Some People that Inspire Me and Why!

Conversation Topic:

Jesus invites us to follow him (Matthew 4:19). In Streams of Living Water, Foster writes about notable figures in Christian history who answered Christ’s call to follow him. Select two of these notable figures, research their lives, and then answer the following questions:

1. How did they answer Christ’s call to follow him?

2. What is it about their lives that inspires you?

The first person I am writing on is Paul. He was always a believer in God, he just doubted that Christ was indeed the son of God as the Apostles claimed. We are told he was at the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7:54 and that he approved of the mob action. I love Paul’s story. I love how God uses everything for something good. Saul loved God, studied his word and we are told he was “A brilliant student” (Foster, Streams of living water). We know that “he studied under Gamaliel, the well known leading teacher of the school of Hillel.” This foundation in the Old Testament gave Paul an incredible background and leg to stand on when he preached to the Jews. I love that he was considered a Roman citizen for that allowed him opportunities he otherwise would not have had. Imagine the bible without the Epistle to the Ephesians! This he wrote from prison. Paul followed Christ from the moment he realized the truth. He spent his entire life sharing the truth, inspiring and warning all that he could get to listen. He inspires me because of all the trials and tribulations he went through and yet he continued to proclaim the mystery of Christ. When he asked for prayers, it was for more boldness to preach come what may! I love his writing style and I often can hear him when I read his letters. I love that he shares with us how to protect ourselves in this world against Satan and the powers of darkness. My desire is to be a modern day female Paul. I blog, I write and I share my life story with anyone whose ear I can bend.

The second person I decided to write on is James. I find James most intriguing because he grew up with Christ and doubted who he was until after he was resurrected and then he followed Christ full force. (Foster, streams of living water) While James letter is short and to the point, it is truly to the point. The first time I read it, my soul leapt with joy and I was like “yea!” James truly inspires me because he calls it like it is. I also admire him for recognizing the truth when it came to the issue of circumcision in the early church and led the elders to the decision that there was no need to weigh down the gentiles with things the LORD obviously did not require them to do. I always reflect on James challenge regarding faith and works.

But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (James 2:18, NASB)

This verse always helps me. I know that it is by my faith that I produce works. I am thankful that I no longer believe it is my works that will gain me favor with the LORD. That is a trap I never want to be in again!

3. How are you currently responding to Christ’s call to follow him?

I pray daily. I seek His will. I read the word of God every day. I boldly speak about my faith and love for the LORD and I blog. Today I received a message from a girl I met over the summer who stated my blog is helping her learn how to talk to God. I cried when I read it and believe it or not I was laughing at the same time. All my life I wanted to share the love of God with others and for a long time I believed due to my personal failures I was not of use. I thought I had to do something to earn God’s love back and when I was smacked in the head with the truth, I wept like a baby and have been grateful for discovering the truth ever since. I will proclaim the truth until I take my last breath.

 

Check out my author page on Amazon for a free sneak peak into all my books then save yourself 50% by purchasing the full collection all in one "The Proof is in the Pudding" by visiting my estore

Wendy Glidden, walks with God, Mom of many

© Wendy Glidden 2015

Dear Reader

There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 12:5 (NLT) 
Amen to that! The Lord called me forth a few years ago. This is actually the first Dear Reader Letter I wrote for the books that God had me write. I have been praying for my books to find those that it contains a message or two for. Please stand in agreement with this prayer if my Dear Reader Letter speaks to you today! Dear Reader,
First I want to take this opportunity to thank you for purchasing my book! This is the beginning of my story. The first full sixteen years of them are in this volume. I have also included two bonus chapters from upcoming titles!
All my life I dreamt of being a writer. I wanted my books to fill people with hope. As I grew up, I continued to write off and on but I had long given up on ever publishing anything to encourage others or brighten their days.
As I approached my 40s, I began questioning life and relationships. Then a life event of my own caused me to fall to my knees. I had finally come to the end of my own strength and determination. It was in giving everything to God, He gave me the desires of my heart.
I truly hope you enjoy this first book full of true chapters from my life.
When God convicted me, He showed me how He had been there all along. You get some insights as you are shown things through the rearview mirror!
There is much the Lord is leading me to share. I hope you stick around as I continue to share my life story as well as other titles. Look for all the details on You Are Worthy Too Website! The link to take you there is on my connect with me page at the end of the book.
Had someone asked me a year ago if I thought my life was worthy of publishing I would have laughed and quickly said, “No”.
God thought otherwise. He called me out to share my story over a year ago. While full of fear, I stepped out in Faith.
I pray my story leaves you inspired, encouraged and full of faith. I am humbled by your purchase. Be blessed and be a blessing!
Love, Wendy Glidden
For more of my story, check out my sales page for "The Proof is in the Pudding" https://www.createspace.com/5191658

What is Truth?

Marvelously Miraculous Minister Monday

This week I have a lot on my plate. I want to finish my Renew Your Mind Calendar so that I can finally share it with those who have asked about it. I am going to get started on my fourth book, “In the Midst of Spiritual Warfare” and for my end of year ministry gift, I am going to combine my first 3 books into one book and republish them at a lower cost than I was able to do as single books. It is my hope that in the consolidation of the three, the message that God shares throughout my story will be even more affordable and accessible for all who need to hear the message that “They are worthy too”!

It is hard for me to believe that it has been two years since I began writing again. First an entire year of blogging and then last year, I published my first three books under the ministry that God put on my heart. As a child, I asked God to help me be a message of hope. I requested that He allow me to help His people through writing. I asked Him to make me into a great writer. I always thought it would be via the money I would make while writing that I would gain the tools necessary to be of such help to countless. Today that is not my belief. I see what God is doing through me. He is using me and my story, a modern day tale of sorts, to reveal His grace and glory.

While it is true that I would love to still have an endless supply of money to do other things to help countless people, they no longer involve the material things I thought would help others find happiness. I know today that material possessions and buildings made by man may provide some level of comfort, but what the world needs today is the whole truth and nothing but the truth!

Pontius Pilot once asked, “What is truth?”

We all have heard the saying, “The truth shall set you free.”

In essence you couldn’t share the end result of what happens when you discover who you are in Christ simpler than that. It is so simple the majority of us can’t even see it; the truth really does set you free. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. If you have ever for one moment fallen apart and cried out in desperation for better days, I urge you to discover the truth for yourself! For when you discover the truth, you will also find a sense of peace and dare I say even joy in the midst of the trials and tribulations of life. One thing is for certain, we will all have rotten days. That is the one guarantee I can make you. We live in a fallen world. Bad things are going to happen! If someone promised a secret way that you could hold onto your peace of mind and heart and even feel joyous in the midst of the most turbulent of storms, how many copies do you think they would sell?

We live in a world seeking answers; in a population of people searching for the good life. That is why I am going to put together my personal story, at least the part currently available in both print and electronic formats into one consolidated book. I don’t know what I am going to subtitle it as of today, but I plan on having it available before weeks end. It is still my prayer that God enlarge my territory, broaden my use and explode the sales of my books so that I can do what I want to do for countless others. One day I will see my dreams as a reality and until that day, I will continue to pray for my desires to be fulfilled. I seek the kingdom of God and I seek to save as many of my brothers and sisters from the pit of hell as I can along my way!

Please, please, please, be on the lookout for my consolidated book release! It is my belief that God will use my true life story to speak to countless people in desperate need for answers. Please stop by and Like my ministry page on Facebook and you will be notified when the three part series is published into one book! Click here to like it now: https://www.facebook.com/youareworthytoo

For those that have access to you tube, here is my renew your mind video! Leave a comment below letting me know if you enjoyed it or not! Be blessed and be a blessing!

Wendy, Mom of Many, walks with God

© Wendy Glidden 2014

Less is Often More!

Today is Thursday, May 15th! On my calendar it is clearly marked as Tremendously Thankful, Thoroughly Thoughtful Thursday. Today I am thankful for having less.

Last weekend was Mother's Day. The best part of that day is getting the cards the children made me while at school. My second graders filled in balloon prompts on a card. My favorite line on Michael's card was the one that said, "My mom likes smaller houses."

I literally laughed out loud when I saw it. He must have overheard a conversation I had had with his father while driving in the car. I was chatting away explaining to him how much time I saved by us living in a smaller house. I said I loved living in a small house because it didn't take me anytime at all to clean the place and have the rest of my day.

On Marissa's card she had said she enjoyed watching me read the Bible everyday. That made me smile but for a completely different reason. Recently since we downsized from a three bedroom apartment back into the house that God gave me, we donated the majority of our books to a laundry mat as well as a Goodwill. Each one of them is responsible to read for ten minutes each night. I decided rather than check out books at a library, that it would do the children good to read out of the bible. I have selected certain Chapters and verses that I pray cause them to become curious for more of what God has to say about things.

Recently we have read out of Ephesians, Timothy and Philippians just to name a few. I think one of my favorite readings was from Philippians, chapter 4. The children discovered that the phrase 'whatever' was used in the bible. I shared with them that the phrase 'As if' can also be found in the bible. I used that to explain how many think the bible is old school and there is nothing in it that applies to our age. Sadly that is a lie spread by Satan through those who either don't take the time to read God's word for themselves or those that are simply too self involved to recognize the truth within the pages.

I sit back today reflecting all that has taken place in the last 6 months or so. I moved out of my small home as winter closed in and moved into a gigantic apartment that was always cold and much too spacious in all honesty. I used to joke that I had to walk to another state to hang the girls clean clothes up in their closets. It literally took me the entire weekend to organize and clean our home each weekend. In those few short months, I somehow managed to publish three books in both print and e-book formats. The apartment is something I should have never been approved to move into. As it turns out, when it comes to apartments, the federal rule states that you can only have two heartbeats per room. For those of you that have followed my blog, you know that when I first went to apply for this apartment, I had recently left Mike or rather he had actually left me and moved to Florida. You also know at the time, I had six children with me; four of them were girls and two of them were boys. Any way you slice that pie, not only did I have more than two heartbeats per room, I also had more than six on my original application. I knew God had moved me to go to that apartment and I also felt He was in the process of moving me again before things went into motion. By the end of February, the maintenance crew had done an inspection of my home and had discovered that we had one heartbeat too many living in the apartment and they gave me a 60 day notice to vacate. I was not formally evicted through the court system, I was simply sent a letter stating I had to be out by April 29th.

I guess some people in my shoes would have been caught up in a whirlwind of emotion. I on the other hand have gotten much better at praying for direction and then waiting for an answer. I always believed that God gave me my home on wheels for a reason so that is where we went back to. Winter is over, although tonight it will dip down to a chilly 37 degrees, so the mobile home truly is a great place to go back to. Now, while I do not have Internet or even 24/7 electricity, I have all I need. A bed for each child, a warm shower, lights that run off of our battery power and a very small house to clean! While I lost space, I gained massive amounts of time, including quality time with the children. We hang out at the library or the park more now because our day is not gobbled up by constantly cleaning floors! Less truly can be more. It all depends on how you look at it.

Today, seeing how it is Thankful Thursday, I am going to leave you with the advice found in Philippians 4, beginning with verse 4:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

What you focus on with your mind will alter how you go about your day. This is certainly why we are advised to renew our minds. Make sure you renew yours daily with a bit of God's word which has much encouragement to stay focused on the truth. That being said, Mercy Me just came out with a new album which is titled, "Welcome to the New". It is full of wonderful songs but I really really love the words sung on the song also called 'Welcome to the New' for those that can listen online via my link, enjoy. For those that cannot view it on your electronic device, take the time to search them out on You Tube when you have the opportunity!

I would also like to invite you to read my full story ~ well the parts that I have published anyway. I have many more books to follow. I think I could write everyday for the rest of my life and still have stuff to share. For now, you can find all of my books in both print and e-reader formats at www.amazon.com/author/wendyglidden for less than $13 you can own all three on your e-reader and if you prefer print over electronic, you can own all three for less than $25. With each purchase you are supporting my ministry. I truly appreciate each purchase!

Be blessed and be a blessing <3,

Wendy Glidden, walks with God, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2014

From Writing to Speaking, Come What May!

Good morning everyone! Today is wild wacky wonderful whimsical Wednesday. I am still under the weather but have decided my sickness is simply helping with the hunger side of things and preparing me for smaller portion control with ease. There is always a silver lining. Some are harder to spot than others but it is in training our eyes to look for them that they become easier to spy!

This last week was simply crazy. I don't know of another way to describe it. Thank the Lord literally that I know how to kick back and rest in Him. That is not to say that I just lay back and do nothing and magical things happen around me. No quite the opposite. I push forward every chance I have. I pray. I work. I listen for direction. I do a lot but when something gets in my way I don't let that become the end of the world. I look for the positive in the situation.

I am going to finally work off these last 40 pounds that are a burden to my frame and I finally braved getting in front of the camera and just speaking. I have no script for that just does not work for me. I have decided that is the way I will always have to speak in front of others. It may seem a little risky but I believe it allows for the Holy Spirit to step in and run the show. Again this does not mean that I'm like not thinking about what I might say. It just means its never going to be rehearsed! I do best 'in the moment'.

Recently I was invited to speak at an event hosted by Women Reaching Out, LLC. The topic was on a servants heart and I totally enjoyed my day.

I have this great friend named Brenda Taylor. She and I began meeting with each other as accountability partners in 2012. I truly love her to smithereens. Mainly because she loves me as I am and we are honest with each other. I saw that she was also going to be attending the event and we decided it would be fun to have an early lunch and catch up with each other. Due to life and the harsh winter, I had not seen Brenda in months.

We talked about how cool it was that I had actually published my first two books and I confided in her that I had nothing written down for my allotted 5 minutes on stage. I shared that having something prepared would feel too much like speech class and I was fearful I would freeze and not be able to talk. So Brenda being Brenda, cool, calm, and collected tells me to have no fear, just be myself.

When things were underway, Mrs. Elizabeth Utterback, the Founder of Women Reaching Out, LLC, was sharing with everyone about her recent google hangout and she called Brenda up and introduced her to the room. She explained that Brenda had been on the google hangout with her and then she turned to Brenda and said, "Brenda, share with these ladies what that experience was like for you."

Brenda turns all smiles and begins talking to everyone and then she stops and says, "Look at me, just talking away. How did that happen?"

I was grinning so big because she had led the way for me. She showed me just how to be myself and speak from the heart. I truly had no idea what I would say when I was called up front and since I was the first honoree guest speaker that day, I did not know until it was show time that they were going to read the biography I had submitted to the board members! When my introduction was over I was like oh wow now what do I say Lord? I gave myself a moment by saying to the room, "Well, that was my entire five minutes, thank you!" and I kind of nervously laughed.

Then I looked across the room and just started sharing a little bit more about myself. I began by saying, "It is true, I have just published my first two volumes in my life story. I am almost 45 years old and I have wanted to be an author since I was about this big." and I held my hand around my waist.

I know that I told them about sending a few copies out before they were officially published to take a reading sample. I know I told them about the response I had received and how I was finally living my dream; writing books that inspired hope in others. I talked a little bit about the evil one and how he lies to us and tells us we are not worthy. I ended by telling them, "You are all worthy!" and I sat down with a smile on my face.

When everything was over, I sold a few autographed copies of my books. I have a few personal moments from that day that I will never forget. One of them was when a lady came to my table as I was talking to another woman and signing her books. When we were alone, the second lady asked, "Are these fiction books?" I kind of chuckled and said, "No. They are my true life story."

She responded by saying, "Wow. I picked this one up and turned to a page I wasn't supposed to and I can't put it down. I am going to have to buy it."

I laughed and replied, "Sounds to me like you turned it to the right page!" and I asked for her name so I could autograph her book and thank her for her purchase.

Another one of my favorite personal moments was when I went to the back of the room to grab a mini sandwich and the girls serving told me how much my testimony had moved them. They said I'd make a great speaker at one of their meetings and asked to buy two of my books! I was not sure if they meant one of each book or two of the first but the Spirit moved me as it often does to give. So I went to my table and grabbed two of each book, I handed them the first volumes and I said, "You asked to buy two and I am going to gift you two. These go together."

As I walked away I realized I would really enjoy speaking at events. Who knew! Certainly not my 14 year old self!! If you have read my first book, you know how deep my fear of standing in front of others and speaking truly was!

This morning as I went to share the encouraging word from K-Love on Face Book, I noticed I had a new friend request and some new messages. One was from my new friend. She was simply thanking me for the story I had shared in my blog post regarding living before you die. Pretty darn cool this life of mine. Being blessed by those I have encouraged by simply sharing my heart and what the Spirit leads me to share. I truly never know what is going to come out of my fingertips or my mouth!

Speaking of encouraging words from K-Love, here is what they emailed me today:

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

 

I am so thankful I sought out God again when I found myself at the end of my own strength. For in seeking I have discovered the Love that God held for me as a child has not changed one iota. Knowing all I have done and how far I strayed from the narrow path, I find this fact amazing. God's grace and mercy. It is available for all. Are you ready to come home yet?

Father, I come to you today with a song in my heart and a smile on my face. How wonderful it is to bask in the truth. Thank you for all the warriors who have led the way throughout time. Thank you for sending your only begotten son to save us. Thank you for calling me forth and helping me see all my dreams become a reality. My life is abundant in so many ways. I am blessed and I look forward to all that you cause me to do in any day. I love walking with the Spirit. Help me to get better and better at listening and following. Please help me be a bright light full of courage so that I may boldly share your glory with all I cross paths with. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God,
Mom of many

© Wendy Glidden 2014

Do You Know Him?

I can hardly believe it is already Friday! I have been so busy this past week, I have not written a 'You Are Worthy Too' blog! Time just moves so quickly some weeks!

This week was a hard week for me in all honesty. Even armed to the hilt, wearing all my armor, a battle almost took me out. Cruel words said by loved ones truly takes it out of me. I was blessed to see how God had prepped me for what was to transpire on this past Tuesday before I knew I needed to be encouraged and reminded where to keep my foucs myself.

Twice I have gone to my archives with the intent to grab a link to a certain post only to have myself drawn to another post. Each time, the meaning of that has not been lost on me, but I am going to specifically talk about the second time that that happened.

This last Tuesday, February 18, 2014, I went into my archives intending to share a post on the fruit of the spirit. When I opened up my blogger, a post titled 'Don't let it get the best of you' was in my feed as one someone had recently read. I was drawn to that post so intensely that I knew it was the one I should share. I thought it was for someone that needed the message in the story. Little did I know I was about to have a repeat of that fateful day only this time I was to be yelled at for writing books instead of blogs. My youngest child was again referred to as a brat and every fiber of my being wanted to shout, "I'm done!" but again I held my tongue.

It was my friend and sister in Christ, Joan who I work with and who heard it all, that came and gave me a hug in the back room. She reminded me the angry words yelled at me had a source and to not take it all to heart. It was then that it dawned on me that God had wanted me to read my old post to help me with what was going to happen mere hours later in my day. He is always ahead of us you know! It's one of the lines I love in the Chris Tomlin Song, "Whom shall I fear". I have it shared alongside this blog in my 'songs I listen too' box.

The closer I draw to God the more I recognize Him working in my life. Always ahead of me, trying to give me what I need for armor. He is faithful. I pray my books I am writing help others see that truth in undeniable ways.

I am truly excited for my third book to be completed and published. I have set aside 4 hours this weekend to work on nothing but that third book. I am hoping God suspends that time for me so I can accomplish all I need to in such a short time.

Here is what I read this morning when I opened up my email from K-Love:

Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring. ~ Hosea 6:3, NLT

Amen, Amen, Amen. I do know this to my very core. I pray if you have any doubts regarding God that my story helps strengthen your faith. I have both volume I and II listed for a free download this weekend only. You can click on one of the conveniently placed links to the side of this blog and get your copies while they are FREE! It has always been my desire to help others. God is helping me accomplish that dream through my books. I wrote them for you, get your free copies today! Hopefully volume 3 & 4 will be out before long!

I must head back to work. Late lunch break. I work my writing in when I can. Be blessed and be a blessing <3