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

What is Your Purpose?

Wild Wacky Wonderful Wednesday What Whimsical Wonders Will you remind me of today? I could hardly believe it when I looked out my window and saw snow on the ground and the car! Seeing how it's not even November yet I would certainly count that as both wacky and wild however wonderful and snow don't go together in my book anymore. My children on the other hand were super excited about it all. Just goes to show you it is indeed the way you view things that affects your attitude toward outside circumstances!

Yesterday I went in for my monthly adjustment at Dr. Woods in Westfield. He is the chiropractor that God put in my path. I know this for sure for when I found him in all reality it was his office that had found me. It was around May of this year and while my back has been in major pain since my fall it was at this time that my feet were beginning to swell and swell bigger than they ever had. I knew it was pressure on my spine and I knew things were getting bad by the size of my feet but we were so busy at the office there was simply no way I was going to have any time to look for a chiropractor I could afford. I went to bed both crying and praying for my pain ridden body. That week we received a call from Dr. Woods office offering a free assessment and adjustment in exchange for a can of food. Amazingly enough Dr. Woods is right in Westfield by the Kroger on SR 32 & Carey Road. A mere ten minute drive from my office! I set up an appointment with him that evening after work right before bible study and silently prayed that he would have the hands to help me. Up to that point I had been to several doctors and even massage therapy and at one point I saw a chiropractor for six months but never got better so I stopped going. So the two girls I drive to bible study with met me at Dr. Woods office as we were pushing time with my appointment. When Jean, one of the girls arrived she began telling me she wished I could see her Chiropractor for he was amazing. Right then Doctor Woods walked down the hallway. As it turns out, he was Jeans chiropractor. She was right, he has a gift. Without any equipment, he showed me what was going on with my spine and in an instant I knew I had found my doctor. You could see that the way I had fallen in November 3 years ago was exactly what had caused all this twisting and hip displacement. He put together a plan for getting me back in place and gave me my first adjustment. I was a mess. Jean said she could not believe how much I moved as he adjusted me on the table. Now a few months later with his help I was able to begin lifting my feet up off the floor and slowly my pain level decreased and my agility improved. I knew the only way it was going to get even better was for me to begin some type of physical therapy. I needed to drop some weight, lengthen my muscles again and get my body back. I am amazed as I look in the review mirror and fully see the pieces that God put into place for me. The people that he added to my life and I love how He works. Sure He could have healed me in a moment but this way has been a much more fulfilling process. I have met countless believers in Christ along my walk and my life has been enriched in so many ways.

Those of you who read my posts last week already know I had lost some serious inches and you also know that I do not step on a scale every day or even every week. I believe the scale can kill your momentum. But I do check my weight at the doctors office. So the last time I had stepped on the scale was in August and I tipped the scale at 241 pounds. Yes. It is true. Last night when I stepped on the scale I was hoping for a maximum of 220. I about fell over when the scale balanced itself at 211 pounds. I almost cried. I have not been this light which is still 50 pounds above my goal weight in six years! SIX YEARS!!! I know now that I can make it to my goal weight. I have the formula for success and I have a great team supporting me. I don't even care that the world knows how fat I was, it's not like you couldn't see I was extremely overweight by looking at my picture. If anyone seriously wants to know how I have shrunk or any element of my wellness journey, I would be thrilled to tell you what ever it is you want to know. Write me an email. Friend me on Facebook or like my Facebook fan page and send me a message. Here is the link to my fan page if you are on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/YouAreWorthyToo I'm almost to 500 likes in my first year! Just know I am here if you need a friend or a partner to support and encourage you along the way. And that counts for not just health and weight loss, but mindset and faith and hope as well. Just saying. My purpose is to give others hope.

I too need hope and encouragement. We all do. I turn to God now for my daily inspiration. I get my first dose via Moody Radio and then a follow up with an encouraging word from K-Love in my email. I keep my study bible on me at all times and look up things often. Here is today's encouraging word form K-Love:

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. ~ John 15:5, NLT

I love that. I mean it really does not get any more simple than that. Apart from Jesus we are not going to produce fruit. I don't care what else you manage to get done in this life, if you are not producing fruit you simply are not living an abundant life. There is a big difference in being successful in this world and producing fruit in this world. Not that the two can't go hand in hand, but sadly we often see successful people and they are producing no fruit. To me they are not truly successful for I know in my heart when they close the door and are alone, they are empty and void and most likely know they are missing something. Sadly because we have shoved God and Jesus to the back of the room and honestly right out of the entire picture, people aren't even aware that this is what they are missing. Their disconnect from their creator is the cause of their depression, worry, anxiety, fears and everything else that is not good. They are in need of prayers for sure. 

Father I come to you with joy in my heart. You are such an amazing creator. I love your ways. I love all you have done for me. I love how even when I have strayed you have remained faithful. I shake my head with absolute wonder as I look in the review mirror and see how you have always been there. I love how you are stretching and growing me in ways I didn't even know I needed. You are so wise in the way you work. I love everything about my life today. I love the relationship I have with you. Amazing how that changes everything. Just knowing that I am yours. I am forever thankful. Today I ask that you help those who are blind or lost or fumbling in the dark in search for what may cure their problems, their aching hearts, their fears. Lift them Father. Help them feel your presence. I pray they open their hearts and eyes and minds to you, your wisdom and your love Father. May more of us begin to wake up and get to work! In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Wendy, walks with God,

Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden

My Lunch Experience at Wendy's Restaurant in Westfield, Indiana!

Today before I headed off to lunch I had posted a sign on Facebook that read, "Be kind to Mean people, they need kindness the most." I challenged my friends to go about the day and help other people smile! I take my challenges seriously! 

Smile 1 & 2 were delivered to total strangers! I ran out to grab some chili from Wendy's. Since I am on a health kick, I am avoiding sitting in line in the drive through. Every step counts you know. So I went inside walked up to the counter (FREEZING because it was actually snowing) and promptly ordered two buckets of sunshine. The girl, Melissa, paused, looked up and laughed. Her assistant grinned too! I then placed my order: Large Chili with Lots of onions. She then asks me,  "you want them on the bottom and the top?"

Guess who's smiling now?! ME!! "Oh yea!" I said.

She then tells her crew, "Oh yea! I'm making her chili delicious!" Which made a couple of them chuckle.

Totally made my afternoon! Talk about customer service!! Melissa at the Wendy's on SR 32 just east of Carey Road. You will forever Rock in my book of all time favorite servers!! Thanks for the great smile and I don't know what you did to my chili . . . perhaps it's the dash of happiness you added . . . BEST cup of Chili I have ever eaten from Wendy's!!! Shaking my head. Laughing and Loving Life!

Today I pray that as believers going about our day, may we take the time to encourage others. We know such good news. I pray that we share it! Today I pray we begin to let the fruits of the spirit take over in our life so that others will be drawn to us longing to learn what makes us so happy. I pray that we listen to the voice of God and remain His humble servant. I pray more and more and more of us join together encouraging one another. Today I also pray for non believers. I pray my stories inspire you to think about Your Creator. I pray that you open your mind and heart to the possibility. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Wendy Glidden, Mom of many 

Wild Wonderful Wacky Wednesday!

Good morning! I am trying to rewire my brain to associate each day of the week in a positive manner, hence the title! This month of February has been a rough one for me. I have barely blogged . . . I think this is my 3rd one this month. Yikes! So much for sticking with that blog once a day goal. Regardless I have learned to not let my daily failures keep me down for long. This morning I was praying on what to write on . . . so many things make wonderful topics but that's not how this works for me. I must be in tune with the Holy Spirit for the words to flow like water.

I have made it a habit to start out my morning hanging out with Our Heavenly Father. I know when I am in tune and when I am simply too caught up in worldly things to really hear what He has to share with me. I am my own worst enemy at times. I have surrounded myself with great friends who also believe. This is a wise thing to do for we were meant to encourage one another. One of my favorite things I read in the Bible ( so funny to say because I Love anything I read and "GET") regardless, I had a friend who was struggling with her walk and I was seeking what God wanted me to share with her and that is when I found it.

Romans, Chapter 1 verse 12: When we get together I want to encourage you in your faith,

 but I also want to be encouraged by yours."

Right there you see how important encouraging one another is. I know I have days of despair and worry and stress and chaos and it's so easy to get stuck there . . . in this self made whirl wind of hopelessness . . . when you find yourself there, pick up your Bible. At the very least reach out to a strong friend. There is no reason for you to fight alone. Sometimes we pray for things God has already given us . . . we are too blind to recognize that we already have it! Today make an actual inventory list of positives you have in your life. Be detailed about it. For instance don't just list "Friends". That would not have the same impact as listing each name of each Friend you have. I hope this will help you shake the clouds of negativity and cause you to gain a bounce in your step. 

I have a friend that is always posting uplifting phrases or comments. Today however she let the world know she needs some encouragement. I am impressed with her courage. It was in my response to her that my creative juices began flowing. In my heart I know it was my sincere Love for her that turned on the faucet. I even thanked her in my reply! You know how I love to rhyme after all! With that being said, here is the gist of how things went: 

She was basically saying, "I'm in pain. I'm having trouble staying positive. I need encouragement. Help."

Instantly I felt my heart ache for her. She is such a bright light in my life. I let her know this:

I am praying for you.

I know you KNOW Jesus is your Savior, And your Faith is strong

But we all have days of despair and weakness when we feel we don't belong.

We let the negative side of things penetrate our skin.

It's really all the evil one needs to begin.

He fills the room with darkness and tries to block out the sun

Before you realize you're in the battle 

The Fight has already begun

You are wise in your defense

Reaching out to your friends

I pray that you feel Peace and Joy

And that your healing begins.

As it often happens, I write something for someone and it helps me. I hope this little snippet for the day helps you in some way too. I pray we go about today encouraging one another. We have all heard the phrase "Paying it Forward". There are even some really cool inspiration videos on You Tube of the ripple effect of acts of kindness. I say let's start a ripple that becomes so big it causes a wave of Hope and Love to wash over the world! ((hugs)) to all who go about doing good today.

Wendy Mom of Many

Copyright © 2013 Wendy L Glidden. All Rights Reserved.