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

God Is Faithful, Good and True

I have so much to be joyous about.
It makes me laugh and sing and shout!
Life is abundant, I am free
Curious as to how I came to be?

I am not here to brag or boast
It's good news I love to share the most.
God called me out over a year ago
It's in sharing our story others will come to know

God is FAITHFUL, good and true
He sent His son to save me and you!

The Good News is the Best News you will ever hear
If you're not deaf, you'll give a mighty cheer 
If you are blind, you will sadly only sneer
But those that are able to see will be free from fear!

So if today you have found yourself at the end of yourself
I am here to share a story of hope and faith I pray helps
The roads I have traveled have been at times dark and long
But throughout my chapters I reveal how I remained strong

I've been told by others that they have walked a similar street
The most amazing part of my life today would be the others I meet
I am here show you God's mercy, grace and glory
They are intertwined throughout my life story.

I hope through sharing my life with you,
Seeking the Lord becomes something you naturally do
For when you seek, you will discover an abuandance that never ends
P.S. I'm always looking for fellow sisters and brothers for friends 

This is actually a post I began on facebook as a status update on my business page. I had only planned to type an intro and share the encouraging word from K-Love, yet as often happens when I am relaxed, it seems my fingers have something else in mind! Here is today's encouraging word from K-Love:

He has enabled us to be ministers of His new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:6, NLT

I ask, "Who's longing to LIVE this life and live it abundantly?"

I have seriously been blogging and sharing true life events for over a year now! Before the month ends, I am hoping to publish the first 16 years of my life. Had someone asked me if I thought my first 16 years of life were worthy of publishing, I would have told them no. God thought otherwise.  be blessed and be a blessing 


Wendy Glidden, walks with God
Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2014

Remember, With God, ALL Things are Possible!

It's Tremendously Thankful Thoughtful Thursday! As I look back at the blogs I have written, and ahead at those still left to share, I am awe struck at the strength the Lord has given me through my journey. As many of you know I listen to Christian Radio, Read my Bible, Read devotionals as well as countless posts from other believers. They all fuel my fire and renew my mind. The more I learn, the more I love. The more I seek, the more I find. It truly is a vicious cycle!

I subscribed to K-loves Encouraging Word this year. They say the encouraging word throughout the day on the radio itself, but they email it as well. This was the one from Tuesday and I just love what it says. For I know the truth behind the words. Without further ado, I introduce to you from Isaiah, Chapter 41, verse 10, taken from my email quoting the NLT:

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Doesn't it just warm your heart to know that this promise is true! No matter what you are going through, what travesty you are facing, what mountain lies before you, Don't be afraid or discouraged. He will hold you up. I can't help but smile for I see so vividly how many times I have been held up and strengthened. There is no denying it.

This morning I heard the testimony of a man on K-Love who said he had the most amazing revelation almost as if Jesus was in the truck with him and he just knew even if he were the only human on the face of the earth Jesus would have come for him. I know that feeling myself. I smiled. The man made the comment about how personal the feeling was as if Jesus had reached out to him right there and filled him with that knowledge. It is my prayer that all my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ have this same revelation regarding themselves when it comes to the Love Christ has for them.

Sometimes I feel guilty being so joyous in my confidence of God's love for me. I know no matter what happens tomorrow, God will still love me. When it all boils down to nothing if you have a relationship with God, you are going to be just fine. It reminds me of Janice Joplin when she sang, "Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose" there is an element of truth to that. Many people add stress and fear into their lives due to the things they don't want to give up or lose. Possessions and belongings and even relationships can imprison you. When you have nothing there is no fear of what you may lose. I am free today for I know I have everything I need. I have God's love. 

Last night after I read Mike the blog "Dissed, Disowned, Disgraced and Darn Near Destitute" I asked him what he thought. He said, "Scary". I laughed and asked, "What do you mean by scary? What all we went through?" He laughed and said, "No, your memory of it all. Amazingly scary." I asked him, "Okay, aside from that what did you think?" He said, "I liked the ending." I was surprised, "The prayer?" He said, "Yea, it was really good." That made me smile. At one point in time Mike was not impressed by the prayers of others for others. That is obviously not the case today. Don't think a person can never change, it truly begins with the renewing of one's mind. Put in positive and positive will begin to flow back out. 

He ventured to ask me what my next title was that I was hoping for healing from and I said, "Landing on a Ledge". He shook his head and repeated what I had said as if asking a question. I said, "Yea, here I have been for the last couple blogs commenting about how I was tumbling straight down a mountain I couldn't stop long enough to get my footing. I was so confident that because you had asked God for me and had won me that you would always be for me. I felt we were so in love then I never saw what happened next coming and when it happened it was like wham, I landed on ledge so hard it took my breath away." 

As we carried on our conversation, Mike made the statement that we had really been through a lot. I said, "Yes, you are blessed to have a girl like me. You look at all of that and how calm I was through it all, even when I was 28 weeks pregnant with twins. You do realize all that I blogged about in that last chapter happened within the first 6 months of our relationship?" He said, "Wow." I said "I know. I never freaked out on you once." I may not have realized it fully back then but I was held strong by God's victorious right hand. Jesus Christ died for me. He died for you. Grab a hold of that truth. Recognize that Love and hold tight to your Faith. I promise you, He will see you through. 

I am encouraged to share a song, hoping you enjoy it. Sung by Brandon Heath "I'm Not Who I Was"

I am blessed to have Mike know both who I was and who I am today. I went to God when I needed help with our relationship and I was shown how to manage and today I stand with Mike and am thrilled to announce that January 18, 2014 we will be renewing our vows and for the first time saying them in front of family and friends as well as praising God as we share how we went to him alone the first time we said our vows. It will be exactly 10 years from our very first kiss. It was only do to my following Jesus that we are where we are at today. 

I just want to let you know, what ever you are facing today, whatever obstacle seems to large to overcome, with God all things are possible. Trust in that and walk in Faith my sisters and brothers. You will LOVE who you become and how your view of things will change. You will discover Joy in the midst of madness. 

Please leave me a comment on this post or any post you read. We are meant to encourage one another and comments lift me like I cannot even put into words. Nothing stokes me more than being an inspiration to someone helping them find their way home. The most awesome gift one can give to another is "The good news". You want to truly help a friend out, help them build their Faith. Through Faith they will find hope and when they stick the course they will discover Love. God is Love. Love is God. It truly is as simple as that!

Father God, Today I come before you and ask that you strengthen me when judgement from non believers strikes. I thank you for filling my life full of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. They help with their encouraging words. Thank you for always being there. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for your council over the years. I love who I am in you. I pray I am a light for others. I pray you use me to call others home. I pray I am a mighty warrior in your army of saints. Use me Lord in ways I can only imagine. Allow me to be a voice in the darkness. Let my story of triumph be heard. May my testimony reveal your Grace and Glory to all who stumble upon it. May it inspire others to not only seek and find you but to in turn share the good news so that a wave of triumph becomes louder than the news of dark deeds. In Jesus name I pray.

Amen

Wendy, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Wild Wacky Wonderful Weds! Boy is it Ever!!

Good Morning Everyone! Today is Wild Wacky Wonderful Wednesday and boy is it ever! March 13th and I walked out the door into a mini snowflake snow storm! Is that groundhog wacky or what? Little prankster. . . gotta admit these last couple of year the weather has been interesting . . . with all the computer technology our forecasters get it wrong . . . what makes us so interested in where this guys shadow falls?

This month I have something going on every night. Tonight I get the honor of hanging out with the incredible Brenda E Taylor. It is our 4th meeting! Brenda created an online Group called The Journey of Women. We are not big yet but we are dedicated to making a difference. This is our Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/groups/274161102711294/ She has a mission in mind. If you are a woman in any walk of life looking for a place to make lifelong true-blue friends we invite you to join us tonight for dinner and conversation! All I know is it’s on US 40 on the East side and we are meeting at this AWESOME Mexican restaurant. The food is delicious and the company will be downright real.

Guess this is kind of a long status post but today is going to take me by storm and I intend to ride it out calmly . . . who knows if I’ll get back to facebook today so . . .If you have nothing else to do but watch TV, why not come out and join us? For information either friend Brenda or message me or like her page and leave a message!

** This was my status update today on facebook. STATUS UPDATE . . . I think I issue news bulletins! I really am excited about meeting with Brenda again this month. She is down to earth. I was drawn to her the first time we sat in a meeting for Christian Women's Business Connection. The leader of that group is Cathy Padgett. She is my life coach! I love her. She prays for me and motivates me to reach for the stars. She is the one who helped me capture the negative soundtrack loop that was playing out in my head daily. I promise you, life changes when you put a little focus on the thoughts that whisper across your brain during the day. I look back over the last 6 months and I am left grinning. 

You see, I have stepped so far out of my comfort zone it has completely changed my life and everything about it. It was the spark that started the flywheel. If you are unhappy with one element of your life I encourage you to get more active in your life.  Do something that will draw you out of your shell. I admit it going to places where a lot of busy people are frightens the heck out of me. I don't even know why. Once I get settled in I'm fine. I have figured out that being me is perfectly okay. I like myself. Why wouldn't others? 

I'm not sure where this confident Wendy has been over the years but I'm happy she found her source of strength again! Yes, I did talk in 3rd person ha ha . . . sometimes it's just the best way to get the point across at how even you notice a difference in yourself . . . almost as if before you were hanging out with a different person. 

** As promised, here is the update on my YMCA experience: I am excited. Amazing how less overwhelming a facility becomes once you have the full tour and understand how and where everything is. The place is endless and the rooms for my children to access are rocking! I have two hours of childcare available every day except Sunday. I was absolutely elated again last night. I was promised a wellness assessment by next week which include setting up a workout plan for myself as well as an explanation on how to use the machines! Even cooler my information gets plugged into this program and the machines are tied into it so that I keep an actual true log of my activity! Oh yea, a little accountability never hurt anyone! Last night I walked on the treadmill for 1/2 an hour again. It's the only machine I have braved. Monday I walked 1.3 miles and last night I walked 1.4 miles. Even cooler, I was more relaxed last night and even managed how to figure out how to input my weight into the machine so it calculated how many calories I burned! After my walk and cool down I went over to the subway inside the Y and ate a tuna sandwich loaded with spinach, onions, black olives, tomatoes, banana peppers and jalapenos. Yum! Then I changed into my swimsuit and went to the Hot Tub. The jets are so powerful I'm telling you it's heavenly. 

I have a busy day ahead of me . . . I've been slammed via the phones so I apologize if this is a little jumbled. I write as I think . . . you never know what you are going to get! I have been getting flashes of memories the last couple of days so I know I am being prepared to continue on my story and enter the dark ages once and for all. 

Today I pray you step out of your comfort zone in some way. I pray it starts a spark that fires a flywheel of movement for you. I pray that you put yourself out there for honest friendship possibilities. I pray that you become more active in multiple ways. I pray you begin to enjoy life and see the beauty in living it to the fullest. I pray you draw closer to God and lean upon his strength. I pray you too realize there is no cause for fear. Our God is bigger than anything! I pray you begin to see the beauty in your life and you begin to give thanks. Today I also pray for all believers of Christ. I pray We step up and get active in spreading the good news. We can't do that closed up inside hiding our light from the world. I pray all believers wake up and get in motion. Today I thank Our Heavenly Father for so many blessings He has bestowed upon me and all the blessings yet to come my way. I love my life. I know my purpose. I plan on enjoying my mission and I'm so thankful that I was chosen for this life. What an incredible life it has been thus far. Thank you Father. In Jesus name I pray,

Wendy, Mom of Many


Copyright © 2013 Wendy L Glidden. All Rights Reserved.