believe this verse is saying if you don’t do works, you will not be saved and they often forget the message of grace. When this happens, it is easy to be deceived into thinking by doing works they will be saved. This is not faith by works, this type of work is done in your own strength. When we travel down a road like this, it is easy to find yourself exhausted and depleted. When you stay in constant communication with the Lord, you will find your faith strengthened through each difficult circumstance you go through. When your faith is strengthened, you will produce works because the Holy Spirit Himself will cause you to move and to be moved. When your relationship with the Lord gets to this level, you really do have something joyous to sing about because you will have discovered the true meaning of “Welcome to The New”.

Please share the good news with your friends by inviting them to like our page on FaceBook! https://www.facebook.com/youareworthytoo

Your sister in Christ,

Wendy Glidden