Stand!

 Yesterday, as some of you already know, my lap top blacked out. Considering the fact that I am in college, taking my last two courses in order to achieve my bachelors degree in Biblical studies, losing my computer would be a big blow. Instead of letting that be my focus, I went old school ~ pen and paper. I outlined my thoughts for my one assignment; a 4 page paper answering a few question prompts over this week's required reading. I talked to complete strangers about my faith, my Lord, the message of grace, abundant living and hope. I even spoke about how being fully dressed, I knew what was truly going on and instead of freaking out and fighting my computer, I closed it and prayed that God take care of it. I did mention to Satan that one computer glitch would not stop me. I told him I'd do my work on my phone if I had to! 

This is not the first time that a lap top black out has happened to me. When I was in the middle of writing my second book, Satan came after me like a crocodile. While I knew what I was hearing in my head was not coming from me and was indeed warfare, I was in a fight for my life! The oppression was so great. The fight was so fierce, I compared it to being in a full blown crocodile roll. Even fully armored, I was doing all I could to simply stand. A major piece of armor has to do with spending time with God; reading a little bit of his story, heading the warnings in his word and following his advice. In the end, my battle was broken with a combination of speaking out-loud about the battle I was in, by the grace of God an unexpected moment of hilarity followed by a connection to that mornings reading as I stood firm. Literally the moment my eyes took in the duplicated word, the first from my morning's reading of Scripture and secondly within the first 4 words of an opening paragraph from the chapter I was proofing, Satan vanished from my head. This is why your armor is so important!

The very next day though, he came at me again. My laptop that I loved was going on 4 years old and I knew that I needed to have a back up computer as I was in school back then as well. Not only did I need a laptop for school, I was also blogging almost daily and as I mentioned previously, I was working on the manuscript for Marriage, Motherhood and My Moral Meltdown. It was black Friday and I had grabbed a lap top at a great price. So here I was, two laptops one old and one new and in the same day, back to back, they both blacked out on me! As if that were not crazy enough, I had given the one to a friend of mine whose husband worked on laptops in hopes that he may be able to recover my manuscript. Stupidly, I had not saved a copy anywhere else outside of my documents. Crazy enough, he opened it up, turned it on and the darn thing came to life as if it had never hiccuped. Unlike this time where I closed the computer, prayed, walked away from it waiting a full day, I fought with that thing for a full hour before I went for the new one only to have it also go black screen on me. In the end, nothing was wrong with either one of them. Instead my friend's husband revamped my favorite laptop and it lasted another 4 years! 

I say all this to bring to light that often with technical stuff, it is the enemy messing with you and as crazy as it may seem, a quick prayer to God, the creator of all, including man who is credited with the advancements of technology, truly does make all the difference in the world. When things don't work these days, you better believe this girl prays first and then I say okay LORD, I must not be meant to get this done today. Was there something you needed of me while my other stuff is on hold? He always has something fun planned. 

Yesterday I talked to a mom of 13 children. A few of her kiddos are on the road with her. They get requests to sing at various events and even other churches. I also was able to listen to a woman talk about her life and her older son and we discussed prayer and free will. From there I chatted with another person about the journey of faith I had been on. My day was blessed in multiple ways. 

I could have elected to get all freaked out about my laptop. Insisted it had to be fixed or replaced ASAP as my two papers are due by Sunday at midnight, but I didn't. I know that each day has its trouble and that day was not the day to deal with the computer when I could manage to complete things on paper for the moment. Trusting that God won't allow me to fail as long as I do my part, turn to him and keep doing the things I can do while they can be done and putting the rest off for another day is a joy all of its own. You only find rest like that when your faith is firmly planted in Jesus. 

In the midst of all of this, I sang a song / wrote a poem. It will be added to the current manuscript I am working on; In the Midst of Spiritual Warfare. It's still in its rough draft format, but drop a line and let me know what you think! Until then, Stay Fully Dressed, Realized you are Blessed and be a blessing in the lives of others!

Oh whisper of contention

I know full well your desire

Don't you know I see you

Throwing wood on my fire?

Listen closely Satan,

My eyes are crystal clear

and as for my ears

Just know they're amped to hear!

Be warned, I got fully dressed this morning

I sang praises, put in petitions and prayers

Strapped on my breastplate of righteousness

Put the helmet of salvation upon my head of hair.

You may have conned me more than once

Back in the day when I was a mere youth

But presently you dirty dog devil

I'm protected by wearing the belt of truth!

Your fiery arrows have no effect today

For my shied of faith is raised up high

I'll walk shod in the shoes of the gospel of peace

Until that fateful day on earth when I die!

Until then, you'll see me coming boldly into the darkness

The Sword of the spirit held firmly in my hand

A mighty warrior in the army of Christ

This girl will do all she can to stand!

Wendy Glidden- Lincoln 2.10.2021

Father, Bless me indeed, bless my ministry, bless my marriage, bless my husband, bless our family and our home. Bless all those who are still captive and all those on the mission field, bless those in authority. Soften their hearts, open their minds to your ways. Bless this nation. Bless Pastor Grant and his wife Susan, bless all my sisters and brothers in Christ, bless all my friends and those who consider themselves my enemy. Bless us all indeed LORD! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, girl who walks with God, mom of many.

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

The God of Angel Armies

It is Super Silly Sing Song Saturday according to my faith calendar I created for myself. This morning Mike found K-Love on the radio for me. The first full song I heard was "Whom Shall I fear" by Chris Tomlin. It is truly something when you realize the God we serve is indeed the God of angel armies.

When we dive into the Holy Bible, we are told about angels and messages they brought to various people including Mary and Joseph. I too have seen an Angel. I even had an army of angels help me defeat a three alarm fire in my last true home that I lived in for seven years. When I hear a song like Chris Tomlin's, it almost brings me to tears at the same time that it brings me to total awe. God loves us so much it is at times overwhelming for me. How can one cry and laugh at the exact same moment? It is my belief it is out of pure appreciation and awe at the depth of the love the Lord holds for his creation.

I often wonder, "Who am I to have been so blessed?" I know the answer, I am a child of God. It is my belief that knowing that truth, that I am a child of God, is what has kept hope alive inside of me through all of my rough bumps in the road.

I heard another song this morning but I don't know who sang it or the title. All I caught was the gist of the song itself. Basically the singer was saying something like, 'You may look at your life and wonder what went wrong, how you got to where you are today, but you are not at the end of your story. You are only in the middle.'

I don't know how many of you reading this have read my first book, "In the Beginning", but those that have know that my life did not turn out the way I thought it would. Certainly in the middle I felt just like that. Somehow what I had planned had spiraled into nothing that I had planned! Those that have continued to read my story from 'In the Beginning' to 'Marriage, Motherhood, and My Moral Meltdown' know that is the absolute truth! I would have to say all the awful things I have done and lived through have been a blessing in a weird way. You see, we are not born to judge. I certainly have no leg to stand on when it comes to being self righteous. I consider myself among the lowest of the low so it amazes me that God sees me through a different lens. This is the same lens we are to see each other with.

Today as you go about your day, I encourage you to see yourself as God sees you. When I look in the mirror, I see a plain girl who is still carrying too much weight on her bones. This is my flesh view. I know the majority of us look in the mirror and criticize various aspects of ourselves. I urge you to not look at the outer shell but to go deeper and look at the light inside. We are children of God. Fashioned in His image. It is a trick of the mind that makes us doubt our beauty. It is the world that mandates what is pretty or handsome and what is not. We are not of this world so why should we care what the world says of us? We should not. Instead we should do as we are advised in Philippians 4:8, as quoted from my NIV Study Bible:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable ~ if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.

I know many in the world have a misconception of just what is in the Holy Bible. The Word of God is twisted and used to manipulate people. We are even warned that this will happen. We are warned to stay close to the truth and to not be tricked by false witnesses and teachers. Their is power in knowing Christ, but you should not seek to know Christ to gain power. You seek to know Him because you desire freedom, not control of others. When you get the message of Grace you realize how twisted religion can be. How cruel it can be. It is just like the Pharisees and Sadducees ruling over the people. Burdening them with ridiculous laws that were never God's design. They plotted to kill Jesus because he was teaching the truth and that truth was going to remove their power. They simply could not have that. Gaining power is not what we are born to do. We were born to bring Glory to God and to love one another. Now that sounds like heaven to me!

Today I pray that more and more and more people are drawn to the truth. I pray that my books and blogs that God encouraged me to share with the world are read and are shared. I pray the encourage countless to discover the truth for themselves and in turn share it with others. I pray the light inside of us shines so brightly we drown out the darkness. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

Here is an audio clip / video reading the back cover and a snippet out of chapter one. If you love the Beginning, purchase the book! Available in both print and e-book / kindle formats.

Wendy Glidden, walks with God, mom of many

© Wendy Glidden 2014

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

Is Your Light on the Lampstand or Under a Basket?

Good morning world! My time flies by quickly. I recently re-read my very first post entitled 'In the Beginning' and had to laugh at the fact that I said my intention was to write daily! Lofty goals for a busy mom of many! As you can see I have fallen quite short of that goal!! What can I say? Time gets ahead of me! Today is Totally Tripping Tremendously Thankful Thoroughly Thoughtful Thursday! For those of you that have been following my blog all along you already know that I am on a health and wellness kick that has overflowed from my mindset to my physical well being. I began this weightloss journey on September 15th and here I am almost to the end of my sixth week. To date I know as of last Tuesday I have lost 30 pounds! I also know I have lost 28" off the 5 major areas that I took beginning measurements from. I think that qualifies for rocking ones program! I have offered to help anyone who would like to get the same results. My email address is wendyglidden123@gmail.com Feel free to write me there or you could always like my fan page on facebook https://www.facebook.com/YouAreWorthyToo and send me a message there if that is an easier way for you to connect. I am here to simply inspire, encourage and help you with any and all of your goals!

For those that have read past Thursday Posts, you already know that today is dubbed as Thankful Thursday. I have actually extended that to Totally Tripping Tremendously Thankful Thoroughly Thoughtful Thursday!! What are you thankful for today? What acts of thoughtfulness have you performed? It is amazing how with just a little thanks and kindness performed in your daily life your life will begin to seem more abundant. Today's encouraging word by K-love is this:

...let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

~ Matthew 5:16, NLT

When I first read that this morning I was torn. Many perform good deeds simply because they believe in something called Karma and they just do good so they might benefit in the end. Others perform good works in hopes that their good deeds will get them into heaven. When I read this verse I was like hmmm our good deeds are not what save us and truly we are not meant to brag on them are we . . . So you know I had to go to my bible and dive a little deeper into today's message. I am taking it to the beginning of verse 13 which has the subtitle above it in my MacArthur study bible reads: 'The Similitudes'

verse 13: "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men."

verse 14: " You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;

verse 15: nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

verse 16: Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

In other words don't hide in your home if you are a follower of Christ. Step out, spread the good news and allow your light to shine. As with the more you seek, the more you will find also goes the more you do the more you will see the blessing in helping others, the more you will do but not because you are seeking reward but because you truly enjoy being the hands and feet of Christ. In other words allow your light to shine and give Glory to God in all you do so that those who see your light will know the source and seek out the Lord themselves. 

Admittedly I could be completely wrong. Lord knows I am no bible scholar. I am just a simple girl who is seeking the Lord with all her heart. I want to be that light that shines in such a way that I glorify my Father who is in heaven. Reminds me of a song I heard a while back. It's called "We Are" and it is sung by Kari Jobe for those of you who cannot watch this on the device you are using. Awesome song, hope you take the time to listen to it!

A funny thing happens when you give your life to Christ. You really do get a new heart and life just changes. Believing and following are so drastically different. If you are a believer, you should so jump in with total Faith and begin following Christ. Your life will change in ways you could only dream of. Obviously this does not mean all of a sudden you have no enemies or problems for even Jesus had those! It just changes the way you live through all things. The good and the bad. I want to be a city on a hill. Do you?

Father today I pray that more of your children begin to follow Christ. I thank you so much for my life and this crazy journey I have been on. There is not a single person on the face of the earth that I am better or worse then. I love that for with that knowledge I can be friends with anyone. No need to fear judgement of past mistakes or future ones for that matter! Thank you for your grace and mercy and your never ending lessons. I love how you move me, stretch me and force me to grow. I love who I am in Christ! Thank you for taking the time. I am a mere spec when it comes to all you have created. What a wonder it is that you take the time to help me. Thank you Father. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God,
Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Love Does!

Good afternoon everyone! Today is Fantastically Fabulous Fun-Filled Family Friday! Let's take time to appreciate our families, our loved ones, our fellow brother's and sister's in Christ. Let's pause for a moment to give thanks for God's love. Forever enduring. If that doesn't fill your heart with a warm glow, I suggest you examine where you are in your walk with The Most High God. As for the scoffers of Christ, I simply ask you this, have you honestly taken the time to examine the gospels yourself? I have heard several people give their testimony about how they came to know Christ as their Savior. People that were once very firm in their religions and as such this made them non beleivers when it came to Jesus being the Messiah. Their stories have been riviting. I say if there is any element of your life where you feel a tug on your heart or a void in your life or you have this never ending search for something you can't quite put your finger on, perhaps, just perhaps you should give the gospels a spin. What do you have to lose? With that being said, here is K-Loves encouraging word for the day:

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. ~ Ephesians 4:2, NLT 

Yesterday was bible study and we are in Acts after Paul's sermon on Mars Hill. We were asked how we felt Paul was feeling at this point of his ministry. Not sure if you have ever read Acts or even know much about Paul, but he very much is an inspiration to me. We decided Paul was like us. Joyous for all he was witnessing, but he too was in need of encouragement. 

While listening to the radio today and hearing how at one point he was on trial and no one was there to support him (This teaching was from Moody and I believe it was talking about something from Timothy) anyway, I next turned my radio to K-love and heard this song and thought I would dedicate it to all those who think they are not appreciated. God knows your heart. He loves you and loves you doing what you were created for. This one is for you 

I would be a liar if I were to say that this week has been a breeze. On one hand, I have been uplifted by so many awesome messages from readers of my blog. Great encouragement I have been given. Thank you to all of you who have shared my blog or written me letting me know your thoughts. 

On the other hand, I am greatly heart broken. I know Mike is in a struggle. I read bible verses such as today's from K-Love and I question myself, was I loving enough? I believe I was. I listened this last Sunday with tears streaming down my face as Rusty talked about a believer who was walking through a season in the flesh. I am going to add this clip here because I feel someone could be ministered to by listening to it. I know it spoke to me. Blogger is kind of picky with links so you may need to copy this and insert it in your search bar. May you be blessed should you take the time to listen to this:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/sunday-worship-at-pinheads

I have had several confirmations this week that sometimes God separates couples for years and brings them back together at the right time. Twice I have heard accounts of 10 years of separation! I think to myself. Ten long years without Mike. It is all I can do to take my next breath. Even with how he treated me, I love him. He is and has been in a struggle for years. He knows who God is but I don't think he fully gets the message of the gospel. I think I have been praying more for him in these last two weeks than I have in all our years together. In letting him go, I have been able to love him like we are meant to love one another. When he was with me, constantly getting under my skin and irritating me greatly with his lack of compassion, well, admittedly it was hard to pray for him in a compassionate loving way. That is what anger will keep you away from. Truly, I would love nothing more for Mike to be convicted by the Spirit and begin to listen and follow the voice of righteousness. 

I know not where the Lord is taking me. I know not the people I encourage. I only know this blog of mine is something I feel I am meant to continue. If I only help one person in a desperate place then what a great deed I have been a part of. I cannot keep to myself the message of Grace. I must share God's glory for my life is so different knowing all I know. It is indeed the best news in the world. God loves you. You are His child. He came so that you could live your life abundantly. Do not think that this means you won't have trouble! Oh no!! Quite the opposite! Trouble will come hunting for you! HOWEVER, God always has you. He is your strength. Under His wings, while allowing Him to work through you, you will find rest in the midst of chaos. My body is tired but my spirit is full of energy. My eyes are swollen from crying so hard yet I have a smile on my face and joy in my heart. What a mix of emotions and feelings it is. I would love nothing more than to sit down with Paul and say, "How did you do it?" I know how I do it, I pray and I read a lot about Paul and his ministry! I am not being stoned or beaten to death or put on trial for sharing the truth about Christ. I simply cannot fathom the amount of Love God must have poured into Paul through his travels. What a marvel God is to me. 

If you have never read the bible. If you have never taken the time to know your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to begin. There are so many false teachers out there. I know. I have been to many churches over my life time trying to find a place that was teaching the truth. Leavener does that for me as does my small group I study with on Thursday nights. I encourage you to check out the link from ustream and if you feel your heart tugged upon, listen to more clips from previous Sundays. May you find your way back home. 

Father, today I am exhausted and happy I have made it through the week. I pray I am a light for others. I pray I only reveal your glory. May I be another story that reveals your love for your children. We are so blessed to have you for our Father. I am ready to lay down and it is only 3 in the afternoon. I pray I am energized daily by your word. Thank you for ministering to my broken heart father. I love you. Where would I be without your love? Lost and lonely. I would be the perfect prey for the evil one. Thank you for your protection. Please watch over and guide all your children who are lost and lonely without understanding of the truth. May they come upon it like I did Father. Please use me in greater ways. In Jesus name I pray.

Wendy, (walks with God)

Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Convicted by God

Superlicious Silly Sing Song Saturday! Here is K-Loves Encouraging word for the day:

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.

~ Colossians 3:15, NLT

Does that sound like Heaven or what?!!!!!! I am hanging with the super six at play McDonalds this morning. My lap top is fired up and I'm about to finally write my next chapter I was hoping to get to by Thursday "Convicted by God" . . . I'll post the link as soon as I finish!

Have a Superlicious Silly Sing Song Saturday Everyone!! If you are looking for an inspirational true life story to dig into, I cordially invite you to check out my blog. I've written 87 posts to date. The first one is titled "In the Beginning" I cover things like abortion, adoption, running away, dropping out of high school, being married against my will, being divorced, being assaulted by a stranger, Hearing angels singing, having prayers answered, receiving a message from God, Being spoken to during prayer and so much more.

It was God that called me forth to tell my story. While fearful I stepped out in Faith. I am blessed beyond measure in doing so. Who knew?!? All I ever ask is that you share my link should you find yourself encouraged or inspired www.youareworthytoo.com

This last Thursday on my way to work I was listening to K-Love as my teenager truly enjoys the humor and the songs. Funny how you can hear and sing a certain song 100 times or more and then out of the blue have it affect you so deeply. This is exactly what happened to me! This was my post from Thursday on my Facebook Page also titled You Are Worthy Too:

Tremendously Thankful Thoughtful Thursday. You know how in the mornings it seems your connection to God is sometimes stronger? This morning on my way to work a song I've sang 100 times came on. I am horrible with titles so it will require a google / youtube search. The line that struck me with great emotion was 'I find you when I fall apart'. It got me thinking about this journey of mine. I've had... bumps in the road like anyone else has. Moments I have been on my knees. But I will forever remember the day I fell apart for it was when I was convicted by God. I felt a huge pull on my heart to share how all that came to happen. It is out of order from the current 3 chapters of my life I am blogging on but when the Holy Spirit speaks, I am driven to listen. Look for my next blog I will publish before the end of today. I am calling it "Convicted by God" have a Tremendously Thankful Thoughtful Thursday my friends..

That line, 'I find you when I fall apart' struck a chord and I fell back in time to the minute that God convicted me. He is a loving Father. I have heard of others being convicted and how it changed their life but until I experienced it for myself, I really did not understand. I mean I have been down and out. I have balled my eyes out; I felt like I have fallen apart countless times in my life and honestly I have. But when I truly fell apart was when I was convicted by God. It’s not like He came down and chastised me. No. Nothing like that. It’s more like being moved in a way by the Holy Spirit that causes you to catch a glimpse of yourself and your life through God's eyes while He holds you in His arms as you deal with the truth. I think some have even called this process walking through the fire.

At this point in my life, I was pregnant with Jeffrey Thomas; the baby God had told was a blessing when I was in desperate prayer over my lack of faith in my being able to take on another child. If you are curious enough that post is titled “On My Knees”. I was past the house fire I have also shared under the post “Saved by an Army of Angels” I spent no real time on the internet. I still consider myself the worst googler in the world! The only things I did online involved looking for free ways to advertise for Glidden Fence. I had built a webpage for us on Merchant circle. I blogged on that site and posted fence pictures and I emailed customers for my day job at Glidden Fence Company Incorporated.  I had a Facebook page as well but I didn’t get on that sit very much in those days. Somehow, I found myself listed on a site called LinkedIn. One day about a month or so before my 41^st birthday, I received a message from a childhood friend asking if I was The Wendy Glidden that lived on 71^st St. in Indianapolis as a child.  I was so thrilled to have been found by her, I instantly wrote back.  We began emailing back and forth every week catching up on each other’s lives.

The weekend after my birthday, when I opened my email account, I saw I had an email from my friend. When I first read her letter, I was confused as to who she was talking about. In a gist, she informed me that she hated to deliver the news that Danny had passed away on my birthday. I sat there staring at her email for a minute trying to rack my brain about who on earth she was referring to. What Danny did we both know and know well enough for her to assume I’d know who she was referring to with just the first name. Danny, Danny, Danny. I actually said his name several times and then it hit me like a lightning bolt. She meant Danny Joe. I had introduced them once.  I fell back in my chair as if I had been blown back by an invisible force. I was stunned. I sat back for a moment without moving. How long had it been since I had even thought about him? Danny Joe had been my first love and even more importantly, at a transitional time in my life, he was also my best friend.

I cannot begin to tell you how this news rocked my world. I replied to her email asking if she knew what had caused his death. She informed me there were a few rumors and advised me to read his obituary. I did not stop there, I searched his name. I wondered what had happened to him. In my search I discovered he’d had two children with a girl named Wendy her last name also started with a G. I also discovered he’d never married. I cannot tell you how hard this information caused me to cry. As weird as it may seem I was morning Danny Joe. At one point in my life I had believed he was my one and only.  I wept uncontrollably. I remembered he had a younger sister and I recalled her name. I checked out the page that was posted on the mortuary that was hosting his funeral and I posted a comment. I don’t know why but I also searched him out on Facebook. I was curious to know more about him. I didn’t find him but next I typed in his sister’s name and found the one I though was her and sent her a message asking if she was Danny Joe’s sister. Indeed she was. She invited me to his funeral but I was pregnant and there was no way Mike would have ever been okay with me going.  It was in Danny Joe’s passing that I was forced to see how drastically far from friends Mike and I had become.  I wondered if I was the reason Danny Joe had never married. We were going to get married. That was the plan. I questioned whether me pushing him to sleep with me as revealed in my blog “Forcing My Destiny” was the reason he ended up being a young father. I tortured myself wondering would he have waited for me.  

As I continued falling back in time and seeing things through the lens of truth, I was convicted again and again. It was when I truly felt apart  that I became open to all God had to offer me, including the truth about His Son Jesus. Tracy invited me to hang out with her group of friends that got together once a week and took a deep dive into the bible. This is when I met Tiffany and Jordan. I am the only one out of that original study that still attends the small group. Funny enough we are growing again. I keep inviting friends to come. It is through Tracy that I also found Leavener and began fellowship every Sunday there. Not long after I began going there every week, Rusty began the study on Jesus by following along the gospel of Luke since he told the gospel in chronological order.  I found the ministry of Jesus amazing. Rusty took the time to tie in the Old Testament prophesies and how Jesus fulfilled them leaving no doubt that Jesus was indeed the messiah. I found myself a believer of Jesus Christ.  The full message of Grace did not penetrate my brain until I attended the Crossroads Great Banquet in February, 2013. When I wrote down what I felt were the ‘sins’ keeping me from forgiveness and then nailed them to the cross it all changed for me.

When God convicts you, you are forced to see the truth. You see how He has been with you through trial after trial after trial. You cannot deny how much He loves you. You see how judgmental you have been towards your heavenly Father. Or at least that was how it was for me. I pushed hard questioning where did it all go wrong for me and I suddenly I saw it all so clearly it broke my heart.

Jeffrey Thomas was indeed a blessing. It is a good thing that my father and uncle came up with his name. Mike had no desire to have any input. I asked how he felt about the name Jeffrey Thomas and he said he didn’t care. I gave him a full 24 hours after Jeffrey was born to come up with something. As it has sadly been after the birth of each of our children, Mike was not there for me.

I find it funny that I have come full circle again. I can want Mike to be a man of God all I want. I can see how great he could be, but until Mike wants that for himself, he will never be that man. It breaks my heart to know he has no desire to follow Jesus. He mocks me for as much. My new nickname is often, "Oh Great One" which is crazy. I don't get his cruelty. It has puzzled me for years. 

Last Thursday night, I found myself so fed up with Mike I again went to my Father God in prayer. This time I kept it simple. Either convict this man or remove him from my life. The next morning I awoke and found Mike in one of his moods. While looking for a heavy sweater, he began tearing clothes out of the cabinets on my side of the room. I asked what on earth he was looking for and he said a sweater. I climbed up on the bed, opened the cabinet on his side of the room and pulled out the bottom sweater. When it came out, low and behold, my Great Banquet cross that says “Christ has chosen you” fell out of the shirt and landed on my bed. I have looked everywhere for this cross. I lost it back in May. The last time I had seen it I had taken it off after I had fallen asleep because when I went to turn over I got tangled up in it. The crocheted braid it hangs on is truly long.  I shook my head. If this was not a sign I don’t know what is! When I went to work that morning I remembered I needed to email Marie’s teacher and when I reached for her business card, I flipped over a coupon that was also on my desk. On the other side of the coupon was an advertisement for an apartment complex less than two minutes from where I work. It also just happens to be in the same school district as my children currently attend. I no longer believe in coincidences, I prefer to see them as signs from God. I picked up the phone and inquired about the three bedroom units. Ironically they are less than the cost over a years’ time as I was paying for childcare. There is a waiting list to get into them. As all things are in God’s perfect timing, I know that when my apartment is available the timing is going to be perfect.

This weekend, I informed Mike that my boundaries are set. I let him know I wanted no fake gestures for it was not up to me who he decided to follow. There are only two teams in my mind, Team Jesus and Team World. I am completely on Team Jesus. Mike likes the lusts of this world and that is fine for him. It just won’t work for me. I need a household to raise my children in that has their focus on the right thing. I really do love Mike. He says he loves me but his actions speak otherwise. Who am I to try to get him to see things my way? You cannot force someone to love you and treat you accordingly. They are both capable and willing, or as in Mike’s case, where I am concerned, they are not.

I prayed to see clearer and while the changes that have occurred due to my lack of blindness have been painful, I look forward to the days ahead of me. I have been praying the same type of prayer for too many years now. I have been given signs and honestly have been like, “Okay God, got it. You are all I need. I can make it financially without Mike, but . . . “. This makes me chuckle at myself. Look at how patient our Heavenly Father is with all of us. We pray for answers and signs and even when He gives them to us, it takes us forever to get it through our thick skulls. It is no wonder we are referred to as sheep in the bible.

Mike knows I am leaving when my apartment becomes available. We have an understanding. For the time being we are parent partners. He has 120 days before I leave. Miracles happen every day. I guess he could still find himself convicted by God but honestly I am not holding my breath. I am resolved. Lately I have found myself reflecting on a conversation I had with the girl who returned my wallet. She is still at a point in her life where she does not want to be revealed and her name is unique enough that I will continue to honor her request and not mention it, but one day she asked me about this thought she had had. She said, "Don't you think that sometimes Satan is so determined to keep us from our purpose that he puts people in our lives to keep us from it?"  I have heard her in my head saying that several times in the last week. I cannot help but wonder if that is truly what he is using Mike for where I am concerned. It would certainly seem that is what the Spirit is warning me about. I have another friend that recently had the pleasure of seeing Mike as he has often been when no witnesses are around. There is no denying Mike has worked hard to keep me down. Someone should have informed him, “I’m an Overcomer!”

It has taken me three full days with many breaks taken mid- sentence to write this post. I hope it flows well for you. May you be blessed enough to find yourself convicted by God.

Father God, I come to you today so thankful for how loving you truly are. Throughout my life even when I thought you had abandoned me or were punishing me, you were actually watching over me, guarding me from absolute evil. How foolish I was to deny you, to challenge you, to question you. Thank you for such wise advice such as Trust in You with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. Thank you for all the wisdom you have granted me. What a loving Father you are indeed. Thank you for such awesome undeniable signs. Thank you for your patience with me. Help me be as awesome as a parent to my own children as you are to me. Help me extend more grace. Help me model true love. Help me laugh through all the craziness the evil one attempts to put in my path. Help me see even clearer. Open my eyes and my ears to all you have to show and say. I am your humble servant Lord. Use me to the fullest. In Jesus name I pray.

Wendy, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Suckerpunched!

Here it is Simple Sincere Seeking Sunday. When I went to church this morning as always, the floor was opened for sharing what was going on in our lives as well as the opportunity for prayer requests. I don't usually say anything but this week I did. I explained that I was struggling with my feelings and keeping my focus where it needed to be. I shared that this week was scary and I was attempting to keep my focus on Jesus but I was overwhelmed with my own emotions and my feelings of betrayal. If you have not read my previous post titled 'Have You Ever Been Pancaked', I would highly recommend you do for this blog is a continuation of that story. So I ended that post with explaining that I had chosen the title and then had run out of time to write anything and I had headed off to the courthouse. When I got there I was not sure where I needed to go so I stopped at the information desk. She pointed me to the second floor and from there I was told what room the hearing would be held in. Of course it was being held in a side room and they had not marked the door with the number they had assigned it yet. I asked a man who worked in the court house to help me and that was when I stumbled upon Mark, Tia and the Sheriff that was her escort.

They informed me that Tia was still not being compliant and that we were going to be seen in front of the judge next. Mark began berating Tia. Asking her if she understood how much worry she had caused him and most likely me. I looked at him and said, "You need to keep my name out of this. I am not into berating my children. As a matter of fact I didn't have as much time to worry because you never even bothered to pick up the phone and let me know she was missing. You never called me when you called the police and you didn't call me when she was arrested. I got to learn about all of this from a sheriff." He looked at me and said, "Can we please not argue in front of our child." I turned and looked at him. I promise if my eyes were laser beams I would have sliced him in half. I said as calmly as I could, "Look, don't talk to me and we'll be just fine. I am hanging onto one strand of Grace and I swear if you talk to me again, I'll lose it." I turned back to look at Tia who informed me I had an epic fail where grace was concerned. She was right. I smiled at her. Right then my phone rang. I looked at the number and thought it was my mother's new home number since it started with a 765 area code. I answered it quickly, fearful of what was happening as she knew I was supposed to be in court. When I swiped it to grab the call, I said, "Make it quick, I've got exactly two minutes."

"Is this Wendy Glidden?" a female voice I did not recognize inquired. "Yes." I answered wondering who I was talking to. "This is Rachel with the Morgan County department of children services. Are you aware of an incident involving your children Michael and Marie?" I was puzzled as to why she only named two of the five children but I answered, "Yes. I am aware of it. I was there at the hospital. I met Mary. We put a safety plan in place." She said, "Oh. Yes. I know about that incident too. I am calling about another incident involving just two of your children." I could barely breath. 'What now?' I silently screamed in my head. She continued, "Do you recognize the names Cheyenne or Ciarra?" My head was spinning. "Yes." I stammered. "Do you know how old they are?" I could barely think. I answered, "Cheyenne is 4 and Ciarra is 3." She then asked me how they were related to Marie and Michael. "They are cousins I answered." Honestly they are their nieces but they are more like cousins and again I was so freaking confused as to where this was heading. She then informed me that Michael and Marie had been reported for sexually assaulting their cousins. I began weeping uncontrollably. She next informed me there would need to be a forensic criminal investigation performed and wondered when I would be able to bring the children in for that. She also said we would need to have another safety meeting with Mary, her, my mother and I and asked when that could take place. I replied, "Schedule it, I'll make it work." She said okay. I need to make a couple of phone calls. How long is your meeting going to take. I asked the sheriff if she knew how long we'd be. She answered about an hour. I then told Rachel I would call her in approximately one hour and I hung up. Tia looked at me and all I could do was cry. As if my day wasn't already hard enough. I know it is purely on the strength of God I was able to stand on my feet. Almost immediately we were ushered into the court room. I could not talk. I sat there with tears streaming continually down my face. I listened while the judge informed me that Tia's father had requested both a psychological evaluation and a drug screen. The judge thought both of those requests were reasonable and was going to grant them. He assigned Tia a lawyer and sentenced her to continue residing in the shelter until her next court hearing which would be somewhere between 10 and 27 days from today, Monday, August 5th, 2013. We, the parents were instructed to wait out in the hall to meet with Tia's probation officer. The room was spinning for me. I got up, followed Tia out of the courtroom and down the hall way. She looked at me and said, "I'm going to fail." which totally caught me off guard. Again, the room spun. I stepped into the elevator with her and somehow managed to say, "Must have been some party, hugh?" She said, "Yelp. It was." When we stepped out of the elevator I remembered I was supposed to be waiting upstairs and I got back in the elevator and headed back up to the 3rd floor. When I arrived Mark was talking with the probation officer. I apologized for following Tia and he said, "That's okay." I was still crying and I don't know what he thought I was crying about but he said, "I've seen kids like her before. She is tough today but she will go back and be in that room and reality will sink in. You'll see, she will soften up." Someone else came out and handed Mark and I both a sticky note with a name and phone number on it. As I walked away with the number in hand and headed toward the steps. Mark followed behind me. Through my tears I gandered at the sticky note realizing I had no idea who this person was. I stopped half way down the flight of stairs and looked at Mark as I held up my sticky note and said, "I only want to know who this is. That's it. Just who is this?" He said, "That's the lawyer for Tia. She's really good." I shook my head and continued down the steps. He called out from behind me, "This is hard for me to you know." I spun around and stated, "You know Mark, when Travis comes to visit and acts up and threatens to run off, I pick up the phone and I call your mother and ask her to let you know what is up. You know what that is called? It's called common courtesy, something you did not give me. You didn't talk to me then I don't care to talk to you now." and I headed quickly and angrily toward the center spinning door. Just as I stepped in and began to push the door forward, I heard him say again, "This is just as hard for me as it is for you. You know she was my baby from day one." That was the straw that broke the camel's back. That was the straw that broke my last stand of grace. I pushed that door in front of me so hard, I am positive the force caused Mark to come out behind me a little quicker than he should of. As he tumbled out onto the concrete I shouted angrily, "You were drunk our entire marriage. You beat me every chance you had. Exactly WHEN was she YOUR baby girl? You may live in some fantasy world but I live in reality." He took off in the opposite direction. Who knew he could move so fast!

When I got in my car, I called Rachel. She apologized for telling me the way she had. She actually said, "Had I not known you were not aware of the situation, I wouldn't have told you the way I did." I was having trouble following her and why she would have thought I should have already known and then I thought, she must have called my mother first and mom didn't call me because she knew I was in court. I told Rachel I did not know how this could have happened and wondered if there was any truth to it but promised I would not interfere with the investigation. I told her I was ready to quit my job and stay at home with my children. She told me not to make any crazy decisions. She reiterated that we had a safety plan in place and told me to remain calm. When I got back to my office, I called my mom to inquire if she knew anything and she said she had just been informed herself that day. I asked when and she hemmed around and said, "I don't know around 11." I was shocked. I asked, "Why didn't you call me?" She claimed it was because she thought I was at court. I said, "I told you I had to be there at one. I got the call from this lady two minutes before I entered the court room." My mom said, "Oh I'm so sorry." I excused her and then began discussing how I didn't know where this horrible accusation had come from. I was sure it must have stemmed from my complaint to the sheriff or perhaps the hospital. It was so appalling. My mother allowed me to go on. I told her somehow we would make it through this. I called my sister who insisted something was fishy and we were missing a piece of the puzzle. I called a friend and shared my awful news. You could say I was a mess beyond a shadow of a doubt. Later that night I rang my oldest daughter to inform her that she was most likely going to be getting a call regarding this accusation and in talking with her, she let the cat out of the bag. She had called in the report. As if that wasn't hard enough to swallow she chimed in with the news that my mother had also called in and reported it herself as Cassy had advised her to do to protect herself. I could barely breath. The conversation turned VERY ugly and I informed Cassy I was not going to listen to her talk to me like that and I said, "I am ending this conversation." Next I called my father who could not believe what I was saying. He advised me to calm down and not make any rash moves. As calmly as I could I rang my mother and informed her I knew she had been dishonest with me. I asked her how she would feel had her mother conspired against her in such a way. She answered that she would have felt betrayed. I said, "Yes. Exactly." I then told her that she and Cassandra should be thankful that I kept my nose in the bible and my focus on Jesus because that was the only thing allowing me to have any Grace at all. I informed her she was lucky my children had school the next day because I wanted to drive out to her house right then and grab my children from her. I said,"It is only because I want help for my children if this has indeed taken place and I don't want to freak them out by snatching them in the middle of the night nor do I want to do things out of anger that I am going to sleep on this tonight. I feel like I just got sucker punched and honestly I am reeling right now." She started to say something and I said, "Mom. Don't. I can't listen to you right now. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

My night has come to an end and I must get ready for bed. Tomorrow is another big day. Rachel is coming to my home to talk to me, the children and to do a safety inspection on my home. There is so much more left to this story and the betrayal isn't over. Stay tuned. I will update as this storm continues. Please keep me in your prayers.

Father, today I thank you for the fellowship I am able to enjoy every Sunday with the church you brought into my life three years ago. How much I have grown over the last three years. I am so blessed to have been introduced to Leavener and all the wonderful people who attend fellowship there. Thank you for Rusty and his constant teaching about where to keep my focus. Where would I be without you? Where would I be without your strength. I shudder to think. I am so blessed Father. Even in the midst of this awful storm I feel your love for me and I am hanging onto your promises. The evil one has come after me through all of my children. I have been betrayed by those I trusted and my feelings are hurt. I am going to do as Rusty suggested though. I am going to keep my focus where it belongs. All of this outside stuff, that is the work of the evil one and I refuse to fear him. He is nothing more than air. You are bigger and you love me. I know you have me. Thank you for your protection Father. I know you are leading me somewhere. I don't know where that is but I am trusting in you. For you are always faithful. You have always been good to me. Thank you for loving me so much. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Clear the Clutter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wendy, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden, 2013

Walking By The Spirit

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

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

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

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

Beginning with Galatians, Chapter 2, verse 20:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wendy, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013