Stand!

 Yesterday, as some of you already know, my lap top blacked out. Considering the fact that I am in college, taking my last two courses in order to achieve my bachelors degree in Biblical studies, losing my computer would be a big blow. Instead of letting that be my focus, I went old school ~ pen and paper. I outlined my thoughts for my one assignment; a 4 page paper answering a few question prompts over this week's required reading. I talked to complete strangers about my faith, my Lord, the message of grace, abundant living and hope. I even spoke about how being fully dressed, I knew what was truly going on and instead of freaking out and fighting my computer, I closed it and prayed that God take care of it. I did mention to Satan that one computer glitch would not stop me. I told him I'd do my work on my phone if I had to! 

This is not the first time that a lap top black out has happened to me. When I was in the middle of writing my second book, Satan came after me like a crocodile. While I knew what I was hearing in my head was not coming from me and was indeed warfare, I was in a fight for my life! The oppression was so great. The fight was so fierce, I compared it to being in a full blown crocodile roll. Even fully armored, I was doing all I could to simply stand. A major piece of armor has to do with spending time with God; reading a little bit of his story, heading the warnings in his word and following his advice. In the end, my battle was broken with a combination of speaking out-loud about the battle I was in, by the grace of God an unexpected moment of hilarity followed by a connection to that mornings reading as I stood firm. Literally the moment my eyes took in the duplicated word, the first from my morning's reading of Scripture and secondly within the first 4 words of an opening paragraph from the chapter I was proofing, Satan vanished from my head. This is why your armor is so important!

The very next day though, he came at me again. My laptop that I loved was going on 4 years old and I knew that I needed to have a back up computer as I was in school back then as well. Not only did I need a laptop for school, I was also blogging almost daily and as I mentioned previously, I was working on the manuscript for Marriage, Motherhood and My Moral Meltdown. It was black Friday and I had grabbed a lap top at a great price. So here I was, two laptops one old and one new and in the same day, back to back, they both blacked out on me! As if that were not crazy enough, I had given the one to a friend of mine whose husband worked on laptops in hopes that he may be able to recover my manuscript. Stupidly, I had not saved a copy anywhere else outside of my documents. Crazy enough, he opened it up, turned it on and the darn thing came to life as if it had never hiccuped. Unlike this time where I closed the computer, prayed, walked away from it waiting a full day, I fought with that thing for a full hour before I went for the new one only to have it also go black screen on me. In the end, nothing was wrong with either one of them. Instead my friend's husband revamped my favorite laptop and it lasted another 4 years! 

I say all this to bring to light that often with technical stuff, it is the enemy messing with you and as crazy as it may seem, a quick prayer to God, the creator of all, including man who is credited with the advancements of technology, truly does make all the difference in the world. When things don't work these days, you better believe this girl prays first and then I say okay LORD, I must not be meant to get this done today. Was there something you needed of me while my other stuff is on hold? He always has something fun planned. 

Yesterday I talked to a mom of 13 children. A few of her kiddos are on the road with her. They get requests to sing at various events and even other churches. I also was able to listen to a woman talk about her life and her older son and we discussed prayer and free will. From there I chatted with another person about the journey of faith I had been on. My day was blessed in multiple ways. 

I could have elected to get all freaked out about my laptop. Insisted it had to be fixed or replaced ASAP as my two papers are due by Sunday at midnight, but I didn't. I know that each day has its trouble and that day was not the day to deal with the computer when I could manage to complete things on paper for the moment. Trusting that God won't allow me to fail as long as I do my part, turn to him and keep doing the things I can do while they can be done and putting the rest off for another day is a joy all of its own. You only find rest like that when your faith is firmly planted in Jesus. 

In the midst of all of this, I sang a song / wrote a poem. It will be added to the current manuscript I am working on; In the Midst of Spiritual Warfare. It's still in its rough draft format, but drop a line and let me know what you think! Until then, Stay Fully Dressed, Realized you are Blessed and be a blessing in the lives of others!

Oh whisper of contention

I know full well your desire

Don't you know I see you

Throwing wood on my fire?

Listen closely Satan,

My eyes are crystal clear

and as for my ears

Just know they're amped to hear!

Be warned, I got fully dressed this morning

I sang praises, put in petitions and prayers

Strapped on my breastplate of righteousness

Put the helmet of salvation upon my head of hair.

You may have conned me more than once

Back in the day when I was a mere youth

But presently you dirty dog devil

I'm protected by wearing the belt of truth!

Your fiery arrows have no effect today

For my shied of faith is raised up high

I'll walk shod in the shoes of the gospel of peace

Until that fateful day on earth when I die!

Until then, you'll see me coming boldly into the darkness

The Sword of the spirit held firmly in my hand

A mighty warrior in the army of Christ

This girl will do all she can to stand!

Wendy Glidden- Lincoln 2.10.2021

Father, Bless me indeed, bless my ministry, bless my marriage, bless my husband, bless our family and our home. Bless all those who are still captive and all those on the mission field, bless those in authority. Soften their hearts, open their minds to your ways. Bless this nation. Bless Pastor Grant and his wife Susan, bless all my sisters and brothers in Christ, bless all my friends and those who consider themselves my enemy. Bless us all indeed LORD! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, girl who walks with God, mom of many.

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

It is totally Terrific Testimonial Tell All Tuesday and what a Tell All Tuesday it is! I sit here looking at the screen wanting to both laugh and cry hysterically at the same time.

Those of you who have read my story know that I was approached by God as a pre-teen and told that I would be a mother to many. Today, I have the following announcements:

1. 1. Mike and I are 100% over. His heart belongs to someone else. A first love he never got over. He is searching for her on Facebook as of last night.
2. I'm pregnant.
   

This morning I am of course in the midst of a turbulent emotional storm within my heart. It is crazy the waves of emotions that are hitting me. It is almost too much to take. 

I know the only true thing I can armor my heart with is with Words from my father in heaven, so I grab my phone and pull up my email account in hopes that the crumb I find from K-Love's encouraging word will be the one I need. This is my substance this morning:

Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. (John 14:1, NLT)

I wept with gratitude." Don't let my heart be troubled! TRUST in God, and trust also in me." I cannot begin to tell you how those words strengthen me. I KNOW my God. I KNOW He loves me. I KNOW babies are blessings. While I have not a clue of what on earth He is thinking in blessing me at this time in my life, upon reading the encouraging word of the day, I recalled the first verse I clung to:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5, NLT)

I am so thankful that I can trust in the LORD today. In times past, I didn't even turn to the LORD while in crisis. I leaned on my own understandings; of course you know that if you read "You Are Worthy Too: The Proof is in the Pudding"

You can bet your bottom dollar that even fully armored today, I will laugh and I will cry. Twelve years is an interesting number and that is exactly how many years I have known Mike. I felt our relationship had come to its end on Sunday and I ended up going to the first Sunday service. 

I arrived late as I had originally planned my morning with the intention of going to the second service. It is my favorite as there is no rush for it to end at an exact time. It is my belief that this allows the Holy Spirit to work more freely. Anyway, after the singing part of Sunday worship ended, a man with a message was asked to come forward and share.This is mostly what he said:

"A relationship full of strife has come to a close today."

I sat in the pew truly believing that was a confirmation for me that Mike and I were indeed over. Full of strife described our relationship to a "T". The man went on to explain that the type of relationship was like Ruth and Naomi and he mentioned another relationship that I can't recall at the moment. I know the story of Ruth and Naomi so I questioned if the message was for me. He then went on to explain that is was more of a mentoring relationship that they were looking for, and I was like, "Oh. That kind of describes our relationship too." Next he mentioned that he believed that this was going to be a new person. That made me question if the message was intended for me again. You see, I am new to first service but not second and I just began going here this summer. He went on to mention that this message was intended for the prayer team so they would be on the lookout for this person. It was his belief that they would be in need of healing. With that I decided the message was for someone else. I reasoned that I would be elated if that message were for me and healing would be the last thing on my 'needs list'. 

Today as the realization that Mike has been in love with another girl for our entire relationship smacked me upside the head, the evil one began whispering awful lies to me and I was quickly sliding down a slippery slope of overwhelming heart break. Here I am pregnant with another child and this family is the last thing in the world that he wants. 

I've known it for a long time. I think anyone who reads my blogs may have thought the same thing a time or two. Some silly part of me thought, "One day. . . " Ugh!

Yes. I am sad and relieved. Worse, I am pregnant. I resent the hormones that make it that much harder for me to stay focused on the truth. God LOVES me. Christ also LOVES me. I am a redeemed child of God. I have a purpose. I need to set my mind on things above. Just what does my oh so humorous Father have in store for me next? Mom of Many indeed! 

I am going to need prayers for healing and strength and I ask for all who are intercessory prayer warriors to pray for me. I need prayers for provision as well. May my books flow off the shelves encouraging countless others to seek the LORD themselves. May the desires of my heart be fulfilled. May the LORD use me to the largest extremes. Expand my purpose. Fill my life with light. Allow my story to touch hearts across the globe. Let me be an expression of hope that brings knowledge of your glory into the darkest corners of the world. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, Mom of Many, walks with God.

© Wendy Glidden 2015

I 

And All the People Said, "Amen"

As many of you know, I subscribe to K-Love's encouraging word; it is also one of my favorite radio stations. This morning the song 'All the People Said Amen' by Matt Maher began playing and my heart was overjoyed to have all my children sing and dance to the song. It is a catchy tune you know! If you've never listened to it, click on this link and get ready to bust a move!

The more you get to know God, the more you see Him moving in your life with your 'faith eyes' and the more often you find yourself uttering the praise, "Amen". Psalms is one of my favorite books in the bible; who am I kidding lol. In going to college I have taken so many classes, I have been blessed in reading and understanding parts of all 66 books. Regardless, this is the verse I am sharing today:

Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us and not we ourselves. (Psalm 100:3, my alphabet picture)

I think one of the most interesting things I have read in the last year came from a book called, 'The Fear of the Lord' by John Beverre. In it he shares the truth that in man are the very elements found in the earth. Seeing how man was formed from the earth, it makes perfect sense that this would be the case. However, until I read it, I had never thought much about it. Today I think about it every time I till the soil.

I bring up God alot in my daily conversations with others. I can't help it. Often when someone is sharing things about their life and why they are stressed or worried, I ask them this simple question, "Where are you in your walk with God?"

When you begin walking with the Lord and building your relationship with Him, the biggest thing you will notice is that you are able to find peace in the midst of turmoil and stress no longer holds you in slavery. This stems from the promises He makes His children:

1. Romans 8:28: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
2. Psalm 91:15: "He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 

When it comes to worry, Jesus lays this to rest with one simple challenge:

Matthew 6:27: "And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?"

These verses, these truths, speak volumes to me for I have seen them play out in my life. Those of you that have read my book know that I did not create an easy path for myself, however, God, true to His promises, has indeed used all of what I thought was rotten and useless and has in turn allowed me to see others blessed by it. I promise you when stuff like that happens you are often left in utter joyful tears. I blogged on such an instance once. I still cannot read this post without crying! Lost or on a Mission?

When it comes to trouble, I often joke that it is my middle name. I know I am not alone in that thought for I have had others tell me the very same thing. As I have built my relationship with the LORD over the last few years, trouble has come barreling down my door. Through it all I have managed to stay positive and at times I have even flourished through it all by leaning on the promises of God. Indeed, He has not only rescued me, he flipped the situation and I have found myself redeemed if not at times honored. Knowing the LORD is FULL of blessings, I encourage you to join a bible study group or better yet, read my past entries and build your own personal relationship with the LORD. It will truly enhance your life no matter what you get sidelined with.

I still have moments where worry tries to grab hold of me, but I have gotten pretty good at raising my shield of faith. I have found humor helps in the midst of worry and that is what I find in the advice Jesus gives on the subject of worry. When it comes to adding an hour to my life, I know that God alone is responsible for that. I say that because I died in a house fire and I was given breath and brought back to life. It is one of the stories in my book You Are Worthy Too: The Proof is in the Pudding!

I know many people have prayed for something and have not seen it come to fruition, I have been in that boat as well. I have also witnessed my prayers being answered and when I read that when I call on Him, He will answer, I also know that this has been the case. I have several stories about answered prayers in my book. Often I read my own stories because oddly enough, they remind me of who I am to God. They remind me of who we all are to God. We are His children. His creation. You can fight against that truth all you want to but it is a fight you will never win. 

I think the most confusing things about God for many are tied directly to the biggest gift he allotted to mankind; free will. God knows your heart, while He may try to reach you through circumstances that take place in this fallen world, one thing He will not do to reach you is strip away your Free Will. 

So, as I have asked many in person, I ask you today, "Where are you in your walk with God?" If you are in a place of doubt, I encourage you to go to Him with that. As I wrote recently in a post titled Come as You are, But Don't Stay There!, God will meet you right where you are. The true question is, "Are you ready to meet God?"

Today I say for you the same prayer said by Paul in his letter to the church in Ephesus:

Ephesians 1:17-19: 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 His power toward us who believe. Amen!

May you be blessed in your travels with the LORD.

Wendy, Mom of Many, walks with God

© Wendy Glidden 2015

Four Days to Acclimate!

It was noon on January first. Months had gone into planning how and when I would turn myself in on an outstanding warrant. I had been promised child care and then witnessed how much my children were treated differently than their cousins.

It is good that I know as much as I love my children that God loves them more. It is good that I know He is their true provider and protector or I would have never had the strength to do what I did.

As I sat in the lobby with Mike waiting on them to call me, I was silently crying. I knew God would see me through it all, I was just unsure what all I would need to be seen through.

I would never change one minute I spent behind bars and it is my intention to share every moment in this next book that will be called 16 days and two head counts.

This video will lay out a little bit of what is to come. It took me four days to acclimate to the scene I faced behind closed doors. It has taken even longer to get back into the grove of life on the outside. No wonder there is a revolving door! There is so much work to do and I welcome the challenge. I found my purpose and I am blessed to have known that the Lord of Jacob is and forever will be my stronghold! Shalom!!! <3

Today I come to you Father with great appreciation for the work you completed in me during my stay behind bars. How you humbled me and opened my eyes. I love to minister to others and realized the depth of my passion for the message of Grace and sharing the Gospel while behind closed doors. I will never be the same and for that I am thankful. Please put a hedge of protection around all those who find themselves in this kind of hell. Humble the so called correctional officers. Bring their dirt out into the open Father and expose them all for who they are as well! I look forward to becoming all you have destined me to become and am so blessed to have answered the call! Please move others to donate time, energy and resources to the ministry you have both placed and expanded on my heart. I love you. I thank you. I am blessed beyond measure! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen!

Personal Reflections on Psalm 23 & 139

Session III: Reflection Paper, Psalm 23

            The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3, NASB)

            Due to crazy weather, I find myself sitting in a restaurant next to an electrical outlet and all the time in the world to get my assignment done; hence I shall not want. As we first sat on the side of the road trying to figure out what our next move would be, I reached for my devotional and indeed had my soul restored as I read the message of the day based off of Psalm 46:10. In reading His word and focusing on Him, I indeed am guided onto the path of righteousness.

            Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4, NASB)

            I actually found myself saying that verse last night as our RV rocked back and forth in one of the worst storms I have ever lived through. It is a verse I say every time I find myself afraid of something.

            You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:5-6, NASB)

            My heart jumps for joy as I read those last words. I truly believe that the Lord is my shepherd and in keeping my focus on Him and His direction, I know I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!

Session III: Reflection Paper, Psalm 139

            O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all. (Psalm 139:1-4)

            The mere truth in these words never ceases to amaze me. As a child I foolishly thought I could hide my thoughts from God. Today I know He knows everything about me.

            You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain it. (Psalm 139:5)

            That verse makes me realize that the LORD has me protected on all sides. No matter what I face in life, His hand is on me. It truly is an overwhelming thought. The following verses reaffirm that no matter where I land, the LORD is there as well.

            I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:14)

When I am feeling down about myself, I remind myself of all the beauty that the Lord created. He created me too and I am indeed fearfully and wonderfully made!

            As I read the rest of the Psalm, I am reminded of events in my life where I can see that God stepped in and protected me against various enemies. My biggest plea today is that I go forth in life showing love and if indeed there is anything about me that needs improved that He helps me with that.

The god of Slavery

Recently someone was sharing their view on religion and how those in charge have been using it for binding people and they shared a few books they had been told to read. One of them was something like my blog post title. This particular book, they explained, insinuates that God enslaves his people by forcing them to worship him. In the midst of me saying how ridiculous that notion was, I was challenged on why my faith in the Bible should stand over these other books and they had to say on the matter.

I didn't reply immediately. I reached into myself and searched my own faith foundation. I started out with this:

"Often I feel like I got to cheat my way to faith. As a child when I say I walked with God, I mean I walked with God.

My home life wasn't the greatest when I was little. One day I found myself in a heap of trouble. In a moment of great duress, it was suggested that God was my only hope and I should pray to God to help me. That day I said my first fervent prayer and being true to who He is, he saved me from my punishment. I was so amazed I began talking to God every day. He was my best friend. He taught me a lot of things that today when I read them in God's Word, I can't help but sit back a moment as tears of thanks well up in my heart. Its in these moments of recall that I am overwhelmed in ways I cannot even put into words. It was in the midst of my next truly fervent prayer that God once again spoke to me, calling me by my name. Since then, God has allowed me to be part of a healing that I had prayed for in a very direct way.

I can't tell you what it is like to witness tiny miracles that are 100% undeniable.. He has sent angels to sing to me as an answer to prayers. He has brought me back to life when I should have died in a house fire and then sent angels to guide me through it all.

I KNOW God is Who He says He is and He is far from the god of slavery. That so called god is Satan himself. He is the God of slavery. He binds you and does everything he can to keep you from freedom. He is great at the game and he is the master of all the false religions and how to enslave people."

From there I shared what I had learned about the manuscripts through school among others things I had discovered while reading the Bible. I'm not sure if I realized just how strong my faith was prior to that or not.

I am in awe of all the things I have read in the Bible and the mere fact that they have stuck in my head without trying to make them stick into my head. I love the promises that God has made. I have come to know how faithful He is. I am blessed to see His hand moving in my life. I am blessed to read the Bible and have it come to life before my eyes like a movie.

Many people read things in the bible and they don't get the true meaning. They truly are blind to the message just like the Pharisees were blind to the truth. Sadly many who actually take the time to pick up the Holy Bible read things like; 'read His law, walk in the path of righteousness, don't sin, etc', and they see it as a binding kind of thing. In other words, life without fun.

That too is a trick by the evil one. Think about it like this; sometimes when reading a text from someone, without hearing their voice, you could take one sentence in two completely different ways. In some situations, you could even find yourself from one end of the spectrum to the other; being offended when that was not the intention of the author.

Sometimes our own feelings portray things in written form in a completely different way than the author meant for you to take. When I read things like "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, But finds his delight in the law of the Lord" (Taken from Psalms 1) I honestly know that even the wicked are blessed by God. So this is not saying if you are a 'sinner' you won't be blessed by God. You will be. I know because when He had me write my story, he revealed blessings I never saw the first time around. I was at moments as wicked as wicked gets and yet He was honestly keeping me from absolute destruction. He is true to his Word.

Matthew 5:44-45 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous!

We are blessed beyond measure when our eyes are open to our  blessings and we find great joy in all the Lord does for us. It is hard to get down when you feel the Love of God full blast. When you recognize all the amazing things he does on your behalf! The Lord loves for you to recognize your blessings. He loves songs. David sang to the Lord. It is why he is one of my favorite people in the Holy Bible to read about. My children love it when I make up songs for them with their names in them. Girls often swoon when a boy sings to them, let alone when he makes up a song for them.

If things like that touch our heart, don't you think the Lord relishes those things as well? He is Love afterall!

What everyone in the world needs to know is God LOVES YOU! He KNOWS you by name. I promise you; He is always trying to give us advice, to point us on the right path. All the way back to Cain, the Lord has been trying to get us to recognize that sin is crouching at the door. The one thing the Lord won't do is take away your free will. With that truth, how could He ever be called the god of Slavery. He came so you could have life and live that life abundantly!

NOW, the king of deception, the father of lies, he my friends is the god of slavery. There is one person that walked this earth that Satan could not conquer and place in chains. That is why there is power in the name of Jesus to break all the chains! He conquered death! He did that for you!

There is a song that spreads this message. I am not sure if you can view videos on the device you are using so the title of this song is "Break Every Chain" by The Digital Age. This is a link to a video so you can search it out for yourself: http://youtu.be/EtyVdC7E6Wo

I love it when they sing, "There's an army rising up". I am a part of the army and I am humbled beyond words to be a servant in the Lord. Their is honor in this fight. I am fighting for you and all those in the world. I pray in Jesus name that the chains of slavery are broken for all my brothers and sisters in Christ. I know full when how those shakels feel. I was bound by them for much of my life. I also get what it feels like to be free and it is impossible to fully put in words for words are interpreted by the reader more than the writer. We try to paint the scene but it is your imagination that is the true artist. I can only say, "I once was blind, but now I see" Amazing Grace. It is just that. Amazing. We certainly are not deserving and trust me when I say the enemy will pound that point till the end of days. You need to arm yourself with the Word of God so that you can hear what HE has to say about YOU! I promise you will like it much more than what the god of slavery has to say.  I ask, "Do you think of your children as slaves?" Then how could your heavenly Father think of you in such a way?

Today's word of encouragement is this: Proverbs 17:22: A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.

It is true that negative people, negative media, negative thoughts can pull a person under and sap their energy leaving them depressed or angry. If God was a god that wanted to enslave his people, would he be an encourager? No, he would be an abuser. Wake up to the truth and be thankful we have the opportunity to worship a God of Love.

Father today I pray that you continue to shine your light on those who are lost. I pray they too find their way back to the truth as I did. I know too well what it feels like to not be close to you. Please use me Lord to be a light that others see. Allow me the opportunity to share my story with countless. I love to sing your praises for you saved me from the one who enslaves and I am so thankful for your grace and the true freedom you provide for all your children. Help me make your truth understood. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden, 2014

Do You Consider Yourself Among the Humble?

The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged. Psalm 69:32 NLT

I have wondered often if I fall into humble or haughty. I try to keep myself in check during the times in my life when my head has gotten too large. I have even prayed for help in this area yet this morning as I read this encouraging word I could not help but smile at its message.

For my third book is full of recognition for the work God has done in my life and I am both glad and encouraged every time I read any part of it.  For this reason alone, I would encourage you to read this third volume that God placed on my heart to write. Should you find yourself moved the slightest, I would encourage you to read the first two volumes as well . . . He had me write them in hopes of encouraging and strengthening the faith of many . . . will you be one of them?

Here is a direct link to purchase this volume: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/430837

Thank you so much for taking the time to check out the free content available via the link! Love it, buy it!

Be blessed and be a blessing <3

Wendy, walks with God, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden, 2014

How I Ended Up Going Back to College

Colorado Christian University

Required Writing Essay

Written by: Wendy Glidden

Writing Prompt: Describe an event or an experience in my life and how it will influence my work and goals at Colorado Christian University:

.

In April of this year, God began preparing me for something big again. My world as I knew it seemed to be crumbling around me. I knew God never closes one door without opening another.

In the last few years, I have come to know that my best defense against the world is prayer and lots of it! I begin each morning talking with God and seeking his input. This particular April morning was no different.

At this point in my life, the place I was living in had given me notice that I had to move due to the fact that we had one too many members in our family living there according to government standards. We had until April 29th to move out.

God had given me an RV just two years prior. We had decided to move into it and see where God pointed us to next. I knew when he gave it to me it meant I would be traveling, I just wasn’t sure exactly when the traveling would begin.

Along with my notice from the apartment complex, I had not been able to hire a sitter whom I could entrust my five children with during the summer. I truly felt God was preparing to take me away from the family business; I just had no idea how it was going to play out. That was what I was praying over this particular April morning.

As I conversed with God, I said something like this, “Father, I know you are getting ready to move me; in that I have no doubt. I just want to make sure that I follow your will and not mine. You know how blind I am; please make your will obvious so that I have complete faith in your direction. In Jesus’ name I pray.”

When I sat down in front of my computer that same morning, I found K-loves encouraging word and I clicked on it. Instead of opening up to the word of the day as it has for the last couple of years, I was introduced to a contest awarding a $10,000.00 scholarship to attend Colorado Christian University. I looked to the heavens and asked, “You want me to go back to school?”

I knew in an instant the answer was a resounding yes. You see, over the course of the last year I have been studying God’s word and praying for greater understanding. I wanted time to dive deep into the Bible but my life was hectic to say the least! When God began removing the hectic out of my life, I knew something was up. I know he has big plans for me. This is why he sent me back to school. It is my intention to receive no less than an A in all my classes. I am grateful for the gifts my Lord has given me and I am determined to show my appreciation.

Wendy Glidden, walks with God, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2014

Less is Often More!

Today is Thursday, May 15th! On my calendar it is clearly marked as Tremendously Thankful, Thoroughly Thoughtful Thursday. Today I am thankful for having less.

Last weekend was Mother's Day. The best part of that day is getting the cards the children made me while at school. My second graders filled in balloon prompts on a card. My favorite line on Michael's card was the one that said, "My mom likes smaller houses."

I literally laughed out loud when I saw it. He must have overheard a conversation I had had with his father while driving in the car. I was chatting away explaining to him how much time I saved by us living in a smaller house. I said I loved living in a small house because it didn't take me anytime at all to clean the place and have the rest of my day.

On Marissa's card she had said she enjoyed watching me read the Bible everyday. That made me smile but for a completely different reason. Recently since we downsized from a three bedroom apartment back into the house that God gave me, we donated the majority of our books to a laundry mat as well as a Goodwill. Each one of them is responsible to read for ten minutes each night. I decided rather than check out books at a library, that it would do the children good to read out of the bible. I have selected certain Chapters and verses that I pray cause them to become curious for more of what God has to say about things.

Recently we have read out of Ephesians, Timothy and Philippians just to name a few. I think one of my favorite readings was from Philippians, chapter 4. The children discovered that the phrase 'whatever' was used in the bible. I shared with them that the phrase 'As if' can also be found in the bible. I used that to explain how many think the bible is old school and there is nothing in it that applies to our age. Sadly that is a lie spread by Satan through those who either don't take the time to read God's word for themselves or those that are simply too self involved to recognize the truth within the pages.

I sit back today reflecting all that has taken place in the last 6 months or so. I moved out of my small home as winter closed in and moved into a gigantic apartment that was always cold and much too spacious in all honesty. I used to joke that I had to walk to another state to hang the girls clean clothes up in their closets. It literally took me the entire weekend to organize and clean our home each weekend. In those few short months, I somehow managed to publish three books in both print and e-book formats. The apartment is something I should have never been approved to move into. As it turns out, when it comes to apartments, the federal rule states that you can only have two heartbeats per room. For those of you that have followed my blog, you know that when I first went to apply for this apartment, I had recently left Mike or rather he had actually left me and moved to Florida. You also know at the time, I had six children with me; four of them were girls and two of them were boys. Any way you slice that pie, not only did I have more than two heartbeats per room, I also had more than six on my original application. I knew God had moved me to go to that apartment and I also felt He was in the process of moving me again before things went into motion. By the end of February, the maintenance crew had done an inspection of my home and had discovered that we had one heartbeat too many living in the apartment and they gave me a 60 day notice to vacate. I was not formally evicted through the court system, I was simply sent a letter stating I had to be out by April 29th.

I guess some people in my shoes would have been caught up in a whirlwind of emotion. I on the other hand have gotten much better at praying for direction and then waiting for an answer. I always believed that God gave me my home on wheels for a reason so that is where we went back to. Winter is over, although tonight it will dip down to a chilly 37 degrees, so the mobile home truly is a great place to go back to. Now, while I do not have Internet or even 24/7 electricity, I have all I need. A bed for each child, a warm shower, lights that run off of our battery power and a very small house to clean! While I lost space, I gained massive amounts of time, including quality time with the children. We hang out at the library or the park more now because our day is not gobbled up by constantly cleaning floors! Less truly can be more. It all depends on how you look at it.

Today, seeing how it is Thankful Thursday, I am going to leave you with the advice found in Philippians 4, beginning with verse 4:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

What you focus on with your mind will alter how you go about your day. This is certainly why we are advised to renew our minds. Make sure you renew yours daily with a bit of God's word which has much encouragement to stay focused on the truth. That being said, Mercy Me just came out with a new album which is titled, "Welcome to the New". It is full of wonderful songs but I really really love the words sung on the song also called 'Welcome to the New' for those that can listen online via my link, enjoy. For those that cannot view it on your electronic device, take the time to search them out on You Tube when you have the opportunity!

I would also like to invite you to read my full story ~ well the parts that I have published anyway. I have many more books to follow. I think I could write everyday for the rest of my life and still have stuff to share. For now, you can find all of my books in both print and e-reader formats at www.amazon.com/author/wendyglidden for less than $13 you can own all three on your e-reader and if you prefer print over electronic, you can own all three for less than $25. With each purchase you are supporting my ministry. I truly appreciate each purchase!

Be blessed and be a blessing <3,

Wendy Glidden, walks with God, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2014

He Calls Me Friend!

So this morning I wake up to this song playing in my head, just this one line and I truly hope I am able to find the song on You Tube so I may share it with you. In the mean time, I will share this single line:

'I am a child of God, I am a Child of God, I am a child of God,  He calls me friend.'

Talk about music that will put a smile on your face! Occasionally in our home, we have a mini-dispute over the music being played on the radio. I would prefer to listen to either Moody and its teachings or K-Love for a constant flow of music. Mike still likes to listen to good old rock n roll. So the other night, last night specifically, I was in our room working on laundry and Mike was cooking in the kitchen. He asked for some jams so I put it on the only station I know of outside of those two and went back to processing the laundry.

After about fifteen minutes, I came out to make myself a cup of coffee and move the loads when I heard a song from my own past; I want my M TV.

I couldn't help but giggle over the silliness of the song and I began singing it on my own. The children began giggling at me which honestly only encourages me to keep being silly. You don't get moments of pure laughter often enough.

Mike and I were laughing about it all as the song ended and then Marie came around the corner smiling and I looked at her and started the chorus line: I want my, I want my, I want . . . and I looked at her and she finished up by singing "my own TV".

I think Mike and I cracked up for a straight three minutes. All of them chimed in marching around as they sang their own version of the song. After all, they had no clue that there was such a station as M. TV, M being for music. Laughter truly is the best medicine.

Often, sadly, we get so caught up in all the things this world tells us that matters that we lose sight of what truly matters. We are all children of God. Even though our own children sometimes seem more like burdens than the blessings they are meant to be, if we remind ourselves that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, than we may more appreciate all the blessings we are given while we are able to enjoy them.

As parents I think we feel the pressure to perform or for our children to perform. We all want to succeed in life. I think perhaps sometimes we measure success the wrong way. It is not in money or fame that we succeed. True success is found in the growing of viable fruit in ones life. If we can pass on this to our children we not only have success, we have guaranteed them success.

How do we go about such an endeavor? We feed our minds with truth. We read the word, we breath the word, we sing the word, we fill our minds with all things good. What goes in will come out. It clearly tells us that wisdom comes from God. It also tells us that everything begins with the renewing of our minds. With so many choices on what to watch or read or listen to, it is tempting to fill our minds with things of this world.

I believe the closer you draw to God, the more you truly seek what He has to say. I know there were many many many years in my life that I did not converse with the Lord. I shut Him out. In moments of trouble, should I call on Him, He never failed me. However, I still shunned Him on a daily basis. Today, I cannot imagine not talking to Him. I am back where I began as a child. I am truly a friend of Gods again. I can't think of a better friend to have in this life. I don't have another friend in this world that can pull of absolute miracles and save me from situations that look utterly hopeless.

I heard the other day that God always has one more move that we ourselves just don't see when we find ourselves in a check mate situation. With our backs up against the wall, we see no way out in sight. Trapped. Lost. Believing the game is over, our souls cry out to the Lord.

It is all He needs to step in and show you there was one more move to be made. One that totally changed the game and moved it all into your favor. That is something only God can do.

Often I have wondered why He waits until the last moment to step in. It is my belief that it gives us something to talk about and in doing so, we bring Glory to His name. Everyone loves a good story. They are the ones that get told and retold. It is often through a story that one is introduced to the glorious ways of the Father. This is truly why we are to share our stories and our testimonies.

I know this is why God called me out to share my story. It is hard to believe that He began encouraging me to do just that back in September of 2012. I laugh that we think God doesn't move fast enough when in all reality often we don't move as fast as I am sure He would like us to!

I shared a post that I made on Face Book back on September 19th, 2012 in my latest book. In a gist, I mentioned that I recognized the voice in my head that was talking to me about sharing my story in written form. I really began the process almost 3 months after He initially prompted me to begin. Baby steps is often the only way we get to where we can run freely! Now two years later I have written over 130 blogs and have published 3 true life books!

I would encourage you today to open up the line of communication. Your father would love for you to get to know Him. The only way that happens is for you to knock on that door. I promise you it will be one thing you will NEVER regret doing. Blessings to all who knock.

Father today I come to you singing songs of thanks. I am in awe of the mighty ways you are working in my life. I am excited to see what today has to bring and to hopefully catch glimpses of your hand moving things into position. It truly leaves me as a child in awe when I do. Daily I hear of others taking their own lives. Hopeless and lost. There are so many. The evil one is winning the battle on the ground and we need more soldiers in action on the forefront. I cannot help but recall that the harvest is plenty but the workers are few. Please help me be a tool that helps others Father. Let my words that you have given me to share reach their ears and their hearts. Give me the right words to speak to them Lord so that I may be a worker with a large harvest. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden, 2014

Lol, okay the words in the song are really 'I am a friend of God, He calls me friend' ~ I think it is pretty cool that this morning I heard it as I am a child of God, He calls me Friend. I love knowing that I truly am a child of God. Took me a long time to believe it even on my worst days! I love you. Please support me in my next move by purchasing one of my three books. They truly can be read apart from eachother but as a set they make a moving testimony to the Love the Father has for all of us and the great desire the evil one has to rob us of feeling the Love. By purchasing my books, you allow me the freedom to keep writing! You can get all three for less than $13 in ebook format and less than $22 in print form! Won't you help our my cause today. I assure you, you will get your money's worth and more! Thank you <3,

Your sister in Christ, Wendy

you can find all 3 of my books on amazon by going to www.amazon.com/author/wendyglidden

or google this to find each one on their own, they are available on ITunes as well:
You Are Worthy Too: In the Beginning for book 1
You Are Worthy Too: Marriage, Motherhood and My Moral Meltdown for book 2
You Are Worthy Too: Angels, Answers, Signs and Wonders for book 3

You Must Listen to be Able to Hear

Today is Tremendously Thankful Thoroughly Thoughtful Thunderous Thursday! Today I am thankful for the power of prayer. I am thankful for my spiritual armor. I am thankful for the servants of God that He called for the task of writing the bible. I accept it as the written word of God for I know He calls many to write for Him. I know this because I am a writer called forth.

I have been amazed at what has come out of my own fingertips many many times. It is something when you learn as you write. I love how God uses me. I have always wanted to write and I have always wanted to be a part of helping others. When you put God first, He truly will give you the desires of your heart!

I am very close to finishing my third book. This morning God helped me with solidifying my final two chapters to be written and I found myself elated. He truly is a brilliant writer. I love how he sews my stories together.

This week has been a crazy week for me. I realized truths I had not quite seen before and I had to remind myself exactly what it means when you are a follower of Christ. While it pains me to know I may be hated by those I love, I realize that Jesus was hated by those He loved. I refuse to turn away from the truth of His word but pray for the wisdom in how to communicate in the most loving way one can when discussing the Truth.

With that being said, here is the encouraging word of the day:

So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. - Hebrews 2:1 (NLT)

Sometimes the truth is not what we want to hear. Often we close our ears, shut our eyes and talk over or outside of it. We as man make other arrangements in our minds for how things may have come to be. I completely understand why it says they think they are wise but they are fools. 
Your heavenly Father grants wisdom and knowledge and understanding. HOWEVER, if you resist the TRUTH of HIS word you will miss out on the gifts He has set aside for you.

As you accept His truth, understanding comes. It is my belief that excitement and hunger for more of His wisdom follows and before you know it, if you continue to listen carefully, wearing your full suit of armor, you will find yourself Joyfully following Christ even when the world who denies such Truths hates you. Christ too was hated for who He was. Accept that those you do no harm to will hate you. Just take a look at those still laying down their lives in other countries as they refuse to denounce that Jesus Christ is their Savior.

As you accept His truth, understanding comes. It is my belief that excitement and hunger for more of His wisdom follows and before you know it, if you continue to listen carefully, wearing your full suit of armor, you will find yourself Joyfully following Christ even when the world who denies such Truths hates you. Christ too was hated for who He was. Accept that those you do no harm to will hate you. Just take a look at those still laying down their lives in other countries as they refuse to denounce that Jesus Christ is their Savior.

Today I pray that anyone who has desire to discover their purpose turns to God to find it. I pray they listen and hear. I pray this strengthens their faith in the Father and they continue to pursue His truth. I also pray for protection as I continue following Christ. I placed a ring on my finger and as Paul did, I consider myself a bond servant to Christ. I can not think of anything more worthwhile than following Christ. I pray for protection for me and all followers. I pray that God continues to use me and continues to write through me. I love what I am given to share. In Jesus name I pray.

Wendy, Walks with God,
Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2014

Mike Marketed and Sold My Book!

Mike came home last night with the news that he had sold one of my books to a co-worker. The way he told me was a little comical. I was on a Google hangout with some friends that I network with in a Christian Business Group on Face Book. They all heard him come in and Bill, the one who created the group, asked if he had heard Mike come in.

I smiled and said, “Yes. He just got home.”

Bill called out from my computer for Mike to step in front of the camera so he could see him. Mike and Bill had a couple of good laughs and then Mike headed for the shower. He fabricates during the day and comes home with black grime all over himself. As he headed into the bathroom, he called out over his shoulder that he had sold a book.

I was caught off guard and said out loud, “My book?” which made everyone laugh.

He replied with a smile, “Yes, your book.” And I beamed back at him curious as all get out as to exactly how that had gone down.

Bill quickly filled in his business partner about my blog and my books and then we all realized the time was quickly approaching the end of our meeting. We set our next hangout and said goodbye.

I find it a little comical that I was on the computer with Bill when Mike announced he had sold one of my books. Back when I was about 6 months into blogging, Bill had asked me how Mike felt about me blogging out my life. He was asking because I blog about my life which often includes Mike and me stories. At the time I had told Bill that Mike was good with my blog. At the time Bill inquired, Mike was. In a gist, Mike has felt just about every way a person could feel about something; from amused to irritated to impressed to angry to accepting but not happy about it, to accidentally enjoying them, and now to selling my books.

When I first began blogging, Mike and I were on a mini-separation. On December 1^st, 2011, I had walked out and on December 6^th, I created my blog title and URL and wrote my first two blog posts. I say I created it, but it was really God that led me.

By the time we got back together, I had already attended the Great Banquet and had written over 50 blogs and had over 16,000 page views! Now, I have written over 130 blogs and have had over 54,000 page views. It is crazy to think about it. I have been read in countries I did not even know existed until they showed up in my blogger report.

I have always been intrigued by numbers and there patterns. The bible has numbers in it. When I arrived at my Great Banquet, I discovered I was attending Banquet # 44. Ironically it was also the year I would turn 44 and I just so happened to have written my 44^th blog post the day before I attended. The repeating number did not go unnoticed by me!

The Great Banquet changed my life. By the time I went I had gone through a year study on the book of Luke with Rusty tying Jesus to countless messianic miracles. So, when I went to the Great Banquet, I believed that Jesus was the son of God. I believed in the cross. My stumbling block was tied to my own guilt and lack of belief regarding my worthiness when it came to forgiveness. It is in my own understanding of how blind I still was before the Great Banquet that I am so committed to helping others realize the truth themselves.

If you have followed my blog, you know that I wanted Mike to attend his own Banquet. As it turns out the man he has sold my book to has offered to sponsor Mike. To attend the Great Banquet, you have to be sponsored. Mike has been approached by two people at our church in regards to being sponsored to attend the Great Banquet. Now he is working with a man who listens to Christian music all day long and is asking to sponsor him. This morning I said a prayer for Mike.

He is terrified to go. I believe it is because he knows I went in one person and came out another. Not to say I was a bad person or anything, it is just that I was still a prisoner of sorts. When you are a prisoner, joy alludes you. Fear can keep you frozen. When you are set free, nothing can stop you for you know the truth. You have nothing to fear but fear itself.

Father I come before you today and thank you for bringing fellow brothers and sisters into Mike to continually testify to him. Thank you for continuing to reach out to him and find other ways and people to offer to sponsor him for the Great Banquet. I pray he goes. I pray with your encouragement he conquers his fear and allows himself to draw closer to you than he thinks is possible. May he too long to share the good news. Thank you for marketing the book you called me to write through Mike. That was so cool for me. I also come asking for prayers for strength and perseverance. My week is not over and I am so tired today, I feel as if I have run a marathon and am at the last stretch. I pray for a second wind Father. Thank you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

PS ~ on my way in to work this morning I had the pleasure of hearing this song. 

Wendy, walks with God,

Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2014

May You Learn to Live Before You Die!

My grandma gave me a book for my birthday somewhere around age 27 give or take a year or two. On the inside of the book, she had written a message to me. “May you learn to live before you die, Love, Grandma Rosie.”

I cannot remember for the life of me what the book was, but I never forgot her words.

This morning I awoke and wondered what God had in store for me. Since my computer is down, I found my so called smart phone and opened my email account and searched for K-loves encouraging word of the day. When I opened it up, I read this;

Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live. ~ Psalm 119:144, NLT

When I read that, so many things flashed into me all at once. This is how I am led to write what I write. These flashes of insight are why even when I begin to doubt that this is my path, I remember the conversations God and I had about me writing one day and I know to my very core, this is what I am meant to do. I am a ghost writer for the greatest writer of all. He communicates things and ideas to me via the flashes and talking thoughts. It is my honor to share all he shares with me. I am blessed in doing so. I am humbled to be given such a task.

My wit, my patience, my kindness, my heart, everything that is good about me is due to Him in me. I absolutely love who I am in Him. When I walk on my own, things don’t often turn out quite so well. This is most obvious when you read my life story.

So back to the inscription my grandmother had written me. When I read it I was like; what? Live before I die? I’m living now. What does she mean?

I did not ask her outright that day. Instead, I pondered it over the years though. As I look back over my life and many of the things my grandmother has said to me I am sure that she was moved by the spirit to say them. I believe this to be the case because they have been one liners and they have been deep. Short, sweet and full of meaning. Often the spirit talks to me directly in such a fashion.

When I read that encouraging word, one of the things that flashed to me is that sin is death. When we chose to live outside of Gods laws, we often find ourselves deep in some kind of trouble that was brought on by our own doing. This kind of living is not living at all, it is simply surviving. Sure we are alive. We are breathing, moving, working or whatever but in all honesty we are not living at all.

We allow our actions to hold us in bondage. You see, it does not always feel good to walk outside of Gods laws. If you got real truthful with yourself, much of what you are doing when you are living outside of the law, does not make you proud. Meaning it is something you don’t want the entire world to know about. This is something the evil one relishes. As soon as you yourself are not proud of what you are doing, as soon as you begin to avoid certain people or places for fear others may see you ‘in the moment’, the devil has all he needs to begin shaming you into silence.

So, when King David says help me understand your laws so I may live, this is what he was talking about.

When you are on top of the world, doing what is right in all ways, you can stand proudly and you do. It is like the sun is beaming on you and life is good. It is abundantly good. Most of us have had one of those moments in our lifetime when everything was perfect and worry was not even a passing thought. We had nothing to worry about. We were on the right path.

On this earth it is so very easy to slide off of the right path, the narrow path, because so many temptations are lurking around every corner. Shame is a guilt that will chain you quickly. It truly is enough to keep one from their purpose in life.

If you are afraid of others discovering something from your past or present, you will not be near as bold about things. This is why it is best to come clean of everything. Leave the devil with nothing to shame you with. If you step forward and say; I did that and I did this and it did not feel good but it is part of my history, it is what it is. By doing this, those things lose their power over you. You will break the chains of slavery.

When you sin, you may not fully grasp in that moment that you have supplied the evil one with the tools he needs to enslave you into bondage. He will haunt you later in life with your shames. Don’t allow him that privilege. Don’t hand over that power. There is NO REASON to! Your heavenly father loves you so much; he provided you a way to freedom. He provided you with the law of liberty. Step out of the shadows and allow yourself to bask in the sun. Come follow the son of God and live an abundant life.

The birthday wish my grandma gave me approximately 17 years ago is the same prayer I say for all my brethren today. “May you learn to live before you die.”

My computer is in the hands of a friend. I do not yet know if it can be saved but I do now have in my email both of the chapters from book III that I feared may be lost. I still have 4 chapters to polish off to finish my book and I am certainly behind schedule at this point but I am not going to stress over any of it. This is Gods book. He put it on my heart to share with the world. It will hit the shelves right when it is supposed to.

Should I need a new computer, then a new one I will find this weekend! I hear there is a mighty storm headed our way. I wondered when I heard it was on its way for sure if it was perhaps going to be enough to allow me to stay home toasty warm and finish this third volume God put on my heart to write. We will see won’t we?

Father, today I come before you with such gratitude. As I read all of King David’s 119^th Psalm I found myself crying. I am so thankful that he too was willing to share all you put on his heart to share. His words and songs to you have lifted me so many times lately. I find him and his love for you very inspiring. To know that I am not alone in any way. To know that you love us regardless of anything we may do. It is such a gift to understand the depth of your love. I thank you for never giving up on me and for sending others my way to minister to me over the years. May I be a hand or foot for you as well. May my words lift and encourage and shine light into the darkest corners of the world. I have so much to be thankful for my Lord. Please fill my heart with your love so that I may reveal your glory to all I manage to touch in my lifetime. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God,

Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden

Do You Know Him?

I can hardly believe it is already Friday! I have been so busy this past week, I have not written a 'You Are Worthy Too' blog! Time just moves so quickly some weeks!

This week was a hard week for me in all honesty. Even armed to the hilt, wearing all my armor, a battle almost took me out. Cruel words said by loved ones truly takes it out of me. I was blessed to see how God had prepped me for what was to transpire on this past Tuesday before I knew I needed to be encouraged and reminded where to keep my foucs myself.

Twice I have gone to my archives with the intent to grab a link to a certain post only to have myself drawn to another post. Each time, the meaning of that has not been lost on me, but I am going to specifically talk about the second time that that happened.

This last Tuesday, February 18, 2014, I went into my archives intending to share a post on the fruit of the spirit. When I opened up my blogger, a post titled 'Don't let it get the best of you' was in my feed as one someone had recently read. I was drawn to that post so intensely that I knew it was the one I should share. I thought it was for someone that needed the message in the story. Little did I know I was about to have a repeat of that fateful day only this time I was to be yelled at for writing books instead of blogs. My youngest child was again referred to as a brat and every fiber of my being wanted to shout, "I'm done!" but again I held my tongue.

It was my friend and sister in Christ, Joan who I work with and who heard it all, that came and gave me a hug in the back room. She reminded me the angry words yelled at me had a source and to not take it all to heart. It was then that it dawned on me that God had wanted me to read my old post to help me with what was going to happen mere hours later in my day. He is always ahead of us you know! It's one of the lines I love in the Chris Tomlin Song, "Whom shall I fear". I have it shared alongside this blog in my 'songs I listen too' box.

The closer I draw to God the more I recognize Him working in my life. Always ahead of me, trying to give me what I need for armor. He is faithful. I pray my books I am writing help others see that truth in undeniable ways.

I am truly excited for my third book to be completed and published. I have set aside 4 hours this weekend to work on nothing but that third book. I am hoping God suspends that time for me so I can accomplish all I need to in such a short time.

Here is what I read this morning when I opened up my email from K-Love:

Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring. ~ Hosea 6:3, NLT

Amen, Amen, Amen. I do know this to my very core. I pray if you have any doubts regarding God that my story helps strengthen your faith. I have both volume I and II listed for a free download this weekend only. You can click on one of the conveniently placed links to the side of this blog and get your copies while they are FREE! It has always been my desire to help others. God is helping me accomplish that dream through my books. I wrote them for you, get your free copies today! Hopefully volume 3 & 4 will be out before long!

I must head back to work. Late lunch break. I work my writing in when I can. Be blessed and be a blessing <3 

Have You Ever Been Perplexed?

Good Morning everyone! Today is Marvelously Magnificent Miraculous Monday! Can I get a whoop whoop! Many of you know I am in the midst of finishing my second book. I am still on course to have it listed on Amazon by this Friday! Last Friday by the time I had arrived at home, I quickly realized I was under a fierce attack from the evil one. He was hitting me hard and fast. I was being bombarded with so many arrows, I felt myself on the brink of a panic attack. After we had put the children to bed, I looked at Mike and said, "I need to start editing book two right now and just make sure I'm not crazy and it really isn't as awful as I am beginning to think it is."

He laughed and asked, "Why are you worried about it being awful, you are clever and your writing is great. Every time you sit down to share a blog post, I'll admit at first I dread it. Then as I listen to you read what you have written, I always find myself thinking wow. That's really good."

I smiled at him, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and said, "I think I'll start by treating myself to a memory bar." and I went into the kitchen to grab one from my well hidden stash. There are only three squares to each bar and they are truly to die for. I took a bite and tossed the bar on my nightstand and Mike asked, "Where's mine?"

I bent down to grab my computer bag and to hide my face as I said, "You don't want a piece, they really aren't that good." I immediately snort laughed because I couldn't help myself. I was already massively enjoying my bite. Knowing the jig was up, I burst into full blown laughter. When I saw Mike's face, I began laughing even harder. By the time I finally got myself under control my anxiety was decreased significantly.

To get my computer out of my bag, I have to take my bible out first. When I did, I remembered an encouraging word I had shared the day before. I was telling Mike about it and I stopped long enough to read it to him. The scripture being quoted is out of 2 Corinthians, chapter 4, verses 7 - 9:

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, NLT

When I put down my bible, I was chattering away about what I felt when I first read the verse. After that, I cracked open my lap top, found my file for my next book, 'You Are Worthy Too: Marriage, Motherhood and My Moral Meltdown', opened it up and began the process of editing it from beginning to end.

I was about half way down the third page when I read; Perplexed but wanting to graduate, I bit my tongue.

I actually gasped because to me there are no coincidences in life. Having written this paragraph long before I had read that encouraging word was like God saying outright that my book is good. I came close to tearing up and had to share the coolness of it all with Mike who was quickly falling asleep.

Over the course of the weekend, I managed to completely finish editing all 12 chapters. Tonight I will be adding all the front and back matter and then it is off to the publisher for final approval. Should I pass the test, this book will be out as planned on February 14, 2014.

Today, I have had everything that could go wrong go wrong. From computer crashes to crazy time wasting calls. On top of that I had things I had to accomplish to qualify for the 'Mom on the ball' and 'Wife who never lets husband down' award.

I am blessed to work with a lady named Joan. I have known her since I was 16 years old and she is a follower of Christ. I can't imagine what daily life would be like if I didn't get to work with her 4 out of my 5 work days. When my computer began making a fire alarm sound, I unplugged the keyboard having learned from a previous incident that was what the issue was and I began laughing about it all with Joan.

We decided this second book is really going to be something because life is getting crazy for me in every way possible. I prefer this type of trouble over a fiery arrow attack. Even knowing how to protect myself from those, it is amazing at how quickly it's all you can do to move yourself to take up your shield of faith and whip out your sword!

I truly am amazed that this January I knew I was going to get my first book completed. I accepted engagements in March based on me being a published Author before then. Talk about stepping out in Faith! I've seen that I will publish at least 5 books this year. It amazes me to think I really will and maybe even more than that! I know God will do whatever He needs to for me to accomplish what He intends me to accomplish. Often people hear all I do in a week and they ask me, "How on earth do you find the time to get so much done?"

Honestly if I didn't recognize God working in my life I would be clueless myself! I would encourage you to seek God and reach for the dreams he instilled in your heart. If you don't know what those are, go to Him and ask.

For those who do not already know, the books I am currently putting out are my true life story. Volume 1 takes you from my earliest memories to the end of my 16th year. It is called 'You Are Worthy Too: In the Beginning' the next book takes you from age 17 to 23. If sequels are something you look for, this will be a great read for you. I am pricing my ebooks at only $3.99.

I must end here as I am out of time to write!

For those that would like to either purchase or take a free sneak peak at the first book, click on the link:

This will take you to: You Are Worthy Too: In the Beginning

Father, today I come to you with thanks. Thank you for laughter, it truly helps. Thank you for great music with awesome lyrics that help me praise you and draw close. Thank you for the bible itself. Not a day goes by that I don't need to read it. You are so kind to give us so many signs that you have us. They become easier to see the closer one gets to you. I pray that I grow in wisdom. I pray I am a light for others. I pray all my dreams come true and I thank you for all your help. May all I do help reveal your glory. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, walks with God,
Mom of Many