The Only Way to Win!

Today is January 16, 2017. According to my Renew Your Mind Calendar, it is Marvelously Magnificent Miraculous Monday! Today I am so thankful that I can discern a spiritual attack when it is coming full force at me. To say that last week had some brutal battles in it would be an understatement.

I can not imagine how things might have gone down did I not know that I am forgiven, that I am a saint, that the father of lies is our biggest accuser. He used to come at me in thoughts, referred to as flaming arrows in Scripture. I carried around so much regret and guilt that I was like a puppet in his hands. That very thing is what drives me to share the message of grace, the gospel of peace and hope with others. I once was literally a slave to the evil one, I allowed myself to be bound by all my mistakes. This is not the life that God intended us to live. Far from it!

Through my walk with God and as I became acquainted with Christ, the evil one changed the battle strategy against me. Now that he could not directly convince me that his lies were real, He came at me in my dreams. He has dragged me to court and so much more. As I faced each battle, I never forgot where my strength came from. This is not to say that I did not cry or fall to my knees multiple times. The battle is real. Don't think it is not. It's why so many find themselves trapped in depression at times so deeply that suicide appears to be the only way out.

Another way that the evil one comes at you in battle is through loved ones; those best able to make a chink in your armor. I have said it before, "If you are not a warrior for Christ Jesus, then you are a moveable pawn for the evil one."

In waves over the course of the last two and a half years, the evil one has used a particular person more than all others combined against me. Yesterday the battle climaxed having begun days prior. It is to date one of the worst that I have been dragged into. I went to church and asked for prayers; I understand the power of them. It is why it is so important to surround yourself with fellow believers. The enemy loves nothing more than to seclude you. There will be times in your life where you need the prayers of others, it does something that nothing else does.

After church, the assault reared its ugly head again. It was as if it was making one final effort, but I had gone to my source of strength; I had stoked my own fire. I had brothers and sisters in faith praying over me, I was being encircled with a field of protection so great that it forced all negativity and noise right out of my life literally.

Within four hours of leaving church, I found myself completely alone with God. Every single distraction had been removed. It was in all essence, heaven. I sat and pondered on God and just how incredible He is.

Yes, there is an enemy to humanity in this world. Yes, He seeks to steal, kill and destroy. But He who is in me is greater than He who is in the world!

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10:10, NASB)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.  You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (John 4:1-4, NASB)

Today, I encourage you to seek the one who can truly protect you from the evil one and all his ploys to destroy you. The world is growing colder and darker. Evil is amping. It has worked long and hard to take out those who love the LORD. I know he is coming after me because of the current book I am working on. He seeks to shut down anyone who is fighting to wake up their fallen brothers and sisters. The harder he comes at me, the more I lean on the LORD, the more I see His power is indeed greater, the more bold I become in proclaiming the good news. What he means for evil, my Father in heaven will use for good. I've seen this promise come to fruition time and time again. 

Recently, I have been gifting an electronic version of my book to someone each week. The messages I have gotten back are blessings of encouragement to keep sharing all God reveals to me. If you think you might be in a battle and are seeking a movie or a good book that might remove the clouds of darkness but for even a moment, one that might perhaps even leave you wiser to the evil one and just how powerful our God is, then please treat yourself to my story. It's only $3.99 and you can download it today by clicking here.

Father, thank you for your protection and provision. You truly amaze me and I am forever grateful. I pray that more and more come to know you the way I do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God, mom of many.

© Wendy Glidden 2017

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

It is totally Terrific Testimonial Tell All Tuesday and what a Tell All Tuesday it is! I sit here looking at the screen wanting to both laugh and cry hysterically at the same time.

Those of you who have read my story know that I was approached by God as a pre-teen and told that I would be a mother to many. Today, I have the following announcements:

1. 1. Mike and I are 100% over. His heart belongs to someone else. A first love he never got over. He is searching for her on Facebook as of last night.
2. I'm pregnant.
   

This morning I am of course in the midst of a turbulent emotional storm within my heart. It is crazy the waves of emotions that are hitting me. It is almost too much to take. 

I know the only true thing I can armor my heart with is with Words from my father in heaven, so I grab my phone and pull up my email account in hopes that the crumb I find from K-Love's encouraging word will be the one I need. This is my substance this morning:

Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. (John 14:1, NLT)

I wept with gratitude." Don't let my heart be troubled! TRUST in God, and trust also in me." I cannot begin to tell you how those words strengthen me. I KNOW my God. I KNOW He loves me. I KNOW babies are blessings. While I have not a clue of what on earth He is thinking in blessing me at this time in my life, upon reading the encouraging word of the day, I recalled the first verse I clung to:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5, NLT)

I am so thankful that I can trust in the LORD today. In times past, I didn't even turn to the LORD while in crisis. I leaned on my own understandings; of course you know that if you read "You Are Worthy Too: The Proof is in the Pudding"

You can bet your bottom dollar that even fully armored today, I will laugh and I will cry. Twelve years is an interesting number and that is exactly how many years I have known Mike. I felt our relationship had come to its end on Sunday and I ended up going to the first Sunday service. 

I arrived late as I had originally planned my morning with the intention of going to the second service. It is my favorite as there is no rush for it to end at an exact time. It is my belief that this allows the Holy Spirit to work more freely. Anyway, after the singing part of Sunday worship ended, a man with a message was asked to come forward and share.This is mostly what he said:

"A relationship full of strife has come to a close today."

I sat in the pew truly believing that was a confirmation for me that Mike and I were indeed over. Full of strife described our relationship to a "T". The man went on to explain that the type of relationship was like Ruth and Naomi and he mentioned another relationship that I can't recall at the moment. I know the story of Ruth and Naomi so I questioned if the message was for me. He then went on to explain that is was more of a mentoring relationship that they were looking for, and I was like, "Oh. That kind of describes our relationship too." Next he mentioned that he believed that this was going to be a new person. That made me question if the message was intended for me again. You see, I am new to first service but not second and I just began going here this summer. He went on to mention that this message was intended for the prayer team so they would be on the lookout for this person. It was his belief that they would be in need of healing. With that I decided the message was for someone else. I reasoned that I would be elated if that message were for me and healing would be the last thing on my 'needs list'. 

Today as the realization that Mike has been in love with another girl for our entire relationship smacked me upside the head, the evil one began whispering awful lies to me and I was quickly sliding down a slippery slope of overwhelming heart break. Here I am pregnant with another child and this family is the last thing in the world that he wants. 

I've known it for a long time. I think anyone who reads my blogs may have thought the same thing a time or two. Some silly part of me thought, "One day. . . " Ugh!

Yes. I am sad and relieved. Worse, I am pregnant. I resent the hormones that make it that much harder for me to stay focused on the truth. God LOVES me. Christ also LOVES me. I am a redeemed child of God. I have a purpose. I need to set my mind on things above. Just what does my oh so humorous Father have in store for me next? Mom of Many indeed! 

I am going to need prayers for healing and strength and I ask for all who are intercessory prayer warriors to pray for me. I need prayers for provision as well. May my books flow off the shelves encouraging countless others to seek the LORD themselves. May the desires of my heart be fulfilled. May the LORD use me to the largest extremes. Expand my purpose. Fill my life with light. Allow my story to touch hearts across the globe. Let me be an expression of hope that brings knowledge of your glory into the darkest corners of the world. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, Mom of Many, walks with God.

© Wendy Glidden 2015

I 

Are You Ready for a Change?

This morning I awoke to another encouraging word that lead me to seek more understanding of what exactly was being spoken:

[13] Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? [14] But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, [15] but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. (1 Peter 3:13-15, NASB)

Mike often says the problem he has with my writing and talking about Jesus Christ is how loud I get at times. By loud I don't mean volume, I mean that I don't hide my belief. Quite the opposite, I profess it daily. He is afraid of what others may do to me for my faith in the LORD due to how I express myself.

I tell him, when it is my time to go, it is my time to go. I am not going to stay quiet in fear that I may end up beheaded one day. I know the world is crazy. I know people are being beheaded for their faith even today. If that is the way I exit, then that is the way I exit. Fear of death enforced by man is not going to become my silencer. If I am meant to be a martyr then so be it. Until that moment arrives, I will continue to profess my faith in the LORD Christ Jesus. I simply cannot help myself!

As I read this mornings verses, my thoughts fell to Stephen and the defence he gave in the book of Acts. He was one I feel that was stoned before his time. He was an incredible speaker who did a great job at defending his faith in Christ! Where he went wrong in the end was in the way he called his accusers out. Perhaps that is why Peter advises us to speak with gentleness!

For those of you not familiar with Stephen or his defense, allow me to summarize it a bit.

[8] And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. [9] But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cicilia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. [10] But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. [11] Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God." (Acts 6:8-11, NASB)

Due to this, Stephen was brought before the council, which in today's time would be the same as being taken to trial only back in the day, one represented themselves! Stephen eloquently addressed his accusers by calling them brethren and fathers and instantly began his defence in the retelling of their history beginning with Abraham, flowing right into the story of Jacob, Joseph and onto Moses. Since it was Moses that he was accused of blaspheming, he eloquently retold his history. He continued the retelling of the Ancient Israel's own history by then speaking of Joshua and next of David and Solomon.He made mention of the fact that it was Solomon who built a house for the Lord. It was after this that he pointed out that the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. From there he quoted from Isaiah 66 and after having said all of this, he finished his speech like this:

[51] "You men who are stiffnecked and uncircumcised in the heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. [52] Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; [53] you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it." (Acts 7:51-53, NASB)

His accusers were deeply angered by the truth that Stephen ended his speech with to the point that they lost there minds and drove him out of the city in order to stone him. This is also the same moment that we are introduced to Saul. He was present at the stoning of Stephen. This is the very Saul who later was renamed Paul, who is also the very same person that wrote so many of the epistles we read to this day!

Paul is one of my favorites people in the bible due to his never ending zeal for the LORD after his conversion. You see Paul was a mighty force for God all along. However, in the beginning, he did not have faith in Christ. He was actually the major persecutor of the Christians! It was upon meeting Christ on the road to Damascus that everything about Saul changed. The LORD renamed him Paul and as they say, "The rest is history."

If today you find yourself struggling with who Christ is, I encourage you to send me a message saying such. I have a beginners bible study that I can do with you over the internet that I did with the women I was in jail with over the course of 6 days prior to my charges being dropped.

During this study, eyes were opened and hearts were moved to accept Christ as their personal Savior. One woman inparticular pulled me to the side to share her amazing story that the bible was now coming to life for her and she was suddenly able to understand what she was reading. This will be one of the incredible things I share in my upcoming book "16 Days and Two Head Counts"

Until then, if you long for a change in your life that will provide you with a confident hope that no one can rob you of, consider doing this short bible study program with me via the internet! Father, one of the best times I had was diving into your word through this study with my fellow sisters behind bars. It has been my prayer to lead others to you in the same way ever since. Please expand my territory, please use me in multiple ways. I long to be a mighty seed caster! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, Mom of Many!

Out of Gas ~ Anything Helps!

The other day I went to do a load of laundry only to discover this sign in my laundry basket:

I have no idea who walked by and left it in my laundry basket in exchange for laundry detergent but the exchange proves one thing for sure, "Anything Helps".

As my day proceeded, I kept chuckling to myself over the slogan and how much truth it held. I cannot tell you how many times I have found myself 'OUT of Gas!' I think I said the phrase in my head about 100 times during the day as I laughed and shook my head.

Those of you who read 'For Reals' know moments this year took a toll on me and I did find myself 'Out of Gas' several times. Each time this happened, I found renewed strength in the Word of God. I thank Him for sending me back to college as an answer to a prayer. It was due to the weekly assigned reading, discussions and assignments that I read books of the bible that I can promise you I would not have dove into on my own. As I read and gained knowledge, I found a renewed strength.

As I write this, I am listening to K-Love and this song by the band Finding Favor comes on and Wow does it ever speak to me right now. Perhaps it will resound with you as well. After all, it is Silly Sing Song Saturday!

This life is a journey we walk by faith
And there will always be the mountains in our way
But right here in this moment, may our strength be renewed
As we recall what God has done and how we've seen Him move

If there's anybody here who's found Him faithful
Anybody here who knows He's able
Say Amen
If there's anybody here who's seen His power
Anybody here brought through the fire
Say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Just say Amen!

Sometimes through the darkness, it's hard to see
So just be brave and follow where He leads
Greater is the one who's in us, than he who's in the world
So child of God remember, the battle is the Lord's

If there's anybody here who's found Him faithful
Anybody here who knows He's able
Say Amen
If there's anybody here who's seen His power
Anybody here brought through the fire
Say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow
And seen time and time again
Then just say Amen!

Even in the valley of the shadow when you feel alone in the unknown
Just say Amen, just say Amen
Even when the storms are raging, stand and know your not forsaken
Just say Amen, just say Amen

Is there anybody here, tell me is there anybody here
Come on and say Amen

If there's anybody here who's seen His power
Anybody here brought through they're
Come on and say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow
And seen time and time again
Then just say Amen!

Often, I find myself so overwhelmed with gratitude that the word Amen says so much. I am thankful that God called me forth to put so much of my life into a book. It is in sharing our own testimonies that we find greater faith as well as inspire it in others. Recognizing the glory of God at work in your life does so much for your well being. 

As I reflect on that truth and just what sharing my story with the world has done for me, this song begins playing. Colton Dixon, "Through All of It"

"Through All Of It"

There are days I've taken more than I can give

And there are choices that I made

That I wouldn't make again

I've had my share of laughter

Of tears and troubled times

This is has been the story of my life

I have won and I have lost

I got it right sometimes

But sometimes I did not

Life's been a journey

I've seen joy, I've seen regret

Oh and You have been my God

Through all of it

You were there when it all came down on me

And I was blinded by my fear

And I struggled to believe

But in those unclear moments

You were the one keeping me strong

This is how my story's always gone

I have won and I have lost

I got it right sometimes

But sometimes I did not

Life's been a journey

I've seen joy, I've seen regret

Oh and You have been my God

Through all of it

Through all of it

And this is who You are

More constant than the stars up in the sky

All these years of our lives

I, I look back and I see You

Right now I still do

And I'm always going to

I have won and I have lost

I got it right sometimes

But sometimes I did not

Life's been a journey

I've seen joy

I've seen regret

Oh and You have been my God

Through all of it

Oh and You have been my God

Through all of it

Oh and You have been my God

Through all of it

I cannot imagine this life of mine without the LORD's help. I truly cannot fathom the mess I would be; the hopelessness I would be doomed to wallow in. I know this truth, the enemy came for one thing. To rob you of life, both here and for eternity to come. 

John 10:10, NASB: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 

It is in discovering who you are in Christ that you will indeed discover a well of strength that never runs dry. 

[13] Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; [14] but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." (John 4:13-14, NASB)

In Christ you will indeed find a hope that you will find in nothing else. How often I pray to take what I know to be truth and transfer it into others. To be able to transfer my faith to them. We all have to discover the truth for ourselves; I ask you, "How can you discover what you don't search for?"

We are promised the desires of our heart in the seeking of God. It is a PROMISE! Here is the catch though, God knows your heart. You cannot out fake God. There's great power in knowing Christ, but you should not seek to know Him only in hopes of gaining said power. Christ's power is not a destructive force designed for profit or gain. Christ's power reaps the fruits of the Spirit. Christ's power heals. It is a life changing force that transforms one from the inside out. It is in knowing who YOU are in Christ that you will find renewed strength and despite this fallen world and all it brings your way, you will be able to run and not get tired!

[28] Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. [29] He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. [30] Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, [31] Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. (Isaiah 40:28-31, NASB)

Today, should you find yourself running out of gas, I encourage you to fill your tank up with God's Love. Get to know who Christ was and is; for He never changes! I think the Gospel of John will reveal the Love of God for you. As you read those chapters, I pray for you the prayer that Paul said for the church in Ephesus:

[17] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. [18] I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, [19] and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Amen. (Ephesians 1:17-19, NASB)

May your day be blessed

May you find peace if stressed

Wendy Glidden, Mom of Many, walks with God.

© Wendy Glidden 2015

Renaming the Days of the Week

Totally Terrific Testimonial Tell All Tuesday! Renaming the days of the week was one of the wisest things I ever did for myself. I did it because I wanted to have something that would remind me every day where to put my focus. I believed that if I just renamed each day of the week from what the world called them to something that reminded me how blessed I was I would have a better shot at walking in the spirit and not getting sucked into the flesh. It’s truly worked like a gem. For those that have not seen my complete list of the renamed days of the week, this post is for you. Before the end of the year I will have calendars available for all who want them. For now, each day set your mind to renaming your days to this:

Simple Sincere Seeking Sunday

Marvelously Magnificent Miraculous Monday

Totally Terrific Testimonial Tell-All Tuesday

Wild Wonderful Wacky Wednesday

Tremendously Thankful Thoughtful Thursday

Fantastically Fun Filled Friends and Family Friday

Super Silly Sing Song Saturday

I promise there is truly something about getting your mindset going in the right direction. I would compare it to when you wake up in the greatest of moods and you say to yourself, “Nothing is going to ruin my day today!” Because you just know something wonderful is going to take place. When you rename the days, it’s as if you get up every day with joy both on your mind and in your heart. When your day is named ‘Marvelous, Terrific, Wonderful, Thoughtful, Fun Filled, Silly and Sincere’, your mind is filled with thoughts that are all on the good side of things. By renaming the days, you are training your brain to do exactly what Paul suggests we do in Philippians 4:8:

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

I sincerely promise you that you can indeed change the way you look at things simply by making the decision to. It is your choice. Here is the crazy thing, as you dwell on these things, you truly begin to become more and more thankful for everything in your life. It’s worth the effort. Print out my list, put it where you will see it EVERY morning. Take a moment to think about each word individually.

On top of renaming the days of the week, I make sure to fill my mind with no less than one encouraging word each day. I subscribe to K-loves encouraging word so every morning I grab my phone and check to see what the verse of the day is and then I reflect on it. I also start out my morning by checking in with my heavenly Father. I seek His will and His input. I go to Him with all that is on my mind and in my heart. I say I do that today, but I did not always do that. For a long time I barely talked to God at all. Today’s encouraging word was this:

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. – Psalm 39:7 (NLT)

I was distant from God for decades. I often chuckle when I think of the scene where Jim Carey tells God, “Oh smite me you mighty smiter!” in the movie ‘Bruce Almighty.’ I so did not understand grace until I fully understood it. Somehow I thought I was excluded because of how close I was to God as a child. Satan is a son of a gun when it comes to getting us to believe his biggest lies, “God doesn’t love you.” and “You aren’t good enough.”

Today when I read a verse like the one above, my heart leaps with joy for my hope is in the Lord. Today I KNOW that He is faithful and I KNOW that one day I will be used to do all the things that the Lord and I discussed when I was a child. I am excited daily always wondering what wonders I will witness each day. I am amazed at my life and what all I have done in a short time. Really my life completely changed the day I got on my knees and surrendered my will. I have never been a weak willed person. It took a lot for me to finally go to God, pride in hand and admit to Him that I was done fighting on my own. In the midst of praying, God called me by name. Having God speak to you will change your life in every single way!

I truly hope you check out my story. I have so much to share with you and I just can’t deliver it all in a single blog post. If you are curious what God might have for you, but you also doubt that you are truly worthy, I encourage you to read the story He called me forth to share. To say I am proud of all I have done would be a lie. To say that I am humbled to be one who reveals it all and clearly show you just what kind of God we truly serve is the truth.

My books are priced VERY low so that anyone can afford them. All of them, in both print and e-book, allow you to read quite a few pages for free. I only ask that you begin with my first book and read them in order. They paint a much bigger picture that way. While you can read them all separate of each other, it’s like putting a puzzle together only to discover that you are missing some pieces. All three books cost $13 in e-book / kindle and they are only $25 in print! By visiting my author page on Amazon, you can check them all out! Just click on this link and decide which way you want them delivered to you: www.amazon.com/author/wendyglidden

Father today I pray that you continue to use me to share the good news. Please put me in the path of those that need light. Allow me to be a hand or foot of Jesus every single day of my life. Put me to work Father and keep my heart always focused on your love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God, mom of many

© Wendy Glidden 2012 – 2014

You Can Lead a Horse to Water

You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink! This well known fact is what got my mind whirling first thing this morning.  I was reflecting on my conversation with someone. He’s in a life battle. I see it clearly but by his refusal to believe that God is cheering him on, he has chosen his personal figure to currently be a pawn. Weirdly enough he is being used against himself. It pains me to witness this for I fully understand his pain. I guess that is the blessing in living through all I have. I can sympathize and empathize, but how do I take that emotion and get others to see the bigger picture without offending them?

There is an incredible life outside of any pain, worry, anguish, apathy or whatever negative emotion you yourself might be swimming in. I used to think that a selfish God would demand you put Him above all other things but I understand that in doing so, pain looses its grip. While you are still more than capable of feeling pain, you are suddenly able to step outside of it. This gives even greater understanding to the passage “Let the dead bury the dead”:

One day Jesus invited a man to follow Him and become His disciple—but the man refused. He said he would follow Jesus later, but first he wanted to go bury his father. Jesus responded, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead” (Matthew 8:22).

When you are caught up in the world and the undertow of emotions it places on you, you are in essence part of the living dead. While you are alive and perhaps surviving, you are not thriving. You are a slave to the world.

Many times an abused woman will stay in an abusive situation simply because while abusive and dangerous, it is familiar so she sees it as ironically safe in a way. She can’t get outside of her prison because she fears the unknown. God reaches out His hand and says ‘Trust me’ and when you do, when you step out in faith, your whole world will change.

This does not mean that you won’t face awful, tragic, heart breaking, insulting, and at times, overwhelming pain. Sometimes so great one would think it would take you out. But in putting God above all things, nothing here in this world has the power to take you out! God promises to turn all bad to good and I’m telling you I have lived through some serious bad. I think that is why God called me forth to reveal all the mess in my life. All the rotten things I have done. All the nightmares I have lived through. I was afraid of sharing my skeletons. I mean who in their right mind pulls back the curtain and says, “Hey look at this?”

It’s even crazier that I feel it necessary to call out every day inviting people to read what I have written. I am compelled to do so for I know who I was. Thanks to the wicked games the evil one plays and the allotment of tools and pawns he has at hand to use in this warfare we are all a part of, I was a lost child of God so full of confusion I couldn’t see myself as God sees me. We often give credit where credit is not due. We only need to look in the oldest history book on earth to see the evil one in action right at the start of things. Did he stop once he got Adam and Eve kicked out of the Garden? No, he went after their children and he hasn’t stopped since.

Many people misunderstand how the evil one sets things in motion. I think we are prepared for some big scene like in the movies where the devil is an obvious character, easily recognized. Oh! If it were only that simple! I was shocked the first time I realized I had a negative sound loop playing in the back of my mind. We all talk to ourselves negatively. This is a habit we must immediately begin to break. However, what the evil one softly whispers to us about ourselves is directly meant to keep us from our purpose!

It is important to discover and understand how the evil one works. When playing sports, don’t we study our competition? When coming against an opponent one on one, don’t you study their strong points in an attempt to discover their weakness? Satan has only one weakness and that is Christ. Christ was the victor when the two of them battled. Christ is the one you need to know in order to win the daily battle. EVERY day is a battle. Every day, no ifs ands or butts about it, EVERY DAY is going to be a battle. Here is a little poem I wrote the other day. In reading it perhaps your eyes will be opened slightly to the ways of Satan and just how shrewd he is as well as how you can defend yourself against him!

A seed planted often grows.

This truth the evil one knows.

A fiery arrow without the shield of faith will take hold.

“Don’t worry about tomorrow” in God’s word we are told.

We must put on our armor daily for the fight is real.

Don’t forget for one moment the thief came to steal.

He’s out to rob you of your joy and peace

For the evil one the fight does not cease

He’s been hard at work, his harvest is large

I’m waging in the war, I’m leading a charge

I’m part of the eternal brother and sisterhood

Reminding those listening of something good

A promise of freedom, and unending love

Support like none other from our Father above

Don’t be fooled, our Father is just

In this truth, you must trust

No matter what this world brings,

Turn to Him for all things.

You may think to yourself, “This girl is crazy. God doesn’t care about me. Look at all He’s allowed me to suffer through.”

I say, “God called me forth to share my story; the ugly and the good alike. In reading you will fully see that I am indeed someone who has walked in your shoes. While it is true today I am full of joy, I have faced my own share of problems as well as adversaries. In reading my story you will see that I went against God’s wishes for me, even believing I could outsmart Him. I have blamed God for things, yelled at God for things and was even convinced He was out to get me a time or two. I have not had it easy to say the least!

All I want out of each day is to find one person who is calling out asking, “How can I have a better life?” If that’s you, it’s my belief that my story will help you. Regardless, I promise it is not a boring read. If you thought Shades of Gray was something, you owe it to yourself to read my 3 part true life series. The feed back from those that have read my books in order has been a blessing all in itself. My 3 book collection only costs $13.00 in electronic format and in print the set is only $25.00 I created a short audio clip of me reading the first portion of “In the Beginning” Click this link to listen now!

Father today I pray you enlighten me on how to successfully share my story with others. Let them see that I am just a girl who today shines like diamonds glittering in the sunlight due to your love and the relationship we have. Please help me be as shrewd as the snake and as gentle as the dove. Please help me share the message of grace and unending love. Let me be a light so bright there is not doubt just exactly what my purpose is all about. I was born to give you glory simply by sharing the truth about my story. Help me father cause a turn in this fight. In the city of darkness let me be the light! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

I close this post with the verse that got it all started:

For we live by believing and not by seeing ~ 2 Corinthians 5:7 NLT

It was in reading that that my mind was set on fire in regards to just how I could be used as a tool for those to find their faith. Sometimes I feel like I was allowed a cheat. I have witnessed unbelievable things. This allows me to understand that the unbelievable things we read in the Bible are actually believable. Today I ask you to read my story. You may find it unbelievable at times but I promise my chapters contain true life events. I also promise you that when you begin to truly seek the Lord, as he promises, He will answer. Just read my story. Everyone starts somewhere; my story is a great place for all who are curious about whether or not God is active today! What are you waiting for? I do have great news, today, you can get all 3 books in print for only$9.99. Not long after I published this, God showed me how to republish my 3 books into one big book! Simply click the icon on the side of this post to purchase your own copy of, "You are Worthy Too:the Proof is in the Posting!

Wendy Glidden, walks with God, mom of many  

© Wendy Glidden 2014

Growing Your Faith

It is Fantastically Fun Filled Friends and Family Friday!! Can I get a whoop whoop?!? I recently finished reading my third book from beginning to end. It is the first time I have had the pleasure of doing that. I proofed and edited the chapters and still found errors I had missed in my first proof. It does not take away from the story and I found myself saying, "WOW!" as I finished the last page.

It is pretty cool when you find yourself captured and your faith growing as you read your own story. I guess its one way you know that you truly allowed God to write it.  I am in the process of notifying my publisher of the minor errors I found in print today and they should be taken care of quickly for the final print and any orders off Amazon over the weekend. I truly pray that word of this particular book gets out. I think by reading all three one's faith would surely grow by leaps and bounds and even the way you look at things will shift and all for the good. I am super excited to watch the words for my next book 'In the Midst of Spiritual Warfare' to fall on the paper. By encouraging others I have blessed myself 10 fold :D I truly get Paul's desire to encourage and share the good news. With that being said, here is a little something written by Paul. Taken out of Colossians, Chapter 1, beginning at verse 17:

17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation[g] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Have you ever wondered if you are 'good enough' to get into heaven? Have you ever questioned how you could have an abundant life? If you answered yes to either question, I highly encourage you to check out my third book: You are Worthy Too: Angels, Answers, Signs and Wonders. I guarantee it will change your outlook. After you read it, share it. Should you love it, buy my other two books and keep your eyes open for my next book that will be out before summers end!

I like to share songs in many of my blogs but some of my readers cannot hear or watch them due to the device they are using at the time. Today I heard this song on my way to work, it is sung by Sara Groves and I think the title is 'The first song that I sing' ~ anyway, I love the melody as well as the message. These are the lyrics:

In the morning when I rise
Help me to prioritize
All the thoughts that fill my day

Before my schedule
Tells me that my day is full
Before I'm off and on my way

I want to praise you
I need to praise you
Let the first song that I sing
Be praises to my God and King

Before the curtains part
Before my day is starting
Before I make up the bed

Before the snooze alarm
Reminds me that it's morning
Before the dreams have left my head

I want to praise You
I need to praise You
Let the first song that I sing
Be praises to my God and King
(Praise the Lord, Praise Him)
(Praise the Lord, Praise)

Before my feet hit the floor, I'll praise you Lord, I'll praise you Lord
Before I fill my cup, I'll lift you up, I'll lift you up
Before I start my day, I'll sing Your praise, I'll sing Your praise
Before I start my car, before I get too far....

I want to praise You
I need to praise You, oh
Let the first song that I sing
Be praises to my God and King
(Praise the Lord, Praise Him)
The first song that I sing be praises..
Let the frst song that I sing be praises..
(Praise the Lord, Praise )
Let the first song that I sing
Be praises to my God and King

(First song that I sing)
Sing your praise to the Lord
(First song that i sing)
Come on everybody
(First song that I sing)

First song that I sing be praises..
(First song that I sing)
Come on everybody
First song that I sing be praises..
(First song that I sing)
Let the first song that I sing
Be praises to my God and King
(Stand up and sing come on, Hallelujah)
Let the first song that I sing be praises..
Come on everybody
(First song that I sing)

(Come on sing, sing, sing)
Before my feet hit the floor 
(Come on sing, sing, sing)
I am going to praise you Lord
(Come on sing, sing, sing)
First song that I sing
(First song that I sing)
(Come on sing...)
First song that I sing
(First song that I sing)
(Sing, sing, sing)
(Praise the Lord)
(First song that I sing)
(Come one sing, sing, sing)
(Praise the Lord)
(Praise the Lord)
(Come on sing..)
(Sing, sing, sing...)

Below for those who can listen and watch, here is her music video as well!

In the mean time, be blessed and be a blessing,

Wendy Glidden, walks with God, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2014

He Calls Me Friend!

So this morning I wake up to this song playing in my head, just this one line and I truly hope I am able to find the song on You Tube so I may share it with you. In the mean time, I will share this single line:

'I am a child of God, I am a Child of God, I am a child of God,  He calls me friend.'

Talk about music that will put a smile on your face! Occasionally in our home, we have a mini-dispute over the music being played on the radio. I would prefer to listen to either Moody and its teachings or K-Love for a constant flow of music. Mike still likes to listen to good old rock n roll. So the other night, last night specifically, I was in our room working on laundry and Mike was cooking in the kitchen. He asked for some jams so I put it on the only station I know of outside of those two and went back to processing the laundry.

After about fifteen minutes, I came out to make myself a cup of coffee and move the loads when I heard a song from my own past; I want my M TV.

I couldn't help but giggle over the silliness of the song and I began singing it on my own. The children began giggling at me which honestly only encourages me to keep being silly. You don't get moments of pure laughter often enough.

Mike and I were laughing about it all as the song ended and then Marie came around the corner smiling and I looked at her and started the chorus line: I want my, I want my, I want . . . and I looked at her and she finished up by singing "my own TV".

I think Mike and I cracked up for a straight three minutes. All of them chimed in marching around as they sang their own version of the song. After all, they had no clue that there was such a station as M. TV, M being for music. Laughter truly is the best medicine.

Often, sadly, we get so caught up in all the things this world tells us that matters that we lose sight of what truly matters. We are all children of God. Even though our own children sometimes seem more like burdens than the blessings they are meant to be, if we remind ourselves that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, than we may more appreciate all the blessings we are given while we are able to enjoy them.

As parents I think we feel the pressure to perform or for our children to perform. We all want to succeed in life. I think perhaps sometimes we measure success the wrong way. It is not in money or fame that we succeed. True success is found in the growing of viable fruit in ones life. If we can pass on this to our children we not only have success, we have guaranteed them success.

How do we go about such an endeavor? We feed our minds with truth. We read the word, we breath the word, we sing the word, we fill our minds with all things good. What goes in will come out. It clearly tells us that wisdom comes from God. It also tells us that everything begins with the renewing of our minds. With so many choices on what to watch or read or listen to, it is tempting to fill our minds with things of this world.

I believe the closer you draw to God, the more you truly seek what He has to say. I know there were many many many years in my life that I did not converse with the Lord. I shut Him out. In moments of trouble, should I call on Him, He never failed me. However, I still shunned Him on a daily basis. Today, I cannot imagine not talking to Him. I am back where I began as a child. I am truly a friend of Gods again. I can't think of a better friend to have in this life. I don't have another friend in this world that can pull of absolute miracles and save me from situations that look utterly hopeless.

I heard the other day that God always has one more move that we ourselves just don't see when we find ourselves in a check mate situation. With our backs up against the wall, we see no way out in sight. Trapped. Lost. Believing the game is over, our souls cry out to the Lord.

It is all He needs to step in and show you there was one more move to be made. One that totally changed the game and moved it all into your favor. That is something only God can do.

Often I have wondered why He waits until the last moment to step in. It is my belief that it gives us something to talk about and in doing so, we bring Glory to His name. Everyone loves a good story. They are the ones that get told and retold. It is often through a story that one is introduced to the glorious ways of the Father. This is truly why we are to share our stories and our testimonies.

I know this is why God called me out to share my story. It is hard to believe that He began encouraging me to do just that back in September of 2012. I laugh that we think God doesn't move fast enough when in all reality often we don't move as fast as I am sure He would like us to!

I shared a post that I made on Face Book back on September 19th, 2012 in my latest book. In a gist, I mentioned that I recognized the voice in my head that was talking to me about sharing my story in written form. I really began the process almost 3 months after He initially prompted me to begin. Baby steps is often the only way we get to where we can run freely! Now two years later I have written over 130 blogs and have published 3 true life books!

I would encourage you today to open up the line of communication. Your father would love for you to get to know Him. The only way that happens is for you to knock on that door. I promise you it will be one thing you will NEVER regret doing. Blessings to all who knock.

Father today I come to you singing songs of thanks. I am in awe of the mighty ways you are working in my life. I am excited to see what today has to bring and to hopefully catch glimpses of your hand moving things into position. It truly leaves me as a child in awe when I do. Daily I hear of others taking their own lives. Hopeless and lost. There are so many. The evil one is winning the battle on the ground and we need more soldiers in action on the forefront. I cannot help but recall that the harvest is plenty but the workers are few. Please help me be a tool that helps others Father. Let my words that you have given me to share reach their ears and their hearts. Give me the right words to speak to them Lord so that I may be a worker with a large harvest. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden, 2014

Lol, okay the words in the song are really 'I am a friend of God, He calls me friend' ~ I think it is pretty cool that this morning I heard it as I am a child of God, He calls me Friend. I love knowing that I truly am a child of God. Took me a long time to believe it even on my worst days! I love you. Please support me in my next move by purchasing one of my three books. They truly can be read apart from eachother but as a set they make a moving testimony to the Love the Father has for all of us and the great desire the evil one has to rob us of feeling the Love. By purchasing my books, you allow me the freedom to keep writing! You can get all three for less than $13 in ebook format and less than $22 in print form! Won't you help our my cause today. I assure you, you will get your money's worth and more! Thank you <3,

Your sister in Christ, Wendy

you can find all 3 of my books on amazon by going to www.amazon.com/author/wendyglidden

or google this to find each one on their own, they are available on ITunes as well:
You Are Worthy Too: In the Beginning for book 1
You Are Worthy Too: Marriage, Motherhood and My Moral Meltdown for book 2
You Are Worthy Too: Angels, Answers, Signs and Wonders for book 3