Out of Gas ~ Anything Helps!

The other day I went to do a load of laundry only to discover this sign in my laundry basket:

I have no idea who walked by and left it in my laundry basket in exchange for laundry detergent but the exchange proves one thing for sure, "Anything Helps".

As my day proceeded, I kept chuckling to myself over the slogan and how much truth it held. I cannot tell you how many times I have found myself 'OUT of Gas!' I think I said the phrase in my head about 100 times during the day as I laughed and shook my head.

Those of you who read 'For Reals' know moments this year took a toll on me and I did find myself 'Out of Gas' several times. Each time this happened, I found renewed strength in the Word of God. I thank Him for sending me back to college as an answer to a prayer. It was due to the weekly assigned reading, discussions and assignments that I read books of the bible that I can promise you I would not have dove into on my own. As I read and gained knowledge, I found a renewed strength.

As I write this, I am listening to K-Love and this song by the band Finding Favor comes on and Wow does it ever speak to me right now. Perhaps it will resound with you as well. After all, it is Silly Sing Song Saturday!

This life is a journey we walk by faith
And there will always be the mountains in our way
But right here in this moment, may our strength be renewed
As we recall what God has done and how we've seen Him move

If there's anybody here who's found Him faithful
Anybody here who knows He's able
Say Amen
If there's anybody here who's seen His power
Anybody here brought through the fire
Say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Just say Amen!

Sometimes through the darkness, it's hard to see
So just be brave and follow where He leads
Greater is the one who's in us, than he who's in the world
So child of God remember, the battle is the Lord's

If there's anybody here who's found Him faithful
Anybody here who knows He's able
Say Amen
If there's anybody here who's seen His power
Anybody here brought through the fire
Say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow
And seen time and time again
Then just say Amen!

Even in the valley of the shadow when you feel alone in the unknown
Just say Amen, just say Amen
Even when the storms are raging, stand and know your not forsaken
Just say Amen, just say Amen

Is there anybody here, tell me is there anybody here
Come on and say Amen

If there's anybody here who's seen His power
Anybody here brought through they're
Come on and say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow
And seen time and time again
Then just say Amen!

Often, I find myself so overwhelmed with gratitude that the word Amen says so much. I am thankful that God called me forth to put so much of my life into a book. It is in sharing our own testimonies that we find greater faith as well as inspire it in others. Recognizing the glory of God at work in your life does so much for your well being. 

As I reflect on that truth and just what sharing my story with the world has done for me, this song begins playing. Colton Dixon, "Through All of It"

"Through All Of It"

There are days I've taken more than I can give

And there are choices that I made

That I wouldn't make again

I've had my share of laughter

Of tears and troubled times

This is has been the story of my life

I have won and I have lost

I got it right sometimes

But sometimes I did not

Life's been a journey

I've seen joy, I've seen regret

Oh and You have been my God

Through all of it

You were there when it all came down on me

And I was blinded by my fear

And I struggled to believe

But in those unclear moments

You were the one keeping me strong

This is how my story's always gone

I have won and I have lost

I got it right sometimes

But sometimes I did not

Life's been a journey

I've seen joy, I've seen regret

Oh and You have been my God

Through all of it

Through all of it

And this is who You are

More constant than the stars up in the sky

All these years of our lives

I, I look back and I see You

Right now I still do

And I'm always going to

I have won and I have lost

I got it right sometimes

But sometimes I did not

Life's been a journey

I've seen joy

I've seen regret

Oh and You have been my God

Through all of it

Oh and You have been my God

Through all of it

Oh and You have been my God

Through all of it

I cannot imagine this life of mine without the LORD's help. I truly cannot fathom the mess I would be; the hopelessness I would be doomed to wallow in. I know this truth, the enemy came for one thing. To rob you of life, both here and for eternity to come. 

John 10:10, NASB: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 

It is in discovering who you are in Christ that you will indeed discover a well of strength that never runs dry. 

[13] Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; [14] but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." (John 4:13-14, NASB)

In Christ you will indeed find a hope that you will find in nothing else. How often I pray to take what I know to be truth and transfer it into others. To be able to transfer my faith to them. We all have to discover the truth for ourselves; I ask you, "How can you discover what you don't search for?"

We are promised the desires of our heart in the seeking of God. It is a PROMISE! Here is the catch though, God knows your heart. You cannot out fake God. There's great power in knowing Christ, but you should not seek to know Him only in hopes of gaining said power. Christ's power is not a destructive force designed for profit or gain. Christ's power reaps the fruits of the Spirit. Christ's power heals. It is a life changing force that transforms one from the inside out. It is in knowing who YOU are in Christ that you will find renewed strength and despite this fallen world and all it brings your way, you will be able to run and not get tired!

[28] Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. [29] He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. [30] Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, [31] Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. (Isaiah 40:28-31, NASB)

Today, should you find yourself running out of gas, I encourage you to fill your tank up with God's Love. Get to know who Christ was and is; for He never changes! I think the Gospel of John will reveal the Love of God for you. As you read those chapters, I pray for you the prayer that Paul said for the church in Ephesus:

[17] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. [18] I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, [19] and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Amen. (Ephesians 1:17-19, NASB)

May your day be blessed

May you find peace if stressed

Wendy Glidden, Mom of Many, walks with God.

© Wendy Glidden 2015

Have You Seen His Power?

Amen

This morning as I was making my way to the first school I drop off children at, this song came on the radio. I have heard it before but I have to tell you, life after 17 days behind bars is completely different than it was prior. Part of that would have to be due to the intensity that I was able to witness God at work every day. I truly must get going on my next book, “16 days and 2 head Counts” for I know it is certainly a volume that will encourage me every time I read a chapter. I know it will for that is what my third book full of true life stories does for me.

Anyway, this song sung by Finding Favor that is called, “Say Amen” started and as I sang the words, I was moved by the words, the truth of them and just the mere fact that I could sing a confident Amen every time he asked if there was anybody out there who had seen the LORD God in a glorious light. For those that can’t see the posted video, here are the words to this particular song:

This life is a journey we walk by faith
And there will always be the mountains in our way
But right here in this moment, may our strength be renewed
As we recall what God has done and how we've seen Him move

If there's anybody here who's found Him faithful
Anybody here who knows He's able
Say Amen
And if there's anybody here who's seen His power
Anybody here brought through the fire
Say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Just Say AMEN!

Sometimes through the darkness, it's hard to see
So just be brave and follow where He leads
'Cause greater is the one who's in us, than he who's in the world
So child of God remember, the battle is the Lord's

And if there's anybody here who's found Him faithful
Anybody here who knows He's able
Say Amen
And if there's anybody here who's seen His power
Anybody here brought through the fire
Say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow
And seen it time and time again
Then just Say AMEN!

Even in the valley of the shadow when you feel alone in the unknown
Just say Amen, Just say Amen
Even when the storms are raging, Stand and know your not forsaken
Just say Amen, Just say Amen

Is there anybody here, Tell me is there anybody here
Come on and Say Amen

And if there's anybody here who's seen His power
Anybody here brought through the fire
Come on and Say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow
And seen it time and time again
Just say Amen, Just say Amen!

As lines were sung, memories came flooding back and instantly I was in awe of how glorious the LORD God truly is. I know it is in giving thanks that our eyes are opened further and we are able to catch glimpses of the LORD God working in our lives. This truth is obvious in my own true life story. As I lived many of my published chapters, I didn’t always see my blessings. It was in coming to the cross that my own eyes were opened to countless things I had missed while living through my trials and tribulations.

Today I know I am guaranteed trials and tribulations, I mean in all honesty, I spent the first 17 days of this year dressed in orange and being seen as guilty until proven innocent by our justice system. I truly believed I was 40 days “in the desert” since as a felon, you don’t even get a voice until your 40th day. I was resolved to the fact that I was going to be behind bars for a minimum of 40 days. Every day, I asked God to use me where I was and I am so excited to share just what all took place in what I will forever consider the “Pit of Hell” in my next book which I am going to call “16 Days and 2 Head Counts”.

Alas, I am getting ahead of myself. What I am trying to say is when you finally find your way to “The New”, you discover a kind of peace regardless of the storm. You begin to truly have faith that your Heavenly Father is truly your provider and when you walk in faith, you live supernaturally. The LORD God is truly able to move mountains for you because you know He will. I truly believe this is what we gain when we live from Faith to Faith and Glory to Glory:

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” ( Romans 1:17 NKJV)

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV)

If I could give anyone a gift, it would be the gift of freedom from doubt and fear and uncertainty. It is truly my prayer that my true life story that the LORD God called me forth to share does just that for countless of my brothers and sisters who remain lost today or who are wavering in their faith. I would love to be part of what spurs you onto greater faith, which brings me to this:

ON MARCH 6th and 7th, you can download a FREE copy of “You Are Worthy Too: The Proof is in the Pudding” on Amazon.com by clicking on this link: Click Here for a FREE Copy! Fair warning, I allowed Amazon to convert my print version to a kindle format and it doesn’t look like they created a linkable table of contents so sorry about that. I was truly only going to do this book in print but then I was tempted to let Amazon create a Kindle version as part of their publishing package allows for a offering the book for free for a couple of days!

It is my prayer that as you read my story, it does for you what many have already claimed it has done for them. Lifted their spirits, encouraged them, given them hope and INCREASED their FAITH! I will be making the announcement for the next week so that as many people as possible have time to hear about the Free Download. Please spread the word to anyone you feel could use a little pep in their step! Be blessed and BE A BLESSING!

Wendy, Walks with God, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2015

The God of Angel Armies

It is Super Silly Sing Song Saturday according to my faith calendar I created for myself. This morning Mike found K-Love on the radio for me. The first full song I heard was "Whom Shall I fear" by Chris Tomlin. It is truly something when you realize the God we serve is indeed the God of angel armies.

When we dive into the Holy Bible, we are told about angels and messages they brought to various people including Mary and Joseph. I too have seen an Angel. I even had an army of angels help me defeat a three alarm fire in my last true home that I lived in for seven years. When I hear a song like Chris Tomlin's, it almost brings me to tears at the same time that it brings me to total awe. God loves us so much it is at times overwhelming for me. How can one cry and laugh at the exact same moment? It is my belief it is out of pure appreciation and awe at the depth of the love the Lord holds for his creation.

I often wonder, "Who am I to have been so blessed?" I know the answer, I am a child of God. It is my belief that knowing that truth, that I am a child of God, is what has kept hope alive inside of me through all of my rough bumps in the road.

I heard another song this morning but I don't know who sang it or the title. All I caught was the gist of the song itself. Basically the singer was saying something like, 'You may look at your life and wonder what went wrong, how you got to where you are today, but you are not at the end of your story. You are only in the middle.'

I don't know how many of you reading this have read my first book, "In the Beginning", but those that have know that my life did not turn out the way I thought it would. Certainly in the middle I felt just like that. Somehow what I had planned had spiraled into nothing that I had planned! Those that have continued to read my story from 'In the Beginning' to 'Marriage, Motherhood, and My Moral Meltdown' know that is the absolute truth! I would have to say all the awful things I have done and lived through have been a blessing in a weird way. You see, we are not born to judge. I certainly have no leg to stand on when it comes to being self righteous. I consider myself among the lowest of the low so it amazes me that God sees me through a different lens. This is the same lens we are to see each other with.

Today as you go about your day, I encourage you to see yourself as God sees you. When I look in the mirror, I see a plain girl who is still carrying too much weight on her bones. This is my flesh view. I know the majority of us look in the mirror and criticize various aspects of ourselves. I urge you to not look at the outer shell but to go deeper and look at the light inside. We are children of God. Fashioned in His image. It is a trick of the mind that makes us doubt our beauty. It is the world that mandates what is pretty or handsome and what is not. We are not of this world so why should we care what the world says of us? We should not. Instead we should do as we are advised in Philippians 4:8, as quoted from my NIV Study Bible:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable ~ if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.

I know many in the world have a misconception of just what is in the Holy Bible. The Word of God is twisted and used to manipulate people. We are even warned that this will happen. We are warned to stay close to the truth and to not be tricked by false witnesses and teachers. Their is power in knowing Christ, but you should not seek to know Christ to gain power. You seek to know Him because you desire freedom, not control of others. When you get the message of Grace you realize how twisted religion can be. How cruel it can be. It is just like the Pharisees and Sadducees ruling over the people. Burdening them with ridiculous laws that were never God's design. They plotted to kill Jesus because he was teaching the truth and that truth was going to remove their power. They simply could not have that. Gaining power is not what we are born to do. We were born to bring Glory to God and to love one another. Now that sounds like heaven to me!

Today I pray that more and more and more people are drawn to the truth. I pray that my books and blogs that God encouraged me to share with the world are read and are shared. I pray the encourage countless to discover the truth for themselves and in turn share it with others. I pray the light inside of us shines so brightly we drown out the darkness. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

Here is an audio clip / video reading the back cover and a snippet out of chapter one. If you love the Beginning, purchase the book! Available in both print and e-book / kindle formats.

Wendy Glidden, walks with God, mom of many

© Wendy Glidden 2014