Do You See What I See?

Today is fantastically fabulous fun filled friends and family Friday!! The first one of 2014 as a matter of fact! With Christmas and New Years falling mid week, I have to keep reminding myself it really is Friday and not Tuesday. With the added days off from work, courtesy of the days I was gifted off from my boss, my routine has been thrown off a bit. However, I have loved the extra time off to spend with my family. Trust me when I say I am not complaining about feeling like I should be doing Tuesday office duties rather than Friday's!

Last night when I got home, Michael was putting the finishing touches on dinner. I helped dish it out to the children and once dinner was completed, I offered to do the dishes. Mike laughed and said, "Nice. You work all day and then get stuck doing dishes after dinner."

I laughed and replied, "I like doing dishes. There is something about having my hands in hot water that helps me gel my rambling thoughts." It is true. I don't know why doing dishes has that calming almost grounding affect on me, but it does. Even though I have a dishwasher in our new place, I still hand wash the dishes. I have found the dishwasher is the perfect place to put everything to dry. We truly only have enough plates, bowls and cups to serve everyone once. Doing things this way saves me time and energy as well as space. I don't have to put everything away in a cabinet. What would be the point? We will be dragging the dishes out again in a few short hours!

As I was washing dishes, I began unfolding the events and conversations with others I had had over the last couple of days. I was reflecting on how a persons viewpoint changes what they actually see. When that epiphany hit me, I had what I refer to as flashes of insight. I quickly went to my bedroom, pulled out a notepad from my nightstand, and wrote the word viewpoint down before it faded from my brain and then went back to washing dishes.

Usually when I have flashes of insight, if I'm on my game, I find myself writing a blog about all I see. As I continued washing the dishes, I reflected on viewpoints and how sometimes our own viewpoint can actually blind us to certain truths. Suddenly, my mind longed to see things from God's viewpoint. What a view that must truly be!

Many times, when my brain has flashes of insight, I ponder on them. I was appreciating the fact that no two people see something in the exact same way. This point can be made by reading eye witness accounts from a vehicle accident or a crime scene. I have always found this truth fascinating. It was while reflecting upon these things, that the above title for this blog came to me. The night was winding down and honestly I was exhausted and in much need of what I refer to as veg time. I quickly jotted down the title and threw my notepad into my carry case knowing I would blog upon it today.

Do you see what I see? I can remember playing this game as a child. Who knew it would take on such a grander meaning in adulthood? I mean in all honesty, sometimes I look at something and a certain part of it stands out bigger than the rest, yet when I go back to share it with someone, I am almost blind to the thing that originally jumped out at me. This happens the most often when it comes to reading something and then later attempting to share what I read with someone else. I have told myself again and again that I should keep a highlighter on hand for such times! Then it would be easy to re-spot and share down the road. However, I am a mom of many. Things like highlighters are harder to keep hidden away from little ones than treats! Just being able to have a pen or pencil in a given moment can often be a challenge. I cannot tell you how many times I have jotted a note down with a crayon!

We all have our own viewpoints. Everyone has their own set of biases that they base their beliefs upon. Trying to help someone see things from your vantage point is not always easy. If they are closed minded the task becomes that much more difficult. As we grow and mature often our viewpoints shift and even change completely. This mere fact alone may be why some are afraid to open their minds enough to listen to what someone else has to share.

Recently, I came under attack from another person online. They accused me of harming others by sharing my faith. They called me lazy, stupid, slow, and ignorant among other names.

It never ceases to amaze me how some people, while in the process of trying to convince you that your belief system is built on a faulty foundation, find the need to be so abusive. Often, when you point out the truth that there is no reason to be so cruel to get one's opinion across, they truly seem to be blind to their own verbal abuse.

I truly thank God that I am who I am and that I am discovering who I am in Christ for I can honestly say I like myself. This alone helps me rise above such situations to the point that I find myself being led by the spirit to pray for those that attempt to insult me or cause me harm. I see that they are lacking truth and light in their life and I know full well how living outside of either of those feels.

There is definitely something to be said for walking in the spirit. It helps you rise above such situations. I think one might often find themselves in a petty exchange of words in the midst of such assaults were they not wearing the recommended daily armor required for such attacks. This is not to claim that I myself never stumble. It just does not feel good when those moments take place and very quickly the spirit of rightousness convicts me.

I know for me, my heart physically ached for this particular person. I have never met them face to face, and most likely never will. I found it interesting that I went to bed feeling sorry for them and awoke to find myself being led by the spirit to pray for them.

This, among other things, was what I was reflecting upon when the whole viewpoint and do you see what I see notion came to me.

I pray that no matter where you are at in life that you are open enough to try to see things from another person's viewpoint. If you are not willing to truly hear what they are saying, how do you ever hope to be able to have an impact upon their viewpoint. You must know where a person is before you can see how you might best be able to make a point or even better plant a seed. This does not mean you will have a positive effect on every person you attempt to lift. Sadly, when you read your bible, you know clearly some will not be moved.

It is not our place to judge others. We cannot change who they are. Only them being open to the spirit can do that. I try to remind myself to toss seeds regardless of my own shallow thoughts. As the parable about the seeds being thrown onto the ground suggests, some will take root and some will not. It is not my place to judge the ground which I throw them on. I am to throw them regardless of what I am able to see and trust that the spirit will do the rest.

I have found my own truest protection lies in my walking in the spirit as well as continually renewing my mind with God's word. I believe I encourage others and perhaps help them with the strengthening of their faith by sharing my life story. I also believe when we are able to love others in spite of how they treat us, we shine a light into the darkest corners of the world.

Today I pray for the blind and for those who believe that God and religion go hand in hand. Nothing in life makes me sadder than a person without hope or faith. I see them as a dieing flower that is in much need of nourishment. I am so thankful that even in the pit of hell I never doubted you were my creator Father. How blessed I have been all my life to know you truly exist. I pray for all who believe in you but have fallen for the lie that we are not good enough to be loved by you. Thank you for lifting me so high that I was able to see and grasp this truth. It was a real game changer. I can never thank you enough for that game change. I pray for more strength and more wisdom for myself. I only long to be the brightest light I can be. I thank you Father for all the blessings you bestow upon me and my family in a given day. I truly see myself as blessed. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy Glidden, walks with God
Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden

Don't Fret, God is Faithful. He ALWAYS Has 'This'

So, my last blog “Convicted by God” was completed Monday night, September 2nd, 2013, while the children played at play McDonalds and while Mike lost his patience with me blogging. Recently, after I read him the blogs “Have You Ever Been Pancaked” and “Suckerpunched”, I asked him what he thought. He looked at me totally deadpanned and said, “You need to find another hobby.” I looked at him totally astonished. “Hobby!” I exclaimed. “My blog is a far cry from a hobby! It’s my calling. You know I have to write. I am a mighty warrior in God’s army and my weapon is the pen!”  I closed my laptop and walked away shaking my head. Admittedly I was stunned by his comment. Me continuing to blog was not sitting well with him. So, while typing my latest blog at Play McDonalds, it was obvious that the longer I typed the more irritated he became. I wondered why he had even bothered to come with us. He knew I was bringing my laptop to get on the WiFi and finish my latest blog post. 

On the weekends we drive our home out into the country and camp out in the back acreage of some friends. It's truly beautiful and peaceful but I don't have WiFi there. So, here we were at Play McDonalds. The children were playing, I was blogging and Mike was losing it. He gave me and the children a 10 minute window to finish up. I laughed and continued to type out my blog. He walked over to my table and glared at me. I looked up and asked what he was angry about. He snarled at me and informed me I better hurry up because I was down to three minutes. Again I laughed and shook my head continuing to type. I was almost to my ending prayer anyway. I managed to save my blog and post it on both my personal page and my ‘YouAreWorthyToo’ fan page on Facebook as he stormed off with the children to get the car telling me my time was up. He pulled up next to the building as I finished up and Tia and I walked out together. Within minutes of publishing and posting my blog on Facebook my world blew up. I admittedly prayed that either God convict Mike or remove him from my life just four nights prior. However, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it all unfolding like it did. Here is my post from Tuesday on my Facebook page with my link to the blog post “Convicted by God”:

Funny how you think you have things figured out and just when you think you understand God's timing, you find yourself mistaken. I had thought Mike and I would be living in separate homes by the beginning of next year. Less than 10 minutes after I published my post last night, everything changed. I find myself without a home, 6 children in tow and a car that was given back to me late in the evening that is undriveable and needing the help of a mechanic. I refuse to fret. After all it was my prayer to either convict him or have him removed from my life. They say some prayers are answered in a speedy fashion. This seems to be the case for me. It is I that longed to have my relationship work out with Mike. Time and time again God has shown me I never had Mike, Mike had me. It is not the same. K-Loves encouraging word hits home like it often does:

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

~ Psalm 143:10, NLT

Here is my latest blog post . . . I hope it helps where ever you are in your walk with God: http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/09/convicted-by-god.html

Today, it is wild wacky wonderful Wednesday, what a crazy day! Here was my morning post on both my personal page and my “You Are Worthy Too” today:

Wild Wacky Wonderful Weds. I opened up K-Loves encouraging word today and this is what I read: "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible."

~ Matthew 17:20, NLT

I used to think this meant literal mountains and I would think to myself ‘Yea right! Impossible.’ Now I see them as mountains we create when we feel overwhelmed and it is true. With my faith I blast them to vapor. I KNOW KNOW KNOW my God always has me. It is undeniable. Come check out my blog! God gave me the gift of writing and called me out to share my story as a way to encourage and lift my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! and as I often do I posted the link to my blog.

I am blessed to have such faith and even more blessed to know the value of reading God's word. As my days have unfolded how much unnecessary worry I could have busied myself with. I did think to myself early Tuesday morning how sweet it would be if Mike were to go back to Florida and allow me to stay in our RV until my apartment was available, but there was no way I was going to ask him for such a big favor. Low and behold, he called me out of the blue Tuesday on my way back from lunch with Jean, my awesome sister in Christ who I am staying with this week, and proposed exactly that. I simply said, “Thank you. That would really help me out.” I still had no idea what was up with my car as it was in the process of being towed into the shop. Regardless, knowing I would have a place to stay for the next three months was literally an answer to a prayer. God is so good to me! He is good to all who believe and trust in Him.

Late Tuesday afternoon, the Car Clinic called me to update me on what they had found. A broken u-joint and my drive shaft had fallen out. “I lost the drive shaft” I exclaimed. The girl on the other end providing me with the information kind of chuckled and said, “No, the drive shaft was still there but you are very lucky you made it to where you did.” I inquired about how much she thought it was going to cost. She answered they didn’t know yet. I was a little sick, for I had just had the wheel bearings and drive shaft fixed last December right after I had left Mike the first time. I found it funny in an ironic sort of way that I was facing the same type of damage with my car again. Last time, my invoice was just shy of $1500.00. I asked her how often I could expect this to be a problem and that is when she asked, “Well, exactly what happened before the car began shaking?” I filled her in on the events of the night. 

In a gist, Tia and I were the last in the car. My arm and neck were still hurting and Tia had asked if she could carry the laptop for me. I handed it to her as I got up and told her to place it on the box behind the driver seat. When we got in the car and closed the doors, Mike instantly pulled away from the curb and in the process almost hit a car that was coming around the building. He slammed on the breaks and Tia lost her balance. Mike yelled at her. She called him a jerk. He called her a jerk too. She then jumped out of the car and refused to get back in as long as Mike was in the car. I got out of the car to talk with her and then the children all jumped out as well after unbuckling Jeffrey from his car seat. I looked at Mike and said, “Please apologize. As the driver you should have made sure your passengers were ready for you to take off." He refused and drove off leaving all of us behind. I was exasperated to say the least. That is when I realized my money and bank card were still in the car. Mike stopped at the corner and as I walked up to ask him for my stuff, he was in the process of telling me this was the last chance for me to get back in the car. I said, “It’s really my car and it would be nice if you would get out. I’ll meet you at the shop and get your jeep jumped.” Before I could even finish my sentence, he sped off leaving me, Tia and all his children on the side of the road. I looked at everyone and said, well, it’s going to be dark soon, we need to get to walking quickly. We were around the corner from McDonalds in the park with the walking path when my phone rang. I answered and it was Mike asking where we were. I told him where we were and soon he found us. He was still refusing to get out of the car and walk himself and Tia was being just as stubborn. I finally got her to agree to go back to play McDonalds and wait for me to get back. She said that would work. Once she was safely there, I drove Mike to the shop and jumped his jeep.  I thought it was weird that at first he seemed to be following me but when we got to 31, I went South and he continued East of 32. Less than a mile down the road, my car begin shaking. I slowed my speed and began praying to make it back to McDonalds. I was less than a mile away. As I turned the corner I heard a really loud metallic pop that scared me to death. Then, as I pulled into a parking space I heard the more awful metallic sounds. I parked the car and sent Tia a text to let her know we were outside. Without transportation I was really hosed. It was dark. I could no longer walk anywhere. I had no clothes, no school back packs. I prayed for insight and instantly a fellow sister in Christ came to mind. I called her and she is such a true sister in Christ. She and her mom arrived within 15 minutes picked us up and in two cars drove us to her home. Her mother had brought extra ‘instant’ beds and luckily I had pajamas and extra clothes in my trunk for the children. Always be prepared for anything has been my motto for years. I sent Mike a text asking what he had done to my car as well as asking if he would be kind enough to bring the home back up to the shop so I could unpack it all. He agreed to bringing the home and basically denied doing anything to the car. I only told the girl at the mechanic shop about him driving off and then giving the car back to me. She replied, “Well, we aren’t saying this is what did happen, but the mechanic said the way the U-Joint broke indicated that someone was attempting to do damage to the car purposely. She went on to say the only way to break a U joint the way mine was broken would be for someone to put the car in neutral, rev it and then slam it in drive.” This was no shock to me. I already knew Mike had done something to the car. I think I wanted to believe it was him being stupid. Sadly I think it truly was done purposely. He, being a mechanic himself would know better than to do something as brutal to a car as that. I then asked how long she thought it might be before they had the car fixed. She said they were hoping to have it back to me by the next day late in the afternoon. I was amazed and stated that would be great. She told me not to hold her to that but they knew how badly I needed my car and they were going to do all they could to get it done quickly.

Today at 4 pm they called to let me know the car was fixed and I could come pick it up for $150.00!!!!!! Again, I say, I trusted God. I know He has a plan for me. I refused to waiver from my faith. I refused to fret or worry. We are advised against worrying in the bible.God is faithful. Trust in Him. Give it all to Him. Knock on that door and keep knocking. Get into His word. You will discover amazing truths.  You will begin to see how awesome and faithful our Father God is. You will also begin to understand the forces of evil and how to protect yourself. We are in a spiritual battle EVERY day. Don’t you think you would be better off knowing what armor you need in order to protect yourself and your loved ones?

I hope this post causes you to become curious enough to check out my full story. It certainly has been a most colorful one. Here I was thinking I had not lived much of a life myself until God began unfolding it all for me. Now I’m like, “Wow! I’m only 44 years old and I haven’t even told half of my story and really, I myself am amazed at the life I have lived!” I am truly blessed as all believers are. Do not fall for Satan’s evil web of lies. There is NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING you could do that would keep your Heavenly Father from throwing you a party should you decide you are ready to come home like the prodigal son. He came home with the intention of being a slave for his father and that is not how the story ended. Check it out for yourself. Your heavenly father is waiting for your return as well.

Father, I come before you today with such joy in my heart. You amaze me. You are so faithful. I am getting better at trusting in you with all my heart even when the father of lies is whispering differently to me. Thank you for that. It is you that has calmed my heart, given me strength, and seen me through. Why would you do that for all my life and then suddenly stop? The answer is you would not for that is not in your nature. You love all your children. We are so blessed. How blessed we are to call you Father. To have you save the day for us again and again and again. I know I should not have been in the situation I was in for you had confirmed that time and time again. Yet as a foolish girl, I longed for something that was not to be and you did not punish me. You simply waited for me to figure it out. I laugh now thinking why on earth did I not phrase my prayer like that years ago! Who knew you would move so swiftly to show me the truth of my situation. How I love you. I just wanted to say thank you for how much you love me. I feel your love beaming down on me like the sun. It feels wonderful. I could bask in it forever. I will bask in it. What a lovely place to be in life. Thank you Father. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy (walks with God)

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