Don't Be Devoured!

Many in the world are familiar with quote John 3:16. Some I imagine have heard it mentioned but don't know what it is about. I, myself have seen the Book, Chapter and verse posted on sites all across the United States of America in my travels. I often wonder when I see it, "Will people know this is a Bible verse and search it out on their own?"

I have to admit, we live in a fast paced world and often a soundbite is all one can get out in a crowd. Obama is by far one of the best sound bite machines I have ever watched in my life. I know there are some big fans of his out there. I am only a fan of God and I see man for man; we all fall short. Our president is no different, nor were any of the previous ones so please don't take me the wrong way. I was pointing out how influential some soundbites can be depending on how they are introduced. 

I am not certain that random signs with John 3:16 written on them are delivering the power of the truth in that message!

For those who have never taken the time to search the actual message out, this is what John 3:16 tells us:

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16, NASB)

My question for you is this, "How can you believe in someone or something that you have no knowledge of?"

My next question is this, "If you are seeking life after death, wouldn't you at least be curious enough to search out this Son of God on your own time?" 

Searching Him out on your own time does not mean going to church once a week. While that can be helpful; surrounding yourself with others who love God, not all churches teach. Sadly, the majority preach. I don't like to be preached to, but I love to learn! That is what my home church does. Honestly at Leavener, I often feel like I am sitting in Bible College because you learn more than just the words in the Bible. You are taught about the setting in history and the original context of the words themselves is often broken down. This adds massive flavor and color to the books in the Bible and gives one so much greater understanding as well as a personal desire to learn on ones own. 

Now, if I were to post soundbite signs across the USA, I think I would pick John 3:17 as my soundbite shout out to the world:

"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through him." (John 3:17, NASB)

You see, we have a mutual enemy in this world, evil. Evil lies to us about who we are and labels us as unworthy to be saved. This is a lie. God obviously found us worthy enough to send his son after us! It is so important for us, especially at this time in history to come to know and understand what is truly against us in all things in this world! You will only discover the depths of shrewdness and how to best protect yourself against such a foe in the word of God!

It irks me to no ends when people say, "God has already decided who gets saved." or "There are only 144,000 people that God is going to save" or "The Bible says those who are saved are predestined already so what's the point?"

While there is some truth in these statements, they are far from absolute truth! The enemy always uses partial truths to snare us. It is why he is so effective! We need to KNOW the truth in order to defend it. How can you know it if all you do is stand on others soundbites?

In reading God's word for myself, one thing is certain, we all fall short, we are all sinners in need of help!

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; (Romans 3:23, NASB)

Now granted these 3 verses I have shared today are indeed soundbites, but they are statements of absolute truth. These also are VERY important truths in the fight against the lie of evil that tells us that its already been decided who gets saved and who does not! Allow me to build the case for truth:

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3, NASB)

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:44-45, NASB)

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgiving, be mad on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all . . . (1 Timothy 2:1-6, NASB)

I have a boatload more to share but let us connect the dots with these:

• God sent his son to save the world (all creation, not just mankind but the world as well, remember that it to is in a fallen state!)
• He did not send His son into the world to judge us, but to save us! ALL of us!
• If only some are predestined to be saved, why provide all of us with a measure of faith?
• Obviously God blesses all of His children and creation with sun and rain. (Karma is a misnomer. good and evil happen to those who are both good and evil. Those who thank the LORD daily also petition for more blessings and He is a faithful God, my advice; "Get to know Him!)
• God makes it obvious again and again and again that He wishes all of us would turn to Him and be saved. It is our FREE WILL to do so as it is our FREE WILL to ignore the life line He so lovingly provided to ALL!

I did not come to where I am today overnight. I truly sought to understand God's word. Today, I know who I am in Christ and it is what that knowledge did for me that drives me to share the truth with others. Yes, I will have eternal life, but on top of that, I am living an abundant life in the midst of a fallen world. I cannot tell you how FREEING that is. How joyful I am in spite of all the junk that the evil in the world tries to throw in my path. This is the good news! Another great thing my church has done is to compile a list of verses that share who you are in Christ. Check them out! 

Be blessed my friends! Life is worth living abundantly. Discover the truth for yourself and stand firm in your faith! The enemy is indeed a roaring lion and it is us that he longs to devour! Don't get eaten!!

Wendy, Mom of Many, Walks with God!

© Wendy Glidden 2016

Slavery, What the New Testament Has to Say on the Subject!

Reading Response Paper #2: The Book of Philemon

Wendy Glidden

HUM-114A-ON15-SU15: New Testament- Block 1

Professor: Dr. Lee

Colorado Christian University: College of Adult and Graduate Studies

May 23, 2015

We are told in our reading of Gundry that “Philemon became a Christian through Paul” (Gundry, pg 454). As brothers in Christ, they must have enjoyed a close relationship. We are also told that there were no church buildings for the early Christians to meet in, so the church meetings were held in individual homes. Since we learn in our reading that Philemon actually had a house church where Paul taught, one can assume they were close brothers in Christ who respected one another and loved one another greatly due to these verses:

[1] Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, [2] and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: (Philemon 1:1-2, NASB)

[7] For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. (Philemon 1:7, NASB)

[9] yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you, since I am such a person as Paul, the aged and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus. (Philemon 1:9, NASB)

On one hand, Paul points out that he could order Philemon to do as he wishes and on the other hand he points out that he loves and respects Philemon as a brother in Christ and with that being said, instead of ordering, he appeals to his understanding of the message of grace alone. Paul makes it clear in his opening that Philemon is more than just a believer of Christ; he is listed also as a worker. These combined verses speak very highly of a mutually respectful friendship.

It is clear in Paul’s letter that he believes Onesimus’ conversion to Christ changes the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus as more than simply master and slave. He even suggests the possibility that the reason Onesimus left the service of Philemon was all a part of God’s greater plan. Now instead of Onesimus being nothing more than a slave to Philemon, he is returning as a beloved brother in Christ:

[15] For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, [16] no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. (Philemon 1:15-16, NASB)

Seeing how Philemon and Paul were close brother’s in Christ, there is little room for doubt concerning where Paul stood on the subject of masters and slaves; no matter what position one held in life, when you were committed to Christ, everything you did, how you worked, how you treated others, it all was in obedience to the Lord, not man.

A quick read of several verses makes it clear that those who were slaves prior to being called are in essence freedmen while now being Christ’s slave. It is also just as clear how masters were to treat their slaves. These are a few of the verses Paul wrote through various letters regarding the relationship between master and slaves in general:

For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. (1 Corinthians 7:22, NASB)

Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. [23] Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Colossians 3:22-24, NASB)

Masters, grant your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 4;1, NASB)

[5] Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your heart as to Christ; [6] not by way of eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. (Ephesians 6:5-6, NASB)

[9] And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

When it comes to slaves and masters that find themselves in the position to minister to others, Paul makes it adamantly clear that in order to not have both doctrine and God spoken against, we must be respectful of one another, regardless of social position. (1 Timothy 6:1-2)

Paul also writes about the way that bondslaves are to behave toward their masters in his short letter to Titus. When you consider the ultimate truth; that we are to love one another as we love ourselves, it makes it impossible to deny how we are to behave towards one another, earthly slave and master alike. Without demanding that Philemon forgive Onesimus, Paul insinuates as a follower of Christ this should be a given on the part of Philemon. To ensure that there are no hard feelings between the two, Paul himself offers to reimburse Philemon any debt he may feel he is owed by Onesimus while also reminding Philemon that due to Paul’s teaching, he himself has gained more than he could ever lose and in essence is truly owed nothing:

[18] But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account; [19] I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self as well). (Philemon 1:18-19, NASB)

I truly think that Paul is quite a clever writer. He sends Onesimus back to Philemon with this letter knowing that as Philemon reads it, his heart will be softened in multiple ways. Not only will he have to accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ, he is most likely going to put him to work helping Paul as requested. How could he deny the very one who has risked his own life to share the good news with Philemon and so many others?

This letter certainly does not uphold slavery as an institution and at the same time it doesn’t really point to its demise. I think it highlights the truth that in this world, some of us are slaves and some of us are masters; some of us are employees and some of us are the bosses. Some of us have financial and material blessings and some of us depend on the kindness of strangers, and a few of us have been blessed to have walked in several of these shoes. No matter what our earthly position turns out to be, our role in this life is truly the same. We are to treat each other with kindness, love and respect always knowing that in the end we truly serve the same Master in heaven. In that respect, one could say that we are bondservants to Christ, even if we are considered to be free in man’s eyes.

When it comes to how I will apply what I have learned in both my ministry and my social life regarding this particular session, things have not really changed. For longer than I can remember, I have had the mindset that I don’t work or serve men alone. While I do love praise from my boss or my teachers, in the long run, all I do in this life, I do for the LORD.

When it comes to how I intend to treat others in the world, both through my ministry which in all honesty flows over into my social life, I am drawn to this Scripture:

[31] “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. [32] All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; [33] and He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on the left. [34] “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. [35] For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; [36] naked, and you clothed Me, I was sick, and you visited Me, I was in prison, and you came to Me’. [37] Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give you something to drink? [38] And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? [39] When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ [40] The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

The only thing missing from this Scripture is forgiveness of transgressions. Paul makes it clear that this is something we should be willing to do for our Father in heaven has done as much for us. Since we are children of God, we should behave as Him. My favorite Scripture regarding forgiveness is this one:

[21] Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” [22] Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21-22, NASB)

Christ is my LORD and Savior. He loves all of us. Much like Paul, I consider myself His bondservant. Therefore, I intend to serve Him all my days with all my heart, mind and soul, in all ways possible.

References

The MacArthur Study Bible, 2006, John MacArthur, Thomas Nelson Publishing

A Survey of the New Testament, 2012, Robert H. Gundry, Zondervan

Every Time!

Too many You's to mention by name,

but to each one of you I say the same!
My reader's who encourage me along my way, 
fellow sisters and brothers I met throughout each day. 
To my family and my life-long friends: 

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God!

- Philippians 1:3 (NLT)

He called me out two years ago to share my story.

While scared to death, I wrote it for His glory.
Praying for direction and more territory

I want to spread the message He gave me for you

By reading my story you'll realize it is true:

"You ARE Worthy Too!"

Listen Now!

Dear Reader,

First I want to take this opportunity to thank you for
purchasing my book! This is the beginning of my story. The first full sixteen
years of them are in this volume. I have also included two bonus chapters from
upcoming titles!

All my life I dreamt of being a writer. I wanted my
books to fill people with hope. As I grew up, I continued to write off and on
but I had long given up on ever publishing anything to encourage others or
brighten their days.

As I approached my 40s, I began questioning life and
relationships. Then a life event of my own caused me to fall to my knees. I had
finally come to the end of my own strength and determination. It was in giving
everything to God, He gave me the desires of my heart.

I truly hope you enjoy this first book full of true
chapters from my life.

When God convicted me, He showed me how He had been
there all along. You get some insights as you are shown things through the
rear-view mirror!

There is much the Lord is leading me to share. I hope
you stick around as I continue to share my life story as well as other titles.
Look for all the details on You Are Worthy Too Website! The link to take you
there is on my connect with me page at the end of the book.

Had someone asked me a year ago if I thought my life
was worthy of publishing I would have laughed and quickly said, “No”.

God thought otherwise. He called me out to share my
story over a year ago. While full of fear, I stepped out in Faith.

I pray my story leaves you inspired, encouraged and
full of faith. I am humbled by your purchase. Be blessed and be a blessing!

Love, Wendy Glidden

© Wendy Glidden 2014 

Do You KNOW Who You Are in Christ?

Today is totally terrific testimonial tell all Tuesday. Without going into great detail, yesterday was a day that the world tried to jerk the financial carpet out from under me. After the loss of the baby I was expecting to arrive next year, nothing else really compares to the emotions an event like that has on a person. As the bad news rolled in, I resolved to trust in God and keep my focus on the truth. I am a child of God. He is my provider. What the world takes away, He replaces. I refused to worry and took the advice I gave my readers. Even though I was staring at a bank account that was quickly dwindling with no idea where more was going to come from or when it would arrive, I went to the store and bought after school snacks for the children and 4 gallons of water so that I could continue to make myself both coffee and Sustain. All day long I talked to God, I thanked Him for always taking care of me. I put in some applications for employment, marketed my books and my blog. I asked my friends that believe in prayer to pray for me.  I asked all my friends to please view my new website as having steady traffic increases traffic from strangers. This month has been my biggest month concerning the money I earn from those who visit my website. You don't get paid by google until you reach $100 from those who let your youtube ads play without clicking them off or those who enter windows of interest off of your site. I'm only $53 and some change away from a paycheck lol.

This morning, I received a call from a company that was impressed with my resume and had my first phone interview. The man on the other end said he was impressed with me and I had made it to phase two. He told me the only way someone would have a leg up on me was if they had hazard waste experience. My next interview will take place either later today or tomorrow morning. He wasn't sure which. Still not bad for a days effort!

The best news I received this morning was in regards to the funds that I had been told I would not be receiving any longer. Turns out being kind and telling the truth pays off. I spoke to an official this morning who granted me my check for two more weeks. I could have easily stressed yesterday. I could have let my bad news of the morning ruin my entire day. I could have easily laid in bed crying about how unfair life is. If I didn't have the confidence that I have in who I am in Christ, most likely that is exactly what I would have done. When you discover who you are in Christ, you also discover a source of never ending strength that allows you to not only survive, it helps you thrive! In the words of Mandissa, "I'm an Overcomer!" If you missed yesterday's post, I hope you go to my website @ www.youareworthytoo.com click on the tab for my blogs and check it out. While you are there, check out the sidelinks, if something is there that you were looking for, enter the site from my screen. In doing so, you help my ministry of inspiring hope in others.

If you are blessed enough to KNOW who You are in Christ, I pray you are a light in the darkness helping others discover the same about themselves. If you have no idea who you are in Christ, I encourage you to read my books and begin to build your faith in the Lord and the plan He has for you. Just go to my product page and you'll find links to get a free sneak peak into each one. They are available in both paperback and e-book. Until we meet again, be blessed and be a blessing!

Wendy, walks with God, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden, 2014

Perfect Timing!

It's Totally Terrific Testimonial Tell-All Tuesday! We all have a story. Many of us have a bunch of stories! I am blessed to be one of those people!

This morning was the first morning my school crew boarded the bus from our new place. Without knowing exactly when the bus would arrive, the morning was a little hectic. Once everyone was on the bus, I went inside to tell Mike and Jeffrey goodbye only to have little Jeffrey insist on coming to work with me so that he could do his ABC mouse school. He is so stinking cute and really VERY well mannered for a three year old so I caved.

Getting him dressed for the outside element was of course going to make me run a little late . . . or so I thought. Lately I have been hearing a lot about God's timing and how it's not always in line with our timing but we need to chill out because His timing is always perfect.

So, here I was finally behind the wheel and on my way. I literally only have a three minute drive to work now so that is pretty awesome. If you've been reading my blog this year, you know it was God that led me to move where I did. I still feel like pinching myself for I truly love where he placed me. Anyway, I realized something was wrong with my car almost as soon as we hit the road. At first I thought maybe I had a flat tire or was it my exhaust? You have no idea how my brain works . . . probably a good thing!

Anyway, I was thinking, 'Did I plug up the exhaust pipe with something by backing up my car into the plowed snow bank?' No. Something much simpler than that was wrong. As I stopped for the one red light I cross each day, I suddenly realized the funny feeling that I was feeling was me running out of gas! My gauge showed half a tank and it suddenly dawned on me that I had threatened to start keeping track of the mileage but had not stuck to that plan!

I thought prayed 'change light change' and it did. I pressed the gas, surged forward and then puttered to a stop right in the middle of the intersection! "NO!" I silently screamed. I put the car in park, said a silent prayer, "please God get me out of the middle of the road!" I cranked the car. It started! I pressed the accelerator and sped across the intersection at a whopping 8 miles an hour! A turtle would have beat me! Still, I managed to get across the road as kind citizens honked at me. I coasted to a complete stop 15 feet beyond the intersection and realized a truck was right behind me. I thought, "Do they know I just need up the road? It looks as if they are wanting to push me with their truck . . . or maybe that's just wishful thinking!"

Sure enough, a lady jumped out of the passenger side and it turned out to be my son's fiancee's mom and her dad! She asked if I wanted them to push me the rest of the way with their truck! I said, "Yes! Please!!"

The best part of being pushed into the driveway was Jeffrey. Boys!! He thought it was the coolest thing ever to be pushed down the road by another vehicle. Once safely in the drive, I jumped out, ran over to Sherry and thanked and hugged her.

Once I got into the office I was giggling to myself. In a flash I clearly saw that had I dashed out the door on time according to my own plans, I would have been early and would have ended up walking a block to work in the frigid cold with little Jeffrey at my side or more likely than not in my arms!

You just have to love God and how He always has you!

I hope this little testimony of mine has helped you with your own timing in life. I often say the best 'Chill Pill" is a silent prayer and then giving whatever it is that has you wound up to God. I pray you are able to rest in Him daily!

Those of you who have followed my blog this past year know that I became a mother at the age of 17. You also know I have been a work a holic, control freak much of my life. When I was in my early twenties I was always in a hurry. This was truly my theme song the year it came out. I hope it causes you to chuckle and slow down a little so that you can better enjoy this thing we call life <3. Be blessed and be a blessing <3

The song is called: 'I'm in a hurry to get things done' by Alabama

Father, today I come to you with joy in my heart. I love knowing that you have all my needs met before I even know I'm going to need something! You never cease to amaze me. I feel like a simple child when it comes to the ways of the wise. Please teach me to be more trusting, more loving, more wonderful, more wise! I pray that you help my fellow brother's and sister's in Christ with all of that as well! Again, thank you thank you thank you for always having my back! I love your ways! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy Glidden, walks with God
Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden, 2013

Today Has Enough Trouble of It's Own!

Last Tuesday night, December 10, 2013, was the final night we HAD to spend in the RV this winter! What a crazy week this last one has been. We had counted down the last thirty days until we were going to move in to our new apartment which Jeffrey calls 'The Castle'. He cracks me up. I have explained to him that we will only be living in a tiny section of the castle. His excitement has not been phased.

Monday morning, December 9, 2013, I had called over to verify my time for my walk through and to make sure they'd gotten confirmation of my renters insurance and the fact that the utilities were in my name. All was going smoothly and we set my appointment at 11:30.

At three that afternoon, I received a phone call letting me know there was a slight problem with my new apartment. Sometime between Sunday night and Monday afternoon, a water pipe had burst and there was so much water on the floor that they were going to have to replace the carpet and padding in the bedrooms and the flooring in the 2nd bathroom where the leak had happened.

They told me it would be completed by Friday. I admit I was a bit sad. I had seen the weather forecast for the week and it was not pretty. We have been below freezing for over a week now and it was only going to get colder over the next couple of days.

Towards the end of the day, I saw a post asking for help with a chain saw crew being called to give a helping hand in Texas where they had been hit by a massive ice storm. I knew Mike would be great help so I quickly got in touch with him and asked if he'd be interested. Seeing how we weren't going to be moving now until Friday, the biggest need for Mike to be home was taken care of. Our money is really tight this month and we both agreed that him helping out would be a beautiful way to tithe. I gave him Rusty's number and Mike was the final man they needed to be able to go.

They were heading out Very early in the morning so we set our alarm for 4:20 AM and the next day we headed out before the sun came up to get Mike to one of the meetup locations on time. Once he was dropped off I made my way to work.

At eleven that afternoon, the apartment complex called me with great news. They were ahead of schedule and as it turned out if I wanted to, I could begin moving in anytime after 4:00 pm on Wednesday! The irony did not escape me! I was super thrilled that we would be in the new place right before the coldest night of this winter arrived.

With Mike being gone, I knew I could only do so much as far as moving everything was concerned so Tuesday night I packed up the majority of food, all our dirty clothes, all of our clean linens as well as the entire bathroom including all of our clean towels! All I could think was, 'I get to do laundry IN my home and everyone can take a shower!'. It truly is the little things in life that make me the happiest.

Wednesday came and after work I headed over to the apartment complex to sign my new lease. I thought I had help lined up to move the three beds I had been given along with a few odds and ends. As it turned out, my moving help was a no show and we ended up sleeping on the floor the first night! Thank goodness I had thought to grab the one cot with the 1" foam mattress and a really thick sleeping bag.

The funniest part of our first night was when I had two children in the two tubs only to realize I had nothing clean to put them in when they got out. I quickly went through all the dirty clothes and picked out things for everyone to change into and got my first load of laundry going.

Bonus things I did not know came with my apartment. A microwave above the stove, a dishwasher and an ice maker! Life is good!!

Thursday night, my help arrived and I got the few things I had been given moved into the apartment and placed in their spots. Jean, one of my many sisters in Christ, kept the children for me while another sister in Christ, Ana, helped me get the items I had been gifted into place.

When we arrived back to Jean's we discovered she had made dinner for all of us. We ate, joked that we should take a picture to post to Facebook with the a note about how all that was missing was our Pastor and his wife for our old Thursday night Bible study. Weirdly we have not gotten together since the night Ana and I were baptized. We were left hanging in the midst of Acts.

Friday night in the midst of the approaching winter storm, the chain saw crew made it safely back. I picked up Mike and we headed home. We caught each other up on all that had transpired.

The gist of this post originally began to show that the best laid plans are often disrupted. I was being led to blog on the verse regarding the fact that each day has enough trouble of it's own. Allow me to share that here, from Matthew, Chapter 6, verse 34:

So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of it's own.

The entire chapter has wonderful wisdom. I love reminding myself of this final thought for I have found it to be so very true. There is no sense in getting all wrapped up in tomorrow.

As my mind often does, while I was typing the above sentence, I recalled something I heard on Moody radio the other day. It was on a Friday around 5 PM and they were playing a series of voice mails that people had left. One of them stuck out more than the rest to me and it was about 'I Am.' In a gist the guy was talking about how you shouldn't focus on the past for God has said His name is I Am and while He is in the past and the future, it was never the past and the future when we found Him on any given day, for His name is always in the present and that was where we should be ourselves. That's not exactly how it was phrased. In all honesty, it was stated in a much more impactful way. Regardless, this has seemed to be the lesson I was being taught this past week. Stay in the here and now for this is the moment we are living.

I pray that this rambling blog has lifted your spirits, given you something to smile about or perhaps even caused you to seek a little more from the word of God Himself.

Father, I come before you today singing your praises and giving thanks for what a wonderful Father you truly are. You never cease to amaze me with your ways. I love living this life of mine under your terms. No longer do I feel the need to control everything for the illusion of me being in control of anything has long gone! Thank you for that!! I love where you have placed me. Close to work and home and surrounded by many brothers and sisters in Christ. How blessed I truly am. Thank you for loving us and always being faithful. My life is so colorful and bright and I truly look forward to each day. I pray that I continue to grow spiritually. I pray you lead me in the direction I am designed to go in. I pray I am able to see and hear all you have for me to see and hear each day. I pray that my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ grow closer to you as well. May this season that we celebrate the birth of Christ in be full of your love. May more and more and more of us come to see the Glory of God. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God,
Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Blessed in So Many Ways!

Marvelously Magnificent Miraculous Monday! This past weekend I was moved to tears by the kindness of two strangers who gifted my family and I and disappeared into thin air. I was not able to thank them directly and knew in my heart God had moved them to bless me in a way that gave all the glory to Him. So very thankful for the hands and feet of Jesus. 

Today's encouraging word reminds me that Jesus is not only my Lord and Savior, He is also my friend:

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. ~ John 15:13, NLT

So this weekend was truly something indeed. I left work Friday, jumped on the interstate with five of my children and my five gift bags to attend my 'Ladies of Hagar Saved With Amazing Grace' annual fundraiser for 'The least of these'. 

We had a fantastic night and I was blessed to be able to share my wallet story with another girl who markets for Scentsy. I met her on Facebook and fell in love with her attitude before I ever met her in person. 

If you are into candles but fearful of house fires, you should really check out her website. Beautiful warmers and non toxic wax! I learned that the wax begins cooling instantly, so no fear of your little ones getting hurt should they become curious and tip the warmer over! Here is her website http://www.pefleybelieves.scentsy.us should you like to take a look for yourself. These make great gifts for your friends and family as well as for yourself! 

I could not resist this warmer with a single tree on it that lights up. I love trees. There is just something so magnificent about them. As soon as I saw this warmer I knew it was the one for me! Years ago when Mike and I first moved back to Indiana, he went to work on a tree farm. I was blessed to be able to work with him for a summer and help him plant trees. When you walk into a barren yard and plant 10 tall trees you truly appreciate how they beautify the scene. Mike had an art of dropping a clump birch tree into the freshly dug hole. I would stand back and watch in awe as he would spin this monster tree, they were never smaller than 15' tall, and place it in the ground making it look as if it was always there. It is still one of my favorite trees.

Funny enough all the scents I picked out were lilac and lavender scents! They have all kinds of amazing scents, many of them smell like home baked goodies. I joked with Tammy and said, no food scents, I still have 40 pounds to lose! This candle warmer is my reminder of the home I lived in surrounded by trees for seven years before the state plowed my home and all the trees down for the new highway.

All in all we had a great night. Many of our guests won a gift of some kind. I believe we have raised enough to sponsor 80 children at this point. Our next event is going to include horse drawn carriage rides and personally handing out the gifts to the children. I can hardly wait to see their faces. What fun it is going to be. 

So speaking of gifting others. As many of you know, Mike is in Florida currently. He has not been able to help out financially as he landed in hot water almost as soon as he arrived in Florida. Nothing of his own doing but from an event where lose ends were not tied from over seven years ago! I will know tomorrow when he will actually be allowed to head back home. I had earnestly prayed at the end of August, beginning of September for God to either convict him or remove him. Many of you have read about all of this in previous posts and know how it went down already. For those who have not, I will simply say, when you pray God hears. How He answers is always according to His will. Since God is always good no matter what strife we face here, when you pray, my advice would be to let it go, have faith in God, and keep your focus on Him! I have done my best at this. 

Being a single mom of many children can be scary. Every month I make out my budget, look at these growing children and say a prayer for provision. Going into November I knew I was going to sponsor a child so my clothing budget had to grow a little. I also knew I was going to this fundraiser and I would support anyone who stepped up and came to the event. It just so happened I was looking for a night light of sorts so thank you God for helping me make my dollars stretch to do all they need to do in a given month!

This year, I enrolled Michael in basket ball. Thinking with no father in the house, being a part of a team would be healthy for him. We had our first game on November 2nd and I watched as Michael did great, stealing passes and rebounding, but he would have done even better had he not been sliding all over the place! I had not budgeted for basketball shoes in the month of November but knew he truly needed a pair for his own safety. I played on a basketball team most of my childhood. I know how much shoes matter. I woke up Saturday morning bound and determined to purchase a pair of shoes for him even if it meant being more creative with our menu selections this month.

So I loaded all the children in the car and off to Dicks Sporting Goods we sped. When we got there we headed to the shoe section and a kind employee helped us with the right size. I allowed Michael to pick out his favorite pair, praying that he would pick one of the least expensive pairs, which he did. Still, it was more money than I would spend purchasing shoes for all of them combined! He laced them up and I had him shift and turn and move around. He loved them. The employee handed me the box, told me he could wear them out and we went to go pay for them. The first cashier I approached was already calling for help from management so I asked if there was another cashier open. She pointed over to the other side of the store and said there should be someone on the east side. As I headed to that side, the same employee that had helped us came running up to me with an envelope. He informed me that he had no idea what was inside but he was asked to give it to me by another shopper. When I got over to the cashier, I opened the envelope and began crying. It was a gift card with enough money on it to completely pay for Michael's shoes. 

I shared the good news with the children and the cashier. It was awesome to watch Michael play this Saturday and not slide! We lost the game by two points in the final few seconds of the game. It was an awesome game to watch!

After that we headed off to the store, joyous that we had enough to buy two weeks worth of dinners and breakfasts and snacks as long as we were smart with our money. I have assigned all the children duties so that I don't have chaos in the aisles. Marissa is my tally keeper. Michael helps me pull the cart along. Delilah and Marie are my fetchers and Jeffrey is consulted on options. When we got to the cashier, she rang up all my items. We joked and talked as she is one of my favorites there. I've been shopping at Aldi's since I was a teenager! When she hit the total button she leaned forward and said, "I just have to ask, did you or your children talk to anyone in the aisle?" I said, "No. we didn't." She then held up some cash and said, "Well a lady that shops in here all the time like you said she wanted to bless you. So is it okay if we take this off your bill." Again. I stood in awe with tears in eyes and said, "Yes". 

I was so overwhelmed by it all, my eyes hurt from holding back tears. I told the children I needed to unload the groceries and then we needed to go do laundry. Jeffrey looks at me and asks, "Can we go to the hotel and do the laundry?" I thought to myself. With the money I was blessed with I did have enough to cover a room and it would be nice to not be in a laundry mat. To pretend I was doing laundry where I lived would be a blessing so I caved. When I called to see if there were any suites available I was informed there was. I booked the room. When I arrived, I was given the room for $10 less than my normal charge which is already a gift in itself. I got all the children settled in the room and went to get some quarters for the washer and dryer. When I got to the front desk, I was told they did not have enough quarters to give me change but was invited to do my laundry for free in their industrial machines. 

This week the Lord provided every need I had in amazing ways leaving me in awe. When I went to church on Sunday, as always we were asked if anyone had any praises or prayer requests, I had to share my blessings. I told everyone about my Saturday. 

I love my home church for I truly feel at home. I have shared both blessings and asked for prayers here. What I love most about my home church is that I truly feel at home there. 

This month of November the youth group decided it would add more fun to the day if we had 'Themes' for each Sunday. Last Sunday was 'Goodwill' Sunday. In other words go to goodwill and find an outfit that is not the norm and wear it. This Sunday was 'Crazy Hat' Sunday. I love having fun so of course I have been participating. Here are pictures of my outfits for the last two weeks!

So This is a dress I found on the rack at goodwill. It was obviously hand made. Pink was not anywhere in my wardrobe until I added this festive item! It helped me win the prize for the week. Up until it was announced I won best dressed for the girls, we did not know there would be a prize! I took this same hat and dressed it up a bit for the following Sunday.

As you can imagine, I got quite a few compliments when I wore it! One even from the bowling alley manager! I saw a lot of crazy hats this Sunday myself! 

This coming week is twin day and I am pretty sure I have talked another friend of mine into checking out my church. I have already worked out our outfits. This is going to be so much fun. We are ending the month with Formal Day as the final Sunday. I have my eyes open for a fancy dress I just know God will provide for me in the nick of time. That Sunday is also when we will stay after church and all eat together in the banquet room. Nothing like hanging out with family!! 

If you don't feel at home where you seek the word and are in search of a home church in Hamilton / Marion County, I would love for you to check out where I enjoy fellowship each Sunday. We meet at Pinheads Bowling Alley in Noblesville, Indiana, in the Bar or Banquet room. Worship begins at 10, but feel free to arrive a little early for conversation, donuts, milk, juice and coffee! You will learn right out of the bible and I promise you will be made to feel at home!

Father today I pray that all and any who are in search of a home church find just what they are looking for. May the place be full of members of the body of Christ. There is nothing like hanging out with true believers and learning your word. I am so blessed to have found Leavener as my home church. I am singing your praises Father and am so thankful for how you shower me with love and as promised provide all my needs for me. May many more step out if Faith and be blessed in seeing how much you love them as well. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

* My wallet story can be read here:

#1:  http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2012/12/show-me-sign.html

#2:  http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/07/unpacking-treasure-show-me-sign-part-ii.html

** These are the blogs regarding my prayer for Mike to be convicted or removed:

#1: http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/09/convicted-by-god.html

#2: http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/09/dont-fret-god-is-faithful-he-always-has.html

#3: http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/09/better-off-with-god.html

All I ever ask of any reader is if you find yourself moved, encouraged, inspired at all, please share my blog link with anyone you think is in need of some hope, faith and love!

Wendy, Walks with God

Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

When Anger Rises, What is Your Game Plan?

Fantastically Fun-Filled Family Friday! I awoke today to discover the place I get all my health food and cleaning, laundry, bathroom necessities, first aid, cough, cold, fever relief, and beauty supplies is offering their annual membership for a mere $1.00 . . . all new customers also get $20 worth of free items to try when they come back for more goodness in their second, third, fourth and fifth month!!!! That's $100 worth of free items to try that I already know you will love. I switched to this store in March of 2011 and have been a more than happy customer ever since. As my friends know I'm a penny pinching momma. The money this store has saved me is mind blowing. The best part about shopping here has been the peace of mind knowing this manufacture cares about health and wellness. Also this is where I have purchased my 'weight loss supplies' so tasty my children won't keep out of them and yummy enough that you actually enjoy consuming them yourself! Oh and if teeth matter to you, they have the best tooth polish on the market, and all their dental and skin care is safe for those going through chemo or anything like that! Switch stores, save money, provide better health for your entire family. Let me know if you want more details! This is the best gift one friend can give to another. I already did my shopping this morning and threw in the items I need by next week. Upon checkout I was offered buy one get one free items and two of them are my favorite 'candy bars' with purpose! I am so excited!! I am telling you this company should have been called the Rocking Fireworks Health and Wellness store because their sales are so spectacular!.

I am looking forward to my weekend with the children. Michael has his first basketball game tomorrow. He is so excited. He woke up today thinking it was game day! I had to deliver the bad news that today was another school day.

When I got into the office and was finally able to check my email, I read K-Loves encouraging word for the day.

A gentle answer deflects anger. ~ Proverbs 15:1, NLT

I had to giggle to myself as I read this truth. If the bible is not a handbook for how to best walk through situations in life, I don't know what is! When I have a child that is angry and another child steps in to comment on the situation, I have gotten into the habit of stopping them short by simply saying, "Please don't throw gas on my fire!" Meaning the situation is obviously volatile and I do not need any of them increasing that intensity. Dealing with someone who is angry is almost as difficult as dealing with someone who is intoxicated. Anger, in my belief clouds the mind and keeps us from making wise decisions. I know this is also why we are advised to steer clear of anger. Hands down, anger is one of the evil one's best ways to get a foothold into your heart and have more control over your thoughts. When you find yourself getting angry you need to have a game plan to calm yourself down. You may even have to have a basket full of ways to deal with your emotions. One for when you are in the car may not work so well out in the public eye! In the car I call for a moment of silence or singing, their choice. I tell the children I need a moment to calm down and I turn the Christian music up a little so that they know I'm serious! At home, I have even put myself in a time out! It's amazing how little ones will quit what they are doing when you tell them you don't trust yourself because you are so angry so you are going to put yourself in a five minute time out so that you can have a conversation with your heavenly Father! When getting angry at a spouse I refuse to fight it out in a moment of anger. I openly admit I cannot think rationally and I don't want to say something I can't take back. I also have threatened and followed through with prayer as many of you know from the blog post 'Convicted by God' that I published in September. Should you find yourself curious to see how that all played out, here are the links to the three posts that play that entire scene out: 

1. http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/09/convicted-by-god.html
2. http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/09/dont-fret-god-is-faithful-he-always-has.html
3. http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/09/better-off-with-god.html

As my grandma said to me when I was younger, "Be careful what you pray for you just might get it." To which I asked, "Why would I pray for something unless I wanted it?" Which she replied, "God has a sense of humor Wendy, you never know how what you desire will be delivered!" Boy was she ever right about that! My advice don't pray in a moment of anger!! I will admit God is wonderful and he uses everything to work good. I have witnessed it time and time again. Even what I am going through right now. I am amazed to see the changes that have occurred in my life over the last two months. I'm like, pinch me. Is this really my life? I know it is. Even in the midst of turmoil I am dancing in the rain. This is the major difference in living life with your own strength and only for yourself and giving your life to Christ and following Him. I prefer an adventurous life. Of course if you have read my blog posts from the beginning you know that much about my story already! The crazy thing is my life has been MORE adventurous since I got on my knees and said, "Your will not mine".

I hope I have peaked your curiosity enough to get you to at least read those 3 linked posts and even more so to dive back to the beginning of this blog and read it all. There are miracles and all kinds of crazy stuff inside! I have been blessed to have been allowed to be a witness to God's glory in so many ways. I still have so many things to share. I am excited to get back to it as what the Lord has been flashing to me takes me back to after the adoption and my near death to some seriously crazy events. I was fearful on how to share and as with all the rest God is giving it to me in flashes and has me laughing. This weekend as my children go to bed, I will begin drifting back in time! I hope you decide to stick around and read more of my life journey!

Father today I come to you with childish wonder. What an amazing Father you are. How blessed I am to have woken up and returned home. How blind I was. How far I ran. Yet when I got on my knees crying and wailing you opened the door again and welcomed me home. Since then you have saved my life, sent me a witness, allowed me to see my current home shrouded in crystals and so much more. I love how you work. Even through pain you flourish me. I love who I am in Christ. Thank you for grace and mercy. Thank you for your son whose name I pray in. It is my prayer that many more of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ also get on their knees and give in to your will. Had I only understood that your plan is so much more for me than I could have designed on my own. I am sure I am not the only rebel in the family! Call my fellow rebel brother and sisters home. Break them down Father. Stretch them until they know they can only make it through on your strength. While the process may at first feel painful, I know the beauty on the other end and I pray they are able to glimpse it early on so they are not hurt and confused by the events that will take place. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God
Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Rejoice!

Totally Tripping Tremendously Thankful Thoroughly Thoughtful Thursday! Today I am thankful I was able to keep my wits about me last night and in complete darkness while freezing, along with God's help, solve the mystery of no electricity and was able to get the heat back on. I must admit when I finished, I shot Mike a text and at first I was laughing. I think it would have to be classified as relief laughter which is also known as hysteria and then I immediately burst into tears. I miss him. He is my MacGyver. Had he been home, I could have rested under the warm blankets knowing he would fix the problem. Many might be surprised to know when Mike has a big problem on his hands he calls upon the Lord for help. I have witnessed him be against a wall and then pray and end up doing amazing things and you just know that wisdom to accomplish that task came from the Lord. There is simply no denying it. Not having him here to lean on pains me. I still have to fix the bigger problem because I am only able to run the heat right now. No lights, no TV, nothing but heat. However, when it boils right down to it, heat is the most important of those. I did cry out to God myself for help with getting the heat back on as I crawled around in the dark wondering where a flash light might be. I thank Him for showing me what to do last night for indeed it was as if a light bulb went off in my head and I just tried what came to me out of nowhere. Sure enough it worked. God in one fell swoop showed me both that He would always have me covered yet life is surely easier with a help mate to lean on.

I found an old CD that I had purchased over a year ago after service on a Sunday. A christian folk singer named Rick Stump had led our song worship that morning and I loved everything he sang. I was so thrilled to have stumbled upon it again. I had just wondered where it might be the other day. You see, for the last few weeks I have only had the girls 'One Girl Nation' Cd to listen to for music. I can get Moody radio to come in but that is it in the car. When going to an event at the children's school, I had put Jeffrey on the trunk of the car to put on his shoes and he broke my antenna and promptly yanked it all the way out! Somehow I managed to get it in far enough to pick up one radio station! The only station it will pick up is Moody Radio. I find that so funny because when we bought that car, every station was programmed to Moody Radio and that is how I found and fell in love with them! God gave me that car and through it is how I came to own the RV that I am living in right now. Long stories that I have yet to share. So much writing I need to get to. I keep wondering when God is going to allow me more time to simply write. My life is so busy and if it were not for the Lord I would be so lost right now. That is the biggest thing I am thankful for. My relationship with the Lord. Anyway, when traveling in the car with all the children, listening to a talk program is not always easy. I loved to turn on K-Love during those times but that station will not come in! With another CD to listen to and be it one I hadn't heard for over a year, I was thrilled as we headed off to the laundry mat last night with our new tunes. I love the whole CD. I am hoping I can find some of his stuff on You Tube so I can share. Anyway, half way there, the song, 'Made to Fall' came on and when Mike and I have our reception celebration, this will be the song we dance to. Alas, the songs I want are not on YouTube. I did find him on Facebook. I have liked his page and sent a message. We'll see where that goes.

**** I was sidetracked as often happens, but all of a sudden I knew how to rework things to get my RV chargers going again so my well pump will stay on and my lights will work. I also managed to get the TV running again. Life is good when you give your troubles to God! This morning has been so busy I just now opened my email box and read K-Loves encouraging word for the day. So fitting for Thankful Thursday!

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! ~ Philippians 4:4, NLT

I am suddenly laughing again for I do feel like rejoicing. My God is bigger. I am kept safe and all my needs are met. I love my Father in Heaven. I cannot imagine a life without faith. Just knowing He always has me is so comforting. Even in the middle of the night when darkness prevails, my God still can turn on the light so to speak! If I never manage to get anything else instilled in my children, I pray they pick up on how awesome our God is and how having a relationship with the Lord and accepting His Lordship over their life is the only true way to live. 

I love Philippians for that is where I get my comeback when my teenybopper says 'whatever'. Allow me to share more of this Book and Chapter as it is so good it deserves a deeper dive. Plus who knows perhaps you have a teenybopper at home too that loves to throw out the 'whatever'. This is the best comeback to that!

With that being shared, allow me to share, straight from my MacArthur Study Bible, Out of the Book of Philippians, Chapter 4 verse 4 through verse 9:

verse 4: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

verse 5: Let your gentle spirit be know to all men. The Lord is near. 

verse 6: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

verse 7: And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

verse 8: Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell in these things.

verse 9: The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Just makes me beam as brightly as the sun when I read such encouraging words. As I typed be anxious for nothing, I saw myself last night as I had to deal with the electrical issues. I was able to keep my head about me because I called upon the Lord and remained calm. I am so thankful for the capability to be able to trust in the Lord with all my heart. I am so blessed to have the faith I do. I truly believe it is due to my seeking and His faithfulness that my faith is as big as it is. That means all who seek truly will find for our Father is a giving, loving Father and his promises ring true. I suggest you take the time to search Him out. It will be the wisest thing you ever do!

Father I come to you with laughter and a song in my heart. You are so faithful. Thank you for keeping my babies warm through the night. Thank you for hope and faith and love. Thank you for your words of wisdom that encourage me to press on even when in my own strength I say 'This mountain is too big!' and I fall to a moment of weakness. Thank you for picking me up and carrying me the instant I call out to you. My prayer today is for all who are without hope or faith and are fumbling in the dark cursing the obstacles in their path. May they come to know that you are there. May they begin to seek you out and lean upon you and discover how faithful you always are. In turn may they share their own stories and become workers that spread the good news. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Wendy, Walks with God

Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Tired of Walking in the Dark? Allow the Light to Enter You!!

Totally Tripping Tremendously Thankful Thoroughly Thoughtful Thursday! Thank God for everything. Yes, everything. Should you be blessed to turn back and see how things really went down you would without hesitation throw your arms around Him and give Him a gigantic hug. I know it sounds crazy, but I promise it is true. He is always there. We, as humans, want to blame others for all that is wrong in our life. The only thing you can blame on God is Your FREE WILL. He made you to live. He wants you to live abundantly but honestly he gives you the choice. He gave us this awesome book full of wisdom and insight. If we just read it a little every day, life becomes more abundant. The more you seek God, the more you will begin to recognize not only His work in your life but you truly begin to recognize the spiritual war you are in. Better to be fully awake for this battle then asleep. 

How does one wake up? Well, start by starting. If Jesus is the light of the world and you are in darkness as to how you got to where you are today, search out the light. You will find what you need in countless places. Even places such as my blog. Your transformation won't take place over night. I grow daily in countless ways. I pray that never stops. I want all the wisdom the Lord will bestow upon me. I want to have the heart of Christ. I read my bible daily. I listen to uplifting lessons. I read a devotional. I subscribe to K-Loves encouraging word. I surround myself with fellow believers. I know the closer I draw to Him the more I love who I am. I am redeemed. I am a Saint. This is who I am in Christ. When I allow the evil one to distract me from who I am in Christ, I fall flat on my face. It does not feel good. Thank God today I know the difference between allowing myself to be beat up by my sin and being convicted by the voice of righteousness. I don't need to beg God daily for forgiveness. I have been forgiven. Christ died on that cross one time for ALL SINS. End of story. He ROSE and Conquered Death. Therefore, what do I truly have to fear? Nothing but fear itself. The evil one cannot destroy me for my Savior saved me. I am His. I hear His voice. Last year He called me forth to tell my story. I will openly admit when I first realized what I was being called to do part of me wanted to run away. I mean, I have done a lot in my lifetime, even more than I wanted to face. I have barely shared my life with you and yet I have had countless women reach out to me and thank me and say I share part of your life, my mom shares another part and my grandma shares another part. It's like you are all of us together and I love it because I give them hope and in return they encourage me to share more for giving others hope is what God wanted me to do. I was created to shine my light. Those that read my posts and reach out to me, encourage me to burn a little brighter and share a little more because there is so much more. Years ago I thought I had so missed the boat when it came to life and living it, but through God's eyes, when I sit down and look back, I laugh and I cry. I tear up and I chuckle. I gasp hold my pillow tightly. What a roller coaster, daydream, nightmare life I have lived and through it all He kept me safe. That's the beauty of it. I am so thankful I became weak enough to get back on my knees and begged for God to have His way with me. I told Him, your will not mine and wham my world shifted. While the journey has stretched me, it has changed me into a new creation and I LOVE WHO I AM IN CHRIST!

Mike is reading my blog and claims he is enjoying it. That is a good thing because before he was not into me blogging. Well, if you have been reading you know that. He called it a hobby and suggested I find a new one shortly before this big break between us. I find it amazing what God is doing inside of Mike, but maybe even more so, I'm amazed at what God is doing inside of me. Turns out I had plenty of work to do to be a better partner. So easy to point that finger and make that line in the ground. Before we even realize it we have built an entire brick wall around our heart. Oh, I see so clearly where I laid that first brick in the wall around my heart that I had so freely given to Mike in the beginning. God gave me the title back in May to write on and I have left it in the closet on a hanger. I was not quite ready to pull it out and put it on. I think it's because I still felt a little unloved by Mike at the time. Through this separation, that has changed. It brought both of us to our knees and back to the beginning. Before the week ends, I will be writing out that chapter. The title God gave me was 'Landing on a Ledge' for the next chapter involving the story of Mike and I. If you have already read the posts titled, How I Fell in Love With Mike and Dissed, Disowned, Disgraced and Darn Near Destitute, this will be the continuation of that story. For those that have not read those posts, I will leave the links for them at the bottom of this post should you find yourself interested. 

With that being shared, I started out this post today by pasting in today's encouraging word by K-Love to get myself prepared to allow the spirit to lead me into what I was to share today. So, here is their encouraging word of the day:

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." ~ John 8:12, NLT

This is true my brothers and sisters. You truly will have the light that leads to life. An abundant life. One full of fruit. The Fruit of the Spirit is PRICELESS. Reminds me of a poem I wrote. Allow me to copy it again here. It actually has a post of it's own. I have a bit of a poet in me. God indeed loves music, poetry, and dance. 

The Fruit of The Spirit

Too much to do and not enough time

Chaos & Craziness filling my mind

I'll give the devil his due

He's an expert at tricking you

When something causes you worry

Slow down ~ what's your hurry?

Take a moment to pray for what you need

With God on your side you're sure to succeed

When I feel life's pressures are becoming too demanding

I remember Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And lean NOT on your own understanding."

I call upon the Lord I do and I sing his praises

I bathe in his Glory oh the way he amazes

So I say to Satan, "You've got no hold on me!

My God came here so I could live abundantly!"

The fruit of the spirit ~ that's what I'm after

This life is mine and I'll fill it with laughter!

Today Father, I pray we begin to add more laughter into our days. May we seek out the Light. May we discover the abundant life you intended for all your children to live. May we love one another as we are meant to. May we listen to the voice of righteousness and snuff the voice of the liar. May the body of Christ begin to come together. May we win begin to shine like never before. May others who are sleepy eyed see the light and be drawn to it. May they fully awaken. May they thirst and hunger for your word Father. Please use me in all ways you see fit. Give me a voice and I will shout from the mountain tops to all the world your Glory. Father you saved me and have given me such beauty. I am so grateful and could never begin to give enough thanks. Your grace amazes me. The way you work, I shall never question what happens in my life I shall always give all glory to you and even in the midst of great pain I will turn to you Father in praise for I know who you are. Thank you for allowing me a glimpse of heaven. I look forward to coming home. Until then Father, I am yours, stretch me, give me more, expand my world Father. In Jesus name I Pray. Amen.

As promised here are the first two posts regarding Mike and I. I touch on us throughout other blogs like the one entitled Show Me a Sign and Down on My Knees as well as the one Saved By an Army of Angels. If you are in a relationship you are praying over may reading our story be a blessing to you. May You too find the answers you need. May you grow yourself <3. 

** http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-i-fell-in-love-with-mike.html

**http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/07/dissed-disowned-disgraced-and-darn-near.html

I leave you with this song. It is the one I found myself singing the loudest this morning!

Wendy, walks with God,

Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013