The Essence of Faith

It's Fantastically Fabulous Fun Filled Friends and Family Friday! Man oh man!! It is only 10 AM and I am on top of the world. So Joyous I feel like dancing! Starting your day with God is so the way to start.

I have gotten in the habit of checking out the encouraging word from K-Love each morning before I do much of anything else. This year, the encouraging words have truly lifted me up into the clouds.

The more you walk with God, the more supernatural things you witness take place. These events strengthen your Faith and I promise you, the stronger your Faith, the more supernatural events you will witness. It truly is an awesome flywheel to spark.

This morning on Facebook, I had this to say when I shared the encouraging word from K-Love:

I just love the encouraging word via K-Love today:

And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. ~ 1 John 5:14-15, NLT

I am confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. My heart soars when I read truths like this. For within various chapters of my life are testimonials regarding answered prayers, some of them in the craziest ways. It pleases God for us to pray for each other. I just realized I need to get a blog going for my heart is overflowing. I leave you with a link to a story from my past regarding a prayer I said for my mother and the answer I received.  Be blessed and be a blessing 

http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/01/awoken-by-answer-to-prayer.html

I am truly blessed to have had my faith strengthened again and again. Faith allows you to drop to your knees and share all that is on you heart because you know He hears you. Even though the Lord already knows your every thought, He Loves to see your heart at work. Secretly I think He even gets a chuckle out of the fit prayers we throw for within those we reveal passion. God is Love in it's most unconditional form. 

Faith helps with your ability to stay in today and not fret about tomorrow for you know God has always got you. You may even have even taken the time to armor yourself with a bit of scripture to help you with anxiety regarding the future. This is my personal favorite reminder: From Matthew 6:34 NIV:

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~ Matthew 6:34, NIV

Anxiety is a weapon the evil one uses. If you don't believe in spiritual warfare, you should! I dress for battle every day. Even though I know my God is bigger and I have nothing to fear, I am not foolish about such things. Even Jesus tangled with the Devil. If you don't think he is a formidable foe, well, you don't truly understand how he works. 

As children, we all quickly learned what silent but deadly meant and when someone said that we quickly exited the room. I promise you that the evil one is as close to silent and deadly as a paid assassin. You don't see him right away and often you are already in a fight for your life before you even realize he has entered the picture. 

I read a lot and I listen to great teachings on Moody Radio when I get the chance so you will have to forgive me for I cannot recall where I first heard this but the truth in it is undeniable. Forgive me for this is not the exact quote either. I have a way of compiling information and consolidating it. With that being said, in a gist this is what I took away from the lesson; 'If you think the devil hasn't come across the likes of you, your ego is too big. He has been at this war for a couple thousand years. To date, Jesus is the only one that defeated him. Don't you think you ought to get to know Jesus?' 

When I first started seeking God with all my heart and joined a bible study group, one of the first books of the bible we studied was Ephesians. That is where I learned about the armor to wear and how best to protect yourself against Satan. I would like to take you right to the book of Ephesians, beginning with Chapter 6, verse 10:

verse 10: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

verse 11: Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

verse 12: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 

verse 13: Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm.

verse 14: Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH THE TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,

verse 15: and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;

verse 16: in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

verse 17: And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Quite an impressive list of armor don't you think. Today I am mainly focusing on the shield of faith and how taking it up you are able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Flaming arrows, that paints quite the picture. The flaming arrows are thoughts meant to take you out. Don't fool yourself for one second. The devil is here to steal, kill and destroy. He will do that by any means possible. Including getting you to believe crazy lies. Think crazy thoughts. Do things you would not do without something, someone pushing you over the edge. These things all stem from you being bombarded with flaming arrows. Put up your shield of faith and protect yourself. Life is a completely different scene as you learn that you truly can make a difference in this battle. All you need is Faith. Don't let the Lord say of you, "Oh ye of little faith". Stand strong in the Lord, remain firm in your belief. He came so you could live this life abundantly. That my friends is some really good news in a world that longs to beat you down, you have a Savior. He is right here with you, waiting for you to call out so He can reveal more of His glory. It is never ending. It is a bright new day. Make the most of it.

Father, I come before you today with great joy in my heart. As a child entering into the age of consent, I knew nothing about armor. I have often wondered how different my life might have turned out had I known all the truths I know today. As you tell us not to worry about tomorrow or yesterday for that matter, I know in my heart that nothing that has taken place in the past was for waste. You use all events for good. You are faithful. Your love is unconditional and I am so grateful for that. I am thankful that I recognize evil for what evil is and that I am today fully aware of my armor needed. I am so blessed to have learned about it when I did. Your timing is always perfect. I know you would have protected me through all of my recent battles regardless. In that I am confident. I also know by wearing my armor, I was able to better withstand the onslaught of attacks I faced this summer. Not only did I withstand, with your strength, I persevered. Here I am, with your help, reaching back in hopes of finding others held in the chains of bondage. Help me with this task Father. Help me be a better leader, help me to be a brighter light, help me call out to the lost and lonely, as well as the overwhelmed. Help my fellow brothers and sisters find their way home. Help them to lift their heads and see the truth. You love your children no matter what! In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Be blessed my friends and always be a blessing to others <3

Wendy Glidden, walks with God
Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2014

Photo Accessed on 1/13/2017 from: https://www.google.com/search?q=Free+Picture+of+shield+of+faith&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS711US711&espv=2&biw=1242&bih=557&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiYj57D4L_RAhWF2YMKHbM8AskQ7AkIKg&dpr=1.1#imgrc=PPcQRqWNRdLN7M%3A

'What Can Mortal Man Do to Me?'

Good morning! According to my calendar, it is Totally Terrific Testimonial Tell All Tuesday! Here is one of my testimonies: Last night I was assistant coach for my son's 2nd grade basket ball team. I was able to participate in all the drills and it was awesome!

A year ago everywhere I went, I shuffled. Lifting my feet off the ground was something I simply was not capable of doing. Toward the end of summer, I prayed to God to have my healthy body back. I cried out in anguish. After being in massive pain for almost three years, He had answered my prayer for healing regarding my back and had literally placed a wellness doctor in my path. He was delivered to me in such a way there was no denying it was God that was placing me in his care.

Upon my first visit to him, he began putting my bones back in place. I knew I was in bad shape, I just did not realize how bad! I began seeing him late April / early May and now I only see him once a month for an adjustment.

With his help, I had the confidence to begin a workout routine that another friend suggested I try. She had been pursuing me to try one of her companies workout videos and I had told her about the fact I truly needed a 'Physical Therapy' kind of work out video to follow and she knew just what I needed. She excitedly told me about it and I decided to give it a go.

I am so happy I did. In 42 days, which is only six weeks time, I have dropped 36 pounds and 34" of body fat from my skeletal frame and have gained amazing agility and flexibility in the process. I am so happy with how far I have come I could cry tears of absolute joy. I am now one of 'those girls' with a fat loss story that is unbelievable! I have not made it to my goal size or weight but I now know it is 100% possible in the next 42 days to get the job finished!

My goal is to lose 78 pounds. This will also mean losing 4-5 more inches around my waist, 2 - 3 more at my hips and another 1 - 2 off my chest area. With that my arms and legs will also shrink a bit.

I read once that for every pound you take off of your body it is like removing 4 pounds of burden. I know my frame appreciates the lighter weight it must still tote around. I can only dream about how awesome getting back to where I want to be will feel! Only 42 more pounds to shed!

I have promised to reach back and help anyone who is desiring to truly lose weight. It is hard work. It takes determination. However, this works so well and is so healthy, you will secretly enjoy watching yourself melt. If you need a coach or someone to encourage you or whatever label you want to slap on it, I would be thrilled to be that for you. Simply email me at wendyglidden123@gmail.com and indicate what you want help with.

I'm into total wellness so from helping you with your mindset and your relationship with the Lord to losing weight and getting into the size pants you want back into or into for the first time, I am here for you! Nothing would please me more than to reach back and help someone who has tried almost everything and failed.

Recently God has been flashing me things from my past again. As far as my life line goes I managed to get beyond the adoption to the point I almost lost my life in a bike wreck due to literally working myself to death so that I could fall asleep without thinking. Absolute off the charts craziness is what follows that scene and I have once again been dragging my feet.

However, this past Sunday, when we were asked what becoming a believer in the cross and Jesus Christ had changed in our life, I replied, for me it had meant freedom of fear. Fear of judgement from others, fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of anything.

It reminds me of David when he asks, 'What can mortal man do to me?' I love David's Psalms. We are covering 4 different Psalms in November. Last Sunday we covered Psalm 32 and touched on Psalm 56, which is one of my endless favorites. I am going to share David's words here, right out of my MacArthur study bible. I hope you love his trust and enthusiasm half as much as I do! Psalm 56 in it's entirety:

** My study bible highlights this as Supplication for Deliverance and Grateful Trust in God. This took place when the Philistines seized David in Gath.

verse 1: Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me; Fighting all day long he oppresses me.

verse 2: My foes have trampled upon me all day long, For they are many who fight proudly against me.

verse 3: When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.

verse 4: In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?

verse 5: All day long they distort my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil.

verse 6: They attack, they lurk, They watch my steps, As they have waited to take my life.

verse 7: Because of wickedness, cast them forth, In anger put down the peoples, O God!

verse 8: You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?

verse 9: Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call; This I know, that God is for me.

verse 10: In God whose word I praise, In the Lord, whose word I praise,

verse 11: In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?

verse 12: Your vows are binding upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You.

verse 13: For You have delivered my soul from death, Indeed my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God in the light of the living.

I love the trust King David places in the Lord. I know just how he feels. As I go forth and share more things from my early to mid twenties, I too will trust in the Lord knowing that He is using my stories to inspire and encourage and call others home. All for the glory of God.

I thank the Lord for all He has delivered me from. While I have shared a ton, I have so much more to reveal. I keep saying I am going to get to it and truly I am. I must go back and refresh my memory of where I ended exactly so that I can continue from there.

Should you just be joining me in this journey, I invite you to go back to my introduction post, in my mind humorously titled, 'In the Beginning' and read the personal posts up to 'Saying Goodbye to Amanda Rose' there is one after that where I share my bike wreck, but for the life of me I cannot remember it's title right now.

It is my prayer that my story inspires hope and reveals the glory of God. It is also my prayer that it helps you in building your trust and your relationship with the Lord.

I have missed out on sharing the last couple days encouraging words by K-Love on my Facebook page and I love both Monday's and Today's, so I am going to share both of them now:

Monday 11/4/2013

But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength ~ 2 Timothy 4:17a, NLT

Tuesday 11/5/2013

I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles. ~ Zechariah 9:12b, NLT 

The Lord has stood with me time and time again and has given me strength. I know this as truth for I have felt myself drained of all strength, yet remain planted on my feet, held up firmly by the mighty hand of our Lord. 

I too am beginning to witness what I would say are more than two blessings for each of my troubles. Perhaps it feels like more for I have had much trouble over my life span! Us saints are not promised an easy life you know!! I hope I have managed to leave you with a smile today! Remember be blessed and be a blessing to others!

Father, today I come to you singing praises for all the miracles you have performed concerning me. I am blessed to call upon you and have you deliver me. I am blessed to have the relationship that I do with you. For decades I called upon you in times of big trouble but turned my back on you in my daily life. What a fool I was to think you were not for me any longer. What a fool to believe the lies that were being fed to me by the evil one. He is clever but not wise for he set himself against you to begin with. Thank you for speaking to me. Thank you for your signs and wonders. I pray I am witness to many more for they tickle me to no end. Father, it is my prayer that more of my brothers and sisters that are today where I have been in my past concerning a relationship with you step fully into the light and draw much closer to you. May their eyes and hearts be opened my Lord. May they begin to seek more of your wisdom and love and may they grow and become workers. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God
Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Feel Free to Give Up Your Burdens, Help Has Arrived!

Good morning! I hope my blog finds you in a good place. If not, well, perhaps this message is just what the doctor ordered! Today's "Daily Bread" blog in based on the verse listed under the letter "C", courtesy of my Alphabet Picture! The verse itself comes from The Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 11, Verse 28. My New Living Translation, 2nd addition, reads like this:

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest."

I don't know about you but there are days I need the world to be lifted off my shoulders. I long for someone else to take my troubles on. I am here to proclaim the Good News to you. Jesus, God's only begotten son, came here to do just that!

My sisters and brothers, I am here to tell you, I took on the world without turning to God for too many years. That is not to say that I ever lost my belief in God. Heck, even Satan and all his minions Believe in God! Sadly, I lost my Faith in God rooting for me somewhere along my life's journey. I allowed the Evil one entrance into my head. 

I allowed myself to be tricked, deceived, lied to. You see, the evil one is a shrewd character. He understands that we have inside of us the desire to please our Heavenly Father. He uses the things we beat ourselves up over to his advantage. He knows our "shames". He throws them in our face and tells us how unworthy we are of God's Love. Satan is an ABSOLUTE Liar! Read your Holy Bible my friends. It overflows with proof of God's Love for YOU. 

While growing up, many of us learned all about Sin and the Pit of Hell. Sunday after Sunday some of us heard lessons talking about a God to be feared. If you were like me, you knew some things you did were down right wrong and you beat yourself up more than needed. You have to come completely clean of these shames. You see, God already knew you would sin... Ironically he knows all of your sins. He's waiting patiently for your to come to terms with these things yourself. If you take a long hard look, you'll see his work in your life. Some people refer to these things as signs. Our Father knew we couldn't make it without some help . . . a LOT of help! It's the reason He was willing to sacrifice His Own Son . . . His ONLY Begotten Son. If you are a parent already, can you wrap your head around that Truth? It's Huge! On a sidenote here, Jesus was aware of this plan of sacrifice. . . everytime he talks about his upcoming sacrifice he immediately gives the good news that He will return; ie: I lay my life down and I will pick it back up.(John 10:17)

Anyway, if you don't open your closet and come clean with God, you are only giving the Devil all he needs to destroy who God intended for you to be.

I feel the need to share the rest of what Jesus said in this chapter:

"Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear and the burden I give you is light."

I think the yoke he is referring to here is sharing the Truth and in sharing we will always reveal the Glory and Grace of God. I know you have all heard the saying, "The Truth shall set you Free." Pardon the pun, but there is a lot of Truth to that statement!

Now that I have come forward and openly admitted my wrongs to not only myself and God but to others as well, I have reduced the Devil's power over me. Nothing in the world feels as good as that! Just like an abusive partner that tries to seclude you from your friends, the Evil one attempts to do the same. If he can convince us that we are not worthy, we are liars, sinners, fakes and frauds, undeserving of goodness, he wins. Do not ALLOW him to rule your life. He came here to destroy you . . . I ask, "Are you willing to let him win?"

Satan is Evil I shout out loud

Declare your Shames, Make your father proud

Not a thing you have done or could ever do

Could keep your Heavenly Father from Loving YOU

Oh the evil one He’s so so shrewd

Using your sins, He’s so so crude

He takes your shames and he places blames

His only goal is to keep you from your work

I promise you the Devil’s a vicious jerk

He is cruel, he’s so unkind

With negativity he invades your mind

But you have so much light deep inside

Lay down your ego, put down your pride

Not one of us is perfect, we all fall flat

But you see Your Father, He knew all that

Step out of the shadows and walk in the light

Give Glory to God as you win the fight!

It is my prayer for you today that you begin to open yourself up to the Love of God. I pray that if you have never given the Word of God the time of day, you begin to do so. I pray you seek out others who are leading the fight to spiritual freedom. I pray that God helps you find them. I pray if you are lost, lonely or hopeless that you are able to recognize the signs that God sends you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Love,

Wendy, Mom of Many



Copyright © 2013 [ Wendy L Glidden ] All Rights Reserved.

Why your Life Depends on Knowing Scripture!

While the Holy Bible is God's Word to us it is also your shield (your bullet proof vest so to say). I ask you this, "Isn't it easier to accomplish something when you have all the right tools?" Of course it is! Who would go into battle without dressing for it? Only a Fool would I proclaim. If you are not a fool, I suggest if you don't have a bible, you find yourself a copy of The Holy Bible you like. If you are not aware, Goodwill will allow you to have one Holy Bible for Free!

Have you ever read the story regarding Jesus in the desert when the Devil came to tempt him? If not, I invite you to take a trip in time with me . . . If you have your Holy Bible on Hand I encourage you to open to Luke, Chapter 4

This is how my New Living Translation 2nd Addition reads:

Jesus was about thirty years old when he began his public ministry. Prior to him beginning his ministry, he was baptized like many others by John the Baptist. That happened in the Jordan River. As he was praying, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit Descended on him like a dove. A voice from heaven said, "You are my beloved son and you bring me great joy." Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil for forty days! Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.

Then the devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread."

Jesus replied, "NO! The Scriptures say, 'People do not live by bread alone.'*"

Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. "I will give you the Glory of These Kingdoms and Authority over them," Because they are Mine to Give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me."

Jesus replied, "The Scriptures say, 'You Must worship the Lord Your God and serve ONLY him.'**"

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, "If you are the Son of God jump off! For the scriptures say, "He will order his Angels to protect and guard you. They will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.'***"

Jesus responded, "The Scriptures also say, 'You must not test the Lord your God.'****"

After this the devil left him until the next opportunity came.

Things that I took from this:

1. The devil knows Scripture . . . he can even quote it!

2. Jesus used Scripture to Defeat the Devil!

3. The Devil made mention that He was the one in charge of 'the Glory of These Kingdoms'

If Jesus used Scripture on the devil to defeat him what makes you think you can defend yourself without it? The short and simple answer is, "You can't!" Reading the word is a VITAL part of your armor! Without it you might as well waltz into battle without so much as a shirt!

Jesus did not use long speeches against the devil. Short and sweet Scripture alone did the trick. Funny enough the devil quotes a longer Scripture than Jesus did trying to trick Jesus!

Also, most interesting to me is the fact that in this passage the Devil admits that he has the 'Glory of These Kingdoms AND Authority over them'. To me he slipped there . . . what he basically did in this passage is take credit for things that happen here on earth. I say to you the Devil has Authority over these Kingdoms (those our ancestors lived through and the one we are living through today. It is not until Jesus returns that God is in charge of all that goes on in this world. God has the power to heal your heart. Your flesh . . . that's simply not the same.  The devil is in charge of that! Next time I suggest you give evil the credit where evil things are concerned! I look forward to the end of the world as we know it. We are so far from where we started. I don't know about you but I'd love to live in the Garden of Eden!

The Reference to the Quotes from Scripture

 *  Jesus is referencing Deuteronomy. This Book was written by Moses! I'm going to start in Chapter 8 verse 2 as it is written in the Holy Bible I have credited above and I will end at Chapter 8 verse 6: Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these 40 years, humbling you, testing you to prove your character and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands. Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live on bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. For all these forty years your clothes didn't wear out, and your feet didn't blister or swell. Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord your God disciplines you for your own good. So obey the commands of the Lord your God by walking in his ways and fearing him.'

**  Again Jesus is referencing Deuteronomy written by Moses: I am going to start in Chapter 6 verse 13: 'You must fear the Lord your God and serve him. When you take an oath, you must use only his name.'

Meaning (pardon the pun) No way in HELL are you supposed to worship FALSE idols! That would include the devil, actors, musical stars, athletes . . . they are meant to take your attention! Focusing on these false idols is not a wise investment of your time.

*** The book of Psalms Chapter / Song / Poem 91 is where the devil went to for his quote from Scripture. In it's entirety, It reads like this from my copy: 'Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God and I trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you where ever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer: I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation."

  I find it interesting that the Devil chose a Psalm that was written by a complete unknown author. According to Jewish tradition, David wrote 73 of the Psalms, Asaph wrote twelve, the sons of Korah wrote nine of them; King Solomon wrote two; Heman (with the sons of Korah), Ethan and Moses each wrote one, and fifty-one Psalms are Anonymous!

****Again Jesus goes right back to Deuteronomy and quotes from Chapter 6 verse 16: 'You must not test the Lord your God as you did when you complained at Massah.'

If you notice the devil quoted word for word the Scripture . . . to him they are only word.s Until you say them with conviction of the heart they contain no power against him. This is why you must "test the spirits" to see if they are good or evil. . . even the evil can cloak themselves by using the word. Using and believing are TWO very different things. It is YOUR FAITH in the WORD that is the source of the POWER of God. He has given you all you need . . . he is waiting to see if you are his humble servant. That my friend is your choice. That is your FREE WILL.

I honestly had no idea what I was going to write today. I don't even quite know how all of this transpired I just know that I knew it was what I was supposed to share. If I haven't mentioned it before I am just learning my way around the Holy Bible and it amazes me no matter where I decide to read. My heart races and I am amazed at how this all comes to life. I have read all my life. This by far is the most intriguing inspirational awe inspiring Book I have EVER picked up! I hope you are encouraged to pick up a copy if you don't have one and dive in. It is not important which translation you grab but make sure you open a few and read through them . . . if it is hard for you to follow pick another version. What is the point of having a book on hand that doesn't come to life when you open it?

I pray that you stumble upon the right path and then follow it recognizing that while it may be narrow it is more peaceful. The fruits of the spirit can be found along the skinniest of roads . . . want some real nutrition, follow me down this narrow path.

Wendy, Mom of Many




Copyright © 2013 [ Wendy L Glidden ] All Rights Reserved.

Spare the Rod ~ Spoil the Child

This does not mean "beat your children". I consider the rod the "truth hammer". This basically means step up to the plate of parenting. Love your children but don't coddle them. Teach them about God and the Fear of God. Take your household back and do it through Love. Find a church that teaches . . . not one that preaches. If they aren't telling you every Sunday that the Holy Spirit resides inside of YOU, you are in the wrong place. Keep moving until you find this type of fellowship. Only there will you feel safe in sharing your shames. Isn't that why you go? If you only go to church to look good I say to you, "God is not fooled". He knows your heart.

As we go forward today many are still questioning the violence going on in the world. I say to you since the time of Adam and Eve evil was sown into our flesh. It is important that you think of God daily and give praise for every little element of your life that is good. The more you do, the happier you will become. I am not claiming that life will suddenly become easy and you will no longer have problems. That will not happen until we live in the Kingdom of God. We live in a fallen world right now. Pain is a part of it's fabric. People act on pain. Some cry . . . sadly some kill.

People are so eager to buy into God allowing or even worse causing bad things to happen. He is not the ruler of this fallen world. Satan is. God gave us free will. That means it is there for everyone . . . even those who allow the evil side to win the spiritual battle that wages inside all of us. Help your children win this raging battle while they are young and impressionable. It is vital that they learn about God. If you are a parent and you yourself do not have a relationship with God I say it's high time you got there. Do not seek a place that teaches a false religion. The church is inside of you but you go to a place where other's are for fellowship, support, encouragement, prayer and hopefully hugs and laughter as well. This fallen world beats us up daily. Just like no company will ever sway every person to purchase their product line, not everyone will build a relationship with God. That means evil will remain to be "a force to reckon with." When you go into battle don't you dress for it? Read the Holy Bible. Listen to Christian programs on the radio in the car. Fill your childrens head with the knowledge God and HIS love. They get more than enough knowledge of evil especailly if there is a TV in your home. Speaking of TV, the charmed ones are not the only people to have seen the work of demons. They are written about in the bible and they are here still today. When someone gives in to the dark side all you can do is pray for that person. You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make them drink!

Today let's pray for the parents who are raw with emotion. I know that pain too well. My oldest son lost a child. He was only 18 and his daughter was only 3 months old. I held him while he howled in pain. Just recalling that memory has my eyes overflowing, my heart swelling and I am overwhelmed myself.

Once again I sit here crying and my fingers have stopped. I am going to go back to bed and cuddle with my youngest for another hour and then we are off to have fellowship ourselves.

May you have a blessed day <3

Wendy, Mom of Many


Copyright © 2013 [ Wendy L Glidden ] All Rights Reserved.