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

Blessed in So Many Ways!

Marvelously Magnificent Miraculous Monday! This past weekend I was moved to tears by the kindness of two strangers who gifted my family and I and disappeared into thin air. I was not able to thank them directly and knew in my heart God had moved them to bless me in a way that gave all the glory to Him. So very thankful for the hands and feet of Jesus. 

Today's encouraging word reminds me that Jesus is not only my Lord and Savior, He is also my friend:

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. ~ John 15:13, NLT

So this weekend was truly something indeed. I left work Friday, jumped on the interstate with five of my children and my five gift bags to attend my 'Ladies of Hagar Saved With Amazing Grace' annual fundraiser for 'The least of these'. 

We had a fantastic night and I was blessed to be able to share my wallet story with another girl who markets for Scentsy. I met her on Facebook and fell in love with her attitude before I ever met her in person. 

If you are into candles but fearful of house fires, you should really check out her website. Beautiful warmers and non toxic wax! I learned that the wax begins cooling instantly, so no fear of your little ones getting hurt should they become curious and tip the warmer over! Here is her website http://www.pefleybelieves.scentsy.us should you like to take a look for yourself. These make great gifts for your friends and family as well as for yourself! 

I could not resist this warmer with a single tree on it that lights up. I love trees. There is just something so magnificent about them. As soon as I saw this warmer I knew it was the one for me! Years ago when Mike and I first moved back to Indiana, he went to work on a tree farm. I was blessed to be able to work with him for a summer and help him plant trees. When you walk into a barren yard and plant 10 tall trees you truly appreciate how they beautify the scene. Mike had an art of dropping a clump birch tree into the freshly dug hole. I would stand back and watch in awe as he would spin this monster tree, they were never smaller than 15' tall, and place it in the ground making it look as if it was always there. It is still one of my favorite trees.

Funny enough all the scents I picked out were lilac and lavender scents! They have all kinds of amazing scents, many of them smell like home baked goodies. I joked with Tammy and said, no food scents, I still have 40 pounds to lose! This candle warmer is my reminder of the home I lived in surrounded by trees for seven years before the state plowed my home and all the trees down for the new highway.

All in all we had a great night. Many of our guests won a gift of some kind. I believe we have raised enough to sponsor 80 children at this point. Our next event is going to include horse drawn carriage rides and personally handing out the gifts to the children. I can hardly wait to see their faces. What fun it is going to be. 

So speaking of gifting others. As many of you know, Mike is in Florida currently. He has not been able to help out financially as he landed in hot water almost as soon as he arrived in Florida. Nothing of his own doing but from an event where lose ends were not tied from over seven years ago! I will know tomorrow when he will actually be allowed to head back home. I had earnestly prayed at the end of August, beginning of September for God to either convict him or remove him. Many of you have read about all of this in previous posts and know how it went down already. For those who have not, I will simply say, when you pray God hears. How He answers is always according to His will. Since God is always good no matter what strife we face here, when you pray, my advice would be to let it go, have faith in God, and keep your focus on Him! I have done my best at this. 

Being a single mom of many children can be scary. Every month I make out my budget, look at these growing children and say a prayer for provision. Going into November I knew I was going to sponsor a child so my clothing budget had to grow a little. I also knew I was going to this fundraiser and I would support anyone who stepped up and came to the event. It just so happened I was looking for a night light of sorts so thank you God for helping me make my dollars stretch to do all they need to do in a given month!

This year, I enrolled Michael in basket ball. Thinking with no father in the house, being a part of a team would be healthy for him. We had our first game on November 2nd and I watched as Michael did great, stealing passes and rebounding, but he would have done even better had he not been sliding all over the place! I had not budgeted for basketball shoes in the month of November but knew he truly needed a pair for his own safety. I played on a basketball team most of my childhood. I know how much shoes matter. I woke up Saturday morning bound and determined to purchase a pair of shoes for him even if it meant being more creative with our menu selections this month.

So I loaded all the children in the car and off to Dicks Sporting Goods we sped. When we got there we headed to the shoe section and a kind employee helped us with the right size. I allowed Michael to pick out his favorite pair, praying that he would pick one of the least expensive pairs, which he did. Still, it was more money than I would spend purchasing shoes for all of them combined! He laced them up and I had him shift and turn and move around. He loved them. The employee handed me the box, told me he could wear them out and we went to go pay for them. The first cashier I approached was already calling for help from management so I asked if there was another cashier open. She pointed over to the other side of the store and said there should be someone on the east side. As I headed to that side, the same employee that had helped us came running up to me with an envelope. He informed me that he had no idea what was inside but he was asked to give it to me by another shopper. When I got over to the cashier, I opened the envelope and began crying. It was a gift card with enough money on it to completely pay for Michael's shoes. 

I shared the good news with the children and the cashier. It was awesome to watch Michael play this Saturday and not slide! We lost the game by two points in the final few seconds of the game. It was an awesome game to watch!

After that we headed off to the store, joyous that we had enough to buy two weeks worth of dinners and breakfasts and snacks as long as we were smart with our money. I have assigned all the children duties so that I don't have chaos in the aisles. Marissa is my tally keeper. Michael helps me pull the cart along. Delilah and Marie are my fetchers and Jeffrey is consulted on options. When we got to the cashier, she rang up all my items. We joked and talked as she is one of my favorites there. I've been shopping at Aldi's since I was a teenager! When she hit the total button she leaned forward and said, "I just have to ask, did you or your children talk to anyone in the aisle?" I said, "No. we didn't." She then held up some cash and said, "Well a lady that shops in here all the time like you said she wanted to bless you. So is it okay if we take this off your bill." Again. I stood in awe with tears in eyes and said, "Yes". 

I was so overwhelmed by it all, my eyes hurt from holding back tears. I told the children I needed to unload the groceries and then we needed to go do laundry. Jeffrey looks at me and asks, "Can we go to the hotel and do the laundry?" I thought to myself. With the money I was blessed with I did have enough to cover a room and it would be nice to not be in a laundry mat. To pretend I was doing laundry where I lived would be a blessing so I caved. When I called to see if there were any suites available I was informed there was. I booked the room. When I arrived, I was given the room for $10 less than my normal charge which is already a gift in itself. I got all the children settled in the room and went to get some quarters for the washer and dryer. When I got to the front desk, I was told they did not have enough quarters to give me change but was invited to do my laundry for free in their industrial machines. 

This week the Lord provided every need I had in amazing ways leaving me in awe. When I went to church on Sunday, as always we were asked if anyone had any praises or prayer requests, I had to share my blessings. I told everyone about my Saturday. 

I love my home church for I truly feel at home. I have shared both blessings and asked for prayers here. What I love most about my home church is that I truly feel at home there. 

This month of November the youth group decided it would add more fun to the day if we had 'Themes' for each Sunday. Last Sunday was 'Goodwill' Sunday. In other words go to goodwill and find an outfit that is not the norm and wear it. This Sunday was 'Crazy Hat' Sunday. I love having fun so of course I have been participating. Here are pictures of my outfits for the last two weeks!

So This is a dress I found on the rack at goodwill. It was obviously hand made. Pink was not anywhere in my wardrobe until I added this festive item! It helped me win the prize for the week. Up until it was announced I won best dressed for the girls, we did not know there would be a prize! I took this same hat and dressed it up a bit for the following Sunday.

As you can imagine, I got quite a few compliments when I wore it! One even from the bowling alley manager! I saw a lot of crazy hats this Sunday myself! 

This coming week is twin day and I am pretty sure I have talked another friend of mine into checking out my church. I have already worked out our outfits. This is going to be so much fun. We are ending the month with Formal Day as the final Sunday. I have my eyes open for a fancy dress I just know God will provide for me in the nick of time. That Sunday is also when we will stay after church and all eat together in the banquet room. Nothing like hanging out with family!! 

If you don't feel at home where you seek the word and are in search of a home church in Hamilton / Marion County, I would love for you to check out where I enjoy fellowship each Sunday. We meet at Pinheads Bowling Alley in Noblesville, Indiana, in the Bar or Banquet room. Worship begins at 10, but feel free to arrive a little early for conversation, donuts, milk, juice and coffee! You will learn right out of the bible and I promise you will be made to feel at home!

Father today I pray that all and any who are in search of a home church find just what they are looking for. May the place be full of members of the body of Christ. There is nothing like hanging out with true believers and learning your word. I am so blessed to have found Leavener as my home church. I am singing your praises Father and am so thankful for how you shower me with love and as promised provide all my needs for me. May many more step out if Faith and be blessed in seeing how much you love them as well. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

* My wallet story can be read here:

#1:  http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2012/12/show-me-sign.html

#2:  http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/07/unpacking-treasure-show-me-sign-part-ii.html

** These are the blogs regarding my prayer for Mike to be convicted or removed:

#1: http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/09/convicted-by-god.html

#2: http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/09/dont-fret-god-is-faithful-he-always-has.html

#3: http://youareworthytoo.blogspot.com/2013/09/better-off-with-god.html

All I ever ask of any reader is if you find yourself moved, encouraged, inspired at all, please share my blog link with anyone you think is in need of some hope, faith and love!

Wendy, Walks with God

Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Never Give Up Hope!

Fantastically Fun-Filled Family Friday! I turned on my radio this morning and this is the song that greeted me. I realized while accessing my blog from my phone yesterday that not everyone can see the video's I post so from this day forth I will make a note to name artist and title so that you can search them out for yourself. This one is by Sidewalk Prophets and the song is called 'The Words I Would Say'.

This weekend I will be hanging out with some friends, having a campfire, listening to some acoustic music and watching the children play flashlight tag after I join some fellow believers in what will be my first Savior's Serenade. I was invited via email but the group actually has a fan page on Facebook. These serenades are to give God all the glory by singing his praises. How COOL is that?!? The one I am attending is for an uplifting encouraging lady from my home church that just finished radiation and chemotherapy treatments for her cancer. Our prayer is that she will not only be in remission but completely cured of this disease. If you would like to learn more about this group or think this is something you would like to do in your area, here is the link to the fan page on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SaviorsSerenade So. That is what I am doing Saturday. I still don't know what the plan is for tonight. Thinking the children can have pizza and cheese bread, I'll have a salad and we'll pick a movie or two from Redbox to watch. Sunday of course is church and my prep day for the week. I started out my morning with a chocolate protein, orange fiber, greens, Lime Sorbet omega 3 Shake and then I busted a move with an ab workout. Wow! Talk about jump starting your day! I'm beyond my thirty days and less than two weeks from my six week commitment and I already know I'm going to continue this program or something tougher. I love the way I feel. It almost makes me cry to think how far I've come with a lot of determination and focus. Just goes to show you, you truly can do what you set your mind to!

Speaking of mindsets, how are you coming with your thirty day challenge to renew your mind? Are you taking the time to absorb a little of God's word each day? What about some Christian Music? Have you found a daily devotional? These little things truly will change your life. Remember what you put into your mind is bound to come out of your mouth. Why fill your head with trash? Here is today's encouraging word by K-Love:

Be still, and know that I am God! ~ Psalm 46:10, NLT

That is my go to verse this year. I love the entire Psalm itself. Especially the first part. Allow me to share it here with you: 

verse 1: God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

verse 2: Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;

verse 3: Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its selling pride. Selah

verse 4: There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High.

verse 5: God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

verse 6: The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. 

verse 7: The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah

verse 8: Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolation in the earth.

verse 9: He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. 

verse 10: Cease striving and know that i am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

verse 11: The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

This Psalm moves me. It speaks to me. I like to think of myself as a river that springs forth hope in others. I love the thought that God is happy with me. I am after all His child. What child doesn't long to please their father? With that thought in mind, what are you doing today to encourage and lift those around you that need a boost? Sometimes those who look like they have it all together are the very ones that don't. One of my favorite sayings growing up (yes I have a lot of them lol) was 'Don't judge a book by it's cover'. You never really know what is going on inside another person if you only assume and never inquire. Today, since it is family Friday and we in essence are all brothers and sisters, shouldn't we reach out to one another with a little kindness? Go out of your way and make a special point to be kind to those who are not always the kindest to you. Everyone that you come into contact today that is serving you in some way, the clerk behind the counter, a waiter, a banker, whoever, make a point to smile at them, tell them to have a wonderful day, be a blessing to all you encounter. Today be a part of the body of Christ. You will be blessed in doing so. May you have a blessed day as well my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Father, today I come to with you in song singing how Great you are. I am so thankful for the ways in which you are stretching and changing me into a more beautiful person. I know there is plenty of work to be done and I love that you are continuing that work. Thank you. Thank you for my fellow sisters and brothers in Christ that you have brought into my life to encourage me! What an awesome family I am a part of. I am so blessed and so thankful for all my blessings. Father I know there are so many in the world hurting and in the dark and lost and I pray that one of your hand or foot soldiers is able to shine some light on them today. May you direct our footsteps and may we be willing. May we get better at being still and knowing you are God. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Wendy, walks with God
Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

The Power of Prayer

Terrific testimonial Tell-All Tuesday! My tell all. . . I'm shrinking! I am on my second stretch of working out for 9 days straight. Only 6 more to go including tonight. Last night I had to kick my own rear to get going but a girl will do what she has to right!?! I am stronger, I have further reach and amazingly my back is getting better! All that have been praying for me regarding my immense back pain, Thank you!! Yesterday I dropped a pencil, it rolled under the couch, and without thinking about it, I actually dropped to my knees, reached under the couch, grabbing the pencil and then I sat back up with tears in my eyes. This would have been impossible for me to do just a month ago! Praise Jesus. Today's encouraging word reminded me of times gone by and gave me comfort knowing it's truth. I hope it helps you feel better about whatever you may be facing in your own life  

See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you.

~ Exodus 23:20, NLT

That was my facebook post on my fan page today. Here is the link so that if you are on facebook, you can like my page and always be able to find me! I try to post something positive every day. https://www.facebook.com/YouAreWorthyToo

So, life without Mike is interesting to say the least. Even when your mate is not putting Christ first or even being somewhat supportive, trust me when I say you will notice their absence in many various ways. Allow me to cover just a few ways I have been reminded of the things Mike did take care of for me:

1. When leaving my baptism Thursday night, September 19th, I was shown that an oil spot looked fresh and was advised to check my oil. (This would normally be a Mike job)

2. Sunday, September 21, I realized I had a low tire in need of some air. I found a place with air and after dropping $1.00 into the machine, added the air needed. I, of course, had to check the pressure on my good tire to know what the other tire was supposed to be!

3. I forgot to check my oil for over a week! I kept popping the hood but then would forget to check it after   the car had cooled down. When I finally did, I was indeed 2 quarts low! Yikes!! When I went to the auto store to purchase the oil, I realized I had no idea what my car required!

I would be the world's biggest liar if I said I didn't miss Mike with all my heart. The twins just turned 9 this last Sunday. Not having him here was noticed by the girls for sure. I took them out to an awesome play / concert as my gift to them. It was truly a girl's night out. My oldest son stepped up to the plate and watched two of his younger brothers for me so that I could pull the night off. Here are some pictures from the event put on by my all time favorite Christian radio station.

As you can see I still have not figured out how to put pictures into this blog system. As soon as I try to move a pic they all fly everywhere. This is the best I can do for now. The girls had a great time. They all came home with the pink crazy hair in lights, a CD from the feature band and a DVD from a previous show. I love moody radio and the events that they put on for families. God is front and center as He should be. 

So as it seems to happen more and more lately, it is taking me more than one day to write a blog post! Today's encouraging word by k-love made my heart swell. You know I have to share it: 

O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety.

~ Psalm 61:1-3, NLT

As I shared on Facebook today, I have recently been on my knees praying in such a desperate manner. This summer has for sure been one for change. I still don't know God's plan for me but that is okay. What I do know is that I greet each day with a thank you to God for all the blessings in my life. They are plenty. I am sure many would look at me and my situation and find pity for me. I on the other hand see nothing but how blessed I am. It all depends on where your focus is. I willfully chose to keep my focus on my savior, Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth and the life. 

Today I pray that no matter where you are today that you take the time to say thank you for your life and all the good things in it. When you begin giving thanks and showing gratitude for even the smallest things it begins to change not only your view but also your mindset. Words of wisdom say it all starts with the renewing of your mind. What are you putting into your mind? What you put in will find a way to come out. Remember that when thinking how you would like to spend your time! Go about your day being a blessing to others. It is more rewarding than I could ever explain.

Father, thank you for my life. Thank you for my beautiful children. Thank you for shelter and a full tummy. Thank you for healing me. I love getting smaller and being able to carry my children. Just being able to walk without immense pain is an absolute blessing. All glory for my wellness is credited to you. I am so blessed to have had so many praying for me. Thank you also father for your work where Mike is concerned. While I know he has more growing and stretching to come I thank you for taking the time. I thank you for how you move me. Recently I prayed in the spirit for a very special friend's parent. I am humbled by the news shared recently of his newly founded devotion as well as his improved health. You amaze me Lord. I am crying tears of gratitude as the reality of the power of prayer and how you move hits me square in the face in such an undeniable way. Thank you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Wendy, walks with God

Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Super Silly Sing Song Saturday! Are you Smiling?

K-Loves Encouraging word on Saturday 7/20/2013

Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live.

~ Psalm 119:144, NLT 

Good afternoon everyone! I usually don't do much with my blog or my facebook groups on Saturday. I made a promise to my children that the weekends are for family not business. We do the needed mundane daily chores of course, but we focus mainly on God and enjoying our time together as during the week we don't get quality time. 

Many of you have seen various posts about Fantastically Fun-Filled Family Friday, but I have yet to title a blog titled Super Silly Sing Song Saturday! Today that changes! 

My 5 year old starts school this year and I was looking for her birth certificate when I ran across the school box. You know, that box that you put really rememberable things from your child's school years in. I had forgotten about the poem and creative writing folder I had created for Travis when he began the second grade a few years ago. It was the first time as a parent I had been assigned with homework when receiving my child's information packet for the next school year. 

In the sealed packet that Travis brought home was a letter from his  2nd grade teacher. Inside was a request for a decorated binder for creative writing. The instructions asked for us to create it in a way that would inspire our child with ideas they could write short stories about. 

It was my desire to have Travis remember all the fun things we did together as a family. It seemed back then he focused more on what he had not been able to do rather than reflect on the good times. This just made me try to get him to lighten up even more! When he used to get mad at me, I would sing this song to him:

Travis, it's a travesty.
Why are you so Mad At me?
I don't know what I did
You're just a little kid
Travis, it's a travesty.

Sometimes the song worked, other times it did not. The funniest Travis moment for me was when he was in kindergarten. He went in the morning and in the afternoon he ran calls with me. One day we ran home between school and my first estimate that afternoon only to discover Mike and the other children were not home and they had left the play room in shambles. I stopped short and exclaimed, "Travis! It's a travesty." He looked up at me as serious as a kid can and as he shook his head he said, "Oh no it's not!" He exclaimed, "It's a Marrisaty, a Marieity or a Michaelty but it is NOOOOOO travesty."  I laughed so hard I was on the floor in absolute stitches over it. You know what they say about "Out of the mouths of babes"!

When it came to this assignment, I thought long and hard about what might inspire Travis to find the silver lining in situations. I was drumming up ideas to help him find laughter in life. I wanted to provide him with a way to remember all the fun we had had that summer. I began with going through the pictures I had taken over the last year. Then, as I sometimes am, I was inspired to include a poem for him. Travis loves to build and create things and I thought if I gave him an idea of what he could do with pictures and words he might really enjoy learning how to express himself this way. 

So here I am 4 years later looking for Delilah's Birth certificate and I stumbled upon this: 

Reading, writing and arithmetic.

School is fun when you're not sick.

I won the award for going home first.

But being sick is the worst!

This summer I did a lot of stuff.

I still told my mom it was not enough!

I went camping and swimming and to the fair!

I had my mom shave off my hair!

I made a toolbox and rode a train!

I played outside in the rain!

I learned how to swim on my own!

Over the summer how I've grown!

I went down a water slide at Forest Pool

And jumped off the diving board ~ Very Cool

My grandma took me to the Zoo!

There was still so much I wanted to do!

I rode on a jet ski and got lost on the lake!

A map sure would have been wise to take!

Everywhere I went I would meet a new friend!

I wish that the summer was not at the end!

But the seasons they come and they go.

With each passing month I continue to grow.

With determination, I will learn something each day.

And with the spirit of childhood I will continue to play!

Good Luck in the 2nd Grade, Love Mom

2009-2010

There is a reason I renamed the weekends as well as the days of the week. I am sure I am not alone as the only parent who realizes being a parent is hard. You deal with little personalities and trust me many trials and tribulations over the years. I find focusing on Jesus not only helps me be a better person, it helps me be a better parent. It was in the process of me trying to renew my mind daily that I renamed the days of the week.

On Saturday I am reminded that singing praises helps my attitude when the house is falling apart. I try to remember to smile and remain calm through the chaos and to pray for help with what to say. I still find myself calling for order at times in a manner that is louder than I would care to admit, but I'm flesh. I'm human. The difference is I hear the holy spirit convicting me of my righteousness and I am reminded of who I am in Christ. I am sure I will be better at staying calm and getting order faster as well as softer over the next year. I know this will happen for daily I renew my mind with God's word. 

Today I encourage you to take the time to enjoy your family, your parents, your children, your friends and your loved ones. Live life abundantly. Enjoy the good times and be there for each other always. One of the best sounds in the world is laughter. 

Have a Super Silly Sing Song Saturday Everyone! On a side note here is the link to some children stories I wrote back when my oldest two were my only two! http://storiesiwrote4mychildren.blogspot.com/

If you find one you like, share it with others you think might enjoy them too. Have a blessed day everyone!

Father, today I pray that parents strive to pay attention to the wisdom you have shared through your word. I pray more parents share you with their children. I know helping my children build their relationship with you is the best gift I can provide them with. I pray I get better at parenting and encouraging. I am off to enjoy the day you have blessed me with. May the world take the time to smell the flowers, bask in your Love and learn more about You and Your promises so that they share the good news with their children as well as all they know. May we all enjoy more laughter.  In Jesus name I pray! Amen.

Wendy, Mom of many.

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Fantatically Fun Family Friday! FABULOUS!

Good Morning World! It's Fantastically Fun Family Friday and that puts me in a FABULOUS mood! I am looking forward to some SERIOUS LAUGHTER and relaxation this weekend! I'll be kicking it back with my little ones. We are going to the Y tomorrow. I am going to hit the treadmill again. I finally have a pair of tennis shoes! First pair in over 3 years!!! My birthday gift to myself. I am committed to getting back in shape. This pain stuff is for the birds! I know the kids will want to hit the pool again. I think they are all half fish! I am looking forward to seeing what all we can do as a family there. I just got my membership and have only been there once by myself and once with all the kids By MYSELF! This weekend I'll have some help. I hope you enjoy your family time and are able to slow down the hustle bustle a bit and enjoy this thing we call Life!

My main goal in life is to spread the good news. If you are looking for some encouragement or some honest true life struggle and overcome stories, or perhaps a general boost in your day, I hope you find all of that here. 

I wrote a blog a week ago talking about how "It's all in your mindset" when it comes to how you feel about, and deal with everything that comes your way. This year one of my goals was to focus more on my relationship with Our Heavenly Father. One of the tricks that I used was to rethink how I look at each day of the week. This is why many of my blog titles focus on the day. Doing this allows me to get excited about spending time with my children and helps me remember how quickly time passes so I tend to make the most out of each moment. I have to admit doing things this way has for sure increased the laughter in our home. 

Last weekend, my youngest 3 went to the daddy daughter dance. Trying on dresses and shoes as well as taking them to get their hair done was hectic for sure but because I had thought about the day ahead in a positive manner I think it enabled me to keep the focus on the joy that this day was meant to bring to the girls. I took the two youngest boys out for mom and son time and we had some good laughs. I am going to try to add some pics and videos to this blog today to share with you a snippet of the joy my life is beginning to overflow with simply by focusing daily on God's Word as well as Recognizing the TRUTH about Jesus and Grace. I hope these give you cause to giggle . . . laughter is the best medicine!

  Adding pics is NOT easy!

 I have fought with this blog for an hour trying to put these in order! Obviously failing big time!! I was trying to upload some video too . . . not going very well . . . I think I sent it to Youtube lol. I will play havoc trying to find it I'm sure! I hope everyone has a Fantastic Fun Family Friday this week. Remember tomorrow is another day to celebrate life!

Oh my . . . I cannot get anything to work for me now. God only knows what this will look like when published! Today I pray that we learn to relax and not let the little irritations like photos not dropping like you want them to get the best of you! I pray we all laugh a little hardier and enjoy the moments we are given. I pray we all make the most of each day here on earth and draw closer in relationship with Our Heavenly Father through Christ. In Jesus name I pray, Wendy, Mom of many!


Copyright © 2013 Wendy L Glidden. All Rights Reserved.